The Master of Public Health (MPH) is a professional degree program designed to train graduates to work with organized community efforts in a variety of settings on disease prevention and health promotion among diverse populations. Often the terminal degree for the front-line public health worker, this program will develop health professionals qualified to organize health programs; to engage in health promotion activities; and to undertake endeavors that address various health issues with local, state, federal, and private agencies throughout the nation and abroad.

Admission Requirements

Applications are accepted for fall and spring semesters. Preferred applicants possess demonstrable leadership potential in teaching, research, and service focused on creating social policies and system changes conducive to good health and well-being. While no specific undergraduate major is required for admission, a record of undergraduate and/or graduate academic achievement and relevant work experience is critical for selection purposes.

Applicants are admitted on the basis of letters of recommendation, a personal statement, test scores (i.e., GRE, GMAT, or MCAT), a resume, and transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. 

Degree Requirements

Coursework.  The MPH requires 48 semester units.  Core courses comprise 28 units and 16 units in a specific area of concentration determined by the student’s interests and professional goals.

Students have an option to enroll in a Directed Research course (CGH 390) for one to four units.  Directed Research affords students the unique opportunity to work closely with a member of the faculty conducting an ongoing program of research.

Supervised Field Training.  Students are required to complete at least one internship in a public health practice setting.  This supervised training allows students to immediately apply knowledge and skills gained in the program.  Typical internship sites include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Community-based organizations
• Clinical and school settings
• Federal, state, or local public health agencies
• International public health agencies

The number of required field hours is 400.  Students entering the program with at least three years of public health experience may apply for a waiver to reduce the number of required field hours to 200.

Capstone Requirement.  The culminating experience of the program, and a requirement for all students, is the Public Health Capstone.  Guided by the program director, students construct a portfolio that attests to their proficiency and accomplishments in public health core and concentration-specific competencies.  In addition, students compose a paper related to their individual internship and field training experience.

Transfer Credit.  The University’s policy on transfer credit  applies. For the MPH program, a maximum of ten units may be transferred.

University Policies.  University policies detailed in the Student Information  section of the Bulletin apply.