Inclusive, Interprofessional Public Health Education, Research, and Practice - Nationally Ranked Programs
Interprofessional Academics - Health and Well-Being for All
Students bring a passion for lifelong learning and service. We bring a curriculum focused on evidence-based research and practice, the social determinants of health, and leadership development. As a result, our graduates are equipped with problem-solving and leadership skills to address public health and health concerns around the corner and around the globe.
- Unmatched breadth of academic programs at the College of Public Health (and across Mason) offer opportunities for concentrations and minors. The College offers 6 undergraduate degrees in addition to 13 graduate degree programs, accelerated bachelor’s to master’s programs, and 6 professional certificates.
- Cutting-edge degrees, certificates, and courses in rapidly evolving fields like senior housing administration, health IT, and mental health nursing give students a competitive advantage in their careers.
- Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s programs in nursing, public health, health administration, and nutrition allow students to complete their degree efficiently and cost-effectively -- with sought-after skills and practical experience.
- State-of-the-art clinical and research facilities provide students with the experience they will need for successful careers. Opened in 2017, Peterson Family Health Sciences Hall includes specialized facilities such as a dedicated Health Informatics Learning Lab, a 2,000 square foot nutrition kitchen, and more than 5,000 square feet of Virtual Reality Simulation and training labs.
Learn why our students value interprofessional education in their own words.
Inclusive Excellence
The College sees inclusivity as our biggest strength and as the best way to achieve access, equity, and representation in public health. More than 60% of our student body is from historically underrepresented identities and reflects the rapidly diversifying communities we serve. Pell-eligible students comprise 39% of our undergraduates, with graduation rates well above the national average. 38% of our undergraduates are First-Generation
Our commitment to inclusive excellence ensures that we are preparing the best and the brightest workforce who understand and can work effectively in cross-cultural environments to advance the public’s health and well-being.
Faculty Expertise and Mentoring
Mason is the largest research university in Virginia and our students have countless opportunities to work alongside preeminent faculty to explore their interests and develop critical research, analysis, and critical thinking skills. Students are mentored by the leading academics and practitioners in their field.
They have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty who are experts on a range of topics. Inside the classroom, faculty engage students to think across disciplines and to find creative solutions to real-world problems. Our experts inform policy, educate the public, and make a difference in lives around the world.
Interdisciplinary Experiential Learning
Living in the D.C. metro area provides Mason students with a rich array of opportunities to learn beyond the classroom walls. Students get hands-on experience through practicum placements. The College prepares students for the realities of a rapidly changing health care environment—with an emphasis on the social determinants of health and integrated health care.
- Students, across disciplines, can serve at Mason and Partners (MAP) Clinics located in Northern Virginia and the soon to be opened Population Health Center on Mason’s Fairfax Campus.
- We partner with more than 400 agencies, NGOs, non-profits, health care facilities, and corporations to provide all students with hands-on experience in their field of study. Internship and practicum opportunities help students develop the skills employers are seeking including leadership, problem-solving, communication—in addition to the specialized training required.
Research of Consequence
Faculty and students work to answer pressing public health questions across the life-span from a transdisciplinary perspective. The College’s transdisciplinary research seeks to understand the many factors that influence the public’s health and well-being throughout the lifespan. Areas of focus include prevention and treatment of infectious and chronic diseases, inequalities and marginalized communities, environmental health and climate change, nutrition, violence, mental and behavioral health, informatics, and health technologies. Our research informs practice and policy and helps improve the lives of people locally and globally. Students can participate in research of consequence to improve the public’s health.
Our students participate in diverse multi-disciplinary research opportunities.
- The College is also home to two interdisciplinary studies: The Mason: Health Starts Here student cohort study and the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO), a seven-year initiative funded by the National Institutes of Health.
- OSCAR Team Research projects are intensive student-led research projects formed around a central theme, question, or problem. Students have the opportunity to learn to work both independently and part of a team on an authentic project while earning pay.
- The Population Health Center within the College provides students in all disciplines opportunities for experiential learning in addressing health disparities and best practices for conducting etiologic and interventional research focused on important public health challenges.