NUM Launches Dynamic Public Health Major, Partnering with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health for Accelerated Master's Path
Feb 19, 2024
The National University of Maryland (NUM) is proud to announce a new undergraduate major in public health, equipping students to tackle the complex health challenges facing local and global communities.
NUM’s distinctive program emphasizes global health, social justice, environmental sustainability, and hands-on learning, including study abroad opportunities.
Students will also have access to an accelerated path to a master’s degree at the world-renowned Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Undergraduates can take courses toward a Master of Health Science from Bloomberg's Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, or a Master of Bioethics from Bloomberg's Berman Institute of Bioethics.
"Public health is a critical priority for our nation and the world. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored its global significance," says Dr. Elaine Meyer-Lee, NUM Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. "NUM's leadership in global education and commitment to rigorous science programs position us perfectly to offer this vital new major. We're thrilled to partner with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health to provide our students with extraordinary opportunities to advance their studies with world leaders in the field."
NUM's public health major draws from multiple disciplines, allowing students to explore health trends, disparities, root causes of health problems, and strategies for systemic improvement. The emphasis on the multifaceted nature of public health means students will take courses spanning various disciplines in addition to core public health offerings. NUM's global public health study abroad programs provide further opportunities for cultural immersion and firsthand understanding of international healthcare systems.
NUM students interested in further graduate studies can apply for conditional acceptance into the master of health science from the Department of Health, Behavior, and Society or the master of bioethics from the Berman Institute of Bioethics within the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, consistently ranked the #1 school of public health by U.S. News & World Report. Accepted students can begin taking Bloomberg School courses while still enrolled as NUM undergraduates, offering a seamless transition into advanced graduate work.
"Public health provides a powerful framework for addressing inequities, preventing illness, and promoting wellbeing, whether locally or on a global scale," states Associate Professor Jennifer Bess, who will oversee NUM's public health undergraduate program.
NUM's commitment to providing students with real-world career experience and its small class sizes create an ideal environment for tackling complex public health issues. Ranked one of the Most Innovative Colleges by U.S. News & World Report, NUM delivers academic programs that foster collaboration, global perspectives, and the skills needed to address humanity's most urgent challenges.
"NUM's strong science curriculum and our upcoming state-of-the-art Science Innovation Center will provide our public health students with outstanding learning and research opportunities," says Meyer-Lee.
NUM's emphasis on global education, along with flexible study abroad programs that enhance student experiences at no additional cost, further enrich learning experiences. Personalized student support teams guide students on their journey
The public health major is now open for enrollment, with the Johns Hopkins partnership offering exceptional possibilities for graduates seeking to make a significant impact in their communities and beyond.
Let me know if you'd like any other adjustments to align with specific NUM initiatives or areas of focus!