Public Health

The Department of Public Health prepares students who have a passion for helping others to do so using science-based approaches, tackling challenges that affect the health and well-being of a variety of populations. In the department, you’ll learn the skills needed to inform healthful practice and policy locally, nationally and globally. The department is a member of the Association of Schools and Programs in Public Health (ASPPH), and the Master of Public Health graduate program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

The Department of Public Health also engages in groundbreaking, interdisciplinary research with individuals, families, communities and societies to address the social determinants of health and health inequities at local, national and global levels. We are committed to social justice and the belief that health is a human right.

Undergraduate Program

The public health major prepares you to tackle major health challenges facing local, national and international populations through the planning, implementation and evaluation of public health programs. Experiential learning and community outreach are important components of education in the Department of Public Health, and all students are required to complete a practicum to gain real-world experience in a public health setting. Undergraduate students may also pursue a combined Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Health degree in five years.

Ready to Apply?

Graduate Programs

Our CEPH-accredited Master of Public Health (MPH) program is available in three delivery methods (residential, online and hybrid) and can be completed as a stand-alone, dual-degree or combined-degree option. The department also offers residential Master of Science and PhD programs in public health as well as an online Master of Health Administration program and additional online graduate certificates. With public health graduate alumni from all over the country and world, students can connect directly with potential employers in their area of interest, from women’s health to health disparities and beyond.

HHS Ambassadors at orientation

Online Certificates

The Department of Public Health is committed to fostering lifetime learning opportunities. Take your career skills to the next level with any of our online certificate programs.

Healthcare Leadership Graduate Certificate (online)

Healthcare Operations Graduate Certificate (online)

Healthcare Quality Improvement Graduate Certificate (online)

Learn More About HHS Online Programs

Department Research

Faculty in the Department of Public Health aim to address social determinants of health and health inequities across a variety of interdisciplinary topics, including women’s health, health disparities, prevention science, community-engaged research, intervention and implementation science, epidemiology and biostatistics, and health systems and policies.

Learn More
student with clock town in the background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Department of Public Health fosters an inclusive culture that promotes principles of equity and social justice for our students, staff, faculty and the communities we serve. We engage in research that focuses on reducing health disparities and uplifting underserved populations. Additionally, we offer a variety of courses that emphasize diversity, equity and inclusion to enhance learning and heighten awareness, including PUBH 22500 (Contemporary Women’s Health), PUBH 24000 (Global Health), PUBH 49000 (Intercultural Development) and more.

Learn More
Student working in crisis shelter

Community Resources

Faculty, staff and students in the department play an important role in community organizations to address important public health concerns, whether it’s through internships, experiential learning or research. The department also offers regular seminars on timely public health topics that are open to all who are interested.


“The COVID-19 pandemic and other events across the United States and globally have given us a decisive moment and an opportunity to build a movement to achieve health equity. This movement will require equitable partnerships between communities, healthcare and public health systems, government, and academic institutions. The Department of Public Health and our faculty are at the forefront of this movement by fostering community-led research; providing leadership locally, nationally and globally; and, most importantly, by educating the next generation of scholars, practitioners and advocates.

-Dr. Randolph Hubach

Public Health Directory

View Directory

Contact Us

Randolph Hubach

Department Head

Jill Moss

Lead Administrative Assistant

Sara McPhail

Graduate Program Coordinator

Connect with Us!

Prospective undergraduate students may register for a session online, email questions to HHSRecruitment@purdue.edu or call the Office of Student Services at (765) 494-8533. Prospective graduate students may email smcphail@purdue.edu or call 765-494-0109.

Contact Us

Purdue University
Department of Public Health 
Matthews Hall, Room 223                                                     
812 W. State St.                            
West Lafayette, IN 47907

(765) 496-1826