Public Health (MPH)
Description
MPH Program Description (On Campus & Online):
The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree prepares future public health professionals for roles in health policy, research, education, and administration. Courses such as our health equity class will prepare students to work with diverse populations, and applied learning experiences ensure MPH graduates are ready to join the workforce to promote health and tackle pressing public health issues. Our on-campus MPH is 42 total credit hours, including a practicum experience, and our curriculum will prepare graduates for both the Certified in Public Health (CPH) and Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exams.
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 42
Course Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Public Health Core | ||
| PBHL 5050 | Health Program Planning | 3 |
| PBHL 5280 | Public Health Policy | 3 |
| SJNM 5380/5350 | Health Communication | 3 |
| PBHL 6100 | Biostatistics for Public Health Practice | 3 |
| PBHL 6460 | Epidemiology | 3 |
| Public Health Practicum | ||
| PBHL 6980 | Public Health Practicum | 6 |
| Electives | ||
| Select 3-12 hours of the following: | 3-12 | |
| Foundations of Public Health (required in the first semester for students without an undergraduate degree in public health) | ||
| Motivational Interviewing | ||
| Human Health and Illness | ||
| Emerging Issues in Public Health | ||
| Special Topics in Health Behavior | ||
Other courses across campus in areas of interest | ||
| Concentrations | ||
| Select one of the following concentrations: | 9-18 | |
Community Health | ||
Epidemiology | ||
Combined Community Health & Epidemiology (requires 9 credits from each of epidemiology and community health) | ||
| Total Hours | 33-51 | |
Concentrations
Community Health Concentration (9 Hours)
The concentration in community health, which consists of 9 of the total 42 MPH credit hours, places special emphasis on the application of public health theory and science to the planning, administration, and evaluation of community health programs.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PBHL 5060 | Health Equity | 3 |
| PBHL 6350 | Theories in Health | 3 |
| PBHL 6850 | Health Program Evaluation | 3 |
Epidemiology Concentration (9 Hours)
Students choosing the epidemiology concentration will explore the study of trends, patterns, exposures, and causes related to chronic and infectious diseases with the goal of identifying how to keep populations healthy. A focus will be on understanding how various behavioral, environmental, and genetic factors affect the health of communities. This professional degree prepares students to serve as epidemiologists in public health research or practice settings.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PBHL 6700 | Applied Epidemiology | 3 |
| PBHL 6740 | Chronic Disease Epidemiology | 3 |
| PBHL 6800 | Infectious Disease Epidemiology | 3 |
Combined Community Health & Epidemiology Concentration (18 Hours)
The concentrations in community health and epidemiology, which consists of 18 of the total 42 MPH credit hours, allow students to complete an emphasis in the application of public health theory and an emphasis in the science with the study of trends, patterns, exposures, and causes related to chronic and infectious diseases. This reduces the number of remaining hours completed as electives (the total number of required hours for the degree remains the same).
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Community Health Concentration | ||
| PBHL 5060 | Health Equity | 3 |
| PBHL 6350 | Theories in Health | 3 |
| PBHL 6850 | Health Program Evaluation | 3 |
| Epidemiology Concentration | ||
| PBHL 6700 | Applied Epidemiology | 3 |
| PBHL 6740 | Chronic Disease Epidemiology | 3 |
| PBHL 6800 | Infectious Disease Epidemiology | 3 |
Other Academic Requirements
Integrative Learning Experience (ILE)
In the last semester of their degree, students will complete a comprehensive exam to satisfy the CEPH requirement for an integrative learning experience (ILE).
MPH Admission Requirements (On Campus)
Official Transcripts
A cumulative grade-point average (last 60 hours) of 3.0 for admission into the MPH program is recommended.
Statement of Career Goals
Applicants must submit (via the online application) a one-to-two-page, single-spaced statement of career goals, objectives, motivation, and readiness to pursue graduate study.
Online Application
Complete the online application form found at UM’s Graduate School website www.olemiss.edu/gradschool/