UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL · UNITED STATES
Health Humanities Courses and Related Programs
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- MA concentration in Literature, Medicine, and CultureGraduate Program
- Graduate Certificate in Literature, Medicine, and CultureGraduate Program
- Honors minor in Medicine, Literature, and CultureUndergraduate Program
- Interdisciplinary study of health and humanitiesFocus Area
- Graduate-level courses open to advanced undergraduatesEnrollment Option
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) offers a selection of courses related to the Health Humanities, suitable for students interested in exploring the intersection of health, medicine, and culture through a humanities lens. These courses may contribute to various degree programs, including graduate concentrations and undergraduate minors. Students are advised to consult with academic advisors to ensure courses align with their specific degree requirements, especially regarding course double-counting. Several courses are available at both undergraduate and graduate levels, with advanced undergraduates sometimes permitted to enroll in graduate-level courses (600 and above) with instructor permission. The Health Humanities initiative at UNC encourages interdisciplinary study, drawing on literary studies, medicine, cultural studies, anthropology, and more. While this page highlights specific course offerings for Spring 2026, it is not exhaustive. Students interested in Health Humanities at UNC can pursue opportunities within the English & Comparative Literature department, including an MA concentration and a Graduate Certificate in Literature, Medicine, and Culture, as well as an Honors minor in Medicine, Literature, and Culture.
Curriculum
The following courses are offered in Spring 2026 and are related to Health Humanities. They may qualify for related degree programs. Courses numbered 400 and above can count towards graduate programs in Literature, Medicine, and Culture.
- Undergraduate/Graduate
- FYS – Healers & PatientsENGL 071H
- Literature of WarENGL 161
- Introduction to Health HumanitiesENGL 163
- Science & LiteratureENGL 266
- Medicine, Literature, and CultureENGL 268H
- Introduction to Disability StudiesENGL 269
- Research Seminar in Health Humanities & Disability Studies – Knowledge of the Body & Embodied KnowledgeENGL 695
- Future Perfect: Science Fictions and Social FormENGL 57H
- The Machine Mistake from Frankenstein to the SmartphoneENGL 089H
- Science Fiction/Fantasy/UtopiaENGL 146H
Careers
The interdisciplinary nature of Health Humanities and related programs prepares students for a variety of career paths that require critical thinking, strong communication skills, and an understanding of complex social and cultural issues related to health and medicine.
- Public health professional
- Medical ethicist
- Healthcare administrator
- Museum curator
- Archivist
- Editor
- Writer
- Policy analyst
- Non-profit program manager
- Researcher
- Educator
Frequently asked questions
- What graduate programs are available in Health Humanities?
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers an MA concentration and a Graduate Certificate in Literature, Medicine, and Culture within the Health Humanities.
- Can undergraduates take graduate-level courses?
- Yes, advanced undergraduates may be permitted to enroll in graduate-level courses (600 and above) with instructor permission.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- Tuition and fee rates are determined by student classification, academic program, residency, and courses taken, and are typically assessed on a per-credit hour basis. Specific costs can be estimated using the tuition estimator tool.
- What career paths can a Health Humanities background lead to?
- A background in Health Humanities can prepare students for roles such as a public health professional, medical ethicist, healthcare administrator, policy analyst, researcher, or educator.
- How do I apply to a Health Humanities graduate program?
- For graduate programs, you will need to submit an online application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose through the university's admissions portal.
- Are scholarships available for Health Humanities students?
- Scholarships like the Pogue Scholarship and University-Administered Academic Scholarships are available, awarded based on academic achievement and a comprehensive review of the university application.
Entry requirements
Advanced undergraduate standingMay be permitted to enroll in graduate-level courses (600 and above) with instructor permission.
Undergraduate students in ENGL 695Prerequisite: ENGL 268/268H, ENGL 269, or instructor permission.
Students enrolled in multiple programs should work closely with academic advising when selecting courses, as there are limits on how many courses can double-count toward different minors or majors.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition and fee rates are determined by student classification (undergraduate, graduate, professional, non-degree), academic program, residency, and courses taken. Rates are typically assessed on a per-credit hour basis for undergraduate and graduate programs. Specific costs can be estimated using the tuition estimator tool.
Tuition (home)Tuition and fee rates are determined by student classification (undergraduate, graduate, professional, non-degree), academic program, residency, and courses taken. Rates are typically assessed on a per-credit hour basis for undergraduate and graduate programs. North Carolina residents may be eligible for a tuition guarantee program for undergraduate studies.
LivingNot specified.
Tuition rates are set by the North Carolina legislature and approved annually. Separate rates apply for non-degree studies and summer school. Historical rates are available for prior years.
How to apply
1. Check Program RequirementsReview the specific requirements for the Master's or Doctoral program you are interested in, including any prerequisites for specific courses if applying as a graduate student.
2. Gather Application MaterialsPrepare all necessary documents, which typically include transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and potentially GRE scores (check program-specific requirements).
3. Submit Application OnlineComplete and submit the online application form through the university's admissions portal.
4. Pay Application FeeSubmit the required application fee.
5. Await DecisionAdmissions decisions are typically released by a specific date. Scholarship offers, if applicable, will be communicated at the same time.
Scholarships
Pogue ScholarshipNot specified
University-Administered Academic ScholarshipsNot specified
Need-Based AidNot specified
Accreditation
Not specified.
Frequently asked questions
What graduate programs are available in Health Humanities?
+
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers an MA concentration and a Graduate Certificate in Literature, Medicine, and Culture within the Health Humanities.
Can undergraduates take graduate-level courses?
+
Yes, advanced undergraduates may be permitted to enroll in graduate-level courses (600 and above) with instructor permission.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Tuition and fee rates are determined by student classification, academic program, residency, and courses taken, and are typically assessed on a per-credit hour basis. Specific costs can be estimated using the tuition estimator tool.
What career paths can a Health Humanities background lead to?
+
A background in Health Humanities can prepare students for roles such as a public health professional, medical ethicist, healthcare administrator, policy analyst, researcher, or educator.
How do I apply to a Health Humanities graduate program?
+
For graduate programs, you will need to submit an online application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose through the university's admissions portal.
Are scholarships available for Health Humanities students?
+
Scholarships like the Pogue Scholarship and University-Administered Academic Scholarships are available, awarded based on academic achievement and a comprehensive review of the university application.