Kate Marmion School of Public Health Welcomes Fall 2026 Cohort and Launches New Online Programs

The Kate Marmion School of Public Health officially welcomed its newest cohort of graduate students for the Fall 2026 semester, marking the arrival of the third Master of Public Health (MPH) class and the second MD/MPH dual-degree class.

On Monday, August 24, 66 students began their studies at the Kate Marmion School of Public Health at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Many members of this incoming group are already serving the community as healthcare, education, and government professionals, making the program a natural next step in their public service journeys.

This year's cohort is unique, introducing the inaugural students of the new fully online MPH degree, as well as students enrolled in the Public Health Certificate program, which allows working professionals and students to earn a credential in less than a year.

San Antonio is the nation’s seventh-largest city and a gateway to the country's demographic future, and the School of Public Health prepares students to address the pressing health needs of South Texas. Students gain firsthand insight into local and national public health challenges, developing practical strategies tailored to the unique needs of the region's diverse populations.

The MPH curriculum emphasizes an applied, hands-on approach where research directly benefits the public and service strengthens community ties. Students complete a minimum of 45 credit hours, including an applied practice experience and 180 hours of fieldwork with local organizations. This real-world experience ensures graduates are prepared to lead initiatives that address both immediate threats, such as emerging infectious diseases, and long-term challenges, like chronic disease prevention and health equity.

Because public health is inherently interdisciplinary, students can tailor their education toward careers in environmental, occupational, and behavioral health, or health services administration. The training opens doors across government, corporate, non-profit, and academic sectors, preparing graduates for impactful roles as scientists, educators, practitioners, and policymakers.

As the American Public Health Association emphasizes, public health is about more than responding to illness; it is about promoting wellness, protecting communities, and enabling people to live healthier, fuller lives. By equipping a new generation of skilled leaders, the Kate Marmion School of Public Health is shaping its graduates' futures while strengthening the health and resilience of South Texas and beyond.