Pre-Public Health

Public health is the science and art of creating healthy communities through education, research and promotion of healthy lifestyles. In public health, the focus is on health promotion and disease/injury prevention, in contrast to the medical model of care, which focuses more heavily upon diagnosing and treating illnesses and conditions after they occur. Public health professionals analyze and develop programs that protect the health of individuals, families and communities in the United States and abroad. Because of their “big picture” perspective, public health experts play a key role in emergency preparedness and response.

View Program Roadmap

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Plan Your Path to Public Health Program

View Health School Application Timeline

  1. Meet with a Pre-Health advisor to create a comprehensive academic and co-curricular plan
  2. Research application requirements
    • See school websites for any specific application requirements which may vary by program
    • Meet with a representative of the program for specific questions and guidance
  3. Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) - required by most schools
  4. Apply to Public Health programs
    • Most schools require applicants to submit their applications through the Schools and Programs of Public Health Application Services (SOPHAS)
    • Apply directly to schools that do not use SOPHAS
    • Consult each school for deadline information

Suggested Academic Preparation

  • Bachelor's degree - not required by all programs and any UNL major is a great option
  • Competitive academic record
    • Overall GPA
    • GRE score (required by most schools - can also use MCAT or LSAT scores)

Current Students

Current students: Meet with a Pre-Health advisor to talk more about your Pre-Health goals.

Schedule a Meeting

Are you a non-UNL student looking for information about Pre-Health? Click here