Students develop their public health skills through practical field experiences working in government and community-based agencies. The goal of the Department of Community Health Sciences is to train future leaders in public health, and graduates of the program have become leaders in various areas, such as school based programs, community health programs, and worksites in the U.S., Latin America, Africa and Asia. The Department of International Health and Development is dedicated to improving the health status of populations throughout the world. The curriculum and applied learning opportunities draw upon Tulane's extensive overseas research, technical assistance work, and experience in providing leadership training in public health to students from around the world. The program prepares students to become leaders in the MCH field by providing them with knowledge of the biologic aspects of the health of pregnant women and children as well as developing their skills in public health program planning, management, and evaluation.
Graduates find employment within state and federal agencies, foundations and research programs.
The Department of Community Health Sciences offers a specialization in Nutrition. The Nutrition program focuses on nutrition and health within the context of health promotion and disease prevention. In addition to the biochemistry of nutrition, the educational program teaches skills in public health program planning, management, and evaluation. For students interested in dietetics the Department also offers an internship necessary to become a Registered Dietician. The Department of Tropical Medicine has a long and proud history of contributions to parasitology and tropical medicine.