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Could someone still honing their craft make significant contributions to their field? If you’re a graduate student in public health at the University of Rochester, the answer is yes. Here in the university’s Department of Public Health Sciences (UR PHS), emerging public health professionals contribute to groundbreaking discoveries from day one. As the only academic medical center in the region, students are trained and informed by the latest research, staying on the leading edge of care to create real impact.
Public health enthusiasts seeking to advance their careers in public health, epidemiology and clinical investigation can pursue an accredited Master’s in Public Health, Master of Science in Clinical Investigation, Master of Science in Epidemiology, and Master of Science in Health Services Research and Policy. The department also has a Combined Degree and Accelerated Public Health Programme for those who wish to expedite or streamline their academic journey as well.
Whichever you choose, you’ll receive intensive, advanced training through theory and practice-based learning. The programs are vast yet flexible – each is designed to stimulate interest for those seeking generalist and specialty learning experiences. Alongside subject-specific knowledge, you will sharpen your critical thinking, community engagement, communication, problem-solving, and data management and analysis. At the same time, you’ll be able to build your network through collaborative research. Just ask Micah Segelman, a PhD graduate who now works as a public health research analyst at RTI International, a nonprofit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition.
“The UR PHS program offered many great opportunities, including meeting wonderful fellow students who can become long-term colleagues, and working with a great faculty,” he says. “I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet people outside of the university through conferences, lectures from visiting professors, and other guest lecturers. Perhaps one of the most important lessons I learned is that you can’t expect yourself to know everything about the field.”
Segelman is right – every year, UR PHS produces new research that advances what we know about public health. The work at these labs encompasses the study of common and rare illnesses, ranging from cancer and heart disease to Parkinson’s, pandemic influenza, and COVID-19. In 2023, UR PHS researchers made a breakthrough regarding pancreatic cancer treatment, which opened doors for clinical trials at Wilmot Cancer Institute. Just eight months ago, Dr. Christopher L. Seplaki presented research that used agent-based modelling to navigate the COVID-19 spread in schools for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Such achievements are born out of the department’s unyielding drive to push the boundaries of public health and healthcare. UR PHS is behind discoveries, research, and therapies that save lives and improve human health on a local, regional, and global scale. As a student here, you’ll be part of this prolific research ecosystem and gain exposure to important research methodologies — with no shortage of support from passionate faculty members.
Several programs and institutes have been founded at URMC, such as a cancer stem cell research program and a network of Urgent Care centers. Source: The University of Rochester
These are leading experts in the field of public health. Each has contributed to building and strengthening the evidence base for public health and healthcare as a whole. These professionals have strong ties, participating in community engagement at local, national and even global levels.
“My advisor and other faculty members, staff, and my peers nurtured my curiosity, challenged my intellect, and guided me through the rigors of academia,” says graduate Twylla Dillion. “With my peers, we formed a community of support, collaborating on research, engaging in lively discussions, and lifting each other up during moments of doubt or difficulty. Their companionship made the journey not only bearable, but enriching and fulfilling.”
Others echo similar sentiments. One graduate described the program as supportive and flexible in terms of enabling student success, while another was grateful for the real-life experiences and experiential learning opportunities.
Join UR PHS today to start making a difference. The department is offering full-time master’s students a 40% tuition scholarship as long as they register for and complete nine or more credit hours per semester.
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