Master in Public Health
Program Description
The Sacred Heart University Master of Public Health (MPH) program cultivates professionals committed to protecting and improving health within diverse populations.
The MPH curriculum is grounded in a philosophy of social justice, training students to both understand and address the determinants of health and disease. Throughout the program, students critically examine how biological, behavioral, social and environmental factors as well as structural systems interact and collectively influence health and disease across diverse populations.
Using innovative methods rooted in translational epidemiology, students apply population-health research findings to address health disparities and emergent public health challenges. Students learn the necessary skills to design, implement, evaluate, and analyze public health initiatives and campaigns to improve health outcomes for communities and populations. During their training, our students gain invaluable field experience by creating and evaluating programs and policies designed to improve health.
Our immersive training allows students to collaborate directly with community partners to gain invaluable insights into the intricacies of local health dynamics. Students learn from nationally recognized faculty who serve as mentors, sharing their knowledge and experience with aspiring public health professionals. The MPH program is located within the Public Health Department.
The Master of Public Health curriculum is 42 credits total, which includes 27 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) concentration courses 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 in the evening 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.
The Graduate Transfer Credit Policy governs the approval of transfer credits.
Transfer Credit Limit: 12
Minimum Grade Required: B
Program of Study - 42 credits
Foundational Courses (24 credits)
| MPH 500 | Population Health Science | 3 |
| MPH 501 | Research Methods for Population Health | 3 |
| MPH 502 | Biostatistics for Population Health Research | 3 |
| MPH 503 | Social Determinants of Health & Health Disparities | 3 |
| MPH 505 | Program Planning for Public Health Interventions | 3 |
| MPH 508 | Issues of Diversity & Equity | 3 |
| MPH 509 | Health Policy, Advocacy, and Healthcare | 3 |
| MPH 511 | Principles of Epidemiology | 3 |
Concentration Coursework (9 credits)
| MPH 550 | Implementation Science for Community Health Development | 3 |
| MPH 554 | Health Communication | 3 |
Capstone (6 credits)
Elective courses
| MPH 506 | Writing and Reporting for Public Health | 3 |
| MPH 522 | Active Living and Population Health Promotion | 3 |
| MPH 526 | Community Health in Times of Crisis | 3 |
| MPH 528 | Food, Nutrition & Population Health | 3 |