Department overview

Founded in 1943, the Department discovers, develops, and disseminates knowledge that promotes the health of individuals and communities. Our more than 20 faculty members, with backgrounds in health education, behavioral science, international health, social psychology, medicine, medical sociology, and communications, are united by their commitment to the disciplines of health education together with the social and behavioral sciences. Below is a snapshot of active research projects:  Disease prevention and self-management, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, HIV/AIDS, and obesity and diabetes Health promotion across the life course, with special strength in adolescent health, women’s health, and health disparities Community-based participatory research Community, worksite, school, and clinic interventions and evaluations Violence prevention and injury control Health communication and e-health The Department is proud of its diversity, with ethnic and racial minorities representing about a third of the student body and with matriculating students who arrive with a range of work experience and educational backgrounds. Graduates from the Department have distinguished themselves worldwide. Master’s graduates go on to start or head prestigious programs; doctorally trained graduates are highly sought after for faculty positions as well as by governmental agencies (NCI, CDC). Degrees offered include: Master of Public Health (MPH) Dual master’s degree in Public Health and City and Regional Planning (MPH/MRP) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Additional resources on campus include our close ties with other departments in the School and with research centers such as the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Injury Prevention Research Center, and the Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. Proximity to Duke University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University, and to the nearby Research Triangle Park gives us access to more than 60 adjunct faculty who employ students, work with them on required practica and master's papers, and serve on dissertation committees.

Last updated August 03, 2006