The program provides the conceptual foundation to identify conditions that ensure that people can be healthy and builds the skills necessary for promoting and protecting public health through a commitment to social justice. The program's problem-based learning format, based on case studies of existing problems, trains professionals with the knowledge and independent thinking skills to develop and implement plans to ameliorate conditions of disease, disability, and premature death in communities. Students must complete a community-based practicum and defend a master's project.
All programs feature small-group learning.
The School's educational and research programs are built upon partnerships with communities and the organizations that serve them. Graduates are well prepared for managerial and other leadership roles in the five disciplines of public health. The libraries and supporting services provide specialized facilities for a variety of research projects, and microcomputer facilities and online search capabilities are available to all students. The University's location in Philadelphia provides access to other excellent libraries as well. All University students may apply for financial assistance through the Office of University Student Financial Affairs.