Here in the School of Public Health, we are proud to promote and protect health for all. We are guided by our vision, mission, values, and goals. We are large enough to fit your student’s interests, and small enough to feel like home. We have many unique opportunities available to students from global health experiences to professional development for health careers.
The School of Public Health offers five undergraduate majors that prepare students to recognize and understand the world’s most pressing health problems and to play a practical role in tackling these grand challenges:
- In Family Science, students study family relationships and their impact on health and wellbeing.
- In Global Health, students study health challenges across borders, sciences, cultures, and environments.
- In Kinesiology, students study movement, sports, and physical activity for health and human performance.
- In Public Health Practice, students study community-engaged research and programs to promote public health equity.
- In Public Health Science, students study public health exploration through the lens of scientific inquiry.
We also offer three minors through the Department of Kinesiology: Biomechanics and Motor Control, Exercise Physiology, and Sport, Commerce, and Culture.
School of Public Health students who wish to continue their education are eligible for several dual degree programs, including the very popular BS+MPH Accelerated Program where students can start their Master of Public Health degree during their senior year, saving them time and money.
FAQs
How does SPHL supports students?
We are dedicated to helping your student transition successfully. If your student is joining one of our majors as a freshman beginning in the fall semester, they will take a 1-credit (about 1 hour per week) freshman transition course called UNIV100 The Student in the University.
We have offerings of this course exclusively for School of Public Health students with around 20 students in each class, and they are taught by School of Public Health advisors. In this class we cover topics like transitioning to college, time management, identity, college resources, and graduation planning. Transfer students also have the option to take a version of this course designed specifically for them called UNIV106 The Transfer Student in the University.
What academic advising is available?
The School of Public Health offers two layers of academic advising support for students:
- The Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA) is the School’s central advising office where all SPH students can go for general advising and questions, policy concerns, major exploration, or if they are unsure what help they need. CASA also provides advising for student athletes and students on academic probation.
- Each major also has advisors who can assist students with major-specific questions such as class scheduling, study abroad, and internships.
Incoming students will meet with both CASA and major advisors during new student orientation in order to determine their classes for their first semester and complete their scheduling. Students will meet with advisors periodically through their academic journey and are able to schedule additional meetings as needed.
Students are typically able to meet with any advisor they prefer, or whoever is first available. All advisors are available via appointment in the TerpEngage platform, and each advising team offers drop-in advising hours. Students can find information about advising appointments and drop-in hours for their major on their major’s webpage.
How can I best support my student’s academic journey?
- Encourage them to take charge of their learning and college experience, to use their resources, to seek help from advisors, and of course to read their school emails!
- Encourage students to connect with their academic advisor as a first point of contact, regardless of the issue.
- Provide emotional support and understanding during challenging academic times.
- Promote independence and self-advocacy.
Email: sphadvising@umd.edu
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