2024 Seniors Priya Karumanchi, Diego Robles, and Lexi Kaufman sharing the HSSP UDR spotlight.
"My first public health course expanded my understanding of disease beyond scientific conceptualizations to include the sociological and structural determinants of health. Since I aspire to work in healthcare, I appreciate HSSP's holistic teaching approach, preparing me to improve the healthcare system.” - Diego Robles, '24.
"I discovered HSSP through taking an interesting medical sociology elective. HSSP's interdisciplinary curriculum/requirements led me to diverse classes from many different departments like Anthropology and Legal Studies, while continuing to take the science classes I wanted." — Priya Karumanchi ’24
“I have always wanted to go into medicine. Studying HSSP has given me a better idea of how healthcare functions within different income levels and cities around the country to better cater to the needs and backgrounds of your patients.” — Lexi Kaufman ’24
Health: Science, Society, and Policy (HSSP) is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program that draws from three of the major strengths of Brandeis: the life sciences, the social sciences of health, and the health policy of the Heller School.
There are few programs like HSSP in the country; the emphasis is studying multiple perspectives on health and health care. The many disciplines of HSSP contribute to our current understanding of human health and disease. This program will help students understand the biological underpinnings of health, illness and disability, as well as their social, political, legal and economic dimensions. International cases and examples are integrated into the study of these issues in the United States.
HSSP Degrees and Beyond
Students may choose to earn a degree in HSSP as either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a minor. Learn how to declare (or change) your HSSP major or minor.
By undertaking this broad, interdisciplinary study of health, students prepare themselves for a variety of educational and professional opportunities. Graduates of the HSSP program go on to careers in the fields of medicine, dentistry, public health, clinical therapy, social work, genetic counseling, biomedical research, law, social policy, and public service — among many others.
Students who are considering a future master's degree at Brandeis may want to explore two five-year HSSP/Heller degree programs:
Both of these programs enable HSSP BA & BS students to complete their undergraduate degree alongside a master's degree within five years.
Student Experience
Pictured: HSSP and Biology Major Farzana Parveen ’19
What’s it like doing research as a student in the neuroscience lab of a Nobel Prize winner?
Several Brandeis undergraduate and graduate students summed up the experience: Thrilling!