Arizona State University (ASU) Health is set to launch its first degree programs, designed to prepare students for the evolving landscape of modern healthcare. The Master of Science in public health technology and the Master of Public Health, both offered by ASU’s new School of Technology for Public Health, will be available starting in the fall of 2025.
Michelle Villegas-Gold, assistant vice president of strategic initiatives at ASU Health, highlighted the programs’ focus on modernizing public health through technological advancements. The curriculum for the Master of Science in public health technology will teach students to design and implement innovative technological solutions. The Master of Public Health will integrate the perspectives of technology, engineering, and design thinking to address public health challenges.
“This pioneering school provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to be at the forefront of addressing major public health challenges ahead with technology solutions,” said Dr. Susan Blumenthal, founder of the new field of public health technology and co-chair of the advisory council for ASU’s School of Technology for Public Health.
ASU News spoke with Villegas-Gold and Marc Adams, assistant dean of education in the School of Technology for Public Health, to learn more about the new degree offerings.
MS in Public Health Technology: Bridging Gaps and Building Skills
When asked about the intent of the MS in Public Health Technology, Villegas-Gold explained it is designed to help students enhance their qualifications. “We want to provide these people with opportunities that will set them apart and retain them in state as they’re planning to reapply,” she said. This program also aims to support clinicians, medical students, and public health officers who seek to become innovators but lack the necessary business, design, engineering, or data science skills.
Master of Public Health: Deepening Expertise
Adams explained that the two-year Master of Public Health program, incorporating a concentration in public health technology, allows students to delve more deeply into public health and technology. Students can choose from nine credit hours of electives to focus on technology, engineering, design, or public health, providing a more comprehensive experience.
Unique Features and Transdisciplinary Approach
Villegas-Gold noted that while other institutions are beginning to integrate technology into public health education, this program stands out due to its truly transdisciplinary nature. The curriculum weaves in essential elements of technology, engineering, and design into the core of public health education. Students will take courses in engineering, design, and artificial intelligence to learn unique applications in the public health field. ASU will also be the first university in the nation to seek accreditation for a concentration in public health technology within a Master of Public Health program. The goal is to equip students to be “technofluid” and fluent in both public health and technology.
Adams added that both degrees are intended to modernize the public health ecosystem. He stated, “It’s really time to leverage all the advanced technologies that exist.”
Attracting New Talent
Both Villegas-Gold and Adams believe the programs will attract students who may not have previously considered the public health field. Villegas-Gold said it also aims to help students “who didn’t see a clear pathway for them to work at the intersection of many of these different fields.”
Alignment with ASU Health’s Mission
Villegas-Gold emphasized that the degrees are an extension of ASU Health’s core mission to improve the health of Arizonans by focusing on health equity and accessible technologies. Adams highlighted the importance of addressing the digital divide, digital biases and disparities to ensure the technologies are applied equitably.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Prospective students should also be aware that the programs incorporate entrepreneurship and innovation components, including instruction on pitching ideas, fundraising, turning ideas into companies, and securing funding from venture capitalists and philanthropists.
Adams added that the entrepreneurial aspect is critical for monetizing innovations and supporting public health efforts.
