Program Director: Elizabeth Gray
The Milken Institute School of Public Health (SPH) interdisciplinary minor in public health allows students to design a minor related to the field of public health in consultation with a faculty advisory committee and the Public Health program director. The program offers students who have a clear career objective that falls outside of current minor options the opportunity to pursue a program of study that fits their own interests.
Visit the SPH minor programs website for additional information.
Students must have a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA to submit an Interdisciplinary Minor Application. The application consists of a proposal that includes the title of the proposed minor, a list of eight proposed courses (includes alternatives), and a one-page statement that describes the proposed minor, why existing minors do not support their academic goals, and background research on the proposed field of study (which may include similar programs at other universities or job descriptions outlining relevant coursework needed). The proposed minor should not be similar to any existing minor at GW (similar is defined as three or more courses collectively found in an existing minor). Students will also be required to supply the syllabi for all proposed courses (except for PUBH 1101) and a copy of their unofficial transcript when applying for the Interdisciplinary Minor. Once completed, the Interdisciplinary Minor application and all supporting materials must be submitted to the Faculty Advisory Committee for review. If the Interdisciplinary Minor application is approved, students whose home school is not GWSPH must submit their proposed program of study to their home school for approval (students whose home school is GWSPH do not need to submit additional materials once the Interdisciplinary Minor application is approved).
To drop the Interdisciplinary Minor, students must follow their home school’s procedures. For students whose home school is GWSPH, students can drop the Interdisciplinary Minor by completing the form found here.
GWSPH will not process requests to add or drop a minor in November or April.
Applications must be submitted no later than the start of the fall semester of the student’s junior/third year.
The following requirements must be fulfilled: A minimum of 18 credits, including at least 9 credits in public health course requirements and 9 credits in elective courses. Courses are selected by the student in consultation with the Public Health program director.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Public health course requirements | ||
| (at least 9 credits) | ||
| PUBH 1101 | Introduction to Public Health and Health Services | |
| Any two Public Health (PUBH), Exercise and Nutrition Sciences (EXNS), or Health and Wellness (HLWL) courses taken for 3 or 4 credits each for a total of 6 to 8 credits. | ||
| Electives | ||
| 9 credits in courses selected from any school, department, or subject that supports the proposed interdisciplinary minor. | ||