We understand the can-do types. The ones who want to create real change.
As a graduate of the 48-credit on-campus BU MPH, you will understand the complex interplay of the biological, social, economic, cultural, political, behavioral, and environmental factors that affect the health of populations. The on-campus BU MPH degree program offers unparalleled insight into the complex world of public health, allowing you to study this field in action and to step straight into your career after graduation.
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Clinic to Classroom and Back: Alum Returns to Nepal to Re-envision Healthcare
"I came to Boston with a mindset of fixing healthcare, but now, I feel empowered to reimagine the whole health system. I have that confidence thanks to BUSPH.”
Curriculum
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.
Integrated Core Curriculum
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. Some students opt to complete some or all four core courses online to save on living expenses – they then move to Boston to complete their remaining requirements. After completing the core curriculum, students can confidently engage in the many issues facing the field of public health today.
Our integrated core curriculum
Certificates
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.
Transformative Courses
The on-campus MPH curriculum provides the breadth, depth, and practical experience needed to excel in a public health career. Our 300+ courses include infectious disease epidemiology, biostatistics, reproductive health, climate and health, social justice practice, communications strategies, health law, policymaking, and design and conduct of clinical trials.
Example degree completion timelines
Students have up to 5 years to complete the MPH, and may take fewer credits each semester. However, a minimum of 6 credits are required to qualify for federal financial aid. Please note that international students on F1/J1 visas must enroll full-time (12+ credits) every semester.
24-months to completion
16 months to completion
12-months to completion*
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The Alumni Duo Shaping a Healthier Massachusetts
Jeneczka Roman and Alexis Walls, MPH alums and colleagues at the Massachusetts Public Health Association, discuss policy advocacy, making a real difference, and the advice they would give their younger selves.
By the end of the program, you will master all Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) competencies, including:
Specializations
Functional Certificates
- Community Assessment, Program Design, Implementation, and Evaluation
- Environmental Health and Justice
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Global Health Program Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation
- Health Communication and Promotion
- Health Policy and Law
- Healthcare Management
- Program Management
Context Certificates
- Chronic and Non-Communicable Diseases
- Climate Change and Health
- Global Health
- Human Rights and Social Justice
- Infectious Disease
- Maternal and Child Health
- Mental Health and Substance Use
- Pharmaceutical Development, Delivery, and Access
- Sex, Sexuality, and Gender
Outcomes
Professional Development & Career Preparation
The MPH from Boston University opens the door to a diverse array of career paths for you.
As an On-Campus MPH student, you'll have access to best-in-class career development promotion—just ask our 12,000+ alums.
Career or education placement rate for graduates within 12 months, and a 92% career placement within the first 6 months post-graduation
With the largest Office of Career and Practicum amongst all schools of public health, mobilize your career and your ability to drive change in the world by pairing your passion, experience, and education with the On-Campus BU MPH.
Explore our graduate outcomes data
Practice-based Coursework
Our practice-based curriculum prepares you to achieve your goals to build a healthier world—whether that is an epidemiologist at an international aid organization monitoring disease spread and prevention across the globe; a program coordinator at a community health organization; an advocate or policy advisor on public health-related issues across the nation and the world; or healthcare consulting for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
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Students in Jacey Greece's communications strategies course collaborated with the Tennessee Department of Health on an initiative to encourage victims of abuse to disclose their circumstances to healthcare providers.
The practicum experience, a requirement of the MPH program, hones your public health skills through 240 hours of relevant field experience completed at one of the many public health organizations in Boston or in any location around the globe. This experience helps build your resume for future positions in the public health sector.
Admissions
All students accepted to the single degree, on-campus MPH program are eligible for scholarship aid.
Students seeking admission to the on-campus Master of Public Health program at BU’s School of Public Health must have already earned or be in the process of earning a bachelor’s degree. There are no specific undergraduate pre-requisites, though experience working, volunteering, or researching topics related to public health are valued in the review process.
No GRE score required or considered as part of your application. To learn more about our admission requirements and find out this year’s application deadlines, please visit our admissions requirements page.