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Welcome to the Department of Public Health

Discover your path to shaping healthier communities at NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. With our Master of Public Health and Bachelor of Science in Public Health programs, we empower students to build a strong foundation for a successful career in public health. Our commitment to integrating public health into undergraduate education, as prompted by the Institute of Medicine, ensures you receive a comprehensive education tailored to today's health care needs.

Explore our programs and take the first step toward a rewarding career in public health.

Bachelor of Science in Public Health

Kickstart your health care career with our B.S. in Public Health (B.S.P.H.) program. Our comprehensive undergraduate curriculum examines population health, social determinants, and proven disease prevention strategies, setting you on the path to success.

Program Highlights

  • 120 total credits
  • Dual Admission option available to earn your Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree
  • Located at our Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus
  • Strong foundation in public health principles
  • Hands-on experiences and global travel opportunities
  • Faculty-led instruction tailored to student needs

Check out the B.S. in Public Health program sheet or visit our program page

Master of Public Health

Prepare for leadership in fostering community health with NSU’s forward-thinking Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program. Housed within the College of Osteopathic Medicine, our forward-thinking program offers flexible online and onsite options, allowing you to complete your degree in as little as one year or take up to five years to accommodate your schedule.

Program Highlights

  • 42 total credits
  • Full-time or part-time study options
  • Expert faculty with diverse backgrounds and experiences
  • Flexible curriculum catering to diverse backgrounds and career goals
  • Exposure to research and community projects in various public health domains
  • Fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health and nationally ranked

Check out the Master in Public Health program sheet or visit our program page

Why Earn Your Public Health Degree from NSU?

Expert Faculty: Learn from experts in the field who bring extensive experience and knowledge to the classroom, ensuring you receive top-notch instruction. Meet our Faculty

Flexibility: With flexible program formats and on-site or online learning options, NSU accommodates your busy schedule, allowing you to balance your education with other commitments.

Real-World Experience: Gain hands-on experience through research projects and community initiatives, preparing you for the complexities of public health practice upon graduation.

Program Accreditation: The M.P.H. and B.S.P.H. programs are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health through December 31, 2028. 

Our Mission, Vision, and Goals

To develop a competent public health workforce that improves the health of the population through education, research, and service, with an emphasis on multicultural and underserved populations.
To be a trusted academic public health resource center for students, communities, public health organizations, health care centers, and policymakers, dedicated to improved local and global health outcomes and equity.

Education: To provide quality and broad-based education in public health.

Research/Scholarly Activity: To contribute to the discovery and application of knowledge in public health, with an emphasis on multicultural and underserved populations.

Service: To provide public health leadership and service in the community, with an emphasis on multicultural and underserved populations.

Need Help?

For general inquiries or questions, please contact:

Claudia A. Serna, Ph.D., D.D.S., M.P.H., M.B.A.
Chair & MPH Director, Department of Public Health
cserna@nova.edu
(954) 262-1652

Kristi Messer, M.P.H., M.S.W., LCSW
Assistant Dean, College of Osteopathic Medicine Bachelor Degree Programs
km1320@nova.edu
(954) 262-1072

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