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Department of Public Health Sciences

The mission of the undergraduate major in Public Health Sciences is to utilize a strong foundation in liberal arts and public health to educate students on how to think critically and implement multidisciplinary public health strategies to promote health and well-being on a population basis.

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A Little bit About Us

At Xavier University of Louisiana, our Department of Public Health Sciences is educating the next generation of leaders poised to tackle pressing health issues in our communities. And the U.S. Department of Education has taken notice, recognizing Xavier as a stand-out program preparing students for impactful public health careers.

Within our department, you’ll find approachable, dedicated faculty experts guiding small classes that allow for individualized attention. We encourage students to gain hands-on experience by collaborating with professors on innovative research projects both locally and in the field.

Our mission focuses on advancing health equity and eliminating disparities. Through a rigorous curriculum and mentoring opportunities, we equip students with the skills to drive real change as public health professionals. There’s an urgent need nationwide for more diverse leadership tackling major health challenges – and that’s exactly what we’re developing here at Xavier.

We welcome all students eager to take on leadership roles that shape healthier communities. Join us and prepare to become a new-generation change agent!

Program Information

Public Health Sciences, B.S.

Public Health Sciences, B.S.

This bachelor's degree provides a foundation in public health concepts, health education, research methods, and policy analysis. Students gain interdisciplinary skills to address population health issues.
Health Equity, M.P.H

Health Equity, M.P.H

This Master of Public Health concentration focuses on policies and interventions that promote health equity and reduce disparities. Courses cover social determinants, advocacy, cultural competence, and community-based participatory research.
Health Communication Certificate

Health Communication Certificate

This certificate program develops skills needed to create impactful health promotion and education messaging for diverse audiences. Students learn advanced communication strategies and health literacy.
Public Health Sciences Minor

Public Health Sciences Minor

The minor covers core public health knowledge and concepts including behavior change theories, global health, managing health programs, and epidemiology. An option for students wanting an introduction to the field.

What’s Happening in the Department of Public Health Sciences
News and Events

It’s troubling to read headline after headline about pregnant Black women not receiving necessary medical attention during labor - one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. We know of Tori Bowie and Serena Williams because of their star power, but this reality applies to Black women, known and unknown, who face a maternal health crisis in America. According to the Centers for Disease Control data, Black maternal mortality exceeds that of Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites by more than twofold. Here in Louisiana, we have one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country.

Community Engagement, Research, Faculty & Staff, Educational Leadership

For nearly 100 years, Xavier University of Louisiana’s College of Pharmacy has remained true to its goal of eliminating health disparities. For the last 17 years, the College of Pharmacy has hosted its Health Disparities Conference to addresses community engagement, policy, practice, education workforce, and science in the hopes of promoting and achieving health equity. This year, the 17th Health Disparities Conference will be held from April 7 - 9th at the Sheraton New Orleans. Themed “Social Detriments to Health: Reaching Equity – Let’s Talk Solutions,” the in-person conference promises to provide attendees with a multi-perspective view of concerns and issues related to health disparities and health equity while highlighting solutions that use public health approaches to achieve health equity.

Academics, Research, Graduate School, Educational Leadership, Community Engagement, College of Pharmacy, Arts & Sciences, Faculty & Staff, Partner Programs

Xavier University of Louisiana’s College of Pharmacy (COP) is one of the 24 organizations participating in Oschner Health’s Health and Wellness Day in New Orleans East, an annual event offering free health screenings and education to the New Orleans East community. Xavier’s Health and Wellness Center and the Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education (CMHDRE), two centers housed in Xavier’s COP, will participate in the event.

Graduate School, Community Engagement

Upcoming Events

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Contact Us

Department of Public Health Sciences Library Resource Center (LRC) Room 321

(504) 520-6707