Curriculum

The BS in Health and Wellbeing Studies is a 128-credit interdisciplinary, non-clinical major that examines health in social context. You’ll benefit from  Steinhardt’s expertise in applied psychology, nutrition and food studies, communicative sciences and disorders, media studies, and health and arts therapies, as well as the chance to take diverse courses from across NYU and explore issues, debates, ideas and concepts of health and wellbeing.

You’ll develop skills in critical thinking, oral and written communication, data analysis, research methods, effective problem-solving, and teamwork. You’ll graduate with a broad understanding of the biological, psychological and social aspects of health and wellbeing; of the multi-dimensional factors that affect and cause disparities in health; and of core issues in healthcare, management, advocacy, and delivery.

Graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of health-related settings that blend wellness and health disparities like government and hospital settings, non-profits, consulting, and industry. Flexible electives, global study options, and skill-building in communication, data analysis, and teamwork will prepare you for impactful careers or advanced study.

Core Course Sequence

College Core Curriculum (CORE)

Core courses during the first two years will include courses that meet Core Liberal Arts requirements for undergraduates at NYU. The Core Curriculum includes courses in foreign language, expository writing, and foundations of contemporary culture and scientific inquiry. In addition to these required subject areas, you will also have the opportunity to explore liberal arts electives in the topics that most interest you, gaining the skills and breadth of intellectual perspective to flourish in your major programs of study and in your later career. 

Foundation Courses 

You’ll take two foundational courses to build the basis for your exploration in health and wellbeing. These courses are designed to ground your studies in the history of the concept of health and its evolution to current debates, ideas, and practices in the field. 

All students take Introduction to Health and Wellbeing, which draws on literature, art, history, film, and health to examine the physical, social, emotional, intellectual, occupational, and spiritual components of wellness and illness from ancient times through the present in a global context. In addition, you will pick one other foundation course to fulfill this foundation requirement. 

Specialization Sequence(s)

Core Area Courses 

In your junior and senior years, you will take advanced courses in each of three areas of study (psychology and society, disability studies, and community and global health) and then choose one of these fields (or design your own) for more focused and in-depth study.

Culminating Experience

Experiential Learning: Internship or Project, by advisement. 

During your senior year, you will participate in an internship or research project as your culminating experience to apply your knowledge and skills gained from years of coursework. This is your chance to merge your education and experience in a real-world setting and connect with specific populations and communities to influence health and wellbeing.