The College of Science and Health will launch a graduate degree program in Urban Public Health in Fall 2006. The mission of the Master of Public Health (MPH) program is to prepare students through education, research, and public service in organizing, developing, and implementing programs that will improve the health, quality of life, and well-being of communities and individuals in urban metropolitan areas. The program will emphasize studies and research on people of color, minorities, economically disadvantaged, culturally diverse, and medically underserved populations.

Charles Drew University is in a unique situation to house a program focusing on the multidisciplinary field of Urban Public Health. The field addresses the physical, epidemiological, behavioral, environmental, and sociocultural factors concerning urban communities and populations at risk for disease and injury. Policy development, management, and communication of health issues are also examined. The objective of this discipline is to improve and enhance quality of
life through health promotion, disease prevention technologies, and culturally competent interventions.

The overarching goals of Drew’s MPH in Urban Public Health program include educating and training highly competent health professionals in addressing the needs of communities, regions, and nations; increasing the number of minority and/or underrepresented heath professionals in the field; and providing culturally relevant information and training on public health practice to community-based organizations. Graduates of this program will be prepared to pursue career opportunities focusing on issues such as health disparities, adolescent health, disease prevention, mental illness, and HIV/AIDS. Job prospects in the field are available in a variety of settings including academic and research institutions, government agencies (local, state, and federal), consulting companies, community health centers, health delivery organizations, and membership, professional, and non-profit associations.

Individuals who are interested in pursuing graduate and career opportunities in urban public health are encouraged to apply. Please click here to download an application for admission.

For more information on Drew’s MPH in Urban Public Health, please click here or contact Gilbert Ramirez, Dr.PH, Program Director at gilbertramirez@cdrewu.edu or 323-563-5881.