On the Forefront of Population
and Public Health

Since its founding in 1977, the Keck School of Medicine’s Department of Population and Public Health Sciences has consistently ranked among the top 10 Schools of Public Health in terms of competitively-awarded funding from the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Further, our programs prepare students for impactful careers in population and public health sciences, and employers tell us that the real-world, practical skills our graduates possess make them some of the most prepared job candidates they encounter.

Interim Chair
Ricky Bluthenthal, PhD

Our faculty, staff and students do incredible research and advocacy, and are leaders throughout the University. We’re part of making USC – and our communities – a better place.

Ricky Bluthenthal, PhD
Interim Department Chair
Distinguished Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences
Associate Dean for Social Justice
Ricky Bluthenthal, PhD

By the Numbers

6

Divisions

#2

Funding from the National Institutes of Health

12

Degree Programs

Hear from researchers on our podcast

Get to know our experts and dive into the population and public health topics involved in our research and initiatives.

Our Values and Culture

We aim to improve population and public health locally and globally through the pursuit of high-impact, transdisciplinary research; the translation and communication of knowledge; and the training of outstanding students, professionals and future researchers, educators and leaders.

Focus on Health Equity

Health as a rights and equity issue

Our experts know a one-size-fits-all approach to health simply does not work. Whether via policy, access to care, community programs or other resources, healthy populations can only truly be achieved when all people are provided equitable opportunity for health.

Continuous Improvement and Growth

Local to global health challenges

Highly active, the Department is recognized as one of the top research units of its kind in the country. The Department of Population and Public Health Sciences is poised to meet new challenges by growing its faculty, research and education programs in the name of health for all.

Reflection and Belonging

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Department is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse, inclusive environment for our students, faculty, staff and other community members. Through tangible efforts and creating space for input across the Department, we aim to continually improve as we prioritize a culture of reflection, empowerment and belonging.

smiling student

Community Engagement and Outreach

Our community of scholars are brilliant, uncommonly collaborative, and deeply engaged in our surrounding communities.

Help Support Our Work

Your generosity supports the trailblazing efforts of students in the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, who are on a mission to impact public health for good.