Public Health

major, minor

Academics / Departments & Programs / Public Health / Academics Public Health Major

Degree Overview

Learn how to create health initiatives that affect and improve our air, water, and food. In Calvin's public health program, you’ll learn how education, policies, and advocacy work to protect the health of any community, from a single neighborhood to a nation.

With expert faculty advisors and a flexible program, you'll craft an academic experience that draws on many different disciplines that play a role in public health. You’ll take classes in fields ranging from sociology to global development to mathematics.

Your professors will guide you through every aspect of public health from a Christian perspective. They'll challenge and strengthen your convictions, equipping you to be a clinician or health service professional with a heart for the work of Christ’s renewal in the world.

Program Distinctives

Interdisciplinary collaboration - Public health is interdisciplinary, so you need faculty/program that is built on it. Our faculty come from many different fields throughout public health—your education will draw from many different professions.
Deeply Christian - Faith and justice live at the heart of every public health class you'll take and every project you do. You'll be challenged to see art as a way to enact real, meaningful change in your community and the world beyond.
Flexible - The public health major can easily be paired with another major.

Degree Information

major
  • Overview

    The interdisciplinary public health major consists of 15 courses. Seven of these courses are required and four courses meet distribution requirements. An additional four advisor-approved and program-approved elective courses are intended to deepen student learning in a key area of public health. Students are strongly urged to complete an internship as part of the major.

  • Courses
    Loading...
minor
  • Overview

    The public health minor is intended for students who are following a disciplinary or professional major and who also have an interest in studying public health. Because the study of health issues is truly interdisciplinary in scope, the public health minor is appropriate for students majoring in the humanities, the social sciences or the natural sciences. While disciplinary or professional majors with health interests are encouraged to complete the entire minor, the public health courses also may be taken individually as electives to enrich any program of study.

  • Courses
    Loading...

Practical help

See you how your public health degree can prepare you for a career in occupational therapy. Learn more »

A deeper perspective

Historical insight—and a history degree from Calvin—can help you thrive in fields like disease prevention, health advocacy, and public policy. Learn more »

Pie chart showing the amount of household debt accumulated by percentages of the graduating student body
Family income distribution for students applying for financial aid.

You can afford a Calvin education.

You’ve heard a lot about the high cost of a university education. But a Calvin education is much more affordable than you think. Most Calvin students pay far below the sticker price—and graduate with less debt than you might expect.

Explore affordability at Calvin »

U.S. News & World Report ranks Calvin as a Best Midwest Regional University for 2022.

A reputation for excellence.

There’s a reason Calvin gets top marks from U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, and more. Calvin graduates are in demand at grad schools, med schools, and careers in every field.

Discover the Calvin advantage »

SOCIAL MEDIA

The latest sights & sounds | #calvinuniversity

Female student wading in Plaster Creek, examining a sample of water, holding it up to the sky.

ACADEMIC OPTIONS

With over 100 majors and programs, you’re bound to find something you love.

Browse by category

× CLOSE DRAWER
A dramatic view looking up at the Calvin's Crossing bridge, with a perfect blue sky overhead.

Apply to Calvin

It all starts here! We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. All completed applications receive equal consideration.

Start your journey × CLOSE DRAWER
A female and male student walking side by side down the Calvin's Crossing bridge, conversing with each other.

Visit Calvin

Find the visit option that works best for you and get a taste for life at Calvin!

Browse Visit Options Launch the virtual tour × CLOSE DRAWER
Students huddled around, lighting sparklers with a beautiful evening sky behind them.

Request Info

Learn why Calvin’s dedication to faith and discovery have earned it the rank of #3 among regional Midwest universities.

Loading...
× CLOSE DRAWER
Graduates in their robes, tossing their caps high into the air, laughing.

Costs & Financial Aid

Families from all economic backgrounds—many just like yours—are making Calvin work. Scholarships, grants and loans are the tools that make Calvin possible.

Explore financial aid & Scholarships How much does Calvin cost? × CLOSE DRAWER
Top