B.S. Human Biology, Health + Society

two college students with clipboards talk in front of a sign showing snack foods on a city street

brick facades of city buildings with fire escapes

Degree requirements

Core courses

NS 1400 Introduction to Human Biology, Health and Society
NS 1150 Nutrition, Health, and Society or NS 1220 Nutrition and the Life Cycle
Courses on the biological science, social science and nutritional science aspects of public health

After a year of introductory chemistry and biology, students complete a sequence of courses in organic chemistry, physiology and biochemistry. Students also choose advanced electives in biology in areas such as genetics, evolution, neurobiology, cell biology, microbiology and nutrition. A term of physics and a term of calculus also are required.

Curriculum sheets

Curriculum sheets give an overview of all course requirements and help chart your path to completing your degree. View the sheet for the year you entered the program.

View all CHE curriculum sheets

Courses you could take

Obesity and the Regulation of Body Weight (NS 3150)

From psychology to genetics, engage in a multidisciplinary discussion of the causes, effects and treatments of human obesity.

hand taking a pint of peppers from a farm stall

Public Health Nutrition (NS 4500)

Assess, develop and deliver health, nutrition and food assistance information to support population diets at the community, state and national levels.

A group of people laugh while visiting an urban garden.

Economics of Food and Malnutrition (NS 4480)

Use a micro-economic approach to understand food and malnutrition from the perspective of individuals and households in the U.S. and developing countries.

A student works in a lab with a white coat on filling a tube with a pipette.

Career paths

Our graduates thrive in complex environments, bringing a strong knowledge and understanding of the biological and social aspects of health to positions in research, communications, education and business. Many HBHS students pursue advanced degrees in medicine, dentistry, health administration, nutrition, physical therapy and other health-related fields.

Graduate/professional school

Many HBHS graduates will need to pursue advanced study to attain the academic and experiential credentials to work in their chosen profession.

Graduates have attended medical schools including Cornell, Yale, Baylor, Vanderbilt, Mount Sinai, and Albert Einstein, as well as Harvard and Columbia dental schools.

You may also apply to the Brooks School of Public Policy's Sloan Program in Health Administration for a five-year BS/MHA degree.

Sample career paths

AIDS Cellular Immunology Research, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital
Physician, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Equity Research Analyst, Suffolk Capital Management
Nutritionist, Women Infants and Children
Physical Therapist, Stanford Hospital
Project Manager, E-Commerce Group, Capital One
Research Analyst, Health Care Policy Practice, Lewin Group
Senior Counsel, Office of the Corporation Counsel, Law Department

Experiential learning

Beyond the required coursework, you may take advantage of other engaged learning opportunities that provide valuable practical knowledge while furthering your academic or career interests.

Study away options

You can apply to study abroad through a Cornell University-sponsored program, overseas university, or a program sponsored by another institution. Off-campus study is also offered through one of Cornell’s internship-based programs such as Cornell in Washington in Washington, DC; or the Capital Semester in Albany, New Yoek.

Internship examples

Health scholar, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Health Policy and Analysis intern, Results for Development
Hospital volunteer, Crouse Hospital
Orthopedic surgical intern, Weill Cornell Medical Center
Research assistant, Mount Sinai Hospital
Socioeconomics Research Fellowship, International Socioeconomics Lab

DNS experiential learning

two students in white lab coats look at a specimen under a microscope

Research

Develop, implement and analyze research inquiries as part of a faculty research team or through independent research projects. Or grow your research skills through the DNS Honors Program.