Public Health

The School of Public Health has provided information for students who plan to study abroad. Review your department’s responses to the Major Advising Questionnaires below, then contact the department directly with any additional questions.

Advising Resources

Study Abroad Information on the Public Health Website 

Public Health Advising Contact Information

Major-Specific Info

The Public Health department encourages students to expand their academic and cultural experiences by participating in Berkeley Study Abroad (BSA). As the field of Public Health continues to grow, it is more important than ever that students gain a global perspective. With careful academic planning, students can broaden their view of Public Health while staying on track to completing their degree. 

Why study abroad?

Studying abroad provides a great opportunity for Public Health majors to understand their coursework in a broader context. Being exposed to a variety of different cultures and experiences provides students with new perspectives, both in and out of the classroom.  

In addition to expanding their worldview, students will prepare for a career in an internationally competitive world and enhance their experience for jobs and graduate school.

Highlights to studying abroad include:

  • Developing self-confidence and independence
  • Taking advantage of unique academic and research/field opportunities
  • Participating in a different educational system and gaining new cultural perspectives
  • Advancing cross-cultural and problem-solving skills
  • Increasing proficiency in another language
When can I study abroad?

The particular semester(s) that students plan to study abroad depends on their individual progress in the major and what coursework students plan to complete abroad. Due to the timing of our Public Health core courses, it may be difficult for students to study abroad their final year. If possible, we suggest that students participate in programs during the summer. Please schedule an appointment with a Public Health adviser to create a program plan.

Where can I study abroad?

Public Health students have the opportunity to take their major elective courses while studying abroad. Students can find applicable coursework in a variety of countries and locations. Some of these locations are better suited to students interested in fieldwork while others will appeal to students for the classroom and course opportunities. Many of the BSA programs offer opportunities to get involved in the surrounding communities through internships and volunteer work. Several sites have structured internship programs and are especially well suited to accommodating Public Health related coursework.

The following are just a few of the locations where Public Health students have studied abroad:

  • Thammasat University (Thailand)
  • University of Ghana (Ghana)
  • University of Copenhagen (Denmark)
What classes can I take?

Students wanting to take major elective courses abroad should consult with a Public Health advisor. These courses should be comparable to those offered on our current Public Health elective list. Note: All Public Health Core courses must be taken at UC Berkeley.

Students should check in early for planning, keep in touch once their study abroad schedule has been finalized and, if requesting course credit in the major, plan a visit to the advising office promptly upon return.

If students plan to request approval for a general education course, they should meet with an advisor in the College of Letters and Science.

Berkeley Programs Questionnaire

Does your department currently sponsor a Berkeley Summer Abroad or Berkeley Global Internships program?

No.

Do any courses offered on a Berkeley Summer Abroad or Berkeley Global Internships program currently satisfy requirements within your major?

Courses from these programs may satisfy our Public Health elective requirements, providing that the abroad courses in question closely match the pre-approved elective courses. Please visit our website to view the “Public Health Elective Petition Process” at the following LINK. Only declared Public Health majors may petition a course and if the course is approved, it will be added to the Study Abroad Approved Electives List available on our Curriculum page. If you have further questions please email us at sphug@berkeley.edu.

UCEAP Programs Questionnaire

What is the maximum amount of major credit given for courses taken during UCEAP? Is this maximum calculated by number of courses or by units of credit?

Students in the Public Health major must take the five core courses, PH major capstone, and Data 8 here at Berkeley, but they are able to take elective courses through UCEAP, providing that the abroad courses in question are approved or closely match the pre-approved elective courses and are approved through the petition process. Note, from the ten elective units required for the major, at least four of the units must be upper division. 

Does your department maintain a list of courses previously awarded credit on UCEAP and/or a list of pre-approved courses for UCEAP programs? How do students access this information?

Please see the following LINK to the School of Public Health Undergraduate Curriculum page, section “Study Abroad Approved Electives List”. Note approved classes expire after five years.

Does your department have a 4-year or 2-year plan available to students that incorporates semester or year-length study abroad? How do students access this information?

Yes!  Our new sample plans are available on our website: publichealth.berkeley.edu/undergraduate for both four year/freshmen and transfer students.  Note that we do not recommend studying abroad in the Spring semester since some of the required core classes are offered Spring only.

What is the process in your department to have courses evaluated? What materials must be submitted? What is the timeframe for response?

Please visit our website to view the “Public Health Elective Petition Process” at the following LINK. Only declared Public Health majors may submit an elective petition. Petitions can be submitted prior to taking the course, while taking the course, or after having completed the course. Be sure to keep course materials such as syllabi, reading lists, etc. This in addition to the syllabus of an already approved elective will be required upon submitting an elective petition. Students are typically notified of the decision within a month. If you have further questions please email us at sphug@berkeley.edu.

Are students in your department able to undertake a senior honors thesis the semester following UCEAP participation?

Students are eligible to participate in our Public Health honors thesis after UCEAP if they are able to commit to two semesters (Fall and Spring) during their last year at Berkeley. Enrollment in both the Fall and Spring courses are required. Please note there are additional GPA requirements and prerequisites for the honors thesis (you must have a 3.5 GPA, complete PH 142 and PH 150A, and have identified a mentor with a signed MOU by the end of your junior year). Please speak with an advisor if you are planning to pursue an honors thesis and study abroad.  

Does your department calculate UCEAP grades into departmental GPA?

We include UCEAP grades if the course is being used to fulfill a major elective requirement.

Are UCEAP grades counted towards departmental honors?

No, students receive Public Health honors by completing the two semester Public Health honors thesis.

If you represent a department which teaches foreign language, does your department award major credit for the courses taken during the Intensive Language Program (ILP) portion of the UCEAP program?

N/A

Does the undergraduate adviser sign the UCEAP academic planning form, or must a faculty adviser sign?

The academic adviser signs the UCEAP planning form.

Does your department place Academic holds on declared majors prior to each registration period? If yes, what is your departmental policy on releasing advising holds for students currently abroad on UCEAP (e.g. is advising possible via email, skype, etc.)?

Students will receive an email from the department if they are receiving an advising hold prior to the registration period. If students are abroad on UCEAP, advising will be done via email or through a zoom appointment.

Do you have any department specific advice for students participating on a UCEAP program in their last term at Berkeley?

Due to the timing of our core courses, it may be difficult for students to study abroad in their final year. If possible, we suggest that students participate in programs during the summer. Please schedule an appointment with an adviser or peer advisor to create a program plan.

Independent Programs Questionnaire

Have any Independent programs been approved by your department and the Study Abroad Advisory board for credit in the major?

Yes!  Please see the following LINK to the School of Public Health Undergraduate Curriculum page, section “Study Abroad Approved Electives List”. Note approved classes expire after five years.  

Are there any pre-approved courses for your major from other UC summer abroad programs (UCLA, UCD, etc.)?

Individual classes are approved and expire after five years.  We do have a list of pre-approved electives for specific study abroad programs on our website publichealth.berkeley.edu/undergraduate under curriculum. Please email us at sphug@berkeley.edu if you have further questions. We encourage you to make an appointment with an adviser to plan your summer abroad.

What is the process to have a course from an Independent study abroad program evaluated for your major?

It is the same as an UCEAP elective petition process.  Please visit our website to view the “Public Health Elective Petition Process” at the following LINK. If you have further questions please email us at sphug@berkeley.edu.  Note approved classes expire after five years.