PUBLIC HEALTH-GLOBAL HEALTH MAJOR: Ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore answers to promote the health and well-being of communities, locally, nationally, and globally. Graduates use the degree as a foundation for a range of career and educational options in business, economics, education, health sciences, law, public health, and social and behavioral sciences.
FOOD SYSTEMS, NUTRITION, AND HEALTH MAJOR: Get exposed to the complex intersections and relationships among food, policy, labor, social justice, economics, the environment, culture, and population health. Graduates address issues such as domestic and global food and nutrition security.
NUTRITION MINOR: Acquire a foundation of knowledge in nutritional sciences, food systems, and food studies and their relationship to population health.
Program of Study: Major: Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health
Program Overview
The Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health Major, leading to a Bachelor of Arts, exposes students to the complex intersections and relationships among food, policy, labor, social justice, economics, the environment, culture, and population health. Graduates will have competency in food systems, nutrition, public health, social and economic equity, and sustainability, as well as strong liberal arts preparation in intellectual and practical skills like inquiry, analysis, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving all of which enables them to address issues such as domestic and global food and nutrition security.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health
Recommended Preparation
Suggested First-and Second-Year Courses: biology, chemistry, composition or writing, statistics, and courses that satisfy the interdisciplinary breadth requirement for the major.
Admission Requirements
NUTR 200
English composition (5 credits) with minimum 2.0 grade
Minimum 45 credits
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA
Upon completion of the above, students may declare the major every quarter.
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health
Completion Requirements
84-86 credits
Science Literacy (10-11 credits)
one of BIOL 118 (preferred), BIOL 161, BIOL 162, or BIOL 180 (5 credits)
one of CHEM 120, CHEM 142, CHEM 143, or CHEM 145 (5-6 credits)
Interdisciplinary Breadth (15 credits)
one of ECON 200, FISH 230/ECON 230, or ESRM 235/ECON 235/ENVIR 235 (5 credits)
Approved courses representing areas that influence food systems. See adviser or website for current approved list. (10 credits)
Research Methods and Technologies (9-10 credits)
Statistics: one of BIOST 310, QMETH 201, Q SCI 381, STAT 220, STAT 221/CS&SS 221/SOC 221, STAT 290, or STAT 311 (4-5 credits)
Methods: one of ENVIR 301, GEOG 425, NUTR 202, or SOC 300 (5 credits)
Food Systems Core (30 credits with a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA): NUTR 200, NUTR 302, NUTR 303, NUTR 402, NUTR 412, NUTR 493
Upper-Division Electives (20 credits): Organized around concentration areas. See adviser or website for current approved list.
Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: Food Studies, Nutrition, and Health, an interdisciplinary liberal arts major, exposes students to a complex and comprehensive model of the intersections and relationships among food, policy, labor, social justice, economics, the environment, culture, and health to prepare them to address issues such as domestic and global food and nutrition security.
Instructional and Research Facilities: The School of Public Health includes over 30 research centers.
Honors Options Available: See adviser for details.
Research, Internships, and Service Learning: Experiential learning is available through service-learning, hands-on laboratories, and real world problem-solving activities throughout the core courses. See adviser for details.
Department Scholarships: See adviser for details.
Student Organizations/Associations: See adviser for details.
Program of Study: Major: Health Informatics and Health Information Management
Program Overview
The UW Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics and Health Information Management (HIHIME) program is designed to help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to govern and manage data and administer information technology systems in health care settings.
Our multidisciplinary curriculum combines, management, IT, informatics, finance, law, medicine and health sciences – positioning you for a range of career possibilities. HIHIM graduates work in areas such as medical records administration, data analysis and informatics, coding and billing, and regulatory compliance.
HIHIM is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), offered by the UW Dept. of Health Services in the SPH.
HIHIM undergraduates are eligible to take the AHIMA national certifying exam, to become a registered health information administrator. RHIA certification is an industry-recognized credential and a proof of expertise in the field.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics and Health Information Management degree
Recommended Preparation
Suggested First- and Second-Year College Courses: Human anatomy and physiology (laboratory course); statistics; medical terminology; English composition; technical writing; interpersonal communication; public speaking; and distribution of general education and Areas of Knowledge courses.
Admission Requirements
Admission is competitive. Admission is for autumn quarter.
Early Admission
Application for early admission submitted between November and February 15
All courses required for admission must be completed at the time of application:
Introductory statistics: see department website for list of approved courses
Human anatomy and physiology (laboratory preferred): see department website for list of approved courses
Minimum 90 transfer or UW credits completed at time of application
Transfer applicants apply to UW Admissions for autumn quarter and also submit the HIHIM application to the department.
Current UW students submit the HIHIM application to the department.
Returning UW students (one or more quarters of non-enrollment) submit the returning student application to the UW Registrar's Office and the HIHIM application to the department.
Acceptance to the two-year schedule is competitive.
Minimum 90 earned UW or transferable credits
Grades
Minimum cumulative 2.50 overall GPA
Minimum cumulative 2.50 GPA in courses required for admission
Minimum 2.0 grade in each course required for admission
Regular Admission
Application for regular admission submitted mid-January to May 1
Priority given to applicants with all courses completed at time of application:
Introductory statistics: see department website for list of approved courses
Human anatomy and physiology (laboratory preferred): see department website for list of approved courses
Minimum 90 transfer or UW credits completed at time of application
Transfer applicants apply to UW Admissions for autumn quarter and also submit the HIHIM application to the department.
Current UW students submit the HIHIM application to the department.
Returning UW students (one or more quarters of non-enrollment) submit the returning student application to the UW Registrar's Office and the HIHIM application to the department.
Acceptance to the two-year or three-year schedule is competitive.
Minimum 90 earned UW or transferable credits
Grades
Minimum cumulative 2.50 overall GPA
Minimum cumulative 2.50 GPA in courses required for admission
Minimum 2.0 grade in each course required for admission
Continuation Policy
All students must make satisfactory academic progress in the major. Failure to do so results in probation, which can lead to dismissal from the major. For the complete continuation policy, contact the departmental adviser or refer to the department website.
Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics and Health Information Management degree
Credential Overview
The UW Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics and Health Information Management program is designed to help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to govern and manage data and administer information technology systems in health care settings.
Our multidisciplinary curriculum combines, management, IT, informatics, finance, law, medicine and health sciences – positioning you for a range of career possibilities. HIHIM graduates work in areas such as medical records administration, data analysis and informatics, coding and billing, and regulatory compliance.
HIHIM is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), offered by the UW Dept. of Health Services in the SPH.
HIHIM undergraduates are eligible to take the AHIMA national certifying exam, to become a registered health information administrator. RHIA certification is an industry-recognized credential and a proof of expertise in the field.
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA and minimum 2.0 grade in all courses applied to the major
In addition to major requirements shown above, students complete the general education requirements for the School of Public Health.
For additional information on application and program completion requirements, visit the Health Informatics and Health Information Management program website.
Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: The bachelor's degree program is designed to prepare individuals for careers in the management and use of healthcare information, and prepares students for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) national certifying examination of the American Health Information Management Association. The program gives students the tools to work in a wide variety of healthcare positions upon graduation, including health information management, health informatics with emphasis on electronic health records, healthcare quality improvement, decision support analysis, research, health insurance, and consulting. Graduates pass a national credential examination, with a majority working within the health information management field.
Instructional and Research Facilities: None
Honors Options Available: None
Research, Internships, and Service Learning: Students complete two internships, one of which is the capstone project.
Department Scholarships: None
Student Organizations/Associations: Students are invited to join the health information management professional association at reduced rates.
Program of Study: Major: Public Health-Global Health
Program Overview
Public Health is a school-wide liberal arts major, leading to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, which uses public health questions, concepts, and tools to help students develop competencies in assessment and measurement, communication, environment, ethics and social justice, natural science, population health, policy and politics, and social science with particular emphasis on collaboration and critical thinking across these domains. Graduates move on to a range of career and educational options in business, economics, education, health sciences, law, public health, and social and behavioral sciences.
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Public Health-Global Health
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Public Health-Global Health: Education and Promotion
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Public Health-Global Health: Global Health
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Public Health-Global Health
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Public Health-Global Health: Global Health
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Public Health-Global Health: Nutritional Sciences
Recommended Preparation
Suggested First- and Second-Year Courses: American ethnic studies, American Indian studies, anthropology, political science, psychology, sociology; distribution of general education and Areas of Inquiry courses as well as coursework that develops critical and analytical thinking, communication skills, and an understanding of public health.
Admission Requirements
Admission is capacity-constrained. Completing the prerequisites and submitting an application guarantees consideration but not admission.
Admission is twice a year, for autumn and winter quarters. Applications, due the first Friday of spring for autumn admission and the third Friday of autumn for winter admission, are available from the public health-global health major website. Transfer students must also apply for admission to the UW (for admission process and deadlines, refer to the UW Office of Admissions website).
Evaluation of applications is based on overall academic record, grades in major relevant coursework, selection of and preparation for appropriate BA or BS path, ability to make satisfactory progress toward the degree, and understanding of and potential fit with the major as demonstrated in the personal statement.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an information session before submitting an application.
Transfer students may use any transferable equivalent course(s) for prerequisite coursework. Consult the UW Equivalency Guide or a UW adviser to verify transferability of coursework.
Early Admission
Students apply to the early admission option during spring of their first year for entry in autumn of their second year or during autumn of their second year for entry in winter of their second year.
Applicants must complete the following by the application deadline:
Minimum 30 college credits
Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA
Minimum 2.0 in English composition (5 credits)
Minimum 3.0 grade in one introductory public health course from the following: ENV H 111, ENV H 205, EPI 201, EPI 220, G H 101/GEOG 180/JSIS B 180, HSERV 100, NUTR 200, PHG 200 (HSERV 100 required for BA Education and Promotion Option; NUTR 200 required for BS Nutritional Sciences Option)
Minimum 3.0 grade in one introductory science from the following: BIOL 118, BIOL 180, CHEM 120, CHEM 142, CHEM 145, or MICROM 301/MICROM 302
Upper-Division Admission
Upper division admission is typical for most students either at the UW or transferring from other institutions.
Applicants must complete the following by the application deadline:
Minimum 60 college credits
Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA
Minimum 2.0 in English composition (5 credits)
Minimum 2.5 grade in one of the following:
introductory public health course: either ENV H 111, ENV H 205, EPI 201, EPI 220, G H 101/GEOG 180/JSIS B 180, HSERV 100, NUTR 200, or PHG 200
one 5 credit AFRAM, AAS, AES, AIS, ANTH, CHSTU, GEOG, POL S, PSYCH, or SOC course
For BA path students, minimum 2.5 grade in one introductory science from the following: BIOL 118, BIOL 180, CHEM 120, CHEM 142, CHEM 145, or MICROM 301/MICROM 302
For BS path students, minimum 2.5 grades in at least two courses of a year-long sequence in introductory science, with laboratories, or mathematics, chosen from biology (BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220); chemistry (CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162); organic chemistry (CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239; CHEM 241, CHEM 242); physics (PHYS 114/PHYS 117, PHYS 115/PHYS 118, PHYS 116/PHYS 119, or PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123); or mathematics (MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126)
Continuation Policy
All students must make satisfactory academic progress in the major. Failure to do so results in probation, which can lead to dismissal from the major. For the complete continuation policy, contact the departmental adviser or refer to the department website.
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Public Health-Global Health
Credential Overview
In the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Public Health-Global Health, students learn to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore answers to promote the health and well-being of communities, locally, nationally, and globally. The major provides undergraduates with competencies in assessment and measurement, communication, environment, ethics and social justice, natural science, population health, policy and politics, and social science with particular emphasis on collaboration and critical thinking across these domains. Empowered with problem-solving skills, graduates use the degree as a foundation for a range of career and educational options in business, economics, education, health sciences, law, public health, and social and behavioral sciences.
Completion Requirements
General Education Requirements
Basic Skills
English Composition (C) - 5 credits (minimum 2.0 grade)
Additional Writing (W) - 10 credits
Reasoning (RSN) - One course (minimum 4 credits)
Diversity (DIV) - 5 credits. Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.
Areas of Inquiry
Arts and Humanities (A&H) - 10 credits*
Social Sciences (SSc) - 10 credits
Natural Sciences (NSc) - 20 credits
Additional Areas of Inquiry - 25 credits
*Although School of Public Health students are not required to study a foreign language, they are encouraged to do so by substituting first-year language courses for the A&H requirement. Completion through the third quarter is required for A&H credit.
Additional Completion Requirements
Major Requirements
107-108 credits
Integrated Core (20 credits): minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA with no grade below 1.7 in SPH 380, SPH 381, SPH 480, SPH 481
Public Health Foundation (8-9 credits):
Statistics (4-5 credits): either BIOST 310 (preferred), QMETH 201, STAT 220, STAT 221/CS&SS 221/SOC 221, STAT 290, STAT 311, or Q SCI 381
Epidemiology (4 credits): EPI 320
Structural Racism (5 credits): minimum 1.7 grade in SPH 389
Public Health Service Learning (6 credits): One of the following options: (1) minimum 1.7 grade in SPH 391 and SPH 392; (2) minimum 1.7 grade in SPH 396
Social and Behavioral Sciences Breadth (15 credits): minimum one course from at least three of the following prefixed courses: AFRAM, AAS, AES, AIS, ANTH, CHSTU, GEOG, POL S, PSYCH, or SOC. Courses that meet the Social and Behavioral Sciences Breadth requirement cannot also be used to meet the selectives or electives requirements.
Natural Science (10 credits):
5 credits from BIOL 118, BIOL 180, or MICROM 301/MICROM 302
5 credits from CHEM 120, CHEM 142, or CHEM 145
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Selectives (20 credits): Courses identified to address competency areas in advocacy, community dynamics, communication, economics, education, ethics, health promotion, law, policy, social justice, and writing. See website or adviser for approved list. Any course not on the list must be approved by the public health adviser.
Public Health Electives (20 credits): 300- and 400-level courses to build competency areas in public health. See website or adviser for approved list. Any course not on the list must be approved by the public health adviser.
Public Health Portfolio (3 credits): minimum 2.0 grade in SPH 493
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for courses applied to the major
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Public Health-Global Health: Education and Promotion
Credential Overview
In the Public Health-Global Health major, students learn to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore answers to promote the health and well-being of communities, locally, nationally, and globally. This broad liberal-arts degree uses public health questions, concepts, and tools to teach skills valuable for a range of career and educational options across multiple disciplines. The Education and Promotion option offers structure and direction for a student’s area of focus within this liberal-arts public health framework. In this option, students explore the development of individual, group, institutional, community, and systemic strategies to improve health knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors.
Completion Requirements
General Education Requirements
Basic Skills
English Composition (C) - 5 credits (minimum 2.0 grade)
Additional Writing (W) - 10 credits
Reasoning (RSN) - One course (minimum 4 credits)
Diversity (DIV) - 5 credits. Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.
Areas of Inquiry
Arts and Humanities (A&H) - 10 credits*
Social Sciences (SSc) - 10 credits
Natural Sciences (NSc) - 20 credits
Additional Areas of Inquiry - 25 credits
*Although School of Public Health students are not required to study a foreign language, they are encouraged to do so by substituting first-year language courses for the A&H requirement. Completion through the third quarter is required for A&H credit.
Additional Completion Requirements
Major Requirements
107-108 credits
HSERV 100 – Required for admission (counts toward Bachelor of Arts (BA) Selectives requirement#8 below)
Integrated Core (20 credits): minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA with no grade below 1.7 in SPH 380, SPH 381, SPH 480, SPH 481
Public Health Foundation (8-9 credits):
Statistics (4-5 credits): either BIOST 310 (preferred), Q METH 201, STAT 220, STAT 221/CS&SS 221/SOC 221, STAT 290, STAT 311, or Q SCI 381
Epidemiology (4 credits): EPI 320
Structural Racism (5 credits): minimum 1.7 grade in SPH 389
Public Health Service Learning (6 credits): One of the following options: (1) minimum 1.7 grade in SPH 391 and SPH 392; (2) minimum 1.7 grade in SPH 396
Social and Behavioral Sciences Breadth (15 credits): minimum one course from at least three of the following prefixed courses: AFRAM, AAS, AES, AIS, ANTH, CHSTU, GEOG, POL S, PSYCH, or SOC. Courses that meet the Social and Behavioral Sciences Breadth requirement cannot also be used to meet the selectives or electives requirements.
Natural Science (10 credits):
5 credits from BIOL 118, BIOL 180, or MICROM 301/MICROM 302
5 credits from CHEM 120, CHEM 142, or CHEM 145
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Selectives (20 credits): Courses identified to address competency areas in advocacy, community dynamics, communication, economics, education, ethics, health promotion, law, policy, social justice, and writing, including HSERV 100, HSERV 204. See website or adviser for approved list. Any course not on the list must be approved by the public health adviser.
Public Health Electives (20 credits): 300- and 400-level courses to build competency areas in public health, including HSERV 343, HSERV 344, HSERV 345, and SPH 495 public health internship. See website or adviser for approved list. Any course not on the list must be approved by the public health adviser.
Public Health Portfolio (3 credits): minimum 2.0 grade in SPH 493
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for courses applied to the major.
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Public Health-Global Health: Global Health
Credential Overview
In the Public Health-Global Health major, students learn to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore answers to promote the health and well-being of communities, locally, nationally, and globally. This broad liberal-arts degree uses public health questions, concepts, and tools to teach skills valuable for a range of career and educational options across multiple disciplines. The Global Health option offers structure and direction for a student’s area of focus within a liberal-arts public health framework. In this option, students become familiar with major problems and policy issues in global health, and are able to discuss the determinants of global health and global responses to health problems, including health systems.
Completion Requirements
General Education Requirements
Basic Skills
English Composition (C) - 5 credits (minimum 2.0 grade)
Additional Writing (W) - 10 credits
Reasoning (RSN) - One course (minimum 4 credits)
Diversity (DIV) - 5 credits. Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.
Areas of Inquiry
Arts and Humanities (A&H) - 10 credits*
Social Sciences (SSc) - 10 credits
Natural Sciences (NSc) - 20 credits
Additional Areas of Inquiry - 25 credits
*Although School of Public Health students are not required to study a foreign language, they are encouraged to do so by substituting first-year language courses for the A&H requirement. Completion through the third quarter is required for A&H credit.
Additional Completion Requirements
Major Requirements
107-108 credits
G H 101/GEOG 180/JSIS B 180 (admission requirement)
Integrated Core (20 credits): minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA with no grade below 1.7 in SPH 380, SPH 381, SPH 480, SPH 481
Public Health and Global Health Foundation (8-9 credits):
Statistics (4-5 credits): either BIOST 310 (preferred), Q METH 201, STAT 220, STAT 221/CS&SS 221/SOC 221, STAT 290, STAT 311, or Q SCI 381
Epidemiology (4 credits): EPI 320
Structural Racism (5 credits): minimum 1.7 grade in SPH 389
Public Health Service Learning (6 credits): One of the following options: (1) minimum 1.7 grade in SPH 391 and SPH 392; (2) minimum 1.7 grade in SPH 396
Social and Behavioral Sciences Breadth (15 credits): minimum one course from at least three of the following prefixed courses: AFRAM, AAS, AES, AIS, ANTH, CHSTU, GEOG, POL S, PSYCH, or SOC. Courses that meet the Social and Behavioral Sciences Breadth requirement cannot also be used to meet the selectives or electives requirements.
Natural Science (10 credits):
5 credits from BIOL 118, BIOL 180, or MICROM 301/MICROM 302
5 credits from CHEM 120, CHEM 142, or CHEM 145
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Selectives (20 credits): Courses identified to address competency areas in key domains. See website or adviser for approved list. Courses not on the list must be approved by the adviser.
Public Health Electives (20 credits): 300- and 400-level courses to build competency areas in global health. Minimum 15 credits G H-prefix courses; all students required to take G H 305/LAW 305, G H 401 (3 credits), G H 402 (3 credits). See website or adviser for approved list. Any course not on the list must be approved by the adviser.
Public Health Portfolio (3 credits): minimum 2.0 grade in SPH 493
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for courses applied to the major
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Public Health-Global Health
Credential Overview
In the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Public Health-Global Health, students learn to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore answers to promote the health and well-being of communities, locally, nationally, and globally. The major provides undergraduates with competencies in assessment and measurement, communication, environment, ethics and social justice, natural science, population health, policy and politics, and social science with particular emphasis on collaboration and critical thinking across these domains. Empowered with problem-solving skills, graduates use the degree as a foundation for a range of career and educational options in business, economics, education, health sciences, law, public health, and social and behavioral sciences.
Completion Requirements
General Education Requirements
Basic Skills
English Composition (C) - 5 credits (minimum 2.0 grade)
Additional Writing (W) - 10 credits
Reasoning (RSN) - One course (minimum 4 credits)
Diversity (DIV) - 5 credits. Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.
Areas of Inquiry
Arts and Humanities (A&H) - 10 credits*
Social Sciences (SSc) - 10 credits
Natural Sciences (NSc) - 20 credits
Additional Areas of Inquiry - 25 credits
*Although School of Public Health students are not required to study a foreign language, they are encouraged to do so by substituting first-year language courses for the A&H requirement. Completion through the third quarter is required for A&H credit.
Additional Completion Requirements
Major Requirements
117-128 credits
Integrated Core (20 credits): minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA with no grade below 1.7 in SPH 380, SPH 381, SPH 480, SPH 481
Public Health Foundation (8-9 credits):
Statistics (4-5 credits): either BIOST 310 (preferred), Q METH 201, STAT 220, STAT 221/CS&SS 221/SOC 221, STAT 290, STAT 311, or Q SCI 381
Epidemiology (4 credits): EPI 320
Structural Racism (5 credits): minimum 1.7 grade in SPH 389
Public Health Service Learning (6 credits): One of the following options: (1) minimum 1.7 grade in SPH 391 and SPH 392; (2) minimum 1.7 grade in SPH 396
Social and Behavioral Sciences Breadth (15 credits): minimum one course from at least three of the following prefixed courses: AFRAM, AAS, AES, AIS, ANTH, CHSTU, GEOG, POL S, PSYCH, or SOC. Courses that meet the Social and Behavioral Sciences Breadth requirement cannot also be used to meet the selectives or electives requirements.
Natural Science (10 credits):
5 credits from BIOL 118, BIOL 180, or MICROM 301/MICROM 302
5 credits from CHEM 120, CHEM 142, or CHEM 145
Bachelor of Science (BS) Selectives (40 credits): Students taking BIOL 180 and CHEM 142 may count these two courses toward both the Natural Science and the Bachelor of Science (BS) Selectives requirements: Two year-long sequences of introductory science, with laboratories: biology (BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220); chemistry (CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162); remaining credits chosen from biochemistry (BIOC 405, BIOC 406), organic chemistry (CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239, CHEM 241 CHEM 242, or CHEM 223, CHEM 224); physics (PHYS 114/PHYS 117, PHYS 115/PHYS 118, PHYS 116/PHYS 119, or PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123); or mathematics (MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126)
Public Health Electives (20 credits): 300- and 400-level courses to build competency areas in public health. See website or adviser for approved list. Any course not on the list must be approved by the public health adviser.
Public Health Portfolio (3 credits): minimum 2.0 grade in SPH 493
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for courses applied to the major
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Public Health-Global Health: Global Health
Credential Overview
In the Public Health-Global Health major, students learn to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore answers to promote the health and well-being of communities, locally, nationally, and globally. This broad liberal-arts degree uses public health questions, concepts, and tools to teach skills valuable for a range of career and educational options across multiple disciplines. The Global Health option offers structure and direction for a student’s area of focus within this liberal-arts public health framework. In this option, students get a robust foundation in natural sciences along with becoming familiar with major problems and policy issues in global health, and are able to discuss the determinants of global health and global responses to health problems, including health systems.
Completion Requirements
General Education Requirements
Basic Skills
English Composition (C) - 5 credits (minimum 2.0 grade)
Additional Writing (W) - 10 credits
Reasoning (RSN) - One course (minimum 4 credits)
Diversity (DIV) - 5 credits. Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.
Areas of Inquiry
Arts and Humanities (A&H) - 10 credits*
Social Sciences (SSc) - 10 credits
Natural Sciences (NSc) - 20 credits
Additional Areas of Inquiry - 25 credits
*Although School of Public Health students are not required to study a foreign language, they are encouraged to do so by substituting first-year language courses for the A&H requirement. Completion through the third quarter is required for A&H credit.
Additional Completion Requirements
Major Requirements
117-128 credits
Integrated Core (20 credits): minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA with no grade below 1.7 in SPH 380, SPH 381, SPH 480, SPH 481
Public Health Foundation (8-9 credits):
Statistics (4-5 credits): either BIOST 310 (preferred), Q METH 201, STAT 220, STAT 221/CS&SS 221/SOC 221, STAT 290, STAT 311, or Q SCI 381
Epidemiology (4 credits): EPI 320
Structural Racism (5 credits): minimum 1.7 grade in SPH 389
Public Health Service Learning (6 credits): One of the following options: (1) minimum 1.7 grade in SPH 391 and SPH 392; (2) minimum 1.7 grade in SPH 396
Social and Behavioral Sciences Breadth (15 credits): minimum one course from at least three of the following prefixed courses: AFRAM, AAS, AES, AIS, ANTH, CHSTU, GEOG, POL S, PSYCH, or SOC. Courses that meet the Social and Behavioral Sciences Breadth requirement cannot also be used to meet the selectives or electives requirements.
Natural Science (10 credits):
5 credits from BIOL 118, BIOL 180, or MICROM 301/MICROM 302
5 credits from CHEM 120, CHEM 142, or CHEM 145
Bachelor of Science (BS) Selectives (40 credits): Students taking BIOL 180 and CHEM 142 may count these two courses toward both the Natural Science and the Bachelor of Science (BS) Selectives requirements: Two year-long sequences of introductory science, with laboratories: biology (BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220); chemistry (CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162); remaining credits chosen from biochemistry (BIOC 405, BIOC 406), organic chemistry (CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239, CHEM 241 CHEM 242, or CHEM 223, CHEM 224); physics (PHYS 114/PHYS 117, PHYS 115/PHYS 118, PHYS 116/PHYS 119, or PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123); or mathematics (MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126)
Public Health Electives (20 credits): 300- and 400-level courses to build competency areas in global health. Minimum 15 credits G H-prefix courses; all students required to take G H 305/LAW 305, G H 401 (3 credits), G H 402 (3 credits). See website or adviser for approved list. Any course not on the list must be approved by the adviser.
Public Health Portfolio (3 credits): minimum 2.0 grade in SPH 493
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for courses applied to the major
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Public Health-Global Health: Nutritional Sciences
Credential Overview
In the Public Health-Global Health major, students learn to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore answers to promote the health and well-being of communities, locally, nationally, and globally. This broad liberal- arts degree uses public health questions, concepts, and tools to teach skills valuable for a range of career and educational options across multiple disciplines. The Nutritional Sciences option offers structure and direction for a student’s area of focus within a liberal-arts public health framework. In this option, students get a robust foundation in natural sciences along with their nutrition-focused public health fundamentals.
Completion Requirements
General Education Requirements
Basic Skills
English Composition (C) - 5 credits (minimum 2.0 grade)
Additional Writing (W) - 10 credits
Reasoning (RSN) - One course (minimum 4 credits)
Diversity (DIV) - 5 credits. Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.
Areas of Inquiry
Arts and Humanities (A&H) - 10 credits*
Social Sciences (SSc) - 10 credits
Natural Sciences (NSc) - 20 credits
Additional Areas of Inquiry - 25 credits
*Although School of Public Health students are not required to study a foreign language, they are encouraged to do so by substituting first-year language courses for the A&H requirement. Completion through the third quarter is required for A&H credit.
Additional Completion Requirements
Major Requirements
117-128 credits
NUTR 200 (admission requirement)
Integrated Core (20 credits): minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA with no grade below 1.7 in SPH 380, SPH 381, SPH 480, SPH 481
Public Health Foundation (8-9 credits):
Statistics (4-5 credits): either BIOST 310 (preferred), Q METH 201, STAT 220, STAT 221/CS&SS 221/SOC 221, STAT 290, STAT 311, or Q SCI 381
Epidemiology (4 credits): EPI 320
Structural Racism (5 credits): minimum 1.7 grade in SPH 389
Public Health Service Learning (6 credits): One of the following options: (1) minimum 1.7 grade in SPH 391 and SPH 392; (2) minimum 1.7 grade in SPH 396
Social and Behavioral Sciences Breadth (15 credits): minimum one course from at least three of the following prefixed courses: AFRAM, AAS, AES, AIS, ANTH, CHSTU, GEOG, POL S, PSYCH, or SOC. Courses that meet the Social and Behavioral Sciences Breadth requirement cannot also be used to meet the selectives or electives requirements.
Natural Science (10 credits):
5 credits from BIOL 118, BIOL 180, or MICROM 301/MICROM 302
5 credits from CHEM 120, CHEM 142, or CHEM 145
Bachelor of Science (BS) Selectives (40 credits): Students taking BIOL 180 and CHEM 142 may count these two courses toward both the Natural Science and the Bachelor of Science (BS) Selectives requirements: Two year-long sequences of introductory science with laboratories: biology (BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220) and chemistry (CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162). Remaining credits chosen from biochemistry (BIOC 405, BIOC 406); organic chemistry (CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239, CHEM 241, CHEM 242, or CHEM 223, CHEM 224).
Public Health Electives (20 credits): Minimum 15 credits NUTR-prefix courses. At least 9 credits from NUTR 310, NUTR 405, NUTR 406, NUTR 411, NUTR 420 or NUTR 446; balance of 15 credits from NUTR 302, NUTR 303, NUTR 400 (maximum 2 credits), NUTR 412 or BIO A 465/NUTR 465; and remaining 5 credits, if necessary, of 300- and 400-level courses from approved list
Public Health Portfolio (3 credits): minimum 2.0 grade in SPH 493
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for courses applied to the major
Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: Public Health is a school-wide liberal arts major, leading to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, which uses public health questions, concepts, and tools to teach critical thinking skills. Students learn to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore answers to promote the health and well-being of communities, locally, nationally, and globally. By integrating the diverse areas of public health, students are introduced to the determinants of health, emerging diseases, access to health care and modes of health-care delivery, the geography of health, and the effects of environment on health and disease. The major provides undergraduates with competencies in health, ethics and social justice, social science, natural science, policy and politics, and environment with particular emphasis on collaboration, communication, and critical thinking across these domains. An undergraduate degree in public health provides a grounding in science, values, passion, and commitment which is valuable for a range of career and educational options across multiple disciplines.
Instructional and Research Facilities: The School of Public Health has five departments -- Biostatistics, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Global Health, and Health Services -- as well as interdisciplinary programs such as the Public Health major, Maternal and Child Health, Nutritional Sciences, Pathobiology, and Public Health Genetics. The School has over 30 research centers, including Institute for Public Health Genetics, Northwest Center for Public Health Practice, Center for Public Health Nutrition, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, and the Health Promotion Research Center. Administration and teaching are primarily in the Magnuson Health Sciences Center.
Honors Options Available: With College Honors (Completion of Honors Core Curriculum and Departmental Honors); With Honors (Completion of Departmental Honors requirements in the major). See adviser for requirements.
Research, Internships, and Service Learning: Majors are encouraged to engage in experiential learning. See adviser for details.
Department Scholarships: See adviser for details.
Student Organizations/Associations: Undergraduate Student Public Health Association (USPHA). Public Health Dawgs (PhDs).
The Nutrition minor provides students with a foundation of knowledge in nutritional sciences, food systems, food studies, and population health. Through an examination of food and nutrition policies and practices that affect sustainable diets and long-term health, students will gain a multidisciplinary perspective of the food environment, including the interplay of food and nutrition, human behavior, business, culture, and the environment.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Minor in Nutrition
Minor in Nutrition
Credential Overview
The Nutrition Minor provides students with a foundation of knowledge in nutritional sciences, food studies, food systems, and population health. Students examine food and nutrition practices and policies that affect sustainable diets and long-term health. The minor offers a multidisciplinary perspective of the food environment, including the interplay of food and nutrition, human behavior, business, culture, and the environment.
Completion Requirements
25 credits
Core (5 credits): NUTR 200, NUTR 400
Electives (20 credits): selected from an approved list. See department website for approved list.
Minimum 13 credits from School of Public Health
Minimum 15 credits upper-division courses
Minimum 15 credits outside student's major requirements
Minimum 15 credits in residence through the UW
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for courses applied toward the minor
Program of Study: Doctor Of Philosophy (Nutritional Sciences)
Program Overview
The doctoral program in Nutritional Sciences offers interdisciplinary training to prepare students to meet the needs for expanding the base of new knowledge in nutritional sciences and to apply this knowledge in public health and clinical health care settings. The PhD program is designed to assist students in gaining an advanced understanding of nutrition and metabolism, and of related biological, biochemical, molecular, and behavioral sciences, in acquiring skills in research methods, and in developing timely and original hypotheses in nutritional sciences.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Doctor Of Philosophy (Nutritional Sciences)
Admission Requirements
Note: this program is currently only accepting applications from students currently enrolled in the Nutritional Sciences master's programs.
Additional Nutrition (2 credits): Additional credits from NUTR 500+ courses
Epidemiology (4-8 credits): EPI 511 OR EPI 512 AND EPI 513
Biostatistics (8 credits): Select from among courses numbered 500 and above within BIOST prefix.
Research Methods (8 credits): Select from among 500 and above Research Methods courses within EPI: Course list maintained internally by the program.
Public Health Core (1 credit): HSERV 579
Other Sciences (22 credits): Select from among 400 and 500 and above science courses within BIOC, BIOL, BIOST, GENOME, EPI, G H, HSERV, HUBIO, IMMUN, MICROM, NUTR, and PATH to address specific interests. Other courses as approved by adviser.
Dissertation (27 credits): NUTR 800
Successful completion of the Nutritional Sciences Portfolio, completion to be verified by adviser
Successful completion of Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics requirements as applicable, completion to be verified by adviser
Teaching Experience, as Teaching Assistant or otherwise, completion to be verified by adviser
Our Master of Health Administration program provides students with the rigorous academic skills, practical experience, and multi-disciplinary studies that will enable them to meet the public health challenges of the 21st century.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Program of Study: Master Of Public Health (Public Health Nutrition)
Program Overview
The Master of Public Health in Nutritional Sciences provides interdisciplinary training with a strong grounding in research and evidence-based nutritional sciences and public health.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Master Of Public Health (Public Health Nutrition)
Admission Requirements
All applicants to an NSP graduate program must meet the following minimum requirements:
Bachelor's degree or higher in any discipline. Most applicants to the PhD program hold a master's degree in nutrition or a related discipline.
Completion of prerequisite coursework: nutrition (completed at time of application), general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry (two quarters or 1 semester), physiology
A cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater for the final 90 quarter credits or 60 semester hours completed is an expectation for the UW Graduate School. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may still be considered if their overall application has exceptional strengths. Financial ability requirements for international student
English Language Proficiency for Non-native English speakers.
Financial ability requirements for international student
Additional requirements for the GCPD program: Prerequisite courses - psychology, microbiology, food science (with laboratory), management of nutrition services; National Background Check; and ServSafe Manager Certificate. For GCPD prerequisites, appropriate professional use of each course may suffice as meeting the requirement.
Electives (0-5 credits to meet required credit total, depending on culminating project option): Select from courses numbered 500 and above within School of Public Health prefixes: BIOST, ENV H, EPI, G H, HIHIM, HSERV, HSMGMT, NUTR, PABIO, PHG, SPH.
Culminating Project (4-9 credits depending on project option): NUTR 700 Thesis (9 credits) or NUTR 596 Nutrition Practice Capstone (4 credits)
Program of Study: Master Of Science (Nutritional Sciences)
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences provides students with advanced understanding of human nutrition through a curriculum that includes skills with application in both research and community settings.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Master Of Science (Nutritional Sciences)
Admission Requirements
All applicants to an NSP graduate program must meet the following minimum requirements:
Bachelor's degree or higher in any discipline. Most applicants to the PhD program hold a master's degree in nutrition or a related discipline.
Completion of prerequisite coursework: nutrition (completed at time of application), general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry (two quarters or 1 semester), physiology
A cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater for the final 90 quarter credits or 60 semester hours completed is an expectation for the UW Graduate School. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may still be considered if their overall application has exceptional strengths. Financial ability requirements for international student
English Language Proficiency for Non-native English speakers.
Financial ability requirements for international student
Additional requirements for the GCPD program: Prerequisite courses - psychology, microbiology, food science (with laboratory), management of nutrition services; National Background Check; and ServSafe Manager Certificate. For GCPD prerequisites, appropriate professional use of each course may suffice as meeting the requirement.
Master Of Science (Nutritional Sciences)
Completion Requirements
50 credits
Public Health Core (9 credits): BIOST 511, EPI 511, HSERV 579
Electives (5-10 credits depending on culminating project option): Select from courses numbered 500 and above within School of Public Health prefixes: BIOST, ENV H, EPI, G H, HIHIM, HSERV, HSMGMT, NUTR, PABIO, PHG, SPH.
Culminating Project (4-9 credits): NUTR 700 Thesis (9 credits) OR NUTR 596 Nutrition Practice Capstone (4 credits)