Our History

The original school of public health in Texas.

UTHealth Houston School of Public Health's story is part of a much bigger history. In the early 20th century, the founders of MD Anderson Cancer Center and the University of Texas laid the plans for a world-class medical center to establish and support the advancement of health, science, and knowledge for future generations.

The largest school of public health in Texas.

Now known fondly as “The Med Center,” Houston’s health and medical district continues to grow, as does our school. Since the founding of the Houston campus in 1967, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health has worked to expand our reach and impact. Knowing that one campus alone cannot create better health outcomes across a state which encompasses many different populations, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health has spread to six locations.

In 1979, we established our San Antonio location, the first of our institutions to offer an MD/MPH dual-degree, a program that has now grown to one of the largest in the country. 

In 1992, the El Paso location opened its doors, bringing with it the opportunity for students and faculty to research and study in the largest international metropolitan area in the U.S.

In 1998, we launched the Dallas location, an institution grounded in strong partnerships with the local medical and research communities, and a growing focus in pediatric population health.

In 2000, we opened the Brownsville location, where faculty and students work to establish a culture of proactive health activity in an area with little historical access to health education and care. 

In 2007, we established our Austin location, known for its leadership in child and adolescent health, chronic disease prevention and public health policy.  

By opening these locations, we have built relationships with city governments, new communities, academic institutions, and industries to better support the needs of culturally complex and diverse areas in which we live, work, and play.

Texas is only the beginning.

Our institution is home to students and faculty from over 55 countries, from China to Nigeria to Mexico, who bring new perspectives, experiences, and opportunities to our classrooms. The educational experience we offer is backed by the history and community first established in Houston in 1967 and further propelled by the school’s extensive alumni and partner networks built over decades and spanning across the state, nation, and globe.