Health

Berkeley offers the only concurrent degree program in public health and journalism in the country. Students in the joint program between our school and Berkeley’s School of Public Health graduate with two Masters degrees—one in each discipline—and are uniquely equipped to report knowledgeably and skillfully on topics ranging from health care reform to the latest infectious disease threats.

Concurrent degree students choose a concentration in journalism (narrative writing, audio, or new media) and in public health (infectious diseases, environmental health, policy, or epidemiology). All concurrent students take “J200: Reporting the News,” during the fall of their first year. In the spring, they begin taking courses at the School of Public Health. During their second and third years, they combine coursework in both schools and complete a final project for each program.  For further details, please consult the program handbook.

Students don’t need to be enrolled in the concurrent program to take our classes on health and science reporting, including “The Drugs Wars” and “Reporting on Health and Medicine.” Students in these and other classes have reported on controversial therapies, hidden epidemics, disputes over toxic waste, and much more.  For more examples of student work, see Student Work, below, or check out #MJMPH on Twitter.

Questions? Email econis@berkeley.edu