Public Health BA

Capstone Major

The Public Health major is a designated capstone major. The goal of the capstone is to provide a culminating experience for students in which they complete an integrative, scholarly, or applied project that reflects the knowledge and skills gained in the program to a public health problem or issue.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrated knowledge of concepts and applications of basic statistics

Demonstrated knowledge of foundations of biological and life sciences

Demonstrated knowledge of history and philosophy of public health; and its core values, concepts, and functions across the globe and in society

Demonstrated knowledge of basic concepts, methods, and tools of public health data collection, use, and analysis; and why evidence-based approaches are an essential part of public health practice

Demonstrated knowledge of concepts of population health; and basic processes, approaches, and interventions that identify and address major health-related needs and concerns of populations

Demonstrated knowledge of underlying science of human health and disease, including opportunities for promoting and protecting health across the life course

Demonstrated knowledge of socioeconomic, behavioral, biological, environmental, and other factors that impact human health and contribute to health disparities

Demonstrated knowledge of fundamental concepts and features of project implementation including planning, assessment and evaluation

Demonstrated knowledge of fundamental characteristics and organizational structures of the U.S. health system and differences between systems in other countries

10.

Demonstrated knowledge of basic concepts of legal, ethical, economic, and regulatory dimensions of health care and public health policy; and the roles, influences, and responsibilities of different agencies and branches of government

11.

Demonstrated knowledge of basic concepts of public health-specific communication, including technical and professional writing and use of mass media and electronic technology

12.

Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written communication of public health information through a variety of media to diverse audiences

13.

Demonstrated proficiency locating, using, evaluating, and synthesizing public health information

Entry to the Major

Admission

Admission to the Fielding School of Public Health is by application and competitive—using courses, grades, grade-point averages, and essays as minimum standards for consideration. Only a limited number of students are admitted each year. Applicants are not automatically accepted into the major.

First-year applicants must apply for major standing at the end of winter quarter of their sophomore year. Late applications are not accepted. While recommended, pre-major standing is not required to apply for the major. A copy of the major application is available on the program website.

Transfer students admitted to UCLA under another major are not eligible to apply for the Public Health BA. Transfer students interested in public health are encouraged to pursue the minor instead.

Pre-Major

Transfer Students

Transfer applicants to the Public Health BA major with 90 or more units must complete the following preparatory courses prior to admission to UCLA: one general biology course with laboratory, one general chemistry course, and one introductory statistics course. Public Health 50A and 50B must be taken at UCLA upon admission to the University.

Refer to the UCLA transfer admission guide for up-to-date information regarding transfer selection for admission.

Major Requirements

Preparation for the Major

Introduction to Public Health

Principles of Scientific Knowledge

Complete three courses as follows:

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Life Sciences

Statistics

Health and Society

Cultural Competency

Communication Fundamentals

The Major

Foundations of Public Health Knowledge and Practice

Public Health Electives

Community Engagement

Capstone Experience

Honors Program

To receive School Honors, students must complete all upper-division courses in the major with an overall grade-point average of 3.5 or better. For highest School Honors, students must also complete a senior thesis. The senior thesis may be satisfied by completing either Public Health 198 or a departmental 198 course. The 198 course may not be counted as an elective course toward the major and must be supervised by an Academic Senate faculty member from the school. Highest honors is awarded if the faculty sponsor deems the work superior.

General Catalog 2023-24