Urban Health. Global Impact.

The Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University was founded on the principle of health as a human right and the recognition of the importance of social justice as a means to achieve health for all.

Located in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel Dornsife is one of the top public health schools in the United States, ranking as the #1 school of public health in Philly and tied for number #18 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2024 rankings of the best public health schools. The school is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Our mission is to provide education, conduct research, and partner with communities and organizations to improve the health of populations. 

Our story weaves together three public health challenges: urban health, health equity, and policy translation in a way that is inclusive and broad, that allows us to have focus but at the same time engages new ideas and new areas. Most importantly, we recognize the value of diversity (where we come from, who we are, what we know, what we do, our history) to all of our work, because this diversity is critical to our ability to develop, embrace new things, and achieve our goals.

Our history honors over 25 years of training public health students using a curriculum focused on problem solving and real-life practical experiences. 

Advancing the Human Right to Health

Drexel Dornsife faculty, staff and students are committed to:

• Health as a human right and the importance of social justice to health
• Integrity, rigor, critical thinking, and self-reflection in research, scholarship, and education
• Translation of knowledge into actions to improve population health and eliminate health disparities
• Sustainable and equitable community partnerships
• Diversity and inclusiveness, empathy and respect for others regardless of position or status
• Human dignity and open and honest dialogue
• Service to local communities while recognizing the value of a global perspective

Our school "is not a place where apathy wins. This is a community where we challenge each other to live our values," said Dean Gina Lovasi, PhD, MPH in a 2023 Q&A.

The Dornsife School of Public Health is located in Nesbitt Hall at the corner of 33rd and Market Streets, at the heart of University City in Philadelphia, with easy access to Center City and a few blocks from 30th Street Station.

About Drexel University

Drexel University is one of America's 15 largest private universities, with more than 9,000 employees and over 22,000 total students. Drexel has 15 colleges and schools offer over 200 degree programs in engineering, architecture, media arts design, business, law, medicine, nursing, public health, and more. Learn more about Drexel's rankings and achievements.

Drexel University is nationally recognized for its historic commitment to cooperative education and experiential learning. The University's goal to become "the most civically engaged university in America" drives its work with the City of Philadelphia and diverse community partners.

Drexel has earned the prestigious "R1 Doctoral University: Very High Research Activity” ranking from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions, validating Drexel's growing reputation as a global research university.

The Drexel campus is located within a short walk of the Amtrak and regional rail stations in the University City section of Philadelphia, a vibrant city with a rich array of health care, educational, nonprofit, corporate, and cultural institutions.