Study Public Health
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) curriculum is for students who want to apply the degree to social and behavioral sciences, while the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) is for students who are interested in a broad-based natural science.
May 15, 2024 | Erin Bluvas, bluvase@sc.edu
“Simply put, it has been amazing,” Massachusetts native Bryan Wolf says of his experience at South Carolina’s flagship university. “I think USC has the best of both worlds. You can achieve great things academically and still have a lot of fun.”
Wolf took advantage of the opportunities afforded by a big university in the state’s capital city. The Honors College student spent much of his free time making music. Whether with the Carolina Marching Band, the Carolina Basketball Band or The Carolina Gentlemen (a charity-performing acapella group Wolf led as president), he showed his school spirit and shared his talents.
At the Arnold School, Wolf became passionate about understanding health on a macro scale, including the nuances of health care systems and developing cultural competence. He served as an ambassador for the school and found a mentors in associate dean for undergraduate affairs Bridget Miller, clinical professor Sara Corwin, and exercise science undergraduate director Raymond Thompson.
“Dr. Miller has been a great resource and mentor whenever I needed advice or help for applications, etc.; Dr. Corwin has always been quick to answer my questions, and I always enjoyed our meetings as she is such a kind and friendly person,” he says. “Dr. Thompson really helped me become a better student in his class. I could go on and on about every teacher. I think a large part about what makes the Arnold School so special is how willing to help its teachers are.”
Outside the classroom, Wolf joined Gamecocks Aiding Refugees and led volunteer activities as vice president for the music-oriented Greek organization, Tau Beta Sigma. He also conducted neuro research in biological sciences and pharmacy labs. The two summers Wolf spent as a research intern in the Wang Laboratory (Medical University of South Carolina) resulted in a first-author publication for Wolf in a scientific journal. He is also the recipient of an Honors College Research grant and completed a minor in medical humanities and culture.
After graduating in May, Wolf will attend medical school at George Washington University. Regardless of the specialty track he pursues, he plans to continue promoting public health initiatives to improve the health of his community and on a broader scale. By modeling holistic medicine that aligns with the tenets of public health, he hopes to help usher in a new generation of health providers committed to advancing the health of all.
“I know for a fact my education here uniquely set me up for success at the next level,” Wolf says. “However, probably the best aspect is the people. I have made some of my closest friends while at school here. I think, in general, the kind of people USC attracts are well-rounded students, who not only are academically driven but also extremely kind and friendly.”
