Michele M. Wood, PhD, MS
Department Chair
Welcome to the Department of Public Health website!
It is an immense privilege for our department to play a part in the important work of training the public health workforce in Orange County and beyond. Public health continues to be of critical importance to the health and wellbeing of our nation. Barriers to achieving health equity, the negative effects of climate on health, the role of racism as a root cause of disease, violence, the use of artificial intelligence in the public health workforce, and future pandemics continue to challenge public health practitioners, policy makers, and advocate alike. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with dedicated and talented faculty and staff in serving our students. The beautifully diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students and their commitment to improving the health of our communities is a true inspiration!
The Department of Public Health offers:
- A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Public Health with 5 concentrations: Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Global Health, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Public Health Nutrition, and General Studies
- A minor in Public Health
- A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree with 2 areas of emphasis: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (We will also offer one in epidemiology beginning next Fall)
To our prospective students, faculty, staff, and community partners, I encourage you to contact us and let us help you reach your goals!
To our incoming students, welcome to the department! We have exciting things planned for the coming years.
To our graduating students, congratulations on your achievements—we are so proud of you!
Wishing you the best of health,
Michele M. Wood, PhD, MS
Professor and Chair
Department of Public Health
