Mission
Through excellence in research, education and practice, the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health generates knowledge, trains public health professions and partners with communities locally and globally to promote health, prevent disease and achieve health equity.
Our Beginnings
Pitt's School of Public Health was founded in 1948 with a $13.6 million grant from the A. W. Mellon Educational and Charitable Trust. When the school opened its doors two years later in 1950, it was the 13th public health school in the nation. With an initial focus on occupational health and hygiene, the school was naturally influenced to address local public health needs within the industrialized City of Pittsburgh. Later, as Pittsburgh transformed into an economy driven by education and research, so did Pitt Public Health.
Looking Forward
The school now focuses its research on global health, health equity and premature mortality. Research also continues in such traditional Pitt Public Health study areas as infectious diseases, workplace and environmental health, strokes and heart disease, and radiation safety. Learn more about how emerging challenges have shaped our current priorities.
