Program Overview

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of General Studies in Health and Society

The Health and Society major is an interdisciplinary program focused on the social context of health. The curriculum provides an interdisciplinary understanding of the role of social factors in health, such as housing, economics, and local environments (i.e., social determinants of health), while facilitating the development of transferable professional skills emphasized in a liberal arts education, including critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, adaptability, ethics, and social responsibility.

Program Goals

The central goal of the Health and Society major is to train students for careers that emphasize the socio-demographic, cultural, political, historical, and ethical contexts that underlie health behaviors, healthcare practices, and health policies by providing the knowledge and skills necessary to critically evaluate and inform strategies that address health at local, state, and national levels.

Interdisciplinary Approach

Health-related careers frequently require a team effort, incorporating multiple viewpoints and approaches. To prepare students for this, the Health and Society major engages students with a wide range of perspectives on health, including those from anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology. By intentionally integrating the conceptual frameworks, analytical tools, and data approaches from each discipline, the Health and Society curriculum provides graduates with a rich toolkit to tackle real-world challenges.

Career Opportunities

The knowledge and transferable skills students gain in this major can be applied in a variety of contexts and professions and offer the flexibility to explore different fields and career paths within and beyond the healthcare industry. Students with a BA/BGS in Health and Society will be ready for employment or further training in health services research, healthcare management and administration, public health, or health policy, and often pursue careers in the healthcare and health insurance fields, in both non-clinical and (with additional education and training) clinical positions. Additional areas of employment include non-profit organizations, government, public and social services, and international development.

Program Details

• Health and Society Courses, Requirements, and Details
  • The program provides an interdisciplinary understanding of the role of social factors in health
  • The curriculum facilitates the development of transferable professional skills emphasized in a liberal arts education
  • The program prepares students for careers that emphasize the socio-demographic, cultural, political, historical, and ethical contexts that underlie health behaviors, healthcare practices, and health policies

Nondiscrimination Statement

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.