Northwestern’s Program in Public Health Accreditation Renewed Through 2033

March 31, 2026

The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) has renewed its accreditation of Northwestern University’s Program in Public Health (PPH) for a full seven-year term. The CEPH Board of Counselors reached their decision in early March following an extensive review process and campus visit.

CEPH, an independent agency recognized by the United States Department of Education, evaluates and accredits schools and programs of public health in the United States. Receiving accreditation indicates that Northwestern’s program has met the nationally-agreed-upon standards developed by public health academics and practitioners.

“We believe the program in public health’s successful re-accreditation is a testament to our commitment to prepare students for careers in public and population health in an environment that offers innovative education, research and service, engages our communities, and strives to improve health for all people,” said Ronald T Ackermann, MD, MPH, director of the Institute for Public Health and Medicine, which houses the Program in Public Health. “Completing the process is fundamental to our mission, as it ensures our educational offerings remain responsive and relevant to today’s professional environment.”

The CEPH assessment is a multi-year process that begins with a self-study detailing the program’s environment, facilities, organization, degree offerings, and student engagement. This is followed by an on-site visit from peer assessors who measure the program against a strict set criteria. Northwestern students were especially commended for the high quality of their capstone and thesis projects.

“CEPH accreditation is a critical marker of quality and rigor for the Program in Public Health at Northwestern, reflecting the strength of our curriculum, faculty expertise, and student support,” said Sarah Pila-Leiderman, PhD, assistant professor of Medical Social Sciences and Faculty Lead for Accreditation & Educational Advancement, Program in Public Health. “Prospective and current students should be assured that we meet and exceed nationally recognized standards for public health education, and that we will continue raising that bar in the future.”

Northwestern’s Program in Public Health is anchored within the Feinberg School of Medicine and operated by the Institute for Public Health and Medicine. It offers several degrees tailored for students at any stage of their professional journey, from graduate students seeking to specialize in a field, to practicing physicians shaping their research careers. Visit the program website to learn more about each offering.