1. What is the academic study of Medicine, Health, and Society (MHS)? The interdisciplinary undergraduate program draws on a variety of fields in the social sciences and humanities to study health and health care in their social and cultural contexts. MHS-related disciplines include anthropology, economics, history, literature, psychology, sociology, philosophy/ethics, and religious studies. The program will be of particular interest to students preparing for careers in a health-related profession but will also have much to offer any student open to examining an important part of the human experience from multiple perspectives and developing a critical understanding of contemporary society. The program is offered by the Center for Medicine, Health and Society.
2. Are there first-year seminars and other special programs in MHS?
MHS is offering a first year seminar Fall 2008 (MHS 115F). Other seminars may count for elective credit in the MHS program with approval of Director. For other special programs, see #3 below.
3. What special features of your program would you like undergraduates to know about?
Foundation Course MHS 201: Fundamental Issues in Medicine, Health, and Society
A multidisciplinary introduction to the study of medicine, health, and society, drawing on the perspectives of anthropology, economics, history, literature, political science and policy studies, philosophy, religious studies, and sociology. Guest lectures by representatives of the various disciplines. Offered Fall.
Please see our Events schedule for lectures, seminars and special events sponsored by the Center for Medicine, Health and Society.
4.What course(s) would you recommend to an underclassman who was interested in majoring in MHS?
One of the core courses described within the major requirements.
5.What undergraduate degrees are offered? The Program in Medicine, Health, and Society offers an major consisting of a minimum of 36 hours of course work. MHS also offers a minor consisting of a minimum of 18 hours of course work. The MHS Honors Program offers superior students a more intensive concentration within their major field.
7. When should a freshman who is interested in declaring MHS as their major meet with an MHS advisor? Freshman should work with their pre-advisor and ask them to help choose courses that satisfy AXLE requirements and count for MHS credit. Once you are a sophomore and declare your major, you will be assigned an MHS advisor who can help you plan your course schedule.
8. Can students do independent study and research in your area?
Yes. MHS 296 (Independent Study) is a program of reading and/or research in one area of MHS studies to be selected in consultation with an adviser. Subject to the approval of the Director or Associate Director of the MHS program. Opportunities for independent work are also available through MHS 293 (Internship) and MHS 294 (Service Learning). Click here for an explanation of the differences between these courses.
9. What type of graduate training is available in your field?
Students with an undergraduate degree in MHS studies can study for a professional degree in medicine, law, and other areas, or for a Ph.D. in an MHS-related discipline such as anthropology, economics, history, literature, or sociology. The Center for Medicine, Health, and Society is now offering an interdisciplinary M.A. in MHS studies, which would ordinarily be combined with a professional degree or Ph.D.
10. What kinds of careers do students with a major in MHS enter?
The program is new, so we have no data as yet on the careers of MHS graduates. We expect that many will pursue careers in medicine and public health, and that others will choose business, law, or an academic field such as economics, history, literature or sociology. Current students have indicated an interest in the following careers: Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Law, Public Health, Global Development and Healthcare Administration.
For more information, please contact Lynn Lentz. 2008
