Once only available as a secondary major, the interdisciplinary program is now a solo degree option
Undergraduates in the School of Arts and Sciences can select community health as a primary major, starting this fall. It originally had been designated a secondary major, meaning students had to choose a primary major before pursuing another major in community health.
Jennifer Allen, director of the Community Health Program, says approval followed strong student advocacy and a commitment from the Arts and Sciences faculty, which gave the change the nod in October. “There is a real sense now that not only is this a viable major, but a desirable one, given the fact that it’s interdisciplinary, allowing students to look at health issues from a variety of perspectives.”
Generally, 65 to 70 students in each class choose community health as part of a double major. Allen expects those numbers to increase with the change in status. “I’m delighted students will be able to focus more deeply in this field while they are undergraduates,” she says.
