About UM SPH

Mission Statement

The University of Michigan School of Public Health seeks to create and disseminate knowledge with the aim of preventing disease and promoting the health of populations worldwide. We are especially concerned with health equity and thus have a special focus on disadvantaged populations who suffer disproportionately from illness and disability. We serve as a diverse and inclusive crossroads of knowledge and practice, with the goal of solving current and future public health problems. (2011 update)

Vision Statement

The University of Michigan School of Public Health will be the premier academic institution in public health recognized for the way it integrates research, teaching, service and practice in a diverse environment to develop effective solutions to public health problems.

Pioneering New Strategies

Faculty, researchers, students and partners at Michigan are . . .

  • working in labs on viruses, parasites, toxins, and on the leading edge of research in epigenetics
  • devising new techniques for analyzing data on health and illness
  • designing epidemiological studies to track emerging diseases
  • developing strategies to alter behavior that leads to health risks, including motivational interviewing to tailor health messages to individuals with chronic diseases or addictions
  • helping communities solve their own health problems
  • and pioneering health policy that gives greater access to health care and prevention services.

About the Home Page Photos

UM SPH photos are mostly copyrighted and permissions-protected. Contact the Office of Communications with any questions or reproduction requests.


tai chi in China
Public health is global...
Read the story behind this photo by Mary Beth Lewis of tai chi in China, and learn about UM SPH's growing public health partnership with the world's largest country.

front of the school of public health
...and local.
Learn more about UM SPH's impressive Ann Arbor campus, pictured here by Peter Smith.

policy experts
Health Behavior and Health Education focuses on social and behavioral factors associated with health, at home and worldwide.
Learn about photo-journalist alum Sheila Krishnan, who took this photo and 2000 more during her UM SPH internship in West Bengal.

child health in India
Health Management and Policy experts are on the front lines.
HMP tobacco expert Cliff Douglas connects with President Obama during the signing of historic smoking-prevention legislation; photo courtesy of the White House.

Africa
Epidemiology is in the field.
Alum Chris Victor (at center, with sunglasses) leads a health initiative in Africa.

polar sunrise
Environmental Health Sciences address many conditions that affect human health, including pollution.
Research on the effects of mercury on animals, detailed in a "Polar Sunrise" article.


Biostatistics is a core competency of public health, and a key to unlocking better outcomes.
Popular faculty include Brahmar Mukherjee, lecturing in this photo by Peter Smith.

migrant child health
While exploring American Dreams, the SPH Office of Communications tracked the state of people in our state;
photo of teen migrant workers trained as health aides in Michigan by Peter Smith.

dancing
Students exercise and grow at UM SPH. Is this the place for you?
Photo of a popular Bollywood dance class by Peter Smith.