Health: Science, Society, and Policy Program

The HSSP Bachelor's Degree: Preparation for Your Future

Through the Health: Science, Society, and Policy (HSSP) program, you will explore wellness, disease and treatment through a multidisciplinary lens.

Whether you earn a bachelor of arts (BA), a bachelor of science (BS) or a minor, you will be exposed not only to the biological underpinnings of human health but also to the complex interplay of behavioral, socioeconomic, political and environmental factors that affect it. You will learn about health care systems and public health policy development and implementation. And you will gain real-world experience through a required internship or independent research project. If you’re planning to go into the health professions, HSSP can serve as a pre-med option.

By undertaking this broad, interdisciplinary study of health, you’ll prepare yourself for a variety of professional opportunities. Our graduates pursue careers in such varied fields as medicine, dentistry, nursing, social work, genetic counseling, biomedical research, public health and public policy, health administration, health advocacy and law.

Why HSSP at Brandeis?

There are few programs like HSSP in the country. Launched in 2003, ours draws on three major strengths at Brandeis: life sciences, social sciences and the Heller School for Social Policy and Management. The diversity of faculty interests — from the sociology of disability to epigenetics to health law — reflects this interdisciplinary approach.

A core requirement for major and minors is the course Introduction to Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Population Health, content rarely offered to undergraduates. Our hands-on experience requirement equips you with invaluable exposure to a real-world context. You’ll find Brandeis’ signature emphasis on social justice is reflected in our program as you explore the social determinants of health and health disparities as well as bioethical questions.

Academics and Research & Teaching

Faculty Excellence

Internships and Study Abroad

Graduate Study, Careers and Alumni

“"I was so grateful to be given the responsibility to spearhead a research project and witness the passion the lab has for research and medical advancement. I'm so excited our paper was finally published."”

Madeline Engeler ’16