

The Master of Public Health in Sociomedical Sciences provides an in depth study of the social, cultural, and behavioral factors that influence health outcomes in populations. Students explore medical sociology, health disparities, social determinants of health, and public health interventions while developing skills to analyze and evaluate the complex interactions between society and health. The program combines theoretical frameworks with applied research, helping learners develop analytical expertise in understanding health inequalities, designing interventions, and interpreting sociomedical data. Through coursework, research projects, and applied exercises, students gain insight into how sociological perspectives inform public health policy, program development, and community health strategies.
The program also emphasizes research methodology, social analysis, and professional application. Faculty mentorship, project based learning, and practical exercises allow students to build practical competence in data analysis, program evaluation, and sociomedical research. Graduates are prepared to work in public health agencies, hospitals, community organizations, research institutions, and international health organizations, applying their skills to study health behaviors, assess interventions, and inform evidence based policies. The curriculum ensures that students leave with both conceptual understanding and applied skills essential for careers in public health research, program planning, and sociomedical analysis.
Semester 1 Foundations in Sociomedical Sciences
• Introduction to Sociomedical Sciences
• Social Determinants of Health
• Medical Sociology and Health Behavior
• Research Methods in Public Health
Semester 2 Advanced Analysis and Projects
• Health Disparities and Policy
• Program Evaluation and Intervention Design
• Applied Research Project in Sociomedical Sciences
• Seminar in Community Health
Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in public health agencies, hospitals, community organizations, and research institutions, where expertise in sociomedical sciences is essential. Alumni may work as public health specialists, program evaluators, health policy analysts, community health researchers, or sociomedical consultants, applying analytical and applied skills to assess health behaviors, implement interventions, and improve population health outcomes. The combination of applied research, social analysis, and public health expertise equips graduates to address complex challenges in community and population health. Some graduates pursue doctoral studies in public health, sociology, or health policy. Graduates leave ready to apply sociomedical knowledge in real world public health practice.
Students choose this degree for its combination of social analysis and applied research, offering a curriculum that integrates sociological theory, public health practice, and intervention design. The program emphasizes applied projects, research methodology, and seminar discussions, allowing learners to develop skills in evaluating health disparities, designing community interventions, and informing evidence based policies. Faculty mentorship, applied exercises, and project work support students in translating sociomedical theory into actionable public health solutions. For individuals seeking a graduate program that prepares them for impactful careers in public health and community health, this degree provides a focused and highly relevant pathway.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 212 854 1754
Email: admissions@columbia.edu
Address: University of Columbia, Admissions Office, New York, NY, United States