The University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health is proudly celebrating the rapid growth and success of the Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) program Since its launch in 2022, the program has grown 162% and expanded to a current enrollment of 499 students, including both internal and external transfers. In April 2024, the first class of nine students graduated, with a second graduating class of 35 students in May 2025.
The program continues to attract an increasing number of students who are passionate about advancing health equity and addressing public health challenges. In fall 2022, we welcomed 38 first-year students. This number grew to 113 in fall 2023, 117 in 2024, and this year, 234 first-year students were welcomed to the school— the largest cohort yet. To meet the evolving needs of BSPH students, new upper-level elective courses are being offered, including Data for Good: Biostatistics in Action, Health Equity and the US Health System, Infectious Disease Emergencies, and Epidemiology of Firearm Injuries and Death. These courses reflect the school’s mission to provide hands-on, impactful learning experiences.
Pitt Public Health is the first school at the University to implement GivePulse, a service-learning tracking system. This tool allows students to measure their community engagement and assess the impact of their work, reinforcing the school’s commitment to preparing graduates who are both academically strong and civically engaged.
One of the highlights of the BSPH experience is the Capstone Symposium, which takes place each spring during National Public Health Week (NPHW). In 2025, during the 30th anniversary of NPHW, 23 BSPH students showcased their capstone projects at a poster session in the Public Health Building. Their projects reflected the creativity and critical thinking fostered as the school, covering topics such as an analysis of the TV show “The Pitt,” housing access in Austria, and ethics in mobile medical care.
As we look ahead, Pitt Public Health remains dedicated to fostering academic innovation, supporting student success, and preparing future public health leaders to make an impact locally and globally.
-Joe Barreto