Public health science students from these 3 universities are shaping the modern world

There is no doubt that we are plagued with numerous public health challenges, each demanding urgent and effective solutions. The numbers say it all — as of May this year, more than 6.86 million people had died after contracting the novel coronavirus; noncommunicable diseases are projected to account for about 86% of the 90 million annual deaths by mid-century; and it was estimated that by 2030 climate change would cause around 250,000 additional deaths per year. The world desperately needs leaders who can navigate complex global health issues and make a difference. 

What would take you from knowledgeable in your field to a leader who makes effective changes across multiple sectors? The avenue to such transformative change often begins with a Master of Public Health (MPH) programme, where you gain the skills, knowledge and experience to improve the health and well-being of people on a local, national or international scale. 

At the right university, this master’s programme is the launchpad for passionate students ready to lead community organisations, government agencies, local authorities, health promotion agencies, human rights agencies, and more. The power to shape policies, influence communities, and improve the health and well-being of populations is within reach for those who embark on this educational journey — starting with an MPH from one of the universities below:

Kent State University

Kent State University makes international students feel welcome in its community. From day one, you’ll see that this university has a global outlook — as made clear in its competitive research, comprehensive education-abroad programmes, international curriculum, and robust international student and scholar programmes. Kent State is the only US university to win the prestigious 2022 Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalisation from the NAFSA: Associate of International Educators. It’s a prestigious award that speaks volumes about its excellence in making your Kent State education international.

The College of Public Health programmes best exemplifies this. Standing out for their global context and intercultural competence, the Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Epidemiology prepare you to become a future leader at home and abroad.

If you aim to gain a unique skill set that leads to a range of career opportunities in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, or Social and Behavioural Sciences, choose the MPH. If you seek training in epidemiological and biostatistical methods related to clinical trials and clinical research, the MS is a better fit. Both programmes provide the education, experiences, and support you need to graduate and carve a successful, satisfying life in your work and commitment to becoming an engaged citizen. As a CPH graduate, you’ll have a degree from one of the top 100 public institutions, as ranked by US News & World Report in its 2023 edition of Best Graduate Schools. The college is also one of only 66 accredited schools of public health worldwide with an accreditation by the Board of Councilors of the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). To learn more about Kent State CPH, click here.

San Jose State University

San José State University’s fight to advocate for healthier communities began in 1970 when it introduced its dynamic Master of Public Health programme — which has been accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the nationally recognised accrediting body for both schools and programmes of public health since 1974. Aspirants from across the globe choose CEPH’s MPH to learn the fundamentals of creating better health outcomes.

It’s little wonder why. The highly-ranked programme is known for its emphasis on practice and community-based engagement through an integrated model of study that merges instruction and scholarship. Thanks to a diverse network of community programmes and practitioners, worksite internships abound for those ready to apply knowledge. The university’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion makes it the perfect place for acquiring such world-changing knowledge, as such components are reflected across the course curriculum.

Enter the MPH programme’s specialisation in community health education, delivered online and on campus. However delivered, both formats meet the same programme outcomes and fulfil the same essential course objectives, with the core assignments adjusted for mode. Graduates of the programme will emerge ready to leverage evidence-based best practices and culturally relevant, solution-oriented approaches to current and future health challenges.

Several graduates are already doing so. The practice-oriented MPH programme has produced many decision-makers who are adding value in diverse public health settings — think private industry, social services, government and every sector in between. This number grows every year, with graduates landing rewarding roles in the fields of academia, public policy, administration, epidemiology and research. If you’d like to be one of them, click here

Université de Montréal

Université de Montréal is ranked number one in Quebec (along with its affiliated schools, HEC Montréal and Polytechnique Montréal) and fourth in Canada. The school is all about making a change for the better, for a brighter future. “The Université de Montréal is advancing the common good by making important contributions to knowledge in all fields,” says Daniel Jutras, the 12th rector. “It motivates its students to excel and helps change the world by embracing innovation and diversity. My team and I will pursue these noble ideals with energy and passion.”

Making advancements specific to the population’s health and well-being, Université de Montréal’s Master’s Degree in Public Health aims to train professionals and researchers in the field. This gives them the ability to intervene and contribute to the advancement of knowledge on global health. Specific areas offered include health promotion, environmental health, global health, health systems and policies, or epidemiological surveillance.

This world-renowned programme includes interdisciplinary training covering the main fields of public health with a specialisation in the field of your choice and direct access to public health professionals reputed here and abroad. The skills you learn enable you to practise anywhere in the world. 

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International