Student Life

Why Berkeley Public Health?

Students choose us because we move evidence-based public health research into public action. We foster a culture of radical collaboration, transformational research and a commitment to reduce health inequalities that exist by race, ethnicity and socio-economic status.

We equip students to create their own paths, and offer multiple ways to learn including on-campus and online courses, an online MPH program, and community practicums designed to meet students’ interests and lifestyle needs.

The Berkeley Public Health Careers and Leadership Office (RISE) provides a full range of resources to support students and graduates at all points along their employment path, from their first days at Berkeley Public Health through their chosen career paths and beyond. We transform our students into leaders, particularly through our RISE office as well as through opportunities with the school’s student government.

Dream Office

Our DREAM (Diversity Respect Equity Action Multiculturalism) office aims to increase diversity in the public health workforce. We work to reduce barriers and to support those who attend our school to succeed during their time here; so they can enter the workforce to help high priority populations achieve better health.

Through these and other resources, including a Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Prevention Committee and an office of staff committed to your professional development, our goal is create a unique academic and practical experience for future generations of public health researchers and practitioners.

Community Building

During the pandemic, Berkeley Public Health is leading a series of events to promote community building among our remotely located communities, including graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, staff, and administration. These events are publicized on the regularly updated Community Building Calendar. Note that you must have a Cal Net ID to view this calendar.

Resiliency and Mental Health

Berkeley Public Health recognizes that the coronavirus pandemic plus sheltering-in-place pose unprecedented challenges to all of us emotionally as well as physically. The Resiliency and Mental Health Team is reaching out to everyone in our BPH community to express our strong commitment to supporting you and building solidarity during this crisis. Visit the resiliency and mental health page to learn more about our initiatives and resources.

Marian Koshland Bioscience, Natural Resources and Public Health Library

The Marian Koshland Bioscience, Natural Resources and Public Health Library is open; The library offers online access to books, journals and more, as well as a substantial print collection. Library hours are Monday–Thursday 9 am–9 pm, Friday 9 am–5 pm, closed Saturday, and Sunday 1 pm–9 pm.

The public health collection is particularly strong in many areas, including nutrition in health and disease, health administration, epidemiology, toxicology, occupational health, maternal and child health, biostatistics, communicable diseases, community health, environmental health, and global health. This library also collects materials in other subject areas, such as biology, natural resources, forestry, entomology, paleontology and more.

Course Offerings

Our curriculum is designed for students to gain proficiency in their areas of study through breadth coursework. In addition, students may select elective courses in fields related to their particular interests.

For more information about course requirements, please go to the relevant program page.

For current graduate and undergraduate course information, please visit the UC Berkeley Online Schedule of Classes.

Resources

2022–2023 Student Handbook

Orientation and Onboarding

Commencement Information