About Us
Our Mission
The mission of the Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice is to pursue health, well-being, and social justice for and with communities through nationally-renowned teaching and research, practical applications of knowledge, and authentic partnerships inspired by SLU's Jesuit tradition and identity.
Our Vision
Health, through justice, for all.
Local, regional, and global communities that are healthy, thriving and just.
Reputation and Rankings
SLU's College for Public Health and Social Justice is ranked in the top 25% of all public health programs by U.S. News & World Report and is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) – the field’s highest accreditation. It is the only accredited school of public health in Missouri and the only school of public health at a Jesuit/Catholic university in the United States.
U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks SLU’s Master of Health Administration among the top 25 graduate programs in the country.
Guided by a mission of social justice and a focus on finding innovative and collaborative solutions for complex health problems, the college offers nationally recognized programs in public health and health administration.
Statement of Values
As a Catholic, Jesuit institution, we believe our mission calls us to undertake education, research and service in particular ways – ways that embrace our foundation in scientific inquiry and higher education as we work for the greater good. The four key values of our college — collaboration, innovation, justice and practice — are integrated into our research, teaching and service. They form the distinct character of our college in a variety of ways. These values relate to Jesuit philosophy and higher education, which posits that we must work with and in the community, be in relationship with each other to deeply engage in critical analysis and reflection and conduct our work from the lens of social justice.
Our History
The College for Public Health and Social Justice came to fruition in July 2013 from its previous form as the School of Public Health, which was founded in 1991 and became fully accredited in 1995.
The college was charged to "boldly lead in teaching, researching, and providing services to those most affected by the complex factors that undermine health and welfare."
The Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice is the only academic unit of its kind, studying social, environmental and physical influences that together determine the health and well-being of people and communities. It also is the only accredited school or college of public health among nearly 250 Catholic institutions of higher education in the United States. Guided by a mission of social justice and a focus on finding innovative and collaborative solutions for complex health problems, the college offers nationally recognized programs in public health and health administration.
Explore the College's New Home
The College for Public Health and Social Justice welcomed students to their new home on the second floor of the Marvin and Harlene Wool Center in January 2025. The move to the Wool Center comes after decades of calling the Salus Center and the South Campus of Saint Louis University home. The second floor of the Wool Center, on the northeast corner of Grand and Lindell boulevards is a freshly renovated space thanks to a grant from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) that provides a new community for all undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. students in CPHSJ.
“It is incredible to have everyone — students, staff, and faculty — all in one place. The energy in the Wool Center is amazing! I'm so happy to have our college all together and excited for the ways we can build a stronger community,” said College for Public Health and Social Justice Dean Leslie McClure, Ph.D.