Program Overview
Understanding how social conditions influence health outcomes is increasingly important for communities, public institutions, and health systems. A health and society degree explores how social environments, cultural practices, economic inequality, and public policy shape health and well-being across populations. Students examine the relationships among social structures, healthcare access, community resources, and health outcomes, preparing them to analyze complex health challenges in local and global contexts.
Through this interdisciplinary program, students combine perspectives from anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology. The curriculum emphasizes how social determinants—such as income, education, race, environment, and access to care—affect health patterns. A health and society degree helps students develop the analytical skills necessary to understand these connections and design strategies that promote healthier communities.
The program also prepares students for roles in prevention, outreach, and program evaluation. Coursework often overlaps with topics found in a community health degree, including population health, community-based interventions, and health disparities. By studying how institutions and social systems influence wellness, students gain a broader perspective than clinical training alone can provide.
Students pursuing this program engage with topics such as health inequality, healthcare systems, aging populations, global health, and the social factors that shape disease prevention and treatment. These areas of study align closely with fields represented in a community health major, giving students exposure to the social science foundations that inform public health initiatives and community programs.
A central focus of the curriculum is understanding how communities respond to health challenges. Students analyze data on health trends, examine how public policies affect health outcomes, and explore ways to improve access to care. These analytical approaches mirror many skills developed in a community health degree, including research interpretation, community assessment, and program planning.
Students also gain experience examining the role of institutions such as hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies in shaping health outcomes. A health and society degree prepares students to evaluate how these systems interact with social inequalities, influencing the distribution of health resources and opportunities.
To complete the degree, students fulfill a 3-credit-hour capstone requirement. Capstone options allow students to tailor their final academic experience to their goals, and include a senior seminar in liberal arts and sciences, an internship exploration course, or — for students completing departmental honors — a capstone in sociology. This culminating experience ties together the analytical and interdisciplinary skills developed throughout the program.
Learn more about KU
Undergraduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Health & Society, BA/BGSKU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Bachelor’s in Health and Society is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, home to a collaborative and creative community making the world better through inquiry and research.Bachelor’s in Health and Society Learning Outcomes
Students completing the health and society degree will develop a strong understanding of how social factors shape health outcomes and community well-being. Graduates will be able to:
- Differentiate between perspectives and approaches to health, and critically evaluate how social factors shape the distribution of health and health behaviors across populations.
- Describe the structure and operation of U.S. healthcare systems, and explain how healthcare systems, policies, and social factors interact to shape health outcomes.
- Analyze social and health data through the systematic application of diverse social science research methods.
- Synthesize information from across disciplines, communicate findings to diverse stakeholders, and use that knowledge to evaluate and inform strategies that address health disparities.
What Careers are Possible with a Bachelor’s in Health and Society?
Graduates with a health and society degree pursue a variety of careers that address population health, community well-being, and health policy. Because the program focuses on social determinants of health, graduates are well prepared for roles in community organizations, public health initiatives, and health advocacy. Some common career paths include:
- Community health program coordinator
- Public health outreach specialist
- Health policy analyst
- Patient advocacy coordinator
- Nonprofit program manager
- Health education specialist
- Research assistant in population health studies
Many graduates also continue their education in graduate or professional programs such as public health, healthcare administration, social work, or law. Students exploring community health degree jobs often find opportunities in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare systems working to improve access to care and reduce health disparities.
Labor market data from Lightcast shows strong demand for professionals with knowledge of population health, community outreach, and health program coordination. Students considering long-term career planning often explore roles related to health and society major jobs in policy, research, and health program management.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition rates for the health and society degree vary based on residency status and enrollment pathway. The University of Kansas offers scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities to support students financially. For more information, visit KU Financial Aid.Admission Requirements
All students interested in the health and society degree program must meet the standard University of Kansas admission requirements for incoming freshman and transfer students. This includes:
Freshman
- 3.25 high school GPA OR 2.0 GPA and 21+ ACT
Transfer
- Assured admission with 24+ transferrable credit hours with a 2.5+ GPA from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
For detailed admission requirements, visit KU Admissions.
Student Life and Learning Experiences
Students pursuing a health and society degree benefit from an engaging academic environment that encourages research, collaboration, and community involvement.
Learning experiences often include:
- Participation in faculty-led research projects on health disparities and social determinants of health
- Internships with community organizations, healthcare providers, or nonprofit agencies
- Service-learning projects focused on improving community well-being
- Student organizations related to sociology, public service, and health advocacy
These opportunities allow students to build practical experience similar to what students might encounter in a community health major, while strengthening their research, communication, and leadership skills.
Bachelor’s in Health and Society Sample Courses
Course offerings vary by semester, but students in the health and society degree may take courses such as:
- Introduction to Health and Society
- Sociology of Health and Medicine
- Introduction to Social Research
- Building Healthy Communities
- Pediatric Health and Health Promotion
These courses reflect themes commonly studied in a community health degree, emphasizing research, policy analysis, and community engagement. For a comprehensive list of courses and detailed descriptions, please review the KU Catalog.
Bachelor’s in Health and Society Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications are open and accepted on a rolling basis.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in four years.
Is the degree completely remote?
The degree is available on-campus