Public Health Courses

College of Health

Public health courses at Oregon State focus on improving health at the community, population and global levels.

You’ll examine how social, environmental and policy factors shape health outcomes, and develop skills to prevent disease, promote well-being and advance health equity. These courses support careers and graduate pathways in public health, healthcare administration, policy and related fields.

  

This page doesn't list every course we offer. If you don't see a course you are looking for, refer to the OSU catalog and schedule of classes.

  • A sequence of diverse figures representing the human lifespan, illustrating the continuous concept of human development.

    H 119 Unpacking Life Expectancy in the U.S.

    Core Ed: Social Science

    Wonder why people in other countries live longer? In H 119, explore how health, policy and social issues affect life expectancy — and your own future.

  • A diverse group of students enjoying campus life and social connection.

    H 225 Social Determinants of Health

    Core Ed: Difference, Power, and Oppression Foundations
    Bacc Core: Social Processes & Institutions

    In H 225 Social Determinants of Health, you’ll explore how where people live, work, learn and age impacts their chances of staying healthy or getting sick.

  • A wide shot of a university campus surrounded by forests and mountains, representing the beauty of the university's location.

    H 244 Science of Human and Planetary Health

    Core Ed: Scientific Inquiry and Analysis

    Learn how you can help create a healthier, more sustainable future. Explore how climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss affect human health in this solutions-focused course.

  • Students collaborating and discussing materials, illustrating the engagement and teamwork in a university course.

    H 249 Bridging the Gap: Science Communication and Health Literacy

    Core Ed: Communication, Media and Society

    Explore how to communicate health and science in ways that connect. Learn to design campaigns, tackle misinformation and speak to diverse audiences. Open to all majors.

  • A raised fist over a crowd of demonstrators, symbolizing social justice, activism, and resistance.

    H 256 Silence Equals Death: HIV Stigma to Global Social Movement

    Core Ed: Social Science

    Uncover how activism, policy and community response shaped the HIV/AIDS crisis — and why those lessons still matter in health and social justice today.

  • Students participating in a collaborative learning session for public health courses, illustrating the program's emphasis on teamwork, peer engagement, and modern educational environments.

    H 264 Health and AI

    Take H 264 Health and AI at Oregon State. Explore no-code AI tools for health, assess bias and ethics, and learn how AI affects individuals, communities and healthcare systems.

  • Two female students sit on wide wooden steps in a modern campus building, concentrating on their laptops while wearing earbuds or headphones.

    H 299 Born in the U.S.A: Maternal and Child Health in America

    Created in response to student interest, H 299 explores reproductive, maternal and child health in the U.S. with Marit Bovbjerg, PhD, a reproductive epidemiologist and birth outcomes expert.

  • A professional interacts with a digital interface that organizes medical data and files using AI technology, representing modern healthcare innovation.

    H 301 Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

    Take H 301 at Oregon State. Learn AI basics for healthcare, analyze case studies and assess reliability, equity and implementation challenges in an online course.

  • A student conducting field research and data collection on a misty beach, illustrating hands-on environmental study.

    H 344 Foundations of Environmental Health

    Bacc Core: Contemporary Global Issues

    Explore H 344 Foundations of Environmental Health at Oregon State. Connect environmental science, policy and human health as you study pollution, climate change and strategies for global well-being.

  • A student shakes hands with a professor, representing a positive mentorship or advising relationship.

    H 419 Professionalism and Leadership in Public Health

    Core Ed: Beyond OSU Career Integration

    H 419 helps public health majors explore careers, build resumes and grow as leaders. Fulfills Beyond OSU I and II Core Ed categories and includes real-world experience.

  • A student interacting with a digital learning platform that features cultural and community-focused artwork, illustrating the intersection of technology and collaborative health education.

    H 470 Public Health Equity and Social Justice in the U.S.

    Core Ed: Difference, Power, and Oppression Advanced

    H 470 equips you with powerful frameworks and practical skills to address health inequities in the United States.

  • Two students studying together, with a notebook open showing green virus-like illustrations.

    HHS 120 Disease Detectives

    Core Ed: Scientific Inquiry and Analysis

    Curious why some people get sick and others don’t? In HHS 120 Disease Detectives, you’ll explore real health mysteries, learn to track outbreaks and discover how public health saves lives.