Health Studies
Our students recognize the value of a liberal arts approach to solving the world’s current and future public health challenges. You will study health and healing from multiple perspectives, and our Center for Community and Global Health provides an ideal foundation and preparation for health-related careers.
Why Choose a Minor in Health Studies?
Our program provides the statistical and scientific foundation necessary for students interested in fields such as public health, health care administration, and health care policy, alongside the narrative, psychological, and cultural contexts that supplement the coursework of those interested in medicine, physical therapy, and other clinical careers. With a minor in health studies, you will integrate coursework, internship experiences, and scholarship across the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Our Center for Community and Global Health will connect you directly with hands-on learning opportunities in the Portland community, and provides robust pre-health advising opportunities to those interested in exploring pathways to health careers.
What You’ll Study
Our interdisciplinary program combines critical thinking, one of the chief benefits of a liberal arts education, with direct and hands-on links to the worlds of health care and positive social change so that our students are prepared for the transition to work and life. You will take courses in foundational health studies and statistics; wellness/disease electives like Disease Ecology and Medicine, Healing, and Culture; and an internship capstone in Portland or overseas. Leveraging Lewis & Clark’s renowned overseas programs, you may apply up to 12 credits toward the minor from an approved overseas study program focused on public health.
Complement Your Education With One of These Majors
The most popular majors for our health studies minors are biochemistry and molecular biology, psychology, and sociology and anthropology.
What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark
Arielle Bloom BA ’24More about ArielleI find my health studies minor to be very well-rounded as it focuses on different perspectives in health care such as medicine, spirituality, and patient narratives.
Henry Ruano BA ’25More about HenryI have been able to recognize how public health identifies and deals with different challenges like diseases, natural disasters, and social issues.
Cloe Moreno BA ’24More about CloeI have two minors: health studies and art. There is quite a bit of overlap between health studies and my major—both subjects connect, so there’s added depth. My art minor was a surprise—I absolutely fell in love with my classes and wanted to explore that passion.
What Can You Do With a Minor in Health Studies?
Our alumni use their minor in health studies in a wide range of careers within academia, nonprofits, clinics, research centers, administration, and beyond. Others pursue advanced degrees with the goal of becoming practitioners in the health sciences. Some receive competitive fellowships from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
Dedicated Faculty
Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth.
Invest in Yourself
A private liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think. Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate in four years with their bachelor of arts degree that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition.
Find Your People
The Pre-Health Professions Club fosters community among pre-health students, raises awareness about on- and off-campus resources, and improves the success of pre-health students applying to graduate schools. The club hosts regular events, including a career panel, CPR certification course, suture clinic, volunteer trips, guest speakers, and monthly meetings. In addition, club leaders provide peer advising and mentorship to younger students as they develop four-year plans and search for clinical opportunities in Portland.
Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You
Hannah Innis-Skinner BA ’22More about HannahI love challenging myself by trying new things, and L&C allowed me the opportunity to explore many different subjects and spheres of interest.
