CHARLES DREW UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE
AND
SCIENCE MASTER OF URBAN PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

CONTACT

Sondos Islam, PhD, MPH, MS Acting Director of Health Sciences 1731 E. 120th Street, Keck Bldg. Los Angeles, CA 90059 http://www.cdrewu.edu

History

The Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science has evolved and grown, shaped by the needs of the community it serves.  Located in the Watts-Willowbrook section of South Los Angeles, the institution benefits from its location and the corresponding diversity and complexity of its patient population by creating an academic environment unlike any other.

Following nearly a decade of community-based advocacy for improved medical services, the University was incorporated in August of 1966.  In response to the lack of adequate medical facilities in the area, the institution later became a University, named in honor of Dr. Charles Drew, a brilliant African-American physician, famous for his pioneering work in blood preservation. 

The University strives to improve the health status of underserved communities through innovative biomedical research, and progressive health policies.  By maintaining and expanding relationships with local medical schools, research institutions and community-based organizations, Charles Drew is focused on eliminating health disparities by providing access to and delivery of healthcare services to underserved populations.

Program Overview

In 2006, Charles Drew University was granted authority by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges to award the Master of Public Health (MPH) Degree with a concentration in Urban Health.  The Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science MPH program with a concentration in Urban Public Health admitted its first cohort of students in Fall 2006.  The MPH is a 42-hour program delivered primarily to adult working students during evening hours. The curriculum was designed using the minimum MPH educational competencies developed by the Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) as a framework.  Charles Drew believes that framing the curriculum around these competencies will better prepare the graduate for National Certification.

Mission

To train public health professionals to promote research and services in disease prevention and health promotion for culturally diverse and medically underserved urban communities.

Accreditation

The program initiated its Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH) accreditation process in Fall 2008.