Public health carries out its mission through organized, interdisciplinary efforts that address the multiple determinants of health — biological; behavioral; environmental; cultural; social, family and community networks; living and working conditions; etc. — in communities and populations at risk for disease and injury. Its mission is achieved through the application of health promotion and disease prevention technologies and interventions designed to improve and enhance quality of life.
Health promotion and disease prevention technologies encompass a broad array of functions and expertise, including the three core public health functions:
- assessment and monitoring of the health of communities and populations at risk to identify health problems and priorities;
- formulating public policies, in collaboration with community and government leaders, designed to prioritize and solve identified local and national health problems;
assuring that all populations have access to appropriate and cost-effective care, including health promotion and disease prevention services
More information is available at whatispublichealth.org.
Programs in Public Health
In support of its goal to educate individuals for professional and academic careers in public health, the College offers graduate degree programs, including:
- Master of Public Health (MPH) with concentrations in Biostatistics, Environmental and Occupational Health, Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, and Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. The MPH degree is designed to provide fundamental skills in core areas of public health for students from diverse backgrounds. The program requires a minimum of 45 credit hours. Students are expected to attain Core and Concentration-Specific Competencies adopted by the College.
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public Health, in three areas of concentration: Environmental and Occupational Health, Epidemiology, and Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. The Ph.D. in Public Health program requires a minimum of 75 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate. It is designed to prepare graduates to engage in research in one of the three areas of public health, and to take leadership positions in national, state or local public health agencies.
