The Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health is unique as the first academic department to be co-developed and co-governed in partnership with the communities it serves. This collaborative approach aims to enhance academic success and real-world impact. Based at the College of Human Medicine's Flint campus, the department focuses on population health. Its close ties to the Flint community enable faculty and researchers to gain insights into the community's strengths and needs while addressing its most urgent public health issues.

 

Spartans work side-by-side with community partners and health care providers in a community-identified and community-participatory public health focus model.

 
Mission
To eliminate health disparities in diverse populations in local and global communities while attaining the highest level of health for all individuals and groups – with a particular emphasis on the community of Flint. The Department is committed to:
  • Optimizing health outcomes with community-driven solutions from public health research that is methodologically rigorous and equitably and ethically community-partnered.
  • The development and support of community and clinical intervention programs which have positive impacts and further seek to establish best practices through health policy, advocacy, and robust evaluations.
  • Educating, training, and developing a diverse and inclusive public health workforce and partners, while equipping them with essential leadership skills to improve health in all communities.  
Exterior of MSU Flint campus

Community-Participatory Research

Partners in the community help fuel the efforts with resources and a shared commitment to improving lives with more than 30 organizations collaborating on Flint research.

+$200 Million in External Funding 
From 2014 - April 11, 2025

 

Large blue Flint sign downtown Flint on a sunny day

Community Collaboration in Action

Flint residents are engaged in governance, leadership, and purpose-driven decision-making. Want to get involved?

MPH student in front of computer wearing headphones during meeting

Online Public Health Education

Michigan State University offers an online Master of Public Health degree with three concentrations: Generalist, Rural Public Health, and Public Health Data Management and Analytics. We also offer a Graduate Certificate in the core disciplines of public health.

+750 Spartan in Public Health Alumni

CEPH Accredited Master’s

MPH students wearing caps and gowns at commencement ceremony

Support Public Health Initiatives

Public health is one of the most urgent challenges of our generation and now is the time to make a difference together. Your support is critical to addressing health disparities. Explore ways to join us in creating healthier communities:  
  • Support scholarships for Master of Public Health students
  • Join forces with Dr. Mona Hanna on a transformational effort to address child poverty through Rx Kids
  • Participate in the Mott Match, a $5 million matching fund for four endowed faculty positions in Flint
  • Advance culinary education for kids by supporting Flint Kids Cook
  • Nourish Flint kids with fruit & vegetable prescriptions