CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy

Background

The CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (CUNY SPH) is a public research institution within the City University of New York (CUNY) system, located in New York City. Established in 2007, CUNY SPH is dedicated to promoting and sustaining healthier populations in New York City and globally through excellence in education, research, and service in public health. The school's mission emphasizes social justice and health equity, aiming to shape policy and practice in public health for all.

Key Strategic Focus

CUNY SPH focuses on addressing urban health challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. The school offers a range of accredited master's and doctoral programs, including specializations in Community Health, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Health Policy and Management, and Public Health Nutrition. These programs equip students with both theoretical frameworks and practical skills essential for tackling complex public health issues. The institution emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a rich tapestry of perspectives that contribute to holistic learning and innovative solutions.

Financials and Funding

As a public institution, CUNY SPH benefits from funding through the City University of New York system, state allocations, and research grants. The school has experienced growth in research funding, with an increase of 20% in new research funding under the leadership of Dean Ayman El-Mohandes. This financial support has facilitated the expansion of academic programs, research initiatives, and community engagement efforts.

Pipeline Development

CUNY SPH has developed several initiatives to streamline educational pathways and enhance workforce readiness:

4+1 Pipeline Program: In partnership with Lehman College, Medgar Evers College, Queens College, York College, and Macaulay Honors College, this program allows students to take up to 12 credits of graduate-level courses during their junior and senior years. This enables the completion of both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in public health within five years, rather than the traditional six.

CUNY Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies (CUNY BA) 4+1 Program: This pipeline program permits eligible CUNY BA students to take graduate-level courses at CUNY SPH during their junior and senior years, counting towards both their undergraduate and graduate degrees. This structure facilitates the completion of both degrees in five years.

Technological Platform and Innovation

CUNY SPH is committed to advancing public health through innovative research and technological platforms:

CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH): This institute conducts cutting-edge research on population health and related outcomes, focusing on translating research into sustainable, cost-effective interventions and policies. ISPH engages in multidisciplinary collaborations and provides training opportunities for faculty, students, and post-doctoral fellows.

Simulation Learning: The school incorporates simulation education into its curriculum, offering students experiential learning opportunities that bridge classroom instruction and real-life experiences. This includes access to updated simulation labs across CUNY campuses and the New York Simulation Center (NYSIM), a partnership between CUNY and NYU Langone Health.

Leadership Team

Dr. Ayman El-Mohandes: Serving as Dean since 2013, Dr. El-Mohandes is a pediatrician and public health academic with a deep commitment to public service and community engagement. His research focuses on infant mortality reduction in minority populations and population-based interventions in underserved communities. Under his leadership, CUNY SPH has undergone significant transformation, including achieving full re-accreditation in 2016 and launching six new institutes and centers.

Terry McGovern: As Senior Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Professor McGovern brings extensive experience in community health, global health, HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, and reproductive justice. She has been instrumental in integrating interprofessional education into health professions training programs at CUNY.

Denis Nash: Distinguished Professor and Executive Director of the CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, Dr. Nash specializes in epidemiology, focusing on population health, HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, and implementation science. He has played a pivotal role in advancing the school's research initiatives.

Terry Huang: Chair of the Department of Health Policy and Management, Dr. Huang is a leading expert on childhood obesity, systems approaches to community health, and chronic disease prevention. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary strategies to address complex health issues.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The field of public health education is experiencing growth, driven by increasing awareness of global health challenges and the need for skilled professionals. Urban public health, in particular, has gained prominence due to the unique health issues faced by densely populated areas. Institutions that offer comprehensive, interdisciplinary programs with a focus on urban health are well-positioned to address these challenges.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the public health education sector include:

Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health: Located in New York City, Mailman offers a wide range of public health programs and has a strong emphasis on research and global health initiatives.

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: Known for its rigorous academic programs and extensive research facilities, Harvard Chan attracts a diverse student body and offers numerous specializations.

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: As one of the oldest and largest schools of public health, Johns Hopkins provides comprehensive programs and has a significant impact on public health policy and practice.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

CUNY SPH has established several strategic collaborations to enhance its educational offerings and research capabilities:

4+1 Pipeline Program: In partnership with Lehman College, Medgar Evers College, Queens College, York College, and Macaulay Honors College, this program allows students to accelerate their education by earning both bachelor's and master's degrees in public health within five years.

CUNY Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies (CUNY BA) 4+1 Program: This pipeline program permits eligible CUNY BA students to take graduate-level courses at CUNY SPH during their junior and senior years, facilitating the completion of both degrees in five years.

CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH): This institute conducts impactful research on population health and related outcomes, focusing on translating research into sustainable, cost-effective interventions and policies.

Operational Insights

CUNY SPH's strategic location in New York City provides a unique advantage in addressing urban health issues. The school's commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures a broad range of perspectives, enhancing the learning environment and fostering innovative solutions to public health challenges. The institution's emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches and community engagement positions it as a leader in urban public health education and research.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, CUNY SPH aims to:

Expand Educational Programs: Develop new specializations and certificate programs to address emerging public health challenges and workforce needs.

Enhance Research Initiatives: Increase funding and support for research centers and institutes, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and innovative studies.

Strengthen Community Engagement: Deepen partnerships with local organizations and communities to implement and evaluate health interventions, ensuring practical impact and relevance.

Leverage Technological Innovations: Integrate advanced technologies and data analytics into public health education and research to improve outcomes and inform policy decisions.