Public Health

Berkeley 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. Students may submit a Public Health Elective Petition on  the Curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts in Public Health Program page under the “Public Health Elective Petition Process” section. 

 

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. Most student submissions have been approved. Elective petitions are reviewed within a month, sometimes earlier. Students may submit a petition before, during, or after their time abroad. 

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?

Public Health majors may take courses that count towards the 10 elective units as long as they have been approved to count towards the elective units. There is no unit maximum for how many units can count towards this requirement; however at least 4 of the 10 units must be upper-division coursework. Other major requirements must be completed at UC Berkeley: Data C8, Public Health core classes, and senior capstone.

If Data Science determines there is UCEAP coursework equivalent to Data C8, Public Health will also accept the coursework. 

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?

Yes, on the Curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts in Public Health Program page under “Study Abroad Approved Electives List” - approved courses expire after 5 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?

Our study abroad sample plans are available here: Undergraduate Resources - UC Berkeley Public Health. Public Health does not recommend studying abroad in the Spring semester since some of the core classes are offered Spring only and are requirements for our 4+1 MPH Program and Senior Honors Thesis program. 

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

Declared Public Health majors may submit an Elective Petition that can be found  on the Curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts in Public Health Program page under the “Public Health Elective Petition Process” section. Petitions can be submitted prior to taking the course, while taking the course, or after having completed the course. 

Students will submit syllabi (or any other relevant course materials) of the course they are petitioning and of an already approved Public Health elective. There is space for students to explain how the course they are petitioning fits with the Public Health curriculum. Students are typically notified of the decision within a month. 
 

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

Yes, students are eligible to participate in our Public Health Honors Thesis program after UCEAP if they are able to commit to two semesters (Fall and Spring) during their last year at Berkeley and are able to meet the following requirements: 

  • An overall GPA of 3.5* or above at the end of their Junior year,
  • An Upper Division in the Major GPA of 3.5 or above at the end of their Junior year,
  • Successful completion of PH 142 by the end of their Junior year,
  • Successful completion of PH 150A by the end of their Junior year.

PH 150A is a Spring only course so students will need to plan accordingly. There is an application the Spring of their junior year where students must identify a mentor and submit a signed Memorandum of Understanding. 

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.)?

Public Health does not place any holds on declared Public Health majors. The College of L&S places an Undeclared at 90+ Units Hold prior to their next semester’s registration period. If these students are intended Public Health majors and are abroad, Public Health advising can be done via email or Zoom. 

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

Students will want to prioritize their senior capstone enrollment and plan in advance if they would want to participate in the 4+1 MPH Program or  Senior Honors Thesis program since studying abroad in their final semester may impact their eligibility for these programs. 

Senior capstones must be completed within the final two semesters at UC Berkeley so students should be sure to Phase 1 their capstone or reach out to a Public Health academic advisor if they are trying to enroll in a capstone and have term 6 on their CalCentral.

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 or Fall semester. They can reach out to a Peer Advisor or academic advisor to discuss 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. All approved courses are listed under the “Study Abroad Approved Electives List” here - Curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts in Public Health Program. Approved classes expire after five years. 

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

Previously approved courses that students have petitioned can be found under “Study Abroad Approved Electives List” here - Curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts in Public Health Program. Individual classes are approved and expire after five years.

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 above. Declared Public Health majors may submit an Elective Petition that can be found  on the Curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts in Public Health Program page under the “Public Health Elective Petition Process” section. Petitions can be submitted prior to taking the course, while taking the course, or after having completed the course. 

Students will submit syllabi (or any other relevant course materials) of the course they are petitioning and of an already approved Public Health elective. There is space for students to explain how the course they are petitioning fits with the Public Health curriculum. Students are typically notified of the decision within a month.