The Department of Public Health and Population Science will now operate as the School of Public and Population Health within the College of Health Sciences.
The shift and new name signify the school’s goal of making a broader impact on its students, partners and the community, with the aim to “strengthen and improve the health of all Idahoans and the communities where they live, work and play through excellence in teaching, scholarship and service.”
One of the largest schools at Boise State, the School of Public and Population Health caters to students interested in becoming clinicians and public health practitioners. Both tracks offer cutting-edge, student-centered programming and curriculum designed to prepare students to overcome current and emerging health issues, while also preparing them to become leaders in clinical healthcare and public health.
“These programs are designed to help students make a positive difference in the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities that support the dignity and worth of those they serve,” Tim Dunnagan, the dean of the College of Health Sciences said.
Since 1999, the school’s wide array of partnerships with local hospital systems and public health organizations have provided students with the opportunity to learn and grow outside the classroom.
“It is increasingly important to build and support a public health and clinical workforce that are highly skilled and able to work effectively in the communities they serve,” Dunnagan said.
The school offers a bachelor of science in health studies and a bachelor of science in public health. Coursework in both programs are completely interchangeable for the first two years, allowing students additional time to choose their area of focus while still graduating in four years. The school also offers a fully online bachelor of arts in public health.
The school’s growing graduate program includes three master of public health degrees and two certificates.