Message from the Chair

Welcome to Mercer University’s Department of Public Health! We are excited about your interest in pursuing a degree focused on advancing the health and well-being of populations through education, research, and service. Our programs are designed to transform students into competent professionals prepared to confront the dynamic challenges of public health, guided by a deep belief in health equity, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Public health professionals are at the forefront of creating sustainable change, working to address health needs of our communities, from chronic diseases and mental health to navigating emerging global health threats and shaping health policy. At Mercer, we prepare students to meet these challenges with knowledge, skills, leadership, and compassion for populations.

The Mercer Department of Public Health is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). The department offers innovative and rigorous programs on both our Atlanta and Macon, Georgia campuses that blend theory with real-world application to promote health equity and improve the quality of life for all populations. Our academic offerings include the Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH), Master of Public Health (MPH), and Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degrees, along with combined degree programs that integrate the MPH degree with other disciplines.

The curriculum is designed to train public health professionals committed to reducing health disparities and driving sustainable, positive changes. A strong emphasis on health equity is established across the curriculum of all programs.

Our faculty bring diverse expertise and are deeply committed to advancing public health science and practice. We are passionate about mentoring and preparing rising public health leaders as we pursue our mission through educational programs, academic research, and service. Our students gain valuable practical experiences through partnerships with notable public health organizations, where they apply classroom knowledge and skills to help organizations solve real-world problems and support the mission of these agencies.

We invite you to explore our programs, connect with faculty, and learn more about how Mercer’s Department of Public Health is making a difference. Thank you for visiting, and we look forward to partnering with you on your educational journey.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Gaddis, DrPH, MPH, CHES
Chair and Professor of Practice
Department of Public Health