We understand the can-do types. The ones who want to bring about 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.
- Full-time: complete as quickly as 16 months
- Part-time: complete in 2 to 3 years
- On-campus
- Hybrid (up to 4 core courses can be completed online)
- Switch between part-time and full-time options
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. 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, climate and health, social justice, racism and other systems of oppression in America, communications strategies, health law, policymaking, and design and conduct of clinical trials.
By the end of the program, you will master all Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) competencies, including:
Director of MPH Programs
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Specializations
Functional Certificates
- Community Assessment, Program Design, Implementation, and Evaluation
- Environmental Health
- 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.
Career pathways in public health vary greatly and depend on the unique interests of each student. Graduates have the potential to work for international aid organizations monitoring disease spread and prevention across the globe, as program coordinators at community health organizations, and as advocates and policy advisors on public health related issues across the nation and the world. Public health is a vast field concerned with promoting and improving the conditions and wellbeing of individuals and societies.
The on-campus MPH program at the School of Public Health emphasizes career development and promotion. 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.
Learn more about all of the professional development opportunities available to on-campus MPH students.
Learn more about our approach to Careers and Practicum
Mobilize your career
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.
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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.
Admissions
All students accepted to the single degree, on-campus MPH program are guaranteed 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.