This degree is for individuals who desire the freedom and responsibility to design their own educational path. USC students, living in urban Los Angeles, have access to a myriad of research and volunteer experiences to complement their academic course work. The Health and Human Sciences major encourages the inquiry skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the evolving disciplines of health, science and medicine.
The field of health care, including medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and allied health providers, has changed so dramatically over the last 25 years that our traditional approach to training undergraduates has become obsolete. The traditional biology degree does not adequately provide the student with the knowledge to pursue a career in health. Preparing for a career in health requires an interdisciplinary approach with a foundation of science. As stated by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), doctors must be able to appreciate the diverse populations they work with and “have a clear understanding of the impact of behavior on health.” This requires understanding how psychological, cultural, social, economic, ethical and biological factors influence our lives and most importantly, our health.
The Health and Human Sciences curriculum combines all of the necessary science, social science, humanities and critical thinking concepts, as well as field experience, in order to educate a broadly thinking and prepared student. The major is designed so that every student will be able to choose a semester abroad program as a component of this major.
This major is open to all students. Students are not required to pursue a pre-health track to declare this major.
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