Master of Public Health (MPH) Program
The Pars Medicine Master of Public Health (MPH) program is a rigorous two-year graduate degree designed to develop leaders in public health practice, research, and policy. Our curriculum emphasizes population health, health equity, disease prevention, and evidence-based interventions to address the most pressing health challenges facing communities locally and globally.
Program Structure
The MPH program combines foundational public health competencies with specialized concentration areas, practical field experience, and applied research. Students engage with real-world public health challenges through community partnerships, field placements, and capstone projects that translate knowledge into action.
Core Curriculum (30 Credits)
All MPH students complete five foundational courses that provide essential knowledge and skills across public health disciplines:
- Biostatistics (6 credits) - Statistical methods for public health data analysis, study design, and interpretation of health research
- Epidemiology (6 credits) - Disease distribution, determinants of health, outbreak investigation, and epidemiologic study design
- Environmental Health Sciences (3 credits) - Environmental hazards, occupational health, climate change, and environmental policy
- Health Policy and Management (6 credits) - Healthcare systems, policy analysis, organizational management, and health economics
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits) - Health behavior theory, community assessment, program planning, and health communication
- Public Health Ethics (3 credits) - Ethical frameworks for public health practice, research ethics, and social justice
Concentration Areas (15 Credits)
Students select one of six concentration areas to develop specialized expertise:
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Advanced quantitative methods, disease surveillance, chronic disease epidemiology, infectious disease modeling, and research methodology. Ideal for students pursuing careers in research, surveillance, or data analytics.
Global Health
International health systems, infectious disease control, humanitarian emergencies, health and development, and cross-cultural health practice. Prepares students for careers with international organizations, NGOs, and global health agencies.
Health Policy and Management
Healthcare finance, strategic planning, quality improvement, health services research, and leadership development. Designed for students entering healthcare administration, policy analysis, or consulting.
Environmental and Occupational Health
Toxicology, exposure assessment, environmental justice, workplace safety, and regulatory compliance. Prepares graduates for careers in environmental agencies, industry, and advocacy organizations.
Community Health and Health Promotion
Community-based participatory research, program evaluation, health disparities, chronic disease prevention, and health education. Focuses on community-level interventions and health equity.
Maternal and Child Health
Reproductive health, child development, family health services, nutrition, and MCH policy. Prepares students for careers serving women, children, and families in diverse settings.
Practical Experience Requirements
Practicum (6 Credits)
Students complete a 200-hour supervised field placement with a public health organization, health department, NGO, or research institution. The practicum provides hands-on experience applying classroom knowledge to real-world public health challenges. Recent placement sites include:
- County and state health departments
- Community health centers and hospitals
- International health organizations (WHO, UNICEF, CDC)
- Non-profit health advocacy organizations
- Environmental protection agencies
- Corporate wellness programs
Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) - Capstone Project (3 Credits)
The culminating capstone project synthesizes knowledge and skills across the curriculum. Students work individually or in teams to address a significant public health problem, producing a deliverable such as a policy brief, program evaluation, community needs assessment, or research manuscript. Projects are presented at the annual MPH Research Symposium.
Electives (6 Credits)
Students select elective courses to complement their concentration and career goals. Electives span topics including:
- Health disparities and social determinants of health
- Geographic information systems (GIS) for public health
- Program evaluation and quality improvement
- Disaster preparedness and emergency response
- Health communication and social marketing
- Qualitative research methods
- One Health and zoonotic diseases
Program Timeline
Year 1: Students complete core curriculum courses and begin concentration coursework. Summer practicum planning and applications occur during spring semester.
Summer: Full-time practicum experience (200 hours) or continuation of coursework for part-time students.
Year 2: Completion of concentration requirements, electives, and capstone project. Career development activities and job placement support intensify during final semester.
Graduation Requirements
To earn the MPH degree, students must:
- Complete 60 total credit hours with minimum 3.0 GPA
- Successfully complete all core courses and concentration requirements
- Fulfill 200-hour practicum requirement with satisfactory evaluation
- Complete and present capstone project with passing grade
- Demonstrate competency across CEPH foundational and concentration-specific competencies
Accreditation
The Pars Medicine MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), ensuring rigorous academic standards and recognition by employers worldwide.
For more information: Contact the Office of Public Health Programs at
See full curriculum documentation.