Public health is a fast-changing, multi-faceted field that addresses some of society’s most challenging social, medical, and economic problems. From health promotion and disease prevention, to epidemiology, environmental health, and adequate access to health care, public health addresses some of today’s toughest issues.

The events of September 11, 2001, demonstrated how ill-prepared America and the global community were to deal with the physical, psychological, social, economic, and environmental challenges generated by this calamity and its aftermath. Barry University responded by developing the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree designed for working health professionals.

Challenges such as those caused by terrorism, natural disaster, or the spread of a new disease like SARS can be best managed by individuals specifically trained to deal with these types of occurrences – individuals trained in public health. Individuals who, on a daily basis, are involved in disease prevention, the advancement of public health knowledge, and the promotion of health and well being in the local and world community.