What it is
The Master of Public Health (MPH) prepares professionals to protect and improve population health — through epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, environmental and global health, and community practice.
The degrees & designations
How long it takes
Usually one to two years full-time (some run to three); part-time and online options are common for working professionals.
What you study
Core public-health courses (epidemiology, biostatistics, policy, environmental/behavioral health) plus a concentration and a supervised practicum/capstone.
Getting in
Requires a bachelor's degree, transcripts, letters, and a statement of purpose; some programs require GRE/GMAT (often optional) or relevant experience.
Cost & funding
Costs vary; research master's may offer assistantships, while professional master's are more often self-funded with loans and employer support.
Where it leads
Leads to roles in public health agencies, hospitals, nonprofits, and research, and pairs well with clinical degrees (MD/MPH, etc.).
How it compares
Versus an MS in a health science, the MPH is population- and practice-focused rather than lab/research.
Is it right for you?
Fits those working to improve community and population health.
Explore further
This is a reference guide. Keep exploring:
Key facts
- WhatThe professional public-health master's
- CoreEpidemiology, biostatistics, policy, environmental health
- IncludesSupervised practicum/capstone
- EntryBachelor's degree
- Leads toPublic-health careers; pairs with clinical degrees
Where to learn more
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