Why every Oregon State student should take a College of Health Core Education course
Whatever your major, College of Health Core Ed courses build real skills and show you how health connects to your future.
Build skills that matter across every major
No matter what you're studying, understanding human health and well-being can strengthen your college experience and your future career.
Oregon State’s College of Health Core Education (Core Ed) courses invite students from every academic path to explore the connections between health, equity and the human experience.
These classes go beyond traditional lectures. You'll engage in discussions and projects on topics such as well-being, family dynamics, environmental health, nutrition and social justice — and build transferable skills like critical thinking, teamwork, communication and problem-solving
“After taking HDFS 262, I decided to switch from psychology to an HDFS major. The class helped me realize what background knowledge I'd need for the career I want in medical social work."
Makaila Fritz
Human development and family sciences student
Discover connections to your field of study
If you're preparing for a career in education, psychology or the social sciences, these courses offer deeper insight into how people grow, learn and thrive within diverse communities.
If you're interested in healthcare or the sciences, you'll explore how biological, environmental and social factors shape health outcomes — a valuable foundation for anyone pursuing research, medicine or health professions.
If your studies focus on business, policy, communication or design, you’ll examine how health and equity connect with leadership, innovation and social impact.
And if you're in exploratory studies, these courses can help you uncover new interests and clarify career goals. By engaging with topics that touch on physical, mental and community health, you may discover how your strengths and passions connect to fields such as health promotion, human services and public policy.
Make learning real and relevant
Many College of Health Core Ed courses include service-learning, creative assignments and hands-on projects that connect classroom ideas to real-world issues. You might analyze a public health campaign, volunteer with a community organization or design a solution to improve access to healthy food.
Here are a few examples of College of Health Core Ed courses open to all majors:
H 119 Unpacking Life Expectancy in the U.S. (Social Processes and Institutions)
Explore the surprising factors that shape how long people live across different communities.
HDFS 262 Introduction to Human Services (Difference, Power and Oppression – Foundational)
Learn how social systems, inequality and policy influence how people access care and resources.
KIN 280 Talk, Move, Thrive: Communication for Active Learning (Communication, Media and Society)
Discover how physical activity connects to mental health, culture and identity.
NUTR 216 Food and Culture (Arts and Humanities – Global)
Explore how food reflects identity, belief systems and cultural values across the globe.
These classes fulfill Oregon State’s Core Education requirements, helping you stay on track for graduation while exploring meaningful, relevant topics.
Learn how health connects us all
College of Health Core Ed courses help you see how your field — and your future — fit into the broader goal of promoting the health of our communities and our planet. You'll leave with a stronger sense of purpose and the confidence to make a positive difference wherever your path leads.
Add a College of Health Core Ed course to your schedule and discover how health connects us all.
Add a College of Health Core Ed course to your schedule and discover how health connects us all.
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