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. Students graduating from the program hold a MPH Degree and are eligible for advanced work in the field of public health. The MPH program curriculum incorporates the following:

5 Core Courses:

• 18200 Environmental Health
• 18201 Principles of Epidemiology
• 18203 Public Health Administration
• 18204 Introduction to Biostatistics
• 18212 Behavioral Science and Public Health

Required Community Health Courses:

• 18209 Community Health Assessment and Improvement
• 18230 Community Health Program Planning
• 18260 Community Health Program Evaluation

Required Ethics Course:

• 18250 Ethical Issues in Public Health

Required Culminating Experiences:

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

Elective Courses: typically 3 courses (9 credits)

Certificate in Public Health

The Graduate Certificate in Public Health (PDF) consists of 15 credits and can be completed in one or 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 five core courses in public health:

• 18200 Environmental Health
• 18201 Principles of Epidemiology
• 18203 Public Health Administration
• 18204 Introduction to Biostatistics
• 18212 Behavioral Science and Public Health

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 one or 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 these courses:

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

One to two years experience working 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 one or 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 these courses:

• 18232 Introduction to Population Health Management
• 18115 Health Promotion & Disease Prevention
• 2 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.

Why start in a certificate program?

Students begin coursework in a graduate certificate program for a number of reasons. Some students want to verify 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).
• Remember study skills (if they’ve been out of school for quite some time).

Others have a more specific concern:

• Avoid the GRE. If students successfully complete a certificate, they can request a waiver of the GRE requirement.

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.)
• Want to move quickly through the program. (If students wish to enroll in more than two courses per semester, they cannot enroll in the certificate 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 few courses.

Comparing the MPH Program and Certificates

* Varies by Certificate

 

Dual Degree Program Baccalaureate / MPH with Mount Mary University

The Medical College of Wisconsin is pleased to offer a dual degree program with Mount Mary University. In five years, students earn a baccalaureate degree from Mount Mary University and a Master of Public Health degree from MCW. Up to 15 credits of graduate coursework may count towards both the undergraduate and graduate degrees, allowing students to complete both degrees in a four plus one (4:1) configuration.

The 15 credits counting toward both the graduate and undergraduate degrees are:

• 18201 Principles of Epidemiology - 3 credits
• 18203 Public Health Administration - 3 credits
• 18200 Environmental Health - 3 credits
• 18204 Introduction to Biostatistics - 3 credits
• 18212 Behavioral Science and Public Health - 3 credits

Mount Mary students majoring in any discipline may apply for this dual degree program in the spring semester of their junior year. For admissions information, please visit our Application webpage. For more information about this dual degree program, please visit the Mount Mary University Dual Degree Programs webpage.