Our History
Public Health research and education have been integral to the University of Utah since the 1940s. The Department of Preventive Medicine became the Department of Community and Family Medicine in 1970, and then the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine in 1984. The department’s first graduate degree, the Master of Science in Community Medicine (1978), laid the foundation for the Master of Science in Public Health (1984), which has been CEPH-accredited for nearly fifty years.
Today, the Division of Public Health offers an array of degrees and specializations for aspiring public health professionals. Students can focus on areas such as Community Health, Global Health, Health Equity, and Biostatistics. The division’s faculty are leaders in cutting-edge research, exploring topics like cancer epidemiology, behavioral sleep medicine, and women’s health. Their work supports evidence-based health initiatives that benefit individuals and communities nationwide. Division students and faculty actively lead and participate in community centers and initiatives, promoting health and public safety across Utah.
From its modest beginnings, the Division of Public Health has evolved into a dynamic force for positive health outcomes in the Mountain West and beyond. Its ongoing commitment to excellence in education, research, and community service continues to drive impactful health improvements locally and nationally.