Pre-Med/Pre-Clinical Track
Public Health Undergraduate Program
Prepare for a health care career with a public health perspective
Corvallis Campus
Combine medicine and community health
Want to become a doctor, nurse, physician assistant or physical therapist — and also understand what really shapes people’s health?
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.
What you’ll learn
- How social, environmental and economic factors influence health
- How health care systems are structured — and how to improve them
- How to advocate for better, more equitable care
- How to connect public health with patient care
- How to improve care at the individual and community level
Sample courses
- Introduction to the Health Care System
- Evidence-based Health Promotion
- Health Equity and Social Justice
- Healthcare Epidemiology
- Mental Health: A Public Health Perspective
Your experience as a pre-med/pre-clinical student
You’ll take core public health courses while completing prerequisites for medical, nursing, physician assistant or physical therapy programs.
You’ll also gain hands-on experience through an internship — many students choose clinical or patient-centered placements in hospitals, health systems or nonprofits.
Internships
With an internship built into the program, you’ll gain valuable experience and practical skills before you graduate.
Careers in health care and public health
The Pre-Med/Pre-Clinical Track is designed for you if you’re planning to enter a health care profession and want to stay grounded in public health principles.
You’ll be well prepared to apply to medical school, nursing school, physician assistant or physical therapy programs, or pursue a master’s degree in public health (MPH) or health care administration (MHA).
Request info
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
Health Systems and Policy
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.
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.
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.