Overview of CHS

The CHS faculty is multidisciplinary and includes those whose primary training is in social sciences, behavioral sciences, medicine, nutrition, demography, economics, health promotion and education. The faculty maintain active research and training collaborations with a wide variety of agencies and departments both internal and external to the university. Additionally, many of the faculty pursue research at regional, national and international levels.

The department offers both masters and doctoral degrees. The curriculum integrates basic theories, research methods and programmatic strategies and applies them to real problems of human populations.

Most masters degree students receive the M.P.H. degree; however, there is also an M.S.P.H. degree, as well as a number of combined degrees. The department also offers a weekend M.P.H. program for health professionals. Graduates of the masters programs generally assume positions in the planning, administration, and evaluation of public health programs and policies, both in the U.S. and abroad, which have as their objective the maintenance and improvement of the health of individuals, families, communities, and populations. Masters students may, if they choose, focus on the following areas during their course of study: health education and promotion, social and behavioral sciences, child and family health, public health nutrition, population, health policy, aging and the life course, international health, disasters and public health, and women's health.

Two doctoral programs are offered, the Dr.P.H. and the Ph.D. Graduates of the doctoral programs assume leadership positions in a wide variety of settings, including universities, government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, international health agencies, and research centers. Doctoral students also select a minor area of focus. Dr.P.H. students focus on another field within the School of Public Health, while Ph.D. students focus on a field outside of SPH such as Sociology, Anthropology, Education, Economics, Psychology, and Women’s Studies among others. Additional information on our academic programs can be found under “Information for Prospective and Current Students” including links to course listings and program requirements.