What is an MPH?

Whether you aspire to become an epidemiologist, a health policy advisor, or anything in between, having your MPH can help build the foundational skills and expertise needed to address public health issues and pursue your interests. What exactly does an MPH degree entail, then, and what can you expect to get out of an MPH program? With a better understanding of what to expect from this type of degree and the potential benefits of earning your MPH, you can decide for yourself if this could be the next major step in your career.

What is an MPH Degree?

The Master of Public Health, or MPH, is a graduate-level degree with a primary focus on both the protection and improvement of population health. This degree is interdisciplinary in nature, meaning it combines several different areas of study. Interdisciplinary degrees empower students to develop a well-rounded understanding of a variety of topics, preparing them for a wide range of potential career paths.

Namely, a Master of Public Health degree covers essential areas of study such as:

  • Epidemiology: the study of how diseases spread.
  • Environmental health: the study of how environmental hazards can be mitigated to protect public health.
  • Health policy, law and management: the drafting, advocacy, and implementation of policies that affect population health.
  • Biostatistics: the use of statistical methods to extrapolate insights and inform public health decision-making.
  • Global Health: improve the health of underserved global populations through policy-relevant research, and the empowerment of citizens, governments, and organizations.
  • Community Health Sciences: apply social and behavioral sciences to enhance the health and well-being of communities.

Students who pursue an MPH may hold an undergraduate degree in public health or a related field. However, there is no requirement for students in an MPH program to have a background or degree in public health, which makes this interdisciplinary degree an ideal choice for those wanting to make a career change or pivot.

Key Components of an MPH Program

No two MPH programs will look precisely alike; that’s why it’s important to take your time researching your options and to find a program that best suits your needs.

At Boston University (BU), we offer two MPH programs. Our On-Campus MPH program is a 48-credit program. As an on-campus Master of Public Health (MPH) student, you will develop essential skills needed in the field of public health, starting with a broad foundation and building advanced, more specialized skills. Students in the On-Campus MPH program can choose from 17 different concentrations, including several that are STEM-approved.

The Online MPH program is a 42-credit program offered 100% online with no in-person courses, orientation, seminars, or meetings. The asynchronous nature of the program includes means you could complete this degree program in as few as 24 months or up to five years. There is one concentration in health equity.

Curriculum

On-Campus MPH

The integrated core curriculum of the on-campus MPH program establishes a firm foundation of public health knowledge on which students can build their careers. After completing the core curriculum, students can confidently engage in the many issues facing the field of public health today.

Each on-campus MPH student also pursues specialized training by choosing from 17 certificates that best match their professional goals within a field of study within public health. Students are required to choose one functional certificate though up to two are possible, and have the option to add a context certificate.

Talbot courtyard

Online MPH

BU’s Online MPH curriculum can be found in greater detail here. However, one aspect that we believe truly sets our MPH program apart from others is our use of structured modules. Specifically, modules are the equivalent of taking two graduate-level courses at the same time during one semester.

With each module, you can expect to spend around 20 hours per week on coursework and studying. Taking only one module per semester, students still enjoy plenty of flexibility in their scheduling. Each module offered builds upon the lessons and concepts of previous modules, so students can gradually expand their knowledge and understanding of essential public health topics that include:

  • Data determinants and decision-making for health equity
  • Policy, programs, and public health communication
  • Applied methods in population health science
  • Public health policy, advocacy, and community organizing

Practicum Requirements

All CEPH-accredited programs require MPH students to complete a project-based practicum that is incorporated into the degree program to graduate.

On-Campus MPH

Hands-on field experience is critical to success in your public health career. In BU’s On-Campus MPH program, the in-depth practicum ensures that you apply your public health skills through at least 240 hours of field work at a local, national, or international site with a public health-related organization. You can complete practicum projects at over 300 sites annually, where you make real contributions toward improving population health while gaining valuable experience and building your professional networks.

 

Online MPH

In addition to completing six online modules as part of BU’s Online MPH program, the practicum requirement is embedded into the program’s modules. This allows students to save themselves the time and hassle of having to identify their own practicum.

During the final capstone module, students will apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to address the ways that structural bias and social inequities can undermine public health — effectively designing their own strategies to communicate evidence-based findings to a diverse audience.

How is an MPH Different from an MS or MHA?

If you’re considering a career in public health, it’s helpful to understand how an MPH differs from similar degrees that may be available, like a Master of Science (MS) or a Master of Health Administration (MHA). These degrees differ notably in their core focus and career preparation. Simply put:

  • An MPH is meant to prepare students for policy and management roles within various industries, including the government and nonprofit realm.
  • An MS is more centered on a career in analysis and scientific research. Explore Boston University’s Master of Science Programs in public health.
  • MHA programs are more geared toward the business and administrative side of healthcare. You can also specialize in healthcare management—BU’s On-Campus MPH program offers a concentration in Healthcare Management.

Benefits of Earning an MPH

For those striving to work in the public health field, there are numerous reasons to consider earning an MPH—regardless of whether you already have an undergraduate degree in public health or a related field of study.

Diverse Career Opportunities

Because a Master of Public Health is an inherently interdisciplinary program, it can prepare graduates for a range of career opportunities. This versatility is something you simply cannot find with many other advanced degrees. No matter if you’re interested in pursuing epidemiology, public policy, biostatistics, or environmental health, an MPH degree program can prepare you with the foundational knowledge you need to thrive in these areas of public health.

Potential for Career Advancement

Even if you already work in public health in some capacity, elevating your education to earn an MPH degree can help you differentiate yourself while setting yourself up for potential career advancement opportunities. With an MPH, for example, you are well positioned to grow into a leadership or supervisory role. Some MPH graduates may even go on to become public health educators, making a difference by teaching the public best practices to keep themselves healthy.

Skill Development

The practice-based. rigorous curriculum of an MPH program can also empower you to develop and enhance your technical and soft skills as they relate to the public health field. For example, your program may cover critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to make confident decisions as a public health leader. Additionally, MPH programs focus on equipping students with the organizational and time management skills to juggle multiple projects or responsibilities at once. During an MPH program, you may also build upon your leadership and management skills, both of which can prove invaluable as you progress in your career.

Community Impact

Perhaps the most gratifying part about earning your MPH and proceeding to work in public health is being able to see the impact of your work on the populations you serve. Knowing that your efforts are changing the lives of communities by protecting and even enhancing public health can make this a highly rewarding and fulfilling career path—and it all starts with the right education.

Explore BU’s MPH Programs

Earning your Master of Public Health degree can be an excellent way to position yourself for diverse professional opportunities, advance your career, enhance your skill set, and make a positive impact in the world.

Boston University offers multiple formats to earn your MPH. Seeking an MPH program that won’t force you to put other aspects of your life on hold? Our On-Campus MPH enables students to customize their education, including switching between full- and part-time. Boston University’s Online MPH program is offered entirely online with a flexible, skills-based curriculum that helps prepare working professionals to solve real-world public health challenges.

Learn about our MPH program by getting in touch for more information, or take the next step and fill out your online application for admission today.

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