How to Declare an Emphasis

Undergraduate Admissions

How to Declare an Emphasis

Information for Declaring an Emphasis for both degrees in the Zuckerman College of Public Health

Process for Declaring an Emphasis

*New for Spring 2026

In order to declare an emphasis with the College of Public Health you will be required to schedule an appointment with your Academic Advisor. The timing for this appointment is dependent on your individual graduation timeline but will typically take place around second semester sophomore year or first semester junior year. Please review the following information to determine when you should schedule to meet with your Academic Advisor to declare an emphasis. 

  1. Review eligibility requirements below
  2. Determine which major emphasis you would like to select
    1. Bachelor of Arts in Wellness and Health Promotion Practice
    2. Bachelor of Science in Public Health
  3. Schedule an appointment with your Academic Advisor (declaring an emphasis will be available as of February 2026)
    *NOTE: No emphasis will be declared between October 1st - February 1st outside of the final Advanced Standing application process on Oct. 1st 2025. First availability to declare an emphasis via the new process will be Monday, February 2nd.

REQUIREMENTS

  • 2.0 Minimum GPA
  • Roughly 45+ units completed
  • Scheduled appointment with Academic Advisor

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Must have the following courses completed or in progress when Declaring an Emphasis:

  • ENGL 101/107
  • ENGL 102/108 or ENGL 109H
  • Second Language (101 level or higher completed)
    *Students who tested into a language course of a 102 level or higher are eligible to declare without having completed their language course
  • MATH
  • HPS 178 ('C' grade or higher is required)
  • HPS 200 ('C' grade or higher is required) 

Information about Declaring an Emphasis

  • BA in Wellness and Health Promotion Practice students are required to declare an emphasis prior to being able to enroll in Practicum (HPS 497E or HPS 394) or Field Work (HPS 493A) units.
  • BS in Public Health students are required to declare an emphasis prior to being able to enroll in Internship units (HPS 493A).
  • Declaring an emphasis allows students to specialize within the larger academic major which will deepen knowledge and direct focus when considering careers after graduation. 

 

Students will need to meet a specific set of requirements to officially declare a public health emphasis with their advisor during a scheduled advising appointment. Appointments will continue to be made through Trellis Advise.  

Requirements for declaring listed below:

  • 2.0 Cumulative GPA
  • Academic Level – Projected Junior (roughly 45+ units completed; think second semester sophomore year)
  • Completion of the following courses:
    • ENGL 101 or 107
    • ENGL 102 or 108 or 109H
    • MATH (as required by degree program)
    • First semester of second language (testing into 102 or higher also satisfies)
    • HPS 178 (‘C’ or better required)
    • HPS 200 (‘C’ or better required)

We’ve designed the requirements for declaring an emphasis with the mindset that students will take this as an opportunity to meet with their advisor prior to beginning their junior year of coursework. This mid-career advising appointment will ensure students understand their timeline to graduation, promote post-graduation planning, and serve as their emphasis declaration appointment. 

Yes. In order to declare an emphasis you are required to schedule and meet with your academic advisor. This is also necessary before you will be able to enroll in the BA practicum units or the BS internship units you will need in order to graduate. 

No harm done! You can work with your advisor as you would in any other appointment. Take the opportunity to map out your next semester, plan your courses to be on track for declaring, talk through resources, academic goals, challenges, potential career tracks, the sky is the limit. 

The Office of Student Affairs and the College of Public Health as a whole are hoping that by eliminating the stress of an official application, and encouraging proactive communication between staff and students, we can elevate The College of Public Health student experience. We are excited to meet with you and help you achieve your academic and career goals! 

No problem! Your undergraduate advisor is here to help! You can find more information or schedule and appointment to speak with your advisor HERE.