This autumn, Washington University in St. Louis will officially greet its first cohort of learners at the new School of Public Health, one full year ahead of its planned timeline.
The initial group will consist of approximately 255 students in total, which includes 175 students transitioning from the Brown School, 75 incoming Master of Public Health (MPH) students, and six new doctoral students in public health sciences. The institution is poised to celebrate its inaugural class at Commencement in May 2026.
“This is a thrilling and ambitious milestone,” stated Angela Hobson, associate dean of education for the public health school. “Deans Dorian Traube (from the Brown School) and Sandro Galea (from the School of Public Health), together with Provost Beverly Wendland, concurred that, given our operational capabilities, the moment was ideal to proceed.”
The transition encompasses learners from diverse programs — including MPH, PhD, and dual-degree paths like the MD/MPH and 3-2 MPH — who will now fulfill their public health training within the School of Public Health. Applications will be available in September for the fall 2026 class.
While degree criteria and course options will stay consistent for the time being, extensive curriculum planning will commence in 2026, influenced by student feedback and community input. Any changes to the curriculum would not be implemented before the fall of 2027.
The early start builds on months of collaborative efforts behind the scenes; however, this summer signifies the initiation of formal strategic planning. Faculty and staff will convene in August for a retreat and orientation to begin defining academic priorities and mapping the educational path for the school. Hobson will also introduce a newly crafted educational framework that encompasses admissions and recruitment, academic programs, student affairs, applied practice, and continuing education.
“We’re navigating a demanding period for public health, with evolving federal priorities and funding limitations,” Hobson noted. “Nevertheless, we must not overlook how vital public health education is to promoting health, longevity, and economic well-being — both locally and globally.”
“We are privileged that students and scholars select WashU for their public health studies, and the School of Public Health is fully dedicated to delivering a remarkable education while engaging partners across the university to uphold that mission currently and in the future,” she added.
Galea also expressed gratitude to the Brown School for its collaboration during the transition. “Thank you to our colleagues at the Brown School, to the faculty and staff in public health, and to our students — both new and transferring — for their trust and adaptability as we embark on this promising and exciting new chapter.”
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