High School Students
Interested in improving the health and well-being of communities? An undergraduate degree in public health can help you turn that passion into action. We're excited to help the next generation of public health leaders, problem-solvers, and changemakers just like you on your path to Michigan Public Health.
The undergraduate program at the University of Michigan School of Public Health is an upper-level degree program. There are a few different ways to apply: preferred admission when applying to the University of Michigan, applying as a cross-campus transfer in your sophomore year at the University of Michigan, or applying as an external transfer in your sophomore year from another institution.
Even if college admission is a few years away, as a current high school student, there are a few things you can begin doing now to prepare for a future in public health.
1.) Confirm your interests
You may still be considering several career paths - and that’s okay! We encourage
you to continue learning about public health by signing up for more information, reading our current student and alumni profiles, exploring what other people have done with their undergraduate degree in public health, following us on Instagram, and watching a few of our videos on YouTube. There are many ways to get more information, and we hope your interests align with
what we do at Michigan Public Health!
2.) Build experiences
Another great way to better understand if a public health major in college is right
for you is to gain experiences in the field. Asking a public health professional if
you can shadow them or ask them a few questions about their job are two great ways
to do this. You could also consider volunteering at a local public health organization.’
3.) Explore your passions
Ask yourself, what types of topics are you interested in? The field of public health
is wide-reaching and offers many ways to pursue the issue you care about, including
climate change, nutrition, infectious disease, health equity, health communication,
maternal and child health, mental health, and so much more! One easy way to start
exploring your public health passions includes listening to our podcast, Population Healthy. You can search through all of our episodes for topics you may be interested in and
hear directly from experts in the field.
Additional Information for High School Students
How do I apply to the University of Michigan?
The start of your high school senior year, or earlier, is a great time to decide which colleges you plan to apply to and do your application research. The University of Michigan is on the Common Application, which opens each year in early August for students who plan to start college the next fall. During your high school senior year, you’ll submit your application to the University of Michigan by November 1 (early decision) or February 1 (regular decision). More information about applying to the University of Michigan can be found through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
What major or area of interest should I choose when applying to UM-Ann Arbor as a first-year student who is interested in pursuing public health?
First-year applicants to the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) may indicate their interest in the School of Public Health by selecting "School of Public Health" in the Preferred Admission section of the Common App. This allows students an expedited path and guaranteed place in one of the School of Public Health’s bachelor degree programs, provided they meet the required academic standards during their first two years at U-M.
Learn more about preferred admissions
If students miss the opportunity for preferred admissions when applying to the University of Michigan, there is also the option to apply to major in public health during your sophomore year at U-M as a cross-campus transfer student.
Is it okay to talk about my interest in public health in the required essays?
Yes, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions encourages first-year students to express their interest in an upper-level program on campus through the essays included in the Common Application.
Ready to Apply?
Start with our Admissions page to learn about specific degree application deadlines
and requirements.
Get Started
Questions?
For more information about the undergraduate programs, admissions process, or to request
an appointment, contact our admissions and advising team at [email protected].
Join our interest list to receive personalized information about our programs. We’ll
send you application tips, scholarship and financial aid information, deadline reminders,
and opportunities to connect with our faculty, staff, and current students.