Master in Public Health
Program Description
The Sacred Heart University Master of Public Health (MPH) program prepares individuals to protect and improve the health of individuals and communities. As such, students will be required to critically examine how biological, behavioral, social, and environmental factors influence health. Students will learn how to address these factors through the creation and evaluation of programs and policies designed to improve the health of individuals and communities. The MPH curriculum emphasizes community health grounded in a philosophy of social justice, providing students with the opportunity to work with community partners to enhance the health of the local community. Students learn from nationally-recognized faculty who are reliable health experts serving the community. The MPH program is located within the Public Health Department.
The Master of Public Health curriculum is 42 credits total, which includes 24 credits of core curriculum and 9 credits of specialized study in Community Health in addition to context electives and 6 credits of capstone coursework. The MPH degree integrates foundational coursework with required applied practice and integrated learning experiences that demonstrate competencies as a public health professional. There are three major components of the Master of Public Health curriculum: (1) core courses, (2) community health specialization and (3) a capstone experience consisting of either completion of a public health practicum or a research thesis.
Students who complete the MPH program will:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge in public health’s mission and core functions, epidemiology, biostatistics, social ecological determinants of health, health promotion, public health administration, research methods, health systems and health policy
- Develop a deeper understanding of public health theories, public health program planning and evaluation, community health development, and grant writing
- Develop a deeper understanding of health administration, and leadership and ethics in public health
- Appropriately implement public health programs and policies to support and promote population health and wellness
- Lead and manage in a variety of settings, such as worksites, health care, faith-based settings, and more
Delivery Methods
Our flexible curriculum includes classes that are offered on-ground, hybrid and online. Students may complete the MPH in three different paces: Accelerated (1 year); Full-Time (15-18 months); Part-Time (21-33 months). Full-time students spend one day each week on campus, with classes offered during the day and/or in the evening, in addition to online coursework. Students enrolled part-time take classes one half-day a week and online. A combined degree program (4+1 BA/BS-MPH) is also offered for current SHU undergraduate students. Students enrolled in the combined degree program can fast track their graduate degree by taking up to 12 credits of graduate coursework while fulfilling their undergraduate degree requirements. This allows students to complete the MPH degree in one year.
Admission Requirements
Prerequisites:
All students must successfully complete a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Public health is a multi-disciplinary field and applicants from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates demonstrate a mix of quantitative skills and effective verbal and written communication. Previous experience in relevant public health fields is valued, but not required. Successful applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to improving the health of the public through a well-articulated essay and/or previous experience volunteering, working, or researching topics related to public health.
Students apply to the MPH program through SOPHAS, the centralized application service for public health programs.
The MPH program conforms to standards specified by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit public health schools and programs, as well as all SHU Graduate Program requirements and requirements set forth by the New England Commission on Higher Education.
Current undergraduates who enroll in the Combined Degree program will apply through the Graduate Admissions Office of the University.
Accreditation:
The SHU MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit public health schools and programs, as well as SHU Graduate Program requirements set forth by the New England Commission on Higher Education.
Program of Study - 42 credits
Core Courses (24 credits)
Community Health Specialization (9 credits)
Students are required to take MPH 550 & MPH 554 and can choose from one of the following: MPH 522, MPH 526 or MPH 528.
Capstone (6 credits)
Elective courses:
Students choose two courses. The following courses will fulfill the requirements of the Community Health concentration: MPH 522, MPH 526 & MPH 528.
| MPH 506 | Writing and Reporting for Public Health | 3 |
| MPH 522 | Physical Activity and Behavioral Science | 3 |
| MPH 526 | Community Health in Times of Crisis | 3 |
| MPH 528 | Public Health Nutrition | 3 |