The University of Kentucky has been offering a Master of Public Health and a Doctor of Public Health since the 2000-2001 academic year. The Board of Trustees approved the establishment of a College of Public Health in May 2004, and in June 2005, the students, faculty, and staff were delighted to learn that the new college had received full accreditation for a five-year term from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) and became the 37th accredited college/school of public health in the country.

Though a new program, there are major features that distinguish the College of Public Health from other schools. 

• Because the College is located in a state with a significant population with health problems, a major focus of the College continues to be on Kentucky’s health problems, and the major health disparities that the state experiences. 
• Few schools are located on the campus of a land grant institution. This influences the nature of the college in its orientation and mission. It also allows for a relatively unique interaction with a College of Agriculture, as is presently occurring through agricultural safety and health programs and several common research efforts.
• The college’s emphasis is on bridging research and education to public health practice. As a result, public health practice degrees:
  • Master of Public Health (MPH) _areas of specialization to choose from are Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Behavior and Health Management System
  • Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.) _areas of specialization to choose from are Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Behavior and Health Management System
  • Ph.D. in Gerontology - the Graduate Center in Gerontology, prepares students for academic and research careers.
• Situated on a major health sciences campus that is geographically contiguous to all components of a major public university, including the Graduate School, College of Public Health faculty are able to develop relationships with the faculty of other health professions schools and with graduate faculty from throughout the university. From the outset, a MD/MPH program has been available, and additional combined degree programs are under consideration. Major research activities are underway with faculty from a myriad of university units, a circumstance that not only emphasizes the research orientation of our faculty but the broad perspective of public health initiatives.
• Recognizing that the prospective applicant pool includes many people who are presently working in public health, health care, or health-related occupations, the program is sensitive to the unique needs of those who must attend the degree programs part-time. Considerations in class scheduling and course sequences have received special attention in the evolution of the college’s academic policy.

As a relatively new college of public health, it is clear that there is a special opportunity for those involved in its development – students, faculty, and staff – to create something special in a state that is beset with serious public health problems.  So, please join us in our efforts here at the UK College of Public Health, to make Kentucky, the nation and the world a healthier place to live.