Health Equity

386: Health Equity Minor (18 cr)

Health disparities persist in the United States, with significant differences in health outcomes experienced across diverse populations. Addressing these inequities requires a multi-faceted approach that combines deep understanding of the social determinants of health, a commitment to health equity principles, and engagement with communities facing these challenges.

The Health Equity (386) undergraduate minor offers a unique interdisciplinary curriculum, drawing upon the strengths of the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, School of Social Work, Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, and Graduate School of Education to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of health equity and its underlying social, economic, and environmental determinants, with specializations in topics such as Housing, Food Justice, and Education.

Students will engage in the critical analysis of current policies and research, develop culturally competent practices, and gain hands-on experience through applied learning opportunities. Graduates of the minor will be well-equipped to advocate for and implement impactful solutions that advance health equity within diverse communities.

Students seeking the Health Equity minor must complete four core courses and two electives from an approved list.

• Choose two of the following required courses:
  • 11:374:424 Segregation and Health
  • 10:832:212 Health Disparities
  • 01:920:115 The Color of Health: How Does Inequality Get Under the Skin?
  • 01:920:335 Health and Inequality
  • 11:193:100 Social Determinants of Health
• Choose two courses from ONE of the Health Equity Tracks:
  • TRACK I: FOOD JUSTICE
    • 11:020:333: Community Food Justice and Advocacy
    • 11:374:289 Sustainable Food: Politics, Policy, and Ethics
    • 11:020:337 Sustainability: Tackling Food Waste
    • 11:400:315 (01:959:409) – Food and Sustainability – Thailand Study Abroad
    • 11:400:316 (01:959:409) Sustainable Food Production- Ireland Study abroad
    • 11:193:255 Integrated Nutrition, Health, Environment, and Agricultural Systems
    • 11:193:100 Food Systems and Policy
  • TRACK II: HOUSING
    • 10:762:310 U.S. Housing Policy
    • 910:224 Housing Inequality & Homelessness
    • 10:762:307 Community Development
  • TRACK III: EDUCATION
    • 10:833:325 Education Policy and Social Justice
    • 10:833:365 Higher Education Policy
    • 05:300:406 Community-Based Language Learning
    • 05:300:464 Race & Ethnicity in American Schools
    • 05:300:465 Sexuality, Gender, and the Politics of U.S. Public Schooling
    • 05:300:401 Individual and Cultural Diversity
• Six credits (two courses) of electives from an approved list (see current list)