Navigating the Path to Public Health at UCLA: A Comprehensive Guide to Major Requirements

The UCLA Fielding School of Public Health (FSPH) offers two undergraduate majors: the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Public Health and the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Public Health, along with an undergraduate minor. These programs aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills to address pressing public health challenges, improve population health, and contribute to a healthier future for communities worldwide. As the UCLA General Catalog states, the most current, officially approved courses and curricula should be consulted for the most accurate information, as all aspects are subject to change or deletion without notice.

The Growing Importance of Public Health

The field of public health has experienced extraordinary levels of interest, particularly given its crucial role highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, public health researchers and practitioners have long been dedicated to enhancing population health through understanding the complex interplay of behavioral, biological, economic, environmental, and social factors that impact the health and wellness of communities at both local and global levels. From combating pandemics to advocating for policies that reduce mortality and disease, and working to reduce barriers to healthcare access, public health initiatives have achieved significant milestones. Major public health initiatives have demonstrated links between smoking and disease and the impacts of poor air, food, and water quality on health outcomes; and has slowed global pandemics like such as HIV/AIDS, and epidemics like such as Ebola, H1N1, MERS, SARS and Zika.

Choosing the Right Path: B.A. vs. B.S. in Public Health

Both the B.A. and B.S. programs in Public Health provide training in core public health concepts and approaches. These include defining public health issues, assessing populations, gathering evidence, analyzing data, and evaluating the effectiveness of public health interventions. Through coursework and a two-quarter capstone experience, students in both majors are equipped to pursue multiple career pathways or seek further graduate studies in the health sciences depending on their interests.

The B.A. in Public Health is designed for students with interests in the artistic, business, economic, legal, linguistic, media, and policy applications of public health, and who require a foundational scientific background to understand the health factors involved.

The B.S. in Public Health is tailored for students who are passionate about science-based approaches to public health. For students who complete all or a portion of the Life Science Core, the additional science preparation will equip them to take more science-focused upper division electives and select a capstone experience that draws on greater preparation in the sciences.

Admission Requirements and Considerations

Admission to both the B.A. and B.S. programs is competitive and based on a holistic review of student applications. The admissions committee evaluates each application based on progress toward completing the preparatory courses, overall academic performance, and interest in public health. A minimum GPA of 3.2 is required at the time of application.

Key factors considered during the admission process include:

Progress towards completing the required lower-division preparatory coursework at UCLA.
Grades achieved in preparatory coursework and overall academic performance.
Extracurricular activities demonstrating an interest in public health or related fields.
Responses to personal insight questions, showcasing a clear understanding of and passion for public health.

Students are classified as pre-majors until the lower-division preparation courses are completed at UCLA. Admission to this major is highly selective, as the number of applicants greatly exceeds space available. You must be admitted directly into this major.

Curriculum Overview and Key Components

The Public Health major offers a wide range of classes, encompassing various aspects of public health. Students take courses in community health, epidemiology, environmental health, biostatistics, health policy and management, and even do community-based internships to get hands-on experience in the field. There are also many electives to choose from within the major, letting you explore what interests you most and try out lots of more specific areas.

Lower-Division Preparatory Coursework

Applicants must complete specific lower-division preparatory coursework to be eligible for admission to either the B.A. or B.S. program. The specific courses required may vary, so it is essential to consult the UCLA General Catalog or the FSPH website for the most up-to-date information.

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Upper-Division Coursework

Once admitted to the major, students will complete a series of upper-division courses covering core public health disciplines. These courses provide a deeper understanding of key concepts and methodologies used in public health research and practice.

Capstone Experience

A highlight of both the B.A. and B.S. programs is the two-quarter capstone experience. This allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world public health challenges, often through research projects, internships, or community-based initiatives.

Key Considerations for Prospective Students

Direct Admission: Students must be admitted directly into the Public Health major; it is not possible to switch into the major after enrolling at UCLA.
Cohort Model: Admission to both majors is based on a cohort model; the School therefore does not allow students to double major.
Study Abroad: Public Health majors can study abroad during Summer.
Limited Enrollment: Because the public health major is relatively new, there aren’t nearly as many students enrolled in it as compared to many other majors at UCLA.
Small Cohort Size: The small cohort size has led to make genuine friendships with the other students in the major. Furthermore, the small size allows for so much one-on-one with faculty, advising, and more personal relationships at a large university.

Transfer Students

The UCLA Fielding School of Public Health has established degree requirements that largely mirror the requirements of the UCLA College. Transfer students who complete IGETC and submit their IGETC certification to UCLA Undergraduate Admission will be exempt from the School’s Writing I and II, Quantitative Reasoning, and General Education requirements.

Graduation Requirements

Students must earn a minimum of 180 units for the bachelor’s degree. At least 60 of the 180 units must be from upper division courses, numbered 100 through 199. A maximum of 216 units are permitted. To earn the bachelor's degree, students must earn at least a 2.0 ("C") grade-point average (GPA) in all UC coursework.

Resources and Support

The UCLA Fielding School of Public Health provides a supportive and inclusive environment for its students. Faculty and staff are committed to helping students succeed academically and professionally.

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Current UCLA undergraduate students can use the MyUCLA Message Center.

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