University of South Florida College of Public Health

Changing Lives to Change the World

Public health is global health. USF helps you build a career with impact.

Fast Facts

• 9 online degree programs, 12 online graduate certificates and more than 100 online courses
• Public health students annually dedicate more than 1,500+ volunteer hours to making life better around the world
• Home to 12 internationally recognized centers and institutes addressing areas of public health importance, including two World Health Organization centers

Learn More

Join Our Peace Corps Panel Discussion on Thursday, October 17 from 6:00pm-7:00pm EST

Jewel in the Crown

An urban research university, the University of South Florida is home to the highest-ranked public health degree program in Florida. For more than 10 years, the College of Public Health has consistently ranked in the top 30 nationally (U.S. News & World Report, 2024) among the Council on Education for Public Health accredited schools and colleges. Many refer to us as a jewel in the crown of the University of South Florida, but ranking isn’t the only reason why the #USFCOPHRocks!

Live Your Best Life

“Our practice is our passion” is more than our tagline. Every day we work tirelessly to improve the health of the population in Tampa and around the world.

Research Matters

COPH students have many opportunities to conduct research with faculty. They continually present award-winning research and practice at conferences and are published in peer-reviewed journals.

We Travel the World

Our students collaborate with researchers and practitioners around the world for experiential learning, research and study abroad. In 2023-2024, public health students traveled abroad to Japan, London, Zambia, Norway, Canada, Brazil, Colombia, Panamá, Australia, Madagascar, South Africa, India, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands to practice their public health passion.

Why RPCVs Choose USF

• $2,000 yearly scholarship
• In-state tuition, no matter where you are coming from
• Priority for graduate assistantships
• The college prepares students to sit for the CPH exam and pays the initial registration fee

“After returning from the Peace Corps, I had a difficult time deciding between a concentration in epidemiology or global health when applying to universities. The University of South Florida was the only school that offered an MPH program with a concentration in both epidemiology and global health so that I would not have to choose between the two. I was also grateful that USF had a Coverdell Fellowship program that would make it possible for me to afford graduate school.” – Erin Millsapps

“My career arc changed during my time in Benin as a rural community health agent with the U.S. Peace Corps. Engaging in public health efforts abroad showed me how important it is to focus on upstream factors to prevent poor health outcomes rather than simply reacting to them as they arise. This understanding pushed me to pursue my master’s degree in public health. And, the USF COPH attracted me through its emphasis on applied experiences locally and internationally as well as its dedication to civic engagement.” – Lucas Hicks