Why should you come to the University of Oklahoma College of Public Health?

CUTTING EDGE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Recent concerns about our ability to prevent or deal effectively with the consequences of bioterrorism, emerging infectious diseases such as SARS and pandemic influenza, and disease following natural disasters have fueled a dramatic expansion and strengthening of the nation's public health infrastructure.   This expansion has greatly increased the demand for professionals trained in the core areas of epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy and administration, and the health promotion sciences.  The College of Public Health is one of only 36 schools of public health accredited by the Association of Schools of Public Health (CEPH), and offers programs leading to masters and doctoral degrees in each of the core disciplines.  The College places emphasis on public health practice and the translation of scholarship and research into practice, and we have a commitment to close partnership with state and city-county health departments.   We are proud to be on the cutting edge of graduate public health education.  Our curricula undergo continuous change and improvement under the guidance of our external advisors and practice partners to make sure we are meeting the needs of our graduates in a rapidly changing professional environment.  For example, the College recently added new programs leading to the Certificate in Public Health, the General Master of Public Health (MPH) and the MPH in Preparedness and Terrorism in partnership with our practice partners, the Association of Schools of Public Heath, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The College strives to maximize access for working students by offering most of our classes in once-per-week late afternoon and evening format, and by offering several degree programs that can be completed entirely by synchronous Distance Education at several locations throughout Oklahoma.

SCHOLARSHIP AND DISCOVERY

The College of Public Health is active in scholarship and research to develop new knowledge and apply that knowledge in improving public  health.  Faculty of each department are involved in sponsored research on a wide range of topics, and regularly publish in top-tier professional journals and present their work at major national professional conferences.   Research is also conducted through the College's Centers and Institutes, which include the Center for American Indian Health Research, the Health Policy Research Center, the Southwest Center for Public Health Preparedness, and the Southwest Center for Pre-Event Message Development.  Students are encouraged to participate in research as Research assistants, which enhances their educational experience and often results in opportunities to co-author peer-reviewed publications and deliver presentations at national conferences.     

COLLEGIAL ATMOSPHERE  

The College of Public Health limits its enrollment to maintain a student-faculty ratio of only about 5.  This allows us to keep class sizes small, so our students aren't just faces in a crowd.   All our courses are taught by faculty, assuring our students a quality educational experience under the guidance of highly qualified professionals with many years of field practice and research experience.  We have a culturally and professionally diverse student population, and students are encouraged to participate in the College of Public Health Student Association.  Native American Public Health Student Association, International Student Association, student chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Occupational and Environmental Health Student Association, and other campus groups, each of which has a faculty sponsor.

LOW COST!

Graduate degree programs at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center are among the most affordable in the nation in terms of both tuition and fees and cost of living (see the links below).  In fact, our non-resident costs are lower than the resident costs of many schools, and the costs of rental housing, real estate, transportation, etc.in the Oklahoma City area are very reasonable.

QUALITY OF LIFE

With a population of about 600,000, Oklahoma City is a moderately sized metropolitan area.  Three interstate highways intersect in Oklahoma City (I35, I40, and I44), and the city's highway system is excellent.  The Health Sciences Center is located near Downtown, with quick access via all three of the interstate highways and other major thoroughfares , so students can commute to the campus quickly from any direction.  A limited amount of on-campus housing is available, but most students take advantage of the ample supply of affordable apartments in the area.  The campus is also quite close to the Bricktown restaurant and entertainment district and many other restaurants, though students can dine on campus at the Student Union, the Center for Healthy Living, or several other convenient facilities.

RELATED LINKS

OUHSC Prospective Students Web Page

Oklahoma City Visitors Bureau

Bricktown Entertainment District

Life in Oklahoma City (events calendar)

OUHSC Web Site Home Page

Oklahoma Health Center Foundation

OUHSC Bursar's Office (tuition and fees schedule)