MPH - Master of Public Health
- Cost varies
- 2-year degree program
COURSE FORMAT
About
The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is available for professionals seeking careers in epidemiology, health policy, biostatistics, and community program planning. The MPH degree is obtained alongside other healthcare-related degrees in nursing or medicine. The most common concentrations for the MPH degree are the five core disciplines in public health: Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental Health, Health Policy and Administration, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Certification
Obtaining an MPH degree
The admission requirements for an MPH degree program will differ based on the school and chosen pathway for study. Yet, the majority seek the following prerequisites to be submitted with an application.
Bachelor’s degree
Standardized test scores (GRE, MCAT, LSAT, etc.)
Letters of recommendation
Resume or CV
Personal statement
Some programs may require an amount of time working in a professional, health-related work environment.
Some MPH programs are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). CEPH is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that sets standards and requirements for public health education. While it is currently not a requirement for a public health program to be CEPH accredited in the U.S., some employment opportunities may only be available to individuals who graduate from a CEPH accredited program.
The majority of MPH Programs are designed to be completed within a two-year window. There are Masters in Public Health programs that can be completed in as little as one year, usually labeled as “12-month” or “Accelerated;” for these accelerated tracks, it is usually recommended or even required that students do not work while in the program.
There are many financial aid options for the student seeking an MPH degree. Most students pay for their tuition with a combination of student loans, grants, and scholarships. Employers may also offer tuition assistance as a benefit. Working with a financial aid counselor at the applicant's desired program to determine a plan that meets the student's financial needs is recommended.
Other Resources
Some programs offer a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) rather than a Master in Public Health (MPH). An MSPH is an academic research degree that prepares students for an advanced degree, whereas an MPH is a professional degree geared toward practitioners. Depending on the school and/or program, the MSPH degree may be an alternative for students who want to focus on a specific field of public health or who lack two years of health-related work experience that many MPH programs require.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bachelor’s in public health to apply for an Master of Public Health (MPH) degree?
Most schools require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university or college, but not necessarily in public health. Some schools may require students to have taken certain course prerequisites. For those who don’t have a bachelor’s in public health, relevant work and volunteer experiences may be beneficial.
Where are Master of Public Health (MPH) graduates working?
Graduates of a Master of Public Health (MPH) program are typically working in governmental public health agencies, community-based service organizations, academic and research institutions, private organizations, hospitals, health insurance companies, and medical groups.
What agency accredits some of the Master of Public Health (MPH) programs?
Some Master of Public Health (MPH) programs are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
What’s the difference between the Master of Public Health (MPH) and the Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH)?
Some programs offer a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) rather than a Master in Public Health (MPH). An MSPH is an academic research degree that prepares students for an advanced degree, whereas an MPH is a professional degree geared toward practitioners. Depending on the school and/or program, the MSPH degree may be an alternative for students who want to focus on a specific field of public health or who lack two years of health-related work experience that many MPH programs require.
What settings do Master's in Public Health (MPH) work in?
Master's in Public Health (MPH) work in community clinics, hospitals, non-profits, private foundations and federal, state or local health agencies. They may also work in epidemiology, public health education, global health, public policy, emergency management, biostatistics, behavioral health and community program planning, among others.
Does my Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program have to be accredited by the CEPH?
The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that sets standards and requirements for public health education. It isn't a requirement for public health programs to be accredited by the CEPH in the U.S., but it's important to note some employment opportunities may only be available to individuals who graduate from a CEPH-accredited program.