January 2025 University Catalog

Master of Public Health (MPH)

School of Nursing and Health Sciences

The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program focuses on preparing health professionals to protect and improve the health of communities and populations through promotion of healthy lifestyles and environments; research and education; prevention of injuries, disease, and epidemics; identification of environmental hazards; and disaster response. This program provides learners with knowledge and application of fundamental public health concepts, theories, and practices and emphasizes the role of the public health professional in assessing health status; mitigating health disparities; analyzing epidemiology of specific diseases; developing, implementing, and sustaining public health programs; managing administrative functions; conducting program evaluation and outcomes research; developing and sustaining public-private partnerships to meet the health needs of diverse populations; and assuring the quality of public health services and products. Upon completion of this program, learners have gained knowledge and skills in health management, population-based research, and community public health practice. Successful graduates are prepared to assume positions in government, private, or community-based public health organizations.

Practicum Requirement(s)

Minimum of 80 supervised practicum hours. See the Practicum section, below, for more information.†

Additional Program Requirements

NHS5004Communication, Collaboration, and Case Analysis for Master's Learners

4

MPH5100Management of Health Service Organizations

4

MPH5200Social and Behavioral Research Methods

4

MPH5220Social Determinants of Health Equity

4

MPH5304Learning to Lead in Public Health Settings: Personal and Team Development

4

MPH5500Introduction to Public Health Administrative Systems

4

MPH5503Environmental Health Concepts in Public Health

4

MPH5506Social and Behavioral Foundations in Public Health

4

MPH5509Principles of Biostatistics

4

MPH5512Principles of Epidemiology

4

MPH5515Public Health Advocacy and Social Change

4

MPH5921Public Health Practicum 1

4

MPH5922Public Health Practicum 2

4

MPH5990Public Health Capstone

4

NHS6008Economics and Decision Making in Healthcare

4

Total

At least 60 quarter credits

One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.

Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.

† Learners are responsible for the cost of their travel, accommodations, food, and other expenses associated with MPH5921 and MPH5922.

Practicum

Learners enrolled in the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program complete practicum as a requirement of their program. The practicum consists of the following online courses and supervised experience. The practicum (MPH5921, MPH5922) is a series of online courses that learners take to complete an 80-hour experience. Learners apply course competencies and further develop related skills within a supervised public health setting. In the MPH practicum, learners blend their courseroom education with real-world experiences to develop generalist practice skills under the leadership and supervision of an experienced preceptor. This practicum provides learners with the opportunity to experience direct practice in public health. Practicum hours are considered complete once all program required practicum hours have been successfully achieved. Partial completion of practicum hours requirements cannot be verified for licensure or transfer of credits.