Center for Community and Global Health - Lewis & Clark
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Our newest minor recognizes the growing interest students have in public health and the value of a liberal arts approach to solving the w... 

Our newest minor recognizes the growing interest students have in public health and the value of a liberal arts approach to solving the world’s current and future public health challenges. 

Students in discussion at Watzek Library. 
Students in discussion at Watzek Library.

Center for Community and Global Health
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.
Majors
Art (Studio)
Art History
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biology
Chemistry
Classics
Computer Science
Computer Science and Mathematics
Data Science
Economics
Environmental Studies
French Studies
German Studies
Hispanic Studies
History
International Affairs
Mathematics
Music
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Religious Studies
Rhetoric and Media Studies
Sociology and Anthropology
Student-Designed Major
Theatre
World Languages
Minors
Art and Art History
Artificial Intelligence
Asian Studies
Chemistry
Chinese
Classics
Computer Science
Cybersecurity
Dance
Data Science
Earth System Science
Economics
Education
Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation
Environmental Studies
Ethnic Studies
French Studies
Gender Studies
German Studies
Health Studies
Hispanic Studies
History
Japanese
Latin American and Latino Studies
Law and Policy
Mathematics
Middle East and North African Studies
Music
Neuroscience
Philosophy
Physics
Political Economy
Political Science
Religious Studies
Rhetoric and Media Studies
Russian
Theatre
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.
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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.
Curriculum
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Favorite Class



Religion and Climate Change



I loved Professor Kugler’s approach to teaching multiple viewpoints of such a hot-button issue and I came away with a plethora of new insights.





Major: Mathematics

Minor: Health Studies







Favorite Class



ED446: Reimagining Teaching/Learning with Cari Zall



Students are paired with mentor teachers from a local elementary or middle school. The ability to make these connections opened my eyes to an entirely new perspective on the public school system. Cari Zall does a phenomenal job of creating a community environment in each of her classes and will always be available to support you if needed.





Major: Psychology

Minor: Health studies







Favorite Class



Calculus II with Professor Sweta Suryanarayan



Even at 8 a.m. four days a week, Sweta brought an infectious passion for learning and the mathematical world that made the class not only engaging, but cultivated a strong sense of community among students across different departments.





Major: Computer Science and Mathematics

Minor: Health Studies, Data Science







Favorite Class



Psychology of Sustainability with Assistant Professor Jolina Ruckert



Jolina is so supportive and knowledgeable that it makes you excited to go to class, and she allowed the main project to be really flexible in order to make room for anyone’s passion or interest to be explored.





Major: Psychology

Minor: Health Studies and Art (double)







Favorite Class



Social Power of Music with Associate Professor Bruce Podobnik



It was a class that made me look at the pop culture references I already knew and think about them in academic terms. I ended up writing my final paper about the Spice Girls, something I never expected to do in college.





Major: Sociology and Anthropology and Hispanic Studies (double)

Minor: Health Studies







Favorite Class



Feminist Theory with Professor Kim Brodkin



Every day, everything I know about the world is challenged. I have never felt so compelled to question the way I live my life, the way I interact with others, and even my understanding of who I am. It is an amazing class, and Kim is such a warm and accommodating professor. She diligently creates an atmosphere that allows us to discuss challenging and uncomfortable topics.





Major: Sociology and Anthropology

Minor: Health Studies







Favorite Class



Principles of Economics with Assistant Professor Aine McCarthy



The class incorporated lots of interesting real-world applications to general concepts that made learning the basics much more fun and useful. We looked at real, relevant data for topics such as our future salaries.





Major: Biology

Minor: Health Studies







Favorite Class



Health Psychology with Jerusha Detweiler-Bedell



This course taught me about the incredible connection between the mind and body. I think motivational interviewing will be ingrained in my mind forever.





Major: Psychology

Minor: Health Studies







Favorite Class



Public Health with Carolyn Zook



I have learned so much in that class about the importance of public health and how it is for everyone to maintain the health of a community.





Major: Biology

Minor: Health Studies




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
I 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.
Cloe Moreno BA ’24
Psychology | Health Studies and Art (double) | San Diego, California
More about Cloe
Lewis & Clark provided me with a strong academic foundation in a wide range of subjects including biology, chemistry, psychology, public health, and sociology which have all been directly relevant to the material I’m learning now in medical school.
Jaelen Hodges BA ’23
Psychology | Neuroscience and Health Studies (double) | Eugene, Oregon
More about Jaelen
Though it is a relatively new program, the health studies minor offers a great variety of courses to dip your toes into all sorts of health fields.
Sophie Homolka BA ’26
Mathematics | Health Studies | Jacksonville, Illinois
More about Sophie
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.
Meet the Professors
Lewis & Clark students are committed to their own success and the success of the entire research team. They are creative, perseverant, and do not shy away from a complex challenge.
Professor of Chemistry
Julio de Paula
More about Julio
I cannot imagine a lab without my undergrad collaborators! I love to watch my students develop into thoughtful, independent investigators.
Associate Professor of Psychology
Todd Watson
More about Todd
The economics major is worth the challenge to gain the skillset and economic perspective that is both highly valued by the job market and critical for a changing world.
Associate Professor of Economics
Aine McCarthy
More about Aine
U.S. News
Lewis & Clark is on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025
“Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” list
96%
Within six months of graduation, 96% of the Lewis & Clark Class of 2024 was already changing the world through employment (71%), continuing studies (22%), and service work (3%), like the Peace Corps.
4-5-6
Lewis & Clark’s
4-5-6 Commitment
can help you make the most of your future.
2,139
As of fall 2024, there are 2,139 degree-seeking students enrolled at Lewis & Clark College.
Equity
We are the only liberal arts school in Oregon on Colleges of Distinction’s
“Best Equity and Inclusion” list
for 2025–26.
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
The mentorship from my pre-med advisor, combined with Lewis & Clark’s commitment to a liberal arts and sciences curriculum, made a tremendous difference in my path to medical school.
Jaelen Hodges BA ’23
Psychology | Neuroscience and Health Studies (double) | Eugene, Oregon
More about Jaelen
I love challenging myself by trying new things, and L&C allowed me the opportunity to explore many different subjects and spheres of interest.
Hannah Innis-Skinner BA ’22
Psychology | Health Studies | Santa Cruz, CA
More about Hannah
Center for Community and Global Health Events
May 12
Monthly Series: Ask A Healthcare Student! (copy)
• Are you interested in exploring a career in healthcare?
• Want to talk to someone who has been through the process?
Oregon
AHEC
is hosting a monthly virtual panel series for undergrad students and high school students interested in careers in healthcare. The panels are composed of a rotating mix of
AHEC
Scholars and other graduate level students, with a facilitator keeping the conversation flowing. These are informal discussions and a fun, informative way to learn about what different careers and pathways can look like, and tips to navigate the path.
Register here
For more information, contact Kate Hubbard at
hubbarka@ohsu.edu
. If you need an accommodation to participate in this event please contact
ahec@ohsu.edu
at least five business days prior to the event.
Featured News
Finding Post-Grad Success
Graduating from Lewis & Clark College means you will earn a bachelor of arts degree that is grounded in critical thinking, written and verbal communication skills, teamwork, and problem solving—all of the essential qualifications you need to succeed in any career.
Read the story
More News and Events →
Jerusha Detweiler-Bedell
Professor of Psychology
jerusha@lclark.edu
503-768-7506
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