Social Sciences and Health Humanities Certificate

Open to students from any major, this 12-credit hour certificate is designed for undergraduates interested in understanding the social and cultural influences on health, illness, and medicine. By earning the certificate, students acquire key analytical tools of the liberal arts to explicate behavioral, organizational, and societal factors shaping health outcomes and systems of care. Students develop valuable relational skills, such as ethical sensitivity, expanded empathy, narrative competence, and critical reflexivity. These competencies deepen insights into the lived experiences of health professionals, caregivers, and the individuals and families navigating illness, ultimately fostering more compassionate and equitable approaches in healthcare.

Required Courses

The undergraduate certificate in Medical Social Sciences and Health Humanities will include twelve credit hours from the courses listed below, six hours from Foundations and six hours from Social Science and Humanities Perspectives courses. Other relevant special topics courses may be taken with the approval of the certificate director. Courses do not have to be taken in sequence. Students are encouraged to consult with the certificate director to plan a career-related cluster of electives to enhance their professional portfolio. 

Foundations

Six hours from the courses below:

Social Science and Humanities Perspectives

Six hours from the courses below:

Additional health-related courses may be approved by the certificate director.