Health and Societies- Disease and Culture
The Health and Societies: Disease and Culture Bachelor of Arts program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the social, cultural, and political dimensions of health and disease. The curriculum integrates public health, medical sociology, cultural studies, epidemiology, and research methodology, enabling students to analyze how cultural beliefs, societal structures, and health systems influence the spread, treatment, and perception of disease. Students engage in case studies, fieldwork, and applied research projects, developing analytical, interpretive, and problem-solving skills essential for addressing contemporary health challenges in diverse communities.
Throughout the program, students participate in seminars, workshops, and experiential learning guided by faculty experts in health policy, medical sociology, and cultural studies. The program emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary analysis, and applied research, preparing graduates to evaluate health disparities, develop evidence-based interventions, and contribute to education, policy, and advocacy initiatives. Students leave the program with research competence, analytical skills, cultural literacy, and critical reasoning, fully prepared for careers or advanced study in public health, health administration, social research, or healthcare policy.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Health and Societies- Disease and Culture
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Health Administration
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Disease and Culture
- Introduction to Health and Societies
- Foundations of Medical Sociology and Public Health
- Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis
- Social Determinants of Health
Year 2 – Intermediate Study in Health and Culture
- Cultural Perspectives on Disease and Health Practices
- Epidemiology and Population Health
- Health Policy and Systems Analysis
- Electives: Global Health, Health Communication, or Social Inequality
Year 3 – Advanced Analysis and Applied Research
- Contemporary Health Challenges and Cultural Dynamics
- Applied Research Projects in Public Health and Society
- Community Health and Intervention Strategies
- Electives: Infectious Disease Studies, Health Ethics, or Behavioral Health
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Thesis or Applied Research Project
- Seminar in Disease, Culture, and Society
- Professional Portfolio Development
- Internship or Experiential Project in Healthcare, Public Health, or Community Organizations
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Disease and Culture program are prepared for careers in public health, health policy, health administration, community health, research, and nonprofit advocacy. Alumni may work as public health analysts, health educators, policy advisors, researchers, or pursue graduate studies in public health, health administration, social sciences, or global health. The program equips graduates to analyze social and cultural determinants of health, design evidence-based interventions, and implement strategies that improve health outcomes across diverse populations. Graduates gain expertise to address health disparities, inform policy decisions, and lead community initiatives. With strong analytical, research, and communication skills, graduates are highly competitive in professional and academic environments focused on health equity, disease prevention, and culturally informed healthcare.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of health analysis, cultural understanding, social research, and applied public health within a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from mentorship, fieldwork, and experiential learning that connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications in healthcare, policy, and community engagement. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and evidence-based strategies, preparing graduates to evaluate complex health issues, influence policy, and develop effective interventions. For students passionate about understanding disease within cultural contexts, addressing health disparities, and applying scholarly insight to public health challenges, this program offers a rigorous, immersive, and career-focused pathway to professional and academic success.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
