Public health is the societal effort to promote and protect the health of people. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including disease prevention, education and promotion, healthcare safety, environmental protection, and ensuring access to health services.

In 1920, C-E-A Winslow defined public health as the “science and art of preventing disease and prolonging life through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, communities and individuals.” Today, that definition remains as valid as ever.

Many diseases can be prevented through non-medical means, such as washing hands with soap, vaccination campaigns, needle-exchange programs and other community outreach initiatives. Public health works to educate the public and support these initiatives through research, monitoring and outreach.

Other important aspects of public health include responding to disease outbreaks, natural disasters and other emergencies. Public health agencies and professionals are constantly monitoring the threat of infectious diseases and addressing ongoing issues like antibiotic resistance.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of reducing health inequities and addressing the social determinants of health (housing, education, income and systemic racism). Addressing these factors not only improves individual lives but also strengthens communities against future threats.

With an MPH from Tufts, you’ll develop the skills to assess and monitor community needs, create effective interventions and evaluate their impact. You’ll be able to bring a global perspective to your work, understand how interprofessional healthcare teams collaborate and communicate across specialties and cultures, and gain the leadership and analytical problem-solving abilities you need to make an impact in this field.