Skip to main content.
UMassD overlooking quad towards LARTS

Health and Society
BA, BS

The Health and Society bachelor's degree program explores multiple perspectives on health, health care, and related systems and policies. You will engage in a 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. 

Through the program, you will:

  • 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

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

Course descriptions, schedules and requirements

Student success

Health & Society major Gabriel Johnson pictured in the amphitheater
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:

  • allied health services and human services
  • health and public policy
  • medical anthropology
  • medical sociology
  • public health education and public health research
  • social services
  • sociology of medicine

Health and Society faculty

Kristen McHenry Profile Picture
Kristen McHenry, PhD
Kristen McHenry Profile Picture
Kristen McHenry, PhD
Michelle Cheyne
Michelle Cheyne, PhD
Back to top of screen