A line of academic posters is set up in an auditorium. Students stand in front of their posters, presenting to guests. A statue of Minerva.

About the School

Welcome to the School of Public Health!

At the University at Albany School of Public Health, we care deeply about our communities and this is reflected in our teaching, research and practice. We strive to eliminate health disparities and improve the health and wellbeing of all people. Public health, and the solutions we can offer, is needed now more than ever, as our world faces the devastating impacts of climate change, poverty, unjust systems, food insecurity, violence and trauma.

Since 1985, we’ve proudly collaborated with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to train the next generation of public health researchers and professionals. This unique approach to education, housed at the intersection of government and academia, brings together expert minds with the fresh perspective of our students, enhancing the community engaged public health research that we do. Whether we’re examining the biological basis of disease and infection, understanding the risk factors for chronic diseases, improving maternal and child health, establishing new health policies, or researching climate change and environmental contamination, we stay focused on the larger picture: to prioritize health and wellness for all members of our community.

To do this work, we collaborate with our NYSDOH, government agency, and non-profit partners, many of whom are located here in New York’s Capital Region. Our students gain in-depth knowledge and mentorship through these partnerships, and in fact, over 34 percent of our students receive job offers from their internships. The skills they learn, both in and out of the classroom, are applicable to real world work in public health, making them highly sought-after graduates.

As interim dean, words truly cannot convey how proud I am of our students. They come to class ready to create the change they wish to see in the world, often on top of multiple obligations. Some of them work full-time jobs and are raising children. Others are caretakers for their partners and also volunteer at non-profits in their spare time. Others are learning here at UAlbany in their second or third language, which is an impressive feat by itself. And, of course, many of our students are first generation students, both at the undergraduate and the graduate level. We are grateful to our community partners, alumni, and our many colleagues and friends who support our students and our school. The generosity of our network truly changes students’ lives and strengthens the public health workforce for years to come.

I invite you to learn more about some of our work in our school magazine. We are poised to make an even greater impact on public health as we work to improve lives, increase access to care, and promote social justice through the elimination of health disparities, and I look forward to your involvement in our efforts.

Erin M. Bell, PhD

Interim Dean, School of Public Health

 

More Information
School Leadership
  • Interim Dean: Erin M. Bell, PhD, MS
  • Vice Dean: Beth Novak, MA
  • Assistant Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs: Caitlin Reid, MS
  • Assistant Dean for Evaluation and Planning: Benjamin Weaver, PhD, MBA
  • Associate Dean for Public Health Practice: Jennifer Manganello, PhD, MPH
  • Associate Dean for Research: Tomoko Udo, PhD, MS
  • Associate Dean for Academic Affairs: Melissa Tracy, PhD, MPH

 

Academic Department Chairs

  • Biomedical Sciences: Joseph Wade, PhD
  • Environmental Health Sciences: Shao Lin, PhD
  • Epidemiology & Biostatistics: Allison Appleton, ScD, MPH
  • Health Policy, Management and Behavior: Janine Jurkowski, PhD, MPH
Accreditation
CEPH Logo

 

The University at Albany School of Public Health is accredited through December 31, 2029 by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools of public health.

During our re-accreditation process in 2022, we prepared a self study for review, which outlines our mission, evaluation, governance, and more as we work to provide defining experiences in public health. You can view our official accreditation report from CEPH. 

Why attend a CEPH accredited school? Some employment options in the field are only open to graduates of CEPH accredited schools or programs, and some fellowships are only available to students attending CEPH accredited schools.

School Numbers

Students

  • 152 undergraduate students (January 2024)
  • 260 masters students (January 2024)
  • 129 doctoral students (January 2024)

 

Student Outcomes

  • 97% recent BS graduates employed or pursuing further education* (December 2023)
  • 99% recent MPH graduates employed or pursuing further education* (December 2023)
  • 100% MS, DrPH, PhD graduates employed or pursuing further education* (December 2023)

*Based on a survey of recently graduated students, fall 2023.

 

Academics

  • 19 academic programs
  • 5 online programs
  • 4 academic departments
  • 2 new nursing programs

 

Hands-On Work

  • 75+ partners provide student internship opportunities each academic year
  • 720 internship hours are completed by each MPH student
  • 20+ global partners and collaborators for research and applied public health
  • 59% of faculty hold primary appointments at the state health department and other organizations (January 2024)
School of Public Health Magazine