Dean's Corner

Jeff JohnsonWelcome to the School of Public Health! 

I am so pleased that you are interested in learning more about us. We are one of six health-related faculties under the College of Health Sciences, contributing to the academic goals of the University of Alberta. Our School’s mission is to advance the public’s health by engaging partners in world-leading research, learning and action.

Our history

The School of Public Health was established at the University of Alberta in 2006-07 through a merger of the Centre for Health Promotion Studies and the Department of Public Health Sciences, formerly part of the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. We were the first school of public health in Canada to be accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health in 2012. In July 2018, our CEPH accreditation was extended for an additional seven years. 

Our programs

We aim to provide excellent training experiences for all students, with strong theoretical foundations rich in experiential learning. Our educational programs are focused on training public health professionals at the graduate level through course-based masters degrees in community engagement and public health, as well as thesis-based masters and PhD programs for students interested in developing research skills. In addition to these programs, we are working to expand our public health education for undergraduate students. 

Our research

The School of Public Health has a strong ethos of engaged scholarship, leading with purpose and working in partnership to address grand challenges. Through collaborative efforts, our innovative research will continue to address critical issues by generating evidence to inform policies that affect the health of our communities and reflect the diverse aspects of public health. 

I invite you to explore more about the School of Public Health and join us in advancing the health of our communities, locally and globally, through partnership, research, learning and action.

Jeffrey Johnson
Interim Dean

Learn more about Dr. Jeffrey Johnson.