Degrees and Certificates

Master of Public Health

The Master of Public Health (PDF) program consists of 42 credits and can be completed in two to five years. Graduates of the program are awarded an MPH degree, which qualifies them for more advanced roles within the field of public health. The MPH program curriculum incorporates the following:

4 Core Courses:

• 18165 Principles of Public Health Data & Epidemiology
• 18203 Public Health Administration
• 18204 Public Health Analytics
• 18155 Public Health Theory & Practice

Required Concentration Courses:

• 18209 Community Health Assessment and Improvement
• 18230 Community Health Program Planning
• 18260 Community Health Program Evaluation
• 18160 Racial and Ethnic Inequalities in Health
• 18268 Leadership for the Public's Health

Required Culminating Experiences:

• 18279 MPH Field Placement Preparation
• 18280 MPH Field Placement
• 18297 MPH Capstone Project

Elective Courses: Students choose courses (6 credits)

Certificate in Public Health

The Graduate Certificate in Public Health (PDF) consists of 12 credits and can be completed in as little as two semesters or up to two years. Students will earn a certificate indicating the completion of graduate-level coursework but do not earn a graduate-level degree. This certificate incorporates the four core courses in public health:

• 18165 Principles of Public Health Data & Epidemiology
• 18203 Public Health Administration
• 18204 Public Health Analytics
• 18155 Public Health Theory & Practice

Certificate in Community Health Assessment and Planning

The Graduate Certificate in Community Health Assessment and Planning (PDF) consists of 12 credits and can be completed in as little as 2 semesters or up to 2 years. Students will earn a certificate indicating the completion of graduate-level coursework but do not earn a graduate-level degree. This certificate incorporates these courses:

• 18209 Community Health Assessment and Improvement
• 18230 Community Health Program Planning
• 2 electives

One to two years experience work in health care, worksite wellness, or public health is strongly recommended.

Certificate in Population Health Management

The Graduate Certificate in Population Health Management (PDF) consists of 12 credits and can be completed in as little as 2 semesters or up to 2 years. Students will earn a certificate indicating the completion of graduate-level coursework but do not earn a graduate-level degree. This certificate incorporates these courses:

• 18232 Introduction to Population Health Management
• 3 electives

Experience working in a health care system, health plan, employer benefit plan, or public health department is recommended.

For more information about courses, including scheduling and descriptions, visit the Courses and Curriculum page.

Transferring to the MPH Program

Many students elect to begin their public health coursework in a certificate program and then transfer to the MPH program. Students successfully completing a certificate program can request to transfer those credits into the MPH program as long as they earn a B or higher in their certificate courses. 

Why start in a certificate program?

Students begin coursework in a graduate certificate program for a number of reasons. Some students want to confirm they’ll succeed in the MPH program before committing to it. A certificate program allows them to:

• Ensure public health is their desired field.
• Gain experience with online learning (if they’ve never taken a course online before).
• Solidify study skills (if they’ve been out of school for quite some time). 

Who should not start in a certificate program?

Transferring from a certificate program to the MPH program is not appropriate for all individuals, including those who:

• Require financial aid. (There is no federal financial aid for students enrolled in the certificate program. Financial aid is available for qualified students enrolled at least half-time in the MPH program).

Non-Degree Seeking Student

Enrolling as a non-degree seeking student allows a student to participate in public health coursework without committing to a certificate or MPH program. This option is particularly useful if a student is only interested in completing a one to two courses.

Comparing the MPH Program and Certificates