B.S. Global + Public Health Sciences
Program Overview
Introduction to the Bachelor of Science in Global and Public Health Sciences
The Bachelor of Science in Global and Public Health Sciences is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the complex health challenges facing communities around the world. This program is offered through the College of Human Ecology (CHE) or the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), with the same major requirements but varying distribution requirements based on the mission and goals of each college.
Program Overview
The Global and Public Health Sciences (GPHS) program is recognized as a public health program due to its foundation in the life and physical sciences, complemented by coursework in epidemiology and biostatistics. The program aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the biomedical, social, behavioral, political, environmental, and cultural factors that impact human health and wellness.
Core Courses
The core courses for the GPHS program include:
- NS 1600 Introduction to Public Health
- NS 2060 Preparation for Engaged Learning in Global and Public Health Sciences
- NS 2600 Introduction to Global Health
- NS 3600 Epidemiology
- NS 4600 Explorations in Global and Public Health (capstone)
In addition to these core courses, students are required to take a minimum of one advanced course in each of the following areas:
- Social and behavioral health
- Biological aspects of public health
- Environmental health
- Health policy and management
Experiential Learning Opportunities
All GPHS students are required to complete an experiential component in a research or community setting. This can include internships, research projects, or community-based initiatives. Many students source their own experiences, which must be approved by the Division of Nutritional Sciences (DNS). Examples of experiential learning opportunities include:
- Americares/CDC Vaccinate with Confidence Nutrition and Education intern
- Intern, Partnership for a Healthier America
- Research assistant, Odoms-Young Nutrition Liberation, Food Sovereignty, and Justice Lab at Cornell
- Research fellow, Food and Drug Administration
Curriculum Sheets
Curriculum sheets are available to provide an overview of all course requirements, helping students chart their path to completing their degree. These sheets are specific to the year the student entered the program.
Courses
Some examples of courses that students in the GPHS program may take include:
- Nutrition and Health Equity (NS 4510)
- Nutrition and Global Health (NS 3060)
- Epidemiology (NS 3600)
Career Paths
Graduates of the GPHS program have a wide range of career opportunities, including:
- Health education
- International health
- Infectious disease
- Environmental health
- Health policy management
- Epidemiology and biostatistics
- Public service
- Research
- Social entrepreneurship
Graduate/Professional School
The GPHS program prepares students for graduate education in fields such as medicine, public health, allied health sciences, law, and business. Some graduates pursue Master’s programs in Biomedical Sciences or Public Health.
Sample Career Paths
Examples of career paths for GPHS graduates include:
- Analyst, ClearView Healthcare Partners
- Clinical research analyst, Northwell Health
- Implementation project manager, Epic
- Intake coordinator, America Works of New York
- Program coordinator, Mt. Sinai Health System
- Public health fellow, Skorton Center for Health Initiatives at Cornell Health
- Research fellow, National Cancer Institute
- Strategy analyst, Deloitte
Research Opportunities
Students in the GPHS program have the opportunity to develop, implement, and analyze research inquiries as part of a faculty research team or through independent research projects. The DNS Honors Program is also available for students looking to grow their research skills.
Faculty
The faculty in the GPHS program are renowned experts in their fields, with research focuses including:
- Community-based interventions to promote nutrition security
- Local agriculture and food insecurity
- Urban food environments
- Nutrition and health equity
- Adolescents
- Community-based interventions
By providing a comprehensive education in global and public health sciences, the GPHS program at Cornell University prepares students to make a positive impact on public health through outreach, education, advocacy, and health policy. With its strong foundation in the life and physical sciences, complemented by coursework in epidemiology and biostatistics, this program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the complex health challenges facing communities around the world.