UC Davis Public Health Sciences earns seven-year national reaccreditation

The UC Davis Public Health Sciences graduate program has been reaccredited for seven years by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the nation's recognized accrediting body for schools and programs of public health. The seven-year term is the highest CEPH awards.

The CEPH Board of Councilors approved the reaccreditation during its June 2026 meeting, affirming the quality, rigor and impact of UC Davis's public health education programs. The seven-year term reflects the program's sustained excellence in teaching, student outcomes, workforce development and community engagement.

Brad Pollock is a distinguished professor of epidemiology and chair of the Department of Public Health Sciences and the Graduate Group in Public Health Sciences at the UC Davis School of Medicine.

"This reaccreditation reflects the extraordinary dedication of our faculty, students, staff and alumni," Pollock said. "The field continues to evolve rapidly, especially with the incorporation of data-driven technology such as AI and predictive analytics. We remain committed to preparing the next generation of leaders who will improve health outcomes locally, nationally and globally."

The reaccreditation aligns with recent national distinctions for UC Davis Public Health Sciences.

Earlier this year, U.S. News & World Report ranked the program No. 22 among 224 accredited graduate public health programs in the United States.

The program's educational excellence is also enhanced by its research strength.

According to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, UC Davis Public Health Sciences ranks No. 3 nationally among public health departments in research funding from the National Institutes of Health.

The successful reaccreditation effort was led by a multidisciplinary team representing faculty, staff, and academic affairs leadership. In addition to Pollock, key contributors included Marcella Gonsalves, graduate advisor; Debbie Bennett, chair of the Graduate Group Curriculum Committee; Amber Carrere, education director; Kristyn Keylon, graduate program coordinator; and Eric Sommers, chief administrative officer.

"The reaccreditation process provided an opportunity to showcase the exceptional quality of our graduate programs and the collaborative culture that supports student success," Pollock said. "This achievement belongs to the entire community - faculty, staff, students, and alumni - whose sustained effort makes it possible."

As UC Davis continues to expand its impact in public health education, research and community partnerships, the CEPH reaccreditation affirms the program's position among the nation's leading institutions preparing future public health professionals and researchers.

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