Overview
The Department of Community Health Sciences (CHS) at the USF College of Public Health strives to be a strategic, creative, and bold global leader in strengthening and reimagining the health and well-being of societies and communities through excellence in teaching, research, and service.
Our outstanding faculty lead state-of-the-art educational programs in maternal and child health, health promotion and behavior, lifestyle medicine, nutrition and dietetics, community nutrition, and genetic counseling. CHS faculty lead and actively engage with thriving research centers including the Lawton and Rhea Chiles Center, the USF Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health Education, Science and Practice, the Sunshine Education and Research Center, the James and Jennifer Harrell Center for the Study of Family Violence, and the Center for Applied Lifestyle Medicine.
Our faculty's research is cited globally and focuses on improving the health of families and communities through innovative research designs that translate to effective practice. Through our commitment to teaching, research, and outreach, we are dedicated to preparing the next generation of community health scientists and leaders who will work collaboratively to create meaningful change.
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Board-Approved Programs
Lifestyle Medicine programs grant eligibility for NBHWC certification through the Center of Applied Lifestyle Medicine.
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Groundbreaking MSPH
We offer the only Genetic Counseling degree in Florida, advancing public health in genetics.
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MCH Center of Excellence
USF’s Center for Maternal and Child Health is 1 of 13 U.S. programs recognized by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau.
Why Choose COPH Community Health Sciences?
- Groundbreaking Research & Education: Engage in innovative research, evaluation, and educational opportunities aimed at strengthening the health of families and communities. CHS focuses on applying cutting-edge theories and practices to bring about positive change.
- Comprehensive Degree & Certificate Offerings: Choose from a variety of programs including MPH, MSPH, and PhD options with specialized concentrations. These programs provide advanced knowledge and practical skills in maternal and child health, health promotion and behavior, lifestyle medicine, nutrition and dietetics, community nutrition, genetic counseling, and general public health.
- Impactful Collaboration: Partner with faculty and students on global projects that integrate theory, implementation science, and cultural adaptation to drive sustainable, positive change in communities worldwide. You can also join the department-affiliated Maternal and Child Health Student Organization (MCHSO) to connect with peers, faculty, and staff who share your passion for maternal and child health. MCHSO offers mentorship, learning opportunities, and community engagement to support your academic and professional growth.
- State-of-the-Art Centers and Labs: Collaborate with faculty and researchers at our leading centers and labs, which focus on critical areas of community health sciences and public health. These opportunities provide students with hands-on experience in solving some of the most pressing health challenges today.
"As an MPH alum and PhD student, I’ve had the pleasure of working with faculty in meaningful projects like the APHA Latino Caucus for Public Health Student Chapter as a founding member, the COPH Activist Lab as a GRA and Student Board Member, the USF Chiles Center as a doctoral student fellow, and the USF Salud Latina Initiative as a GRA. These experiences have deepened my understanding of social change and community health. CHS is for students who want to be agents of change and tackle complex public health challenges." - Rolando Trejos, PhD Student
MPH student paves the way as first enrollee in COPH’s community nutrition concentration
Lindsay Thompson didn’t plan on being the first. But as the inaugural student in the COPH's community nutrition concentration, she’s found a new passion and a fresh start.
MPH student paves the way as first enrollee in COPH’s community nutrition concentration
Public health teams shine at student conference
The efforts of three industrious teams from USF’s College of Public Health (COPH) may follow different paths, but they speak as one voice in their message for social change.
Public health teams shine at student conference
Lighting up health education scholarships, not cigarettes
Anamaria Penagos, a second-year master of public health (MPH) student at USF’s College of Public Health (COPH) was recently awarded the prestigious John P. McGovern National Scholarship from Eta Sigma Gamma (ESG), the national health education honorary society.