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Health and Society
Online BA

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This program is admitting students for the Fall 2026 semester and beyond.

Lead the future of health equity and policy

The health and society bachelor's degree program explores multiple perspectives on health, health care, and related systems and policies. You will engage in critical analysis of the factors that impact the health and health behaviors of diverse populations, the provision of health care, and the formulation of health-related policy. 

Flexibly designed with part time learners in mind, this program brings together ideas from many fields—like economics, politics, psychology, history, and communication—to help you understand today’s biggest health challenges. You'll learn how to think in creative ways to solve problems in public and global health.

A BA in health and society will prepare students for working in public health, epidemiology, health communication, and advocacy while creating a rigorous course study rooted in an interdisciplinary approach to health.  

Develop real-world skills in healthcare, policy, and research

  • Understand how systemic inequalities affect health outcomes
  • Learn how theoretical frameworks and research from multiple disciplines can be used to find innovative solutions to health-related problems
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the organization and efficacy of health care systems and policies
  • Develop basic skills in qualitative and quantitative social scientific research methods
  • Utilize effective oral and written modes of communicating health-related issues to diverse audiences

Student success

Average starting salary

NACE Data Collection Summer 2024 Survey
Health & Society major Gabriel Johnson pictured in the amphitheater

Student spotlight

Gabriel Johnson '24: Making a difference

Health & society major finds passion working towards a future that benefits all.

Career preparation

Our interdisciplinary program prepares students for careers and graduate study in a wide range of health-related fields, including:

  • Doctor 
  • Nurse
  • Physician assistant
  • Pharmacist
  • Physical therapist
  • Health educator
  • Policy analyst
  • Community health worker
  • Epidemiologist
  • Healthcare administration management
  • Health advocacy

 

Health and society curriculum encourages students to develop collaborative and creative problem-solving skills and contribute to the evidence-based analysis of disparities in patterns of illness, mortality, and quality of life. 

To satisfy the requirements for the BA in health and society, students must complete a total of 120 credit hours of instruction. Students will be required to take 36 credits in the major:

  • Intro to Health and Society, a foundational course
  • 6 elective courses
  • 2 general electives

Sample course offerings

  • Race, Gender, and Biomedicine
  • Gender Health Disparities
  • Food, Health, and Nutrition
  • Public Health and Tobacco Control
  • Healthy Cities
  • Having Babies Making Families
  • Women's Health and Environment
  • Toxic Bodies

 

Course descriptions, schedules and requirements

Learning style: online

Online courses are taught by UMass Dartmouth faculty to provide high quality instruction and personal attention. Students have the flexibility to accommodate work and home responsibilities within the structure of defined assignment due dates. The majority of our online courses are taught asynchronously.

Frequently asked questions

Have questions about the Health and Society Online BA program? Below are answers to common questions about admissions, curriculum, career outcomes, and student experience.

The degree can prepare you for roles in public health, healthcare, community organizations, government, advocacy, and nonprofit settings. Career opportunities may include health educator, community health coordinator, patient advocate, healthcare program coordinator, public health specialist, and health policy associate.

Yes. The online program is designed with working adults and part-time learners in mind, offering mostly asynchronous coursework so you can complete your degree while balancing work and other responsibilities.

Yes. UMass Dartmouth accepts up to 90 credits from a regionally accredited institution, making the program an option for students who have already completed college coursework and want to finish their bachelor's degree.

Yes. Online students may be eligible for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid to help make earning your degree more affordable. Eligibility varies by student and award, so we encourage you to explore your financial aid options and apply for scholarships as part of the enrollment process. Please visit our financial aid page to learn more about financial aid and scholarships. 

UMass Dartmouth participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

UMass Dartmouth participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.