Pre-Public Health to Public Health in 4 Simple Steps
As you may or may not know, Public Health is classified by the University as a professional major. Much like the Nursing and Business UA programs, every student starts out in our college as a Pre-Public Health student. After meeting certain prerequisites, students apply to the professional major of Public Health and then take remaining coursework. Here are the steps you can works towards to be on track for graduation.
01 Complete the Prerequisite Classes!
In order to apply to the professional major you need to have 5 or fewer credits remaining in the following prerequisite coursework:
- Two semesters of First Year Composition
- Two semesters of a Second Language (or demonstrated competence to this level)
- College Algebra or higher
- Two semesters of Chemistry with a lab
- One semester of Biology with a lab
- One semester of Nutrition
- Personal Health and Wellness
- Introduction to Public Health
Please note that you do need to earn a minimum of a C grade in every prerequisite course. Your goal is to have completed or currently be taking enough classes that you have 5 or fewer prerequisite credits remaining.
02 Maintain a 2.5 GPA!
In order to make the transition from Pre-Public Health to Public Health you need to have a UA GPA of 2.500 or higher. This is a firm GPA requirement.
03 Consider the Timing of your Application (hint: apply as soon as you are eligible to!)
How do you know it's time for you to apply for major admission?
It is time if:
- You have met the prerequisite requirements.
- You'd like to make progress towards graduation and wish to start taking 400-level courses. Due to demand, public health 400 level classes are restricted to students in the professional major. In order to not delay graduation, be sure to allow for a minimum of two semesters in the professional major.
- If you are a main campus student, you should also consider applying as soon as possible if you would like to apply for public health scholarships and/or take on student leadership positions. Being part of the professional major is often a requirement for public health scholarship eligibility and for holding leadership positions in our college organizations.
Main campus students: do note, when classified as part of the professional major, there is differential tuition of a $50/credit. Talk with your academic advisor about a strategy for your application timing so that you can maximize opportunities that come from being in the major (e.g., scholarship eligibility).
04 Complete the Application!
The application to the professional major is found here (note that there are application deadlines for each semester).
We look forward to receiving your application and have you join the professional major!