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College of Health and Human Services

College History 

Empowering our community to Live Well since 1981

The College of Health and Human Services has a long and decorated history at Fresno State, with humble roots that began in 1981, when the School of Health and Social Work was established. At the time, the existing Division of Health Professions, the School of Social Work and the Department of Athletics and Physical Education/Recreation were interconnected to form the school.

Later, in response to other academic departments at the University, the school transitioned into a college; and in 1996, the term ‘Human Services’ replaced ‘Social Work’ in an effort to better reflect the broad range of post-secondary and graduate programs offered to students. 

Thirty-seven years later, the College of Health and Human Services is now home to two of the three doctoral programs on campus and more than 4,750 students, as well as over 280 faculty and staff members. Each year, thousands of students, locally and internationally, are drawn to the Central Valley to take part in the high-impact learning offered through the college’s seven academic units.

At its core, the college provides a professionally oriented education at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. By providing rigorous academic programs in specialized disciplines, the college is able to serve the needs of students and prospective health care leaders, and also foster collaboration to address the emerging needs of health and human service providers in the Central California region.

Vital regional health challenges are addressed daily by our dedicated faculty, who also work closely with the college's centers and institutes. Our knowledgeable faculty members and researchers within our centers and institutes are recognized nationally and internationally for their excellence in teaching, scholarship, community service, and professional achievements.

Off-campus research and training centers strive to engage students and faculty with community professionals, agencies and organizations to share information and ideas to improve the health and welfare of residents within the region. This leaves our graduates well-equipped to handle the health challenges that face our Valley.

The college is proud of its long-standing tradition of ensuring that students succeed in their chosen discipline in order to create a thriving, healthy region through quality care and service, giving credence to our motto, “Live Well Central California.”