What Can I Do with My Human Science Major?

Overview

The human science major is an innovative, unique program that combines current topics in health and disease with a strong basic science curriculum. The emphasis of this major lies in the application of translational science to improve human health for individuals and populations, in order to promote wellness and prevent illness. The human science major differs from a traditional biology major as students study the application of scientific discoveries in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics to human health. Students have the opportunity to gain experience in research-based internships and volunteer opportunities in the D.C. metro area. The human science major prepares students for many different professional and graduate school opportunities. It offers an intellectually enriching preparation for entry-level positions in a variety of careers and provides students with a strong foundation for graduate work in medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, public health, education, law and business.

Skills

Students engage interactively with faculty to hone skills and abilities such as writing and communication, critical thinking, and clinical, population, and bench research. Students gain hands-on laboratory skills in genetic and molecular biology techniques, microbiology techniques and the use of technology to perform lab experiments and analyze data along with the ability to critically evaluate complex problems and identify specific questions to explore. 

Internship Opportunities

A significant number of human science majors in the School of Health actively engage in a wide range of clinical, public health, applied and basic research, and administrative internships. Students at Georgetown have gained relevant applied and basic research experience working in research, academic, and government institutions, including Georgetown University Medical Center (and the Lombardi Cancer Center), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Sabin Vaccine Institute, The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), and National Institutes of Health, in addition to gaining research experience by collaborating with faculty on campus. Some students seek to gain clinical skills with work (or intern) opportunities in a variety of clinical volunteer roles such as a Pharmacy Technician Intern, Lab Tech, EMT and Physical Therapist Aide. Many other students work in administrative or business-related roles in nonprofit organizations (e.g., Catholic Charities Volunteer Medical Clinic, OCA National) and for-profit companies (e.g., Capital Health, ICBiome, EmblemHealth, CRISPR Therapeutics, and The Health Management Academy). Participating in volunteer work for a nonprofit organization, involvement in a campus student club and/or exploring international study opportunities are also valuable ways to gain experience.

Where are Georgetown Human Science Majors Now?

Review these Post Graduation Outcomes to learn more about where Georgetown alumni with human science majors have gone post-graduation for work or continuing education. Filter by first major to get an idea of what life after Georgetown looks like. 

Past graduates have been hired as an Associate at L.E.K. Consulting, Public Health Associate at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Project Manager at Epic, Research Analyst at Advisory Board, Protein Chemist at NextCure, Corps Member at City Year, and Biology Teacher at a charter school. 

Consider that some graduates choose to take a gap year before enrolling in graduate studies. Many choose to pursue graduate degrees in medicine, public health, basic science, environmental health, dentistry, and physical therapy. Examples of clinical gap year experiences include Medical Scribe at ScribeAmerica, Medical Assistant at Capitol Dermatology, Audiology Assistant at Mayo Clinic, Research Assistant at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Emergency Department Technician at Providence Health & Services and Clinical Research Coordinator at Mount Sinai Health System.

You’ll see in many cases that alums are using majors in a wide variety of ways, and your major doesn’t always equal your career path. 

Where can I go to learn more?

Because a large portion of human science students apply to medical school, review the pre-med guide to gain information on how to get connected outside of Georgetown, student organizations to join, and ways to gain experience during the summer months and gap year(s) prior to medical school. For those who choose not to pursue the pre-med path, these guides will be useful to explore the variety of career paths available in the health and science industry. At the career center, you can meet with a Career Exploration Counselor for general guidance on concerns, goals, and strategies to move forward in your career decision-making, or an Industry Advisor specializing in specific career paths like health and science. Schedule an appointment on Handshake.

To learn more about the academics of a human science major and/or speak to faculty, visit the School of Health website.