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The Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Health Equity at the University of Wisconsin is designed to prepare students for meaningful careers that address the complex factors influencing public health and social well-being. This four-year, full-time, on-campus program focuses on the development of community-based strategies that promote health and reduce disparities across populations. Students examine the structural, social, and behavioral determinants of health while gaining practical skills in assessment, communication, program planning, and evaluation. Emphasizing evidence-based practice and cultural competence, the curriculum bridges theory and real-world application, equipping students to understand and influence public health outcomes in both local and global settings.
The program encourages interdisciplinary exploration and critical thinking, drawing from fields such as epidemiology, health psychology, sociology, education, and policy studies. Students learn to advocate for health equity through inclusive approaches that account for race, income, gender, and geography. Applied learning experiences—such as internships, service learning, and community partnerships—enhance students’ understanding of public health systems and their role in creating positive change. By the end of the program, students are not only prepared to enter the workforce but also empowered to lead initiatives that promote healthier, more just communities through innovative, collaborative, and data-informed action.
Year 1 – Foundations in Public Health and Society
• Introduction to Public Health
• Global Health and Health Equity
• College Writing and Communication
• Human Biology or Health Sciences Elective
Year 2 – Determinants and Systems
• Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health
• Health Disparities in the United States
• Introduction to Epidemiology
• Public Health Ethics
Year 3 – Program Design and Community Engagement
• Health Promotion Planning and Evaluation
• Community-Based Participatory Research
• Health Communication and Media
• Practicum or Fieldwork in Public Health
Year 4 – Applied Learning and Capstone Experience
• Leadership in Health Promotion
• Health Policy and Advocacy
• Senior Capstone Project
• Elective in Environmental Health or Nutrition
Graduates of this program pursue impactful roles in public health agencies, nonprofit organizations, community health centers, schools, and health advocacy groups. They are well-prepared to work as health educators, outreach coordinators, program managers, wellness consultants, or policy assistants. The degree’s emphasis on equity and systems thinking makes it especially relevant for careers focused on underserved populations and community transformation. Many students also use this program as a stepping stone to graduate degrees in public health, social work, health policy, or medicine, expanding their influence in the field. Practical skills in planning, evaluation, and cultural competence give graduates a versatile foundation to make a measurable difference in health promotion across various sectors.
This program offers a forward-thinking, socially grounded approach to public health education, blending scientific knowledge, community engagement, and a strong equity framework. Students benefit from close mentorship, interdisciplinary coursework, and partnerships with local organizations that provide hands-on experience in real-world settings. The University of Wisconsin’s commitment to public service and academic excellence ensures that students are not only trained to understand health systems but also equipped to lead change within them. With growing demand for professionals who can address the root causes of health disparities, this program provides the tools, insight, and passion necessary to build healthier communities and promote lasting equity in health outcomes.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 608-262-2433
Email: admissions@grad.wisc.edu
Address: 217 Bascom Hall, 500 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA