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B.S. in Medical Sociology
Birmingham, Alabama
INTAKE: Jan, May & Aug
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Medical Sociology program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) offers students a unique interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex relationship between society and health. This program explores how social factors such as race, gender, class, and culture influence health outcomes, healthcare access, and healthcare delivery. Students gain insights into sociological theories, research methods, and public health issues to prepare for careers in healthcare administration, social services, public health, or further studies in sociology or related fields.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.S. in Medical Sociology at UAB covers a diverse range of topics related to health, illness, and healthcare systems from a sociological perspective. Core courses include sociology of health and illness, medical anthropology, social determinants of health, healthcare disparities, and health policy analysis. Students also have the opportunity to choose elective courses and concentrations in areas such as medical ethics, global health, mental health, or aging studies. Hands-on projects, internships, and research experiences allow students to apply sociological concepts to address real-world health issues, enhancing their critical thinking skills and research capabilities.
Research Focus: The B.S. in Medical Sociology program at UAB emphasizes research on social factors that influence health outcomes and healthcare practices. Students have the opportunity to engage in research projects on topics such as healthcare access, health disparities, patient-provider interactions, or healthcare policy analysis. They may participate in faculty-led research initiatives, independent studies, or collaborative research projects with healthcare organizations or public health agencies. Engaging in research projects allows students to develop research methodologies, data analysis skills, and insights into social determinants of health relevant to the field of medical sociology.
Industry Engagement: The program fosters connections with healthcare organizations, community agencies, and advocacy groups to provide students with valuable industry engagement opportunities. Students participate in internships, field experiences, and service-learning projects with healthcare providers, public health agencies, or non-profit organizations, gaining practical experience and industry insights. Industry engagement initiatives also include guest lectures, seminars, and networking events with healthcare professionals and policymakers to help students explore career opportunities and build professional networks in the field of medical sociology.
Global Perspective: Recognizing the global nature of health issues and the importance of cross-cultural perspectives in healthcare, the program promotes a global perspective in its curriculum and activities. Students have opportunities to learn about global health challenges, cultural diversity in healthcare practices, and international health policies through coursework, study abroad programs, and global health projects. Exposure to global perspectives helps students understand the interconnectedness of health issues across borders, cultural differences in healthcare delivery, and global efforts to address health disparities, preparing them for careers in global health research, international development, or healthcare advocacy.
Location
Birmingham, Alabama
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 29730
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Prospective undergraduate students are required to have a minimum academic achievement of 80% or above in their previous educational qualifications.
English Language Proficiency
- IELTS Requirement: A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no individual band score below 5.5.
- TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 77 is often required.
- PTE : A minimum overall score of 51 is required.
- DET Requirement: A DET score of 120 is required.
Standardized Test Requirements
- SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test): A minimum requirement of 1050 for the SAT score.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic achievement, leadership potential, and diverse backgrounds.
Global Scholarship: The Global Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship available to incoming international undergraduate students. It provides partial tuition coverage for up to four years. Students must demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership qualities, and community involvement to be eligible for this scholarship.
UAB International Scholar Award: This scholarship is available to international students who have completed at least one semester at UAB and have a minimum GPA requirement. The award amount varies and is renewable each year, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.
Honors College Scholarships: UAB's Honors College offers scholarships specifically for high-achieving students, including international students. These scholarships are highly competitive and provide financial support for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. Eligibility criteria and award amounts vary.
Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments and schools within UAB offer scholarships to students based on their field of study and academic achievements. These scholarships may be specific to certain majors or programs and require separate application processes. It is advisable to contact the respective department for detailed information on available scholarships.
External Scholarships: UAB encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities offered by government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private foundations. These scholarships may be country-specific, program-specific, or based on certain criteria such as academic performance, research interests, or community involvement.
It is important for international students to carefully review the eligibility requirements, application procedures, and deadlines for each scholarship opportunity.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Medical Sociology program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) possess a unique blend of sociological knowledge and understanding of healthcare systems, making them well-suited for a variety of career paths in healthcare, social services, public health, and research.
Healthcare Administrator: Graduates can work as healthcare administrators, overseeing the management and operation of healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities. They manage budgets, coordinate services, and ensure compliance with regulations to improve patient care delivery and organizational efficiency.
Health Educator: Graduates may pursue careers as health educators, developing and implementing health education programs and initiatives to promote healthy behaviors and prevent diseases within communities. They conduct needs assessments, design educational materials, and facilitate workshops or training sessions on topics such as nutrition, sexual health, or substance abuse prevention.
Community Health Worker: Graduates can work as community health workers, serving as liaisons between healthcare providers and community members to address health disparities and improve access to healthcare services. They provide health education, conduct outreach activities, and assist individuals in navigating healthcare systems to promote wellness and disease prevention.
Social Services Coordinator: Graduates may pursue careers as social services coordinators, working for social service agencies or non-profit organizations to assist individuals and families in accessing social services, healthcare resources, and community support systems. They assess clients' needs, develop service plans, and connect clients with appropriate services and resources to meet their social and healthcare needs.
Public Health Specialist: Graduates can work as public health specialists, supporting public health initiatives and programs aimed at improving population health and reducing health disparities. They may work for government agencies, healthcare organizations, or non-profit organizations, conducting research, developing policies, and implementing interventions to address public health issues such as obesity, infectious diseases, or mental health.
Research Assistant: Graduates interested in research can work as research assistants, supporting research projects in academia, healthcare organizations, or research institutions. They collect and analyze data, assist with literature reviews, and contribute to research publications on topics related to medical sociology, health disparities, or healthcare systems.
Patient Advocate: Graduates may pursue careers as patient advocates, working on behalf of patients to ensure they receive quality care, navigate healthcare systems, and understand their rights and options. They advocate for patients' needs and preferences, provide support during medical appointments, and help patients access resources for treatment and support services.
Policy Analyst: Graduates with an interest in health policy can work as policy analysts, analyzing healthcare policies and regulations, and advocating for policy changes to improve healthcare access, quality, and equity. They may work for government agencies, advocacy organizations, or research institutions, conducting policy analysis, drafting policy recommendations, and participating in advocacy efforts to influence healthcare policy decisions.
Healthcare Consultant: Graduates can work as healthcare consultants, providing strategic advice and expertise to healthcare organizations, government agencies, or private companies on issues related to healthcare delivery, organizational management, or healthcare policy. They may conduct market research, assess healthcare systems, and develop recommendations to improve operational efficiency and patient outcomes.
Academic/Researcher: Graduates interested in academia can pursue advanced degrees and careers as educators or researchers in medical sociology or related fields. They may work as college instructors, teaching courses in medical sociology, public health, or social sciences, and conducting research on healthcare disparities, health behaviors, or healthcare systems.
