Population and Public Health Sciences

Pioneering Public Health Education and Research

The Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine is a trailblazer in public health education, hosting southwest Ohio's first Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program and two prestigious research centers. Our extensive faculty-led research and collaborative educational programs ensure that graduates emerge as leaders across various sectors, advancing public health locally and beyond.

About the Department

The Department of Population and Public Health Sciences (DPPHS) is a leader in public health education and research. The department is home to the first Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program in southwest Ohio and two nationally recognized research centers. Last year, our faculty conducted approximately 3 million dollars in substance use research and program evaluation.

We leverage our alumni network, public health partners, and research centers to provide graduate students a unique hands-on educational experience. Graduates of our programs go on to become leaders in medicine, public health, health care, insurance, and non-profit agencies - building the public health workforce for our region.

DPPHS faculty provide consultation and collaborate with other Boonshoft School of Medicine and university departments in the areas of education and service. Many of the DPPHS faculty are course directors for undergraduate- and graduate-level courses and electives within the department’s educational programs.

Mission

Provide interdisciplinary education, research, and service, through leadership and community collaborations

Vision

A community of population health leaders that promotes and protects health for all

Values

  1. Student-Centered: The central focus of our program is our students and their future as public health professionals.
  2. Community Engagement: We believe that preparation of students is achieved through an academic-public health practice partnership in which students, faculty and practitioners interact in a life-long cycle of learning and service.
  3. Integration: The health of populations is best served when medicine is integrated with public health programs and policies.
  4. Leadership: We strive to be recognized as the leader of public health initiatives across the university and southwest Ohio.
  5. Research and Scholarship: We strive to make meaningful public health discoveries and believe that students engaged in the pursuit of discovery will continue to pursue their own research.
  6. Equity: We believe that to create communities where all members thrive, all members of society need to be represented and their differences considered.

Research

Center for Interventions, Treatment, and Addiction Research (CITAR)

CITAR represents the focal point for substance abuse related services, academic research, and services research. ​​​

Substance Abuse Resources and Disabilities Issues (SARDI)

The SARDI program conducts collaborative and participatory research, seeking to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities, including those who are concurrently affected by behavioral health issues.

Annual Report