Health and Societies- Global Health
The Health and Societies: Global Health Bachelor of Arts program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of health challenges, systems, and policies in a global context. The curriculum integrates public health, sociology, epidemiology, policy analysis, and health ethics, enabling students to examine how social, cultural, economic, and environmental factors shape health outcomes worldwide. Students engage in research, field studies, and data analysis projects, developing the skills necessary to assess health disparities, design interventions, and evaluate global health initiatives effectively.
Throughout the program, students participate in collaborative projects, community engagement, and applied research guided by faculty experts in public health, global policy, and social sciences. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and cross-cultural understanding, preparing graduates to address complex health challenges at local and international levels. Students leave the program with research proficiency, analytical insight, cultural literacy, and problem-solving skills, fully prepared for professional roles or advanced study in public health, policy, medicine, or global development.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Health and Societies- Global Health
- 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: Public Health
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Health and Societies
- Introduction to Public Health and Global Health
- Foundations of Sociology and Social Determinants of Health
- Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis
- Health Policy and Ethics
Year 2 – Intermediate Study and Applications
- Epidemiology and Disease Prevention
- Global Health Systems and Policy Analysis
- Environmental Health and Sustainability
- Electives: Nutrition, Biostatistics, or Community Health
Year 3 – Advanced Topics and Fieldwork
- Health Disparities and Social Justice
- International Health Programs and Evaluation
- Applied Research and Community Engagement
- Elective: Maternal and Child Health, Infectious Disease, or Health Communication
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Thesis or Independent Research Project
- Seminar in Global Health Challenges
- Professional Portfolio Development
- Applied Policy and Program Design
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Health and Societies: Global Health program are prepared for careers in public health organizations, international development agencies, research institutions, nonprofit health programs, and governmental policy roles. Alumni may work as health analysts, program coordinators, policy advisors, researchers, or pursue graduate studies in public health, global health, medicine, or social sciences. The program equips graduates with the ability to design and evaluate interventions, analyze health data, and understand the social determinants of health. With strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, graduates are highly competitive in professional and academic settings focused on improving health outcomes at community, national, and global levels.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of global health knowledge, social science perspectives, research and analytical skills, and practical application within a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from mentorship, experiential learning, and opportunities to participate in field projects and community-based initiatives. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary analysis, and ethical engagement, preparing graduates to address health disparities, influence policy, and implement evidence-based interventions. For students passionate about understanding health in a global context, applying research to real-world challenges, and contributing to improved population health, 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
