Department of Public Health created in URI College of Health Sciences

KINSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — The University of Rhode Island College of Health Sciences has introduced a new Department of Public Health to help address the increased need for public health care workers.

The program will kick off with its first students for the fall 2024 semester.

“The new major will provide students with the knowledge and skills to understand and address important population health challenges from the structural down to the individual level,” said Mary Greaney, professor and chair of the new department.

Public health encompasses overarching health policy, from vaccine guidelines to stop sign installation and includes epidemiology, disease prevention and more.

“These graduates will have the skillset to be change-makers in society,” said Greaney.

“They can work in policy, health promotion, epidemiology, and more. It’s a degree that really sets you up to find your path and your passion in health and well-being.”