Medicine, Health and Society

Program Description:

The Bachelor of Arts in Medicine, Health, and Society at Vanderbilt University offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary education designed to explore the complex interactions between medicine, society, culture, and policy. This program aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the social, ethical, and historical contexts that shape healthcare systems and medical practice in the United States and globally. Through engaging coursework, research opportunities, and internships, students examine topics such as health disparities, medical ethics, public health, health policy, and the societal factors influencing health outcomes. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and innovative approaches to addressing contemporary health issues.

Students in the program benefit from a flexible curriculum that integrates courses from the disciplines of anthropology, sociology, history, political science, and ethics. This interdisciplinary approach enables students to develop a nuanced perspective on how societal structures, cultural beliefs, and economic factors impact health and healthcare delivery. The program also emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to participate in community-based projects, internships, and research initiatives that foster real-world understanding and engagement.

Graduates of the Medicine, Health, and Society program are well-prepared for diverse careers in healthcare policy, public health, medical research, health education, advocacy, and further study in health-related graduate or professional schools. The program's tailored advising and supportive faculty foster an environment that nurtures academic excellence, ethical integrity, and a commitment to improving health equity. With a strong foundation in both social sciences and health sciences, students are equipped to contribute meaningfully to addressing critical health challenges and creating impactful solutions in society.

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The MA in Medicine, Health and Society requires a minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive exam. Students may choose a thesis option (24 hours of coursework plus 6 hours of thesis research) or non-thesis option (30 hours of coursework). Each graduate student works with a faculty mentor to craft an appropriate plan of study. Requirements include the 3-hour core colloquium, MHS 300/6100, an introduction to graduate-level interdisciplinary work in medicine, health, and society, drawing on the perspectives of anthropology, economics, history, political science and policy studies, philosophy, religious studies, and sociology. Additional requirements include MHS 302/7100 Research Workshop, MHS 301 Interdisciplinary Methods, guided research or internship. A contract of courses must be formally approved by the student’s adviser and the MHS Director.

Requirements are the same for the two-year MA degree and the 4+1 combined BA/MA program. Students in the BA/MA (4+1) program must satisfy all requirements for both the BA degree and the MA degree. There is no double-counting of credits. In order to complete the program in five years, students should be in a position to complete most of the requirements for their undergraduate degree by the end of the first semester of the senior year.

It is expected that students who can devote themselves to the MHS program full time will complete their studies in three terms (i.e., two semesters and one summer or three semesters). However, the length of the program will be flexible to accommodate the needs of different constituencies.

Students should meet with their faculty advisor to discuss their course plan. Registration instructions and Registration Related Forms are available through Vanderbilt Graduate School. Graduate students taking an independent study with a faculty member or requesting permission to receive graduate credit for an undergraduate level or professional course should complete and submit these forms by the first day of class.

Comprehensive Exam

The MA requires a written examination, tailored to the student’s specific course of study, requiring the student to integrate material from the different disciplines. The MHS Director, in consultation with the MHS Curricular Committee, will appoint an examination committee consisting of the student’s adviser and two other faculty members, at least one of whom must be from a field different from the adviser’s. The examination committee will write up the exam, which the student will take during his or her last semester of study (or last summer session) and no later than the week of final exams.

Thesis

For students in the thesis track, the examination committee will also constitute the thesis committee and will administer an oral thesis defense. The thesis should draw on at least two disciplines and follow Vanderbilt Graduate School’s thesis guidelines . Students in the non-thesis option will submit for evaluation by the MHS Curriculum Committee one course paper demonstrating their ability to integrate approaches from different disciplines.

Requirements

• Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
• Language Proficiency Exam (TOEFL or IELTS)
• Transcripts
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Financing for the Medicine, Health and Society program at Vanderbilt University is primarily structured through a combination of institutional funding, federal and state financial aid programs, scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities. Vanderbilt University offers a range of financial assistance options to support students pursuing this interdisciplinary degree, aiming to make education accessible and affordable. Undergraduate students may initially apply for federal financial aid programs such as the Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and Federal Work-Study. These programs provide need-based assistance to eligible students, helping cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses.

In addition to federal aid, Vanderbilt University offers merit-based scholarships and institutional grants that are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and community involvement. The university’s Office of Financial Aid provides comprehensive counseling to help students identify the most suitable funding options and complete the application processes efficiently. For those enrolled in the Medicine, Health and Society program, there might be specific scholarships aimed at students pursuing health-related fields, which further reduce the financial burden.

Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine their eligibility for federal and state aid programs. Vanderbilt also provides loan options, including federal Direct Loans, which allow students to finance their education with manageable repayment plans post-graduation. Work-study programs enable students to gain practical experience while earning money to contribute toward their educational expenses. The university’s commitment to affordability includes financial planning resources, budgeting advice, and personalized assistance to help students manage their educational costs effectively.

Furthermore, external organizations and healthcare-related foundations sometimes offer scholarship opportunities or grants aimed at students in health sciences. Students are advised to explore external funding options as well, through professional associations and community health organizations. For international students, financing options are more limited; however, Vanderbilt occasionally offers competitive scholarships and private loans to assist with financing their education.

Overall, Vanderbilt University employs a comprehensive approach to student financing, combining multiple sources of aid to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent capable students from pursuing their studies in Medicine, Health and Society. Continuous updates and information about new funding opportunities are provided by the university’s Office of Financial Aid, ensuring students have access to current and relevant resources throughout their academic journey.

The Bachelor of Arts in Medicine, Health and Society at Vanderbilt University offers students a comprehensive interdisciplinary education that explores the complex interactions between medicine, health care systems, social justice, and cultural factors influencing health outcomes. The program is designed for students interested in understanding the societal determinants of health, health policy, medicine's role in society, and issues related to health disparities and equity. The curriculum combines coursework in the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences, enabling students to develop a well-rounded perspective on health-related issues. Core courses may cover topics such as health disparities, ethics in medicine, public health policy, and the socio-cultural aspects of health care. Students have opportunities for experiential learning through internships, research projects, and community engagement, which help them apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. The program prepares students for diverse careers, including health policy analysis, public health leadership, medical school, healthcare administration, and research. Vanderbilt University's resources, faculty expertise, and partnerships enhance the learning experience and support students' professional development. The program emphasizes critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and effective communication skills, essential for addressing the challenges faced by healthcare systems today. Students are encouraged to participate in related minors, study abroad programs, and extracurricular activities to broaden their understanding of global health issues. Graduates of the program are equipped to contribute meaningfully to improving health outcomes and addressing health disparities in various communities. The program maintains a flexible structure, allowing students to tailor their coursework according to specific interests within the broad field of medicine, health, and society, and it prepares them for graduate study or careers in health-related fields.