Colorado School of Public Health

Colorado School of Public Health

The Colorado School of Public Health (ColoradoSPH) is a collaborative endeavor involving three partner institutions: the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Colorado State University, and the University of Northern Colorado. Established in 2008, it is the first and only accredited school of public health in the Rocky Mountain region. The school's mission is to promote the physical, mental, environmental, and social health of communities in Colorado, the Rocky Mountain region, and beyond, through education, research, and service.

History

The Colorado School of Public Health was founded in response to the growing need for a comprehensive public health education program in the Rocky Mountain region. Prior to its establishment, public health education was fragmented across various institutions. The collaboration between the University of Colorado, Colorado State University, and the University of Northern Colorado aimed to consolidate resources and expertise to provide a unified and stronger public health education.

Academic Programs

ColoradoSPH offers a wide range of academic programs designed to prepare students for careers in public health. These include:

• Master of Public Health (MPH) - A professional degree that prepares students for practice in public health.
• Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) - Focused on advanced public health education and leadership skills for professional practice.
• PhD in Public Health Sciences - A research degree for those interested in academic or research careers.
• Certificate Programs - Short-term programs for professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in specific public health areas.

The school also offers dual degree programs, such as MPH/MD, MPH/PhD, and MPH/MSW, allowing students to combine their public health education with other professional or research training.

Research

Research at ColoradoSPH spans a wide range of public health disciplines, including environmental health, epidemiology, health systems, community health, and global health. The school is known for its research on chronic diseases, health disparities, occupational health, and environmental risk factors. Faculty and students often collaborate on research projects, contributing to the advancement of public health knowledge and practices.

Community Engagement

Community engagement is a core component of the Colorado School of Public Health's mission. The school partners with local, national, and international organizations to address public health challenges through service-learning projects, internships, and collaborative research. These partnerships enable students to gain practical experience while making a positive impact on communities.

Facilities

The Colorado School of Public Health's main campus is located at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado. Additional facilities and programs are offered at Colorado State University in Fort Collins and the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. These locations provide students with access to a diverse range of public health environments and resources.

Notable Alumni and Faculty

ColoradoSPH has produced a number of notable alumni and faculty who have made significant contributions to public health. These individuals have worked in various capacities, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector, to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities.

Conclusion

The Colorado School of Public Health represents a significant advancement in public health education and research in the Rocky Mountain region. Through its collaborative model, comprehensive academic programs, and commitment to community engagement, ColoradoSPH continues to contribute to the improvement of public health locally and globally.