Health Systems and Policy Track
Public Health Undergraduate Program
Change the system, help more people
Corvallis Campus
Ecampus
Help build a health system that works for all
Explore how laws, policies and systems impact who gets access to care, how services are delivered, and why some communities face greater health challenges than others.
In the Health Systems and Policy Track, you’ll learn how health systems function, where they fall short, and how to create change that leads to healthier, more equitable communities.
What you’ll learn
- How to analyze and influence the laws, systems and policies that shape human health
- Why some populations live longer, healthier lives than others
- What you can do to fix gaps in access, equity and care
Sample courses
- Unpacking Life Expectancy in the US
- Introduction to the Health Care System
- Introduction to Health Policy
- Health Care Law and Regulation
- Public Health Equity and Social Justice
Your experience as a health systems and policy student
You'll take classes with supportive faculty, collaborate with peers who care about justice and equity, and gain real-world experience through a required internship.
Internships
With an internship built into the program, you’ll gain valuable experience and practical skills before you graduate.
Careers in health systems and policy
Whether you want to you want to become a become a lawyer, health policy analyst or advocate for better health systems, the Health Systems and Policy Track prepares you to lead change and improve lives at the systems level.
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Improving community health
“A lot of students who want to go to medical school think biology is the only option. Having a background in public health gave me a different perspective compared with other applicants and shows I have a passion for helping people.”
Isaac Derman, ’18
Majored in: Public Health
Now: Attending Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine
Related programs
Health Promotion and Health Behavior
In the Health Promotion and Health Behavior Track, you’ll learn about the many social and behavioral factors that impact our health, such as the physical environment, access to health care and education, economic stability and more
Public Health Science
The Public Health Science Track is designed for future researchers, analysts and epidemiologists who want to understand the why and how behind health challenges.
Pre-Med/Pre-Clinical
The Pre-Med/Pre-Clinical Track prepares you for health care careers while helping you see the bigger picture through public health, equity and systems thinking.
Minors and certificates
A health minor or certificate will give you unique skills and perspectives on how to ensure health and well-being for all — in any future career.
Accelerated Master's Program
The Accelerated Master's Program allows current OSU undergraduate students to take graduate classes and apply those credits to their current undergraduate degree and transfer them to a participating graduate program.
Master of Public Health Program
The Oregon State Master of Public Health program will prepare you to create a meaningful difference in the lives of people, families and communities.
Contact us
Have questions about classes, clubs or campus life? Our peer ambassadors are happy to help. Call or email them.
For program or admissions info, email the College of Health recruitment team.
Accreditation
Our BS, MPH and PhD Public Health programs are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. This distinction ensures your education meets the nationally-agreed-upon standards developed by public health academics and practitioners.