Exploring sexual and reproductive health through the body, mind, and community
The B.S.P.H. in sexual and reproductive health program is the first of its kind in the United States. You'll investigate how behaviors and social factors impact sexual and reproductive health worldwide. You'll study key topics like human sexuality and learn to create health promotion programs and prevention interventions based on solid evidence. Through classes and hands-on experiences, you'll tackle real-world issues like preventing teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and sexual violence, and supporting sexual and gender minority communities. At the end of the program, you'll complete an internship—working with professionals to gain practical experience and make a positive impact on protecting the health of all people.
"Finding your calling can be a seemingly difficult task. For me it was always about helping those around me. The sexual and reproductive health major not only emphasizes a great interest of mine but with its specificity has given me an amazing path and opportunities that have filled me with a massive sense of passion and purpose."
Sydney Price, B.S.P.H. in Sexual and Reproductive Health
Getting Started
As a sexual and reproductive health major, you'll investigate topics in health promotion and disease prevention all while developing a solid foundation in core areas of public health:
Social and behavioral health – the psychology and sociology of health
Epidemiology – the study of the spread of disease
Health administration – the business of health
Environmental health – the earth and health
Biostatistics – the numbers of health
First-year coursework includes:
Human Sexuality
This course is an exploration of the dynamics of human sexuality, identification and examination of introductory issues in human sexuality within a variety of societal contexts. Students will engage in discussion and reflection across a variety of topics including but not limited to the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, healthy relationships, and consent.
Healthcare in Diverse Communities
Provides knowledge of health risk factors, health care, and prevention challenges promoting a disparate impact of disease on certain American populations. Students examine health policy, program, and educational interventions addressing these groups with special needs.
Tracks and concentrations
The sexual and reproductive health major does not have official areas of concentration. Instead, students choose elective courses to fit their desired area(s) of interest. Some students take a variety of approved courses, while others choose to focus in a specific area.
Upper-level coursework
Once you've gained a strong foundation of knowledge related to public health, you'll dive into topics like healthy sexuality, contraception, fertility, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and sexual orientation and identity. You'll also learn about important issues like sexual health policies, laws, advocacy, and preventing sexual assault and relationship violence.
Throughout the program, you'll develop skills in teaching, conducting research, analyzing health data, and communicating effectively to support sexual and reproductive health initiatives. Once you've completed your coursework, you'll apply what you have learned through a required 5-credit, 250-hour internship experience, gaining experience in the day-to-day operations of a public health agency. The internship is the last thing students do before earning their degree.
Working with faculty
As a sexual and reproductive health major, you will learn from our faculty with expertise and experience in the field. Take advantage of office hours to talk with your instructors about your performance in class, the content of assignments, and how the course helps you achieve your professional career goals.
You'll gain practical, hands-on experience by participating in the Honors Program or working with IU faculty on research projects. And learning won't be confined to the classroom. With the help of an internship coordinator, you'll get real-world, professional experience through a required internship in your area of interest. Internship coordinators are faculty members who will help you navigate the internship process and ultimately approve your internship placement.
Commonly pursued majors, minors, and certificates
With the help of your academic advisor, you may be able to combine several areas of interest with additional majors, minors, or certificates.
The Explore Programs tool can help you find majors, minors, and certificate programs that fit you and your goals by allowing you to filter by interest area. Other majors, minors, and certificates can be excellent opportunities to build upon and broaden your interests.
Some commonly pursued minors for sexual and reproductive health students include maternal and child health, human sexuality, youth development, and gender studies.
Student groups
Explore beINvolved to connect with any of the 750+ student organizations that already exist or to start a new one. Sexual and reproductive health majors benefit from joining the School of Public Health-Bloomington student organization chapter of Eta Sigma Gamma. In this national health education honorary society, students gain community experience in public health.
Other student organizations that could fit your interests include:
As a sexual and reproductive health major, you'll develop relevant transferable skills in program development and delivery, health promotion and education, Administration, and health assessment. You'll learn to:
Plan, organize and deliver sexual and reproductive health education programs
Provide health education and consultation to individuals, families, and communities
Serve as a community resource and advocate to promote healthy sexual and reproductive lifestyles
Advocate for improved health resources and policies
Skills desired by employers
Skills desired by employers and professional schools include a comprehensive command of reproductive health information, health counseling skills, program and curriculum development skills, public speaking and listening skills, ability to keep accurate and confidential records, willingness to collaborate on projects, cultural competence, and a commitment to health promotion and advocacy.
Certifications may be required or preferred depending on job title. For example, professionals can pursue the AASECT certification for careers as a sexuality educator, counselor, or therapist.
Practicum, Fieldwork, and Internship Opportunities
Take the initiative to network and look for internship and job shadow opportunities as early as your first semester and every semester while pursuing your degree at Indiana University. Our fantastic Career Services Office supports students throughout the career search process.
Sexual and reproductive health students must complete at least one internship for academic credit, where you'll plan, implement and evaluate an effective public health program. This capstone experience allows you to work alongside sexual and reproductive health professionals and advance your skills and knowledge to support positive sexual and reproductive health initiatives in a variety of settings.
Topics:
Sites:
Healthy sexuality
Sexual health promotion
Contraception and fertility
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Sexual orientation and identity
Sexual and reproductive health-related policies, law, and advocacy
Sexual assault and relationship violence prevention
Middleway House
IU Student Health Center
Positive Link at IU Health
Boys and Girls Club of America
IU Center for Sexual Health Promotion
Offices for Sexual Violence Prevention and Victim Advocacy
All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center
Tandem — Community Birth Center and Postpartum House
Students who complete the sexual and reproductive health major are well prepared to develop and deliver health education programs, and help people access knowledge and information regarding their sexual and reproductive health. Examples of job titles include Health Education Specialist, Sexual & Reproductive Health Educator, Advocate, and Health Advisor. Professionals may work in K-12 or postsecondary schools, community-based health centers, all levels of government healthcare departments, self-employment (consulting), and private and nonprofit healthcare organizations.
Introductory classes typically have 50 – 60 students and the average class size is 15 – 20 in the upper-level courses.
Sexual and reproductive health is a great major if you are looking for an impactful career that allows you to make a significant difference in people's lives by promoting health, preventing disease, and advocating for reproductive rights. Elective courses allow you to explore your unique interests in the field. The curriculum will prepare you to step into the profession immediately or further your education for work in medical or allied health fields.
Our B.S.P.H in sexual and reproductive health is fully accredited by the council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the nationally recognized accrediting body for schools of public health.
"I am very proud of our department for providing students with the unique opportunity to learn why sexual and reproductive health is part of one's overall health and wellness within a public health lens, and how to implement what they learn to support equity in access to resources for all. This degree allows students to explore a number of careers that include becoming an advocate for sexuality education and prevention, initiating policy changes, and conducting research."
Dr. Catherine Sherwood-Laughlin B.S.P.H. in Sexual and Reproductive Health Faculty Department of Applied Health Science
