Medical Behavioral Science

Who is this program for?

This certificate is ideal for undergraduate students planning to pursue careers in medicine, public health, or healthcare policy who want to understand the human and systemic factors that shape health outcomes. It’s especially valuable for students seeking to strengthen their medical school applications with interdisciplinary training in behavioral science and real-world clinical exposure.

Program Overview

Explore the intersection of psychology, sociology, and medicine with the Undergraduate Certificate in Medical Behavioral Science at the University of Kentucky. Designed for pre-med and health-focused students, this interdisciplinary program offers a deep dive into how behavioral and social factors influence health outcomes, healthcare delivery, and patient experiences. Through small, writing-intensive courses in medical psychology, medical sociology, and health humanities, students gain critical insights into topics like health disparities, the impact of stress, and the cultural dimensions of care. The curriculum also includes experiential learning opportunities, such as clinical shadowing, reflective writing, and MCAT-style assessments, preparing students for the intellectual and interpersonal demands of medical training. This certificate not only enhances your academic profile but also equips you to drive meaningful change in healthcare systems and patient advocacy.

Offered by the College of Medicine

Credential

Learn about Tuition and Fees

How to Add this Certificate

Prospective students: Certificates are declared once you are a current University of Kentucky student.

Current students: You can add this certificate in myUK GPS. Under "My Program of Study" on the right side of the screen, click the link "Request a major/minor/certificate change". If you need help, contact your academic advisor.

You should talk with your academic advisor about how adding a program to your plan of study will impact graduation time and any graduation requirements of your major.