Public Health Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
Why is Wayne State developing a school of public health (SPH)?
Wayne State University has a long and rich history of groundbreaking research addressing health disparities, fostering partnerships with the medical community and creating a robust pipeline for workforce development. However, our community faces enduring challenges to optimal health. According to the United Health Foundation, Michigan is ranked in the middle or below all states in 2023 for public health, and Wayne County ranks as the least healthy county in the United States.
As a community-engaged, top-tier Carnegie Research 1 university, we are called to address the urgent health and workforce needs in Detroit and across Michigan. Wayne State is uniquely well-positioned to support these needs due to our urban focus, program excellence, comprehensive approach, community partnerships, centers of expertise, local health initiatives and innovative outreach.
While Wayne State currently offers master's and bachelor's programs in public health, establishing a school will help Wayne State attract and retain the brightest talent in Michigan. Currently, there is only one school of public health in the state of Michigan, and there is a critical need to advance public health education in the state. As a Carnegie-designated R-1 institution, WSU will increase its research and education capacities by establishing a school entirely dedicated to public health. A community-focused school of public health also directly supports the “empower health” pillar of our Prosperity Agenda. Through the new SPH, Wayne State will address our community’s needs, further amplify our commitment to urban health education and research and prepare the next generation of Michigan's community health workforce.
What new and existing university programs or departments will be a part of the school of public health?
The master’s degree currently administered by the School of Medicine will move to the new school of public health, as well as the bachelor’s degree in public health, which is administered currently by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. In addition, the school of public health plans to offer at least two new Ph.D. programs, which is required by CEPH.
Which faculty will likely move to the school of public health?
The process for building a faculty community for a new school is exciting and multi-layered. Faculty with expertise to support the degree programs offered in the new school and to conduct scholarship and research that will contribute to knowledge in the discipline. It is likely that faculty who currently teach in the existing two degree programs will choose to affiliate academically with the school of public health and form the initial core of the faculty.
Where will the school of public health be physically located?
The academic home for the school of public health is proposed to be located in the existing Schaver Music Building, which would be renovated to meet the needs of the SPH. The Schaver Music Building will serve as the school’s primary location, with some offices and classrooms to be located in nearby buildings.
How will the school of public health be funded?
Like all Wayne State University schools and colleges, the new school of public health will be funded through a combination of state support, student tuition, federal funding, philanthropy and other resources. Wayne State has already secured foundational grants from the county and the federal government.
What is the status of fundraising and external financial support?
There has been substantial external enthusiasm regarding the new school. As a result, Wayne State has already secured foundational grants from the county and the federal government. Efforts are on-going to raise additional philanthropic and other external resources.
How does this impact current and prospective students?
The new school of public health aims to have a positive impact on current and prospective students throughout the state of Michigan. With a school dedicated to public health education and research, students will have more opportunities for advanced learning, work experience and research than ever before. Additionally, Wayne State’s SPH will focus on community engagement and intervention, allowing Wayne State to fill a necessary gap in our state’s need for public health education, impactful research, and improvement in the health of our community. It will also provide students with a solution-oriented education and prepare future public health workers to solve critical problems and actively address the needs of our communities through our long-standing partnerships.
When will the dean of the school of public health be hired?
The university has engaged an experienced search firm to assist us in national recruitment of outstanding candidates for this unique opportunity. We expect the search process to begin this semester with a more detailed timeline to follow.
How will the new senior vice president for health affairs be engaged with the school of public health?
In January 2025, Bernard J. Costello, M.D., D.M.D., began working at Wayne State as our new senior vice president for health affairs, leading our health sciences enterprise, and overseeing, coordinating and supporting the university’s clinical relationships/affiliations; interprofessional education; and the activities of the School of Medicine, College of Nursing, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and the new school of public health. As senior vice president for health affairs, Dr. Costello oversees the deans of medicine, nursing, pharmacy and health sciences, and eventually public health, and also coordinates on faculty appointments, academic programs and standards, and student affairs with staff in Academic Affairs led by Dr. Laurie M. Lauzon Clabo, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.
Will there be opportunities for interdisciplinary studies through the school of public health?
Addressing the challenges of our modern society requires collaboration and innovation, and we expect collaboration to be a critical aspect of this new endeavor. Increasingly, our students seek to solve real-world challenges that might not have a traditional career path. As such, a flexible system will be required to attract the best and brightest faculty, staff and students. Currently, our master of public health program emphasizes interdisciplinary research, and we plan to continue to provide opportunities through the school of public health for interdisciplinary studies as programs expand. We encourage interested faculty to reach out with ideas as we continue to shape the initial plans and focus on accreditation requirements.
How can I share my thoughts and questions?
For specific questions or comments, complete this form. We will continue communicating important updates by email, our Today@Wayne newsletters and on this web site. Additionally, departmental listening sessions will take place in the coming weeks. You can also check out Today@Wayne for updates and progress throughout the year. We appreciate our community’s ideas and feedback.