Curriculum

This 44-credit program is appropriate for recently graduated baccalaureate students and those with advanced degrees and/or considerable public health experience. Students complete the core required coursework for the MPH as well as PHAP. The remaining credits are fulfilled by a specialty area and elective credits.

All students complete a master’s project in an area of interest related to public health. In addition, they design a field experience to develop competencies in public health administration practice and to enhance career prospects after graduation.

Coursework

The School of Public Health offers two program choices leading to the MPH in Public Health Administration and Policy:

• The Standard PHAP program provides career preparation for students interested in US federal, state, and local population health activities.
• The International program is geared toward students interested in spending a portion or all of their career working abroad or in international and developing nation public health programs.

Download the 2009-2010 Curriculum

Specialty Areas

In addition to School of Public Health and PHAP core coursework, students also complete courses in a chosen area of specialization:

• Management
• Analysis
• Policy
• Global Health

Field Experience

All Public Health Administration and Policy students are required to participate in a field experience. The purpose is to develop practical skills and competencies in public health administration and policy and to provide an opportunity for the student to accumulate experience that will enhance job competence and/or placement following completion of the program.

Read more about the field experience.

Master’s Project

The Master's Project is a major research paper. Its purpose is to have students demonstrate: familiarity with the tools of research or scholarship in the field of public health; the ability to work independently; and the ability to effectively present, in written form, the results of their investigation. Students may select topics as a result of prior experience, field experience, coursework, or other meaningful and relevant area of interest.

Read more about the Master’s Project.

Joint Degree Programs

The University offers a Joint Degree in Law, Health and the Life Sciences in conjunction with the MPH in Public Health Administration and Policy.

SPH Interdisciplinary Concentrations (12 Credits) - OPTIONAL

Students can opt to complete an interdisciplinary concentration in place of electives in one of the following areas: Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Global Health, Health Disparities, or Public Health Policy. Curricula are provided separately by request.