Impact Lives

Online Master of Public Health Coursework

The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) consists of 14 courses and total 43 credits. The degree can be completed in just two years with or without a graduate certificate.

By graduation, you will be able to:

  • Analyze and solve public health problems with statistical methods
  • Prevent and control public health problems by analyzing patterns of disease and injury
  • Improve population health problems through research
  • Implement a culturally competent and ethical approach to public health practice, research, policy development and health disparities
  • Develop, analyze and evaluate public health interventions and policies to improve population health

Throughout the program, you complete 7 core courses, 5 electives, and 2 capstone courses. Students may earn a graduate certificate in Health Education and Promotion, Data Analytics or Epidemiology with their five elective courses. Students are not required to select a graduate certificate to complete and are able to select five elective courses to fulfill their degree requirements.

Build Experience With Your Internship

In completing your internship, you'll gain 240 hours of direct field experience under the supervision of faculty to gain additional real-world insights into public health that can build your résumé. If you're already working in your desired field, it's possible you can complete your internship with your current employer.

Core (Foundation) Courses (21 credits)

PBHL 5502 Introduction to Biostatistics (3 Credits)

Applies statistical reasoning and methods in addressing, analyzing, and solving problems in public health, healthcare, and biomedical, clinical and population-based research.

Prerequisite: Algebra or Equivalent


PBHL 5507 Health Behavior Theory (3 Credits)

This course exposes students to a variety of traditional and emerging theoretical models and frameworks which can be applied toward explaining and modifying health behaviors. Students will have the opportunity to apply relevant theoretical principles towards changing a health behavior in a specific population.


PBHL 5501 Introduction to Public Health (3 Credits)

Explores the history, basic structures and operations of public health and health care delivery systems based on Essential Public Health Services.


PBHL 5504 Introduction to Epidemiology (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to the basic principles of epidemiology, the study of the distribution, determinants and control of health in populations. The course will emphasize fundamental epidemiologic methods, including descriptive and analytic methods, in a variety of public health settings.


PBHL 6500 Research Methods in Public Health (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to public health research methods, including study design, data collection and analysis, and interpretation of findings.


PBHL 5505 Health Systems, Law and Policy (3 Credits)

Addresses the development and advocacy processes for public health policies; provides tools for policy analysis; and application to important public health issues.


PBHL 5506 Leadership and Management in Health Organizations (3 Credits)

Explores basic management principles and practical tools for health management professionals in a variety of public health and health care organizations.


 

Capstone Courses (7 credits)

PBHL 6899 MPH Internship/Capstone (4 Credits)

During the internship, students will demonstrate skills and competencies learned in the MPH program in a practical, supervised experience in a health-related agency. The purpose of the internship is to provide experiential learning and the opportunity to explore professional goals.

Prerequisite: All core courses and PBHL 6898, all with a grade of "A" or "B".


PBHL 6898 Community Health Analysis (3 Credits)

Demonstrates the collection of data on and setting priorities for improving the health of a defined population. It involves field work and utilization of research skills. This culminating experience requires the synthesis and integration of knowledge from previous coursework.

Prerequisite: Completion of all core courses


 

Elective Courses (15 credits)

Elective Course options (15 Credits)

  • PBHL 5503 Public Health Program Planning and Evaluation I (3 credits)
  • PBHL 6009 Cultural Context of Health (3 credits)
  • PBHL 6050 Emergency Preparedness and Planning (3 credits)
  • PBHL 6054 Psychology and Sociology of Disasters (3 credits)
  • PBHL 6056 Emergency Response and Recovery (3 credits)
  • PBHL 6203 Public Health Education Programs and Skills (3 credits)
  • PBHL 6101 Advanced Epidemiology (3 credits)
  • PBHL 6110 Applied Linear Models (2 credits)
  • PBHL 6111 Applied Linear Models Computing and Data Lab (1 credit)
  • PBHL 6112 Categorical Data Analysis (2 credits)
  • PBHL 6113 Categorical Data Computing Lab (1 credit)
  • PBHL 6201 Health Communication and Marketing (3 credits)
  • PBHL 6300 Approaches and Issues in Public Health Leadership and Management (3 credits)
  • PBHL 6301 Strategic Planning and Decision Making (3 credits)
  • PBHL 6302 Organizational Resource Management (3 credits)
  • PBHL 6304 Health Ethics, Governance and Law (3 credits)
  • PBHL 6409 Applied Epidemiology (3 credits)
  • PBHL 6502 Public Health Grant Writing (3 credits)
  • PBHL 6503 Global Health (3 credits)
  • PBHL 6797 Advanced Research Methods (3 credits)
  • PBHL 6501 Environmental Health (3 credits)
  • PBHL 6411 Biological Aspects of Public Health (3 credits)


 

Optional Certificate (15 credits)

Optional Certificate (15 Credits)

Students have the opportunity to complete an optional certificate or customize their degree plan with elective courses that amount to 15 total credits. If chosen to complete a certificate, this will fulfill their five elective course option.

Data Analytics

  • PBHL 5502 Introduction to Biostatistics
  • PBHL 5504 Introduction to Epidemiology
  • PBHL 6500 Research Methods in Public Health
  • PBHL 6110 Applied Linear Models
  • PBHL 6112 Categorical Data Analysis

Epidemiology

  • PBHL 5502 Introduction to Biostatistics
  • PBHL 5504 Introduction to Epidemiology
  • PBHL 6500 Research Methods in Public Health
  • PBHL 6101 Advanced Epidemiology
  • PBHL 6409 Applied Epidemiology

Health Education and Promotion

  • PBHL 5507 Health Behavior Theory
  • PBHL 6009 Social Determinants of Health
  • PBHL 6203 Public Health Program Planning and Evaluation
  • Select TWO of the following: 
    • PBHL 6202 Health Communication and Messaging
    • PBHL 6501 Environmental Health
    • PBHL 6502 Public Health Grant Writing


Find out more about the curriculum of our online MPH program: Request more information or call us at (866) 295-3104 to speak to one of our Program Managers right away.


*Included in Master’s program foundation courses