Public and Planetary Health
Why UNE?
UNE is uniquely positioned to lead in this space, uniting expertise across disciplines with deep community partnerships.
B.S. and M.S. Public Health Programs
Nationally recognized B.S. and M.S. Public Health programs with renowned faculty experts and thriving community partnerships
Leaders in Applied Research
Discovery and applied research are at the heart of our mission, driving innovation across health, environment, and sustainability
UNE North + Marine and Environmental School
Climate and sustainability leadership through UNE North and the School of Marine and Environmental Programs
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Healthy People, Healthy Planet
For Maine. For the Nation. For the Planet.
Planetary Health is an interdisciplinary field that explores how to create a livable future for humanity and all life on Earth amid rapid planetary changes driven by human disruptions to natural systems. Public Health is defined as the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities.
From the disruptions of COVID-19 to the accelerating impacts of climate change, recent events have underscored the interdependence of human and planetary well-being. A new, collaborative approach is needed to better address the challenges of both public and planetary health. The University of New England’s School of Public and Planetary Health (SPPH) — the first of its kind in northern New England — is our bold response. More than a new academic home, SPPH represents a transformational commitment to research, education, practice, and convening to meet the defining challenge of our time.
“We are living at a time when institutions of higher education are being asked to do more than confer degrees. We are being asked to serve, to lead, to respond to the needs of our communities, our climate, and our shared future. The School of Public and Planetary Health is our answer to that call.”
— James Herbert, Ph.D., President, UNE
Top Health Science School in Maine
Maine’s only medical school, with top programs in osteopathic medicine, dental medicine and the health sciences
Interprofessional Innovation
Expanding innovation in biomedical sciences, computer science, AI, business, and supply chain management
Thriving Community Partnerships
Partnerships with MaineHealth, Maine CDC, NGOs, and UNE’s Tangier Campus
Public Health
Build the knowledge and skills to advance health equity and drive change in policy, education, and practice through interdisciplinary learning and real-world experience.
Climate Change Leadership
Lead the response to climate challenges with an online, multidisciplinary program that spans science, business, and public health—building the skills to influence policy, drive sustainability, and create solutions for healthier communities and ecosystems.
Nutrition
Create or advance your career in nutrition with flexible pathways—bachelor's and master's—that prepare you to meet today’s individual and community needs.
Academic Programs
The School of Public and Planetary Health fosters an environment of self-discovery, growth, and community—where interdisciplinary collaboration prepares students to address the complex health challenges of our time.
UNE faculty collaborate across colleges — from medicine and marine science to AI and business — and contribute to national and global networks, including Planetary Health Alliance.
Advancing applied, practice-based research in community health
Leading in research, innovation, and policy to support aging populations
What We Will Achieve
For UNE Students: Clear interdisciplinary pathways to advanced degrees, experiential learning opportunities, planetary health competencies, and the chance to be part of something larger.
For UNE Faculty: A community for collaboration and innovation across disciplines.
Building sustainable communities across the North Atlantic and Arctic regions
For Maine. For the Nation. For the Planet.
Strength Across Disciplines. Impact Across Communities.
Founding Director,
School of Public and Planetary Health
SCHOOL OF
For Maine: A strengthened workforce prepared to address urgent state needs.
For the World: Contributions to national and global solutions redefining what health means in the 21st century.
Provost, Office of the President
Creating collaborative solutions for a thriving planet and equitable future
Interdisciplinary Academic Centers and Offices
Leadership and Faculty Expertise
Southern Maine Climate Action Workshop