What is a Master of Public Health?

Expand your opportunities and enhance your academic credentials in the rapidly growing health care industry with your online Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC). Unlike individual care doctors, becoming a public health professional prepares you for bettering the health of large populations, as you can create various programs, systems, and policies that will benefit their health needs.

Whether you are a current or aspiring public health professional, this MPH degree provides you with a flexible online education that will build upon previous knowledge and work experience to improve the health of the communities where you live and work.

The Master of Public Health online program does not require you to take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) to be admitted. This standardized test has long been a requirement to be considered for admission to most traditional campus-based MPH programs. By not requiring you to take the GRE, you will have a master’s degree option that is more affordable and convenient.

Accelerated 6-week courses
Transfer up to 9 approved credits
1 course at a time
$0 Application Fee

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Learn more about how to get started in your degree program.

Degree Completion Journey

Through your online MPH degree coursework, you will gain an understanding of the biological and social determinants of health while exploring key public health issues through epidemiology, biostatistics, research, and health services administration, as well as a practicum where you will gain real-world professional experience.

1

Year 1

  • This course presents foundational information about the field of public health – its purpose, focus, infrastructure, and tools. The seven program themes (Integration of Science and Practice, Quantitative Foundations, Health Policy, Structural Determinants of Health, Systems Thinking, Leadership, Diversity and Culture) that will be covered in the core courses are introduced in a way that demonstrates the application and integration of these disciplines in the analysis and resolution of public health problems in the community.
  • This course provides an overview of current knowledge regarding the social and biological mechanisms of major health concerns in the US and globally. The focus will be on understanding and interpreting the determinants of health and disease in a public health context. Students will examine major public health problems from the past century and the interventions used to address them. Prerequisite: MPH 601.

  • This course explores the application of fundamental statistical methods to the health care environment. Course content includes both descriptive and inferential methods including data analysis, statistical estimation, regression analysis, analysis of variance, hypothesis testing and analysis of longitudinal data. Students will analyze quantitative and qualitative data using biostatistics informatics, computer-based programming, and software.

  • This course provides an overview of the application and use of applied behavioral science. Students will develop an understanding of the theoretical basis of social and behavioral interventions. In addition, students will examine the psychosocial influences on morbidity and mortality where topics covered include definition of the field, sub-specialties, and real world applications, and aspects of the field. Students will examine the social and behavioral factors responsible for health-related behaviors that lead to morbidity, premature mortality and health disparities. Prerequisite: MPH 602, HIA 625 and Faculty Advisor Approved.

  • This course provides an introduction to epidemiology for students majoring in any aspect of public health. The focus will be on the principles and methods of epidemiologic investigation, including describing the patterns of illness in populations and research designs for investigating the etiology of disease. Students will examine quantitative measures to determine risk, association, and procedures for standardization of rates. Prerequisite: HIA 625 and Faculty Advisor Approved..

  • This course offers students the opportunity to acquire the leadership and management skills needed to pursue positions of authority and influence in organizations that serve the public and promote public health. An emphasis will be placed on understanding the greater health care system and how they serve culturally diverse populations. Topics to be covered include: overview of the U.S. Health Care System (private and public sectors), interface between Public Health and U.S. Health Care System, various health care delivery structures, health care workforce, health care resources, types of health services, financing of health services and health care coverage, meeting the health care needs of special populations, and critical issues in health services. The student will conduct a community health system analysis. Prerequisite: MPH 604 and Faculty Advisor Approved.

  • Students will illustrate the connection between physical, biological, and chemical agents in the environment. Students will also become familiar with data sources, methodologies, and policy approaches being used to address the public health impacts of environmental and occupational health hazards through the use of problem-solving frameworks. Students will also gain a more complete understanding of how built environments can affect multiple aspects of health and the populations they house. Prerequisite: MPH 606 and Preliminary Practicum Work Approved. 

  • A comprehensive and integrated application of the curriculum required by the MPH program which allows students to demonstrate professional competency in public health practice in a practice setting. Prerequisites: Practicum Site approval and signed approval to begin your practicum as outlined in the MPH Practicum Handbook. This course may not be taken outside of this program and is not available for Non-Degree Seeking students.

2

Year 2

  • A comprehensive and integrated application of the curriculum required by the MPH program which allows students to demonstrate professional competency in public health practice in a practice setting. Prerequisites: MPH 650; Practicum Site approval and signed approval to begin your practicum as outlined in the MPH Practicum Handbook. This course may not be taken outside of this program and is not available for Non-Degree Seeking students.

  • A comprehensive and integrated application of the curriculum required by the MPH program which allows students to demonstrate professional competency in public health practice in a practice setting. Prerequisites: MPH 651; Practicum Site approval and signed approval to begin your practicum as outlined in the MPH Practicum Handbook. This course may not be taken outside of this program and is not available for Non-Degree Seeking students.

  • The Public Health Capstone is an opportunity for students to work on a public health project that is of particular interest to them. The goal is for students to synthesize, integrate and apply the skills and competencies they have acquired to a public health problem that approximates a professional practice experience. The project is done under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisite: MPH 605 and MPH 650. This course may not be taken outside of this program and is not available for Non Degree Seeking students.

3

Tracks

Program Requirements

To be awarded the Master of Public Health degree, all students must complete 42 credit hours with a 3.0 minimum grade point average in all coursework attempted at UAGC.

Practicum Requirements

In addition to completing all required courses in your degree program, you will be required to complete a practicum consisting of 90 contact hours with an approved facility. As practical knowledge and skills are essential to a successful career in public health, a planned, supervised, and evaluated practicum is an essential component of a public health professional degree program. The goal of the practicum is to provide an opportunity for you to synthesize, integrate, and apply practical skills, knowledge, and training learned through courses, to gain professional experience in a public health work environment, and to work on public health practice projects that are of particular interest to you.

Prior to beginning a supervised practicum and/or employment in most health care facilities, you may need to provide or successfully complete:

  1. Background checks
  2. Toxicology screening
  3. Blood-borne pathogen training
  4. Liability coverage
  5. HIPAA training
  6. Proof of current immunizations (required of the state) including a two-step TB test (within a year of clinical practicum), MMR or titers, Tdap (10 yr. booster), Varicella, Hepatitis B immunizations or titers, Influenza or record of decline, and/or health clearance from a physician.

Potential locations for your practicum include health care offices, public health offices, community health centers, state health offices, and more. If the student chooses their previous or current employer to host their practicum, it must be with a different department and supervisor.

Students can only complete their practicum in states where this program is available. All students enrolling in a degree program with a practicum requirement are expected to complete the practicum in the United States. If students anticipate that they will not be able to complete their practicum in the United States all exceptions must be approved prior to admission into the program.

Students who reside and/or work outside the United States may be ineligible to complete practicum hours at a facility abroad; requirements and restrictions vary by country. Students must notify the Program Chair prior to enrolling in the program to discuss a potential practicum location and obtain Program Chair permission to enroll.

Criminal Convictions & Criminal Background Check Requirements Applicants to the Master of Public Health program are required to pay for, complete and successfully clear a Criminal Background Check (CBC) prior to enrollment into the program and a second CBC prior to final approval of practicum site placement. Students will work directly with Sterling Infosystems, Inc. and the approximate cost of each CBC will be $24.00. Applicants are advised that health care organizations (hospitals, home health agencies, clinics, and other types of health agencies) may require a background check for any student completing a practicum as well as for future employment.

 

If you can provide evidence of substantial prior public health experience relevant to program-specific competencies, you may qualify to reduce your total number of required practicum hours by up to 30 hours.

In general, this substantiation would require at least three years of full-time employment in a position or positions related to public health, a demonstration of public health competencies obtained by your employment, and a written statement expressing how your future career endeavors will not be impacted by reducing your Practicum hours. If you who wish to apply for Practicum Equivalent Experience you must submit a Student Petition to Waive Practicum Hours form by their third course. This timeframe allows you to plan a full Practicum should your prior experience not be deemed sufficient.

Special Terms and Conditions

Successful completion of this program by itself does not lead to licensure or certification in any state, regardless of track. The University of Arizona Global Campus does not guarantee that any professional organization will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any exam for the purpose of professional certification. Students seeking licensure or certification in a particular profession are strongly encouraged to carefully research the requirements prior to enrollment. Requirements may vary by state. Further, a student’s criminal history may prevent them from obtaining licensure, certification, or employment in this field.

The Master of Public Health program is not accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Certain degree programs may not be available in all states.

Quality Matters Certification

The Online Teaching Support Certification recognizes programs that require all online faculty to undergo training in best practices for online course delivery, provide faculty with ongoing pedagogical support, encourage faculty professional development to increase their knowledge and skill in online teaching, emphasize instructor availability and feedback to learners, and collect and use feedback from learners to improve online teaching. Learn More

The Online Learner Support Certification recognizes programs that provide all the critical student and academic services needed for learner success and use learner feedback to continuously improve those services.

Customize Your Public Health Degree with UAGC Tracks

The Master of Public Health degree program provides you with an additional opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills in a specific health discipline. You will select a 15-credit track to complete your program:
  • Become an effective advocate across all public health disciplines. By choosing the Generalist track within your Master of Public Health degree program, you will immerse yourself in the core disciplines of public health, and explore topics such as the integration of science and practice, quantitative foundations, health policy, structural determinants of health, systems thinking, leadership, diversity, and culture. The Generalist track includes five (5) courses that are each three (3) credits.

    Learn More

  • Prepare for a leadership role in your industry. By choosing the Health Care Administration track within your Master of Public Health degree program, you will strengthen your qualifications to manage a team of professionals in multiple health care environments. The Health Care Administration track includes five (5) courses that are each three (3) credits.

    Learn More

Careers in Public Health

The Master of Public Health degree program will prepare you to create, plan, administer, and evaluate public health programs in diverse settings such as research institutions, health care facilities, community organizations, schools, and governmental agencies. Some of the career opportunities you might choose to pursue include:

 

  • Health Education Specialist
  • Community Health Workers
  • Medical and Health Services Manager
  • Epidemiologist
  • Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
  • Environmental Health Specialist
  • Social and Community Service Managers
Public health conversation Public health conversation

Other Degrees That May Interest You

Check out other degree programs that suit a variety of interests and may enhance a wide scope of career opportunities at UAGC. Discover similar programs to find the right path for you.

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Are you currently a licensed RN?

This program requires you to be a current licensed registered nurse. Please check out other programs to reach your education goals such as the BA in Health and Wellness.

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We are currently not accepting new enrollments in the state of North Carolina.