General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

Azusa Pacific University's Master of Public Health (MPH) program prepares graduates to plan prevention and wellness programs, analyze health policies, and make a difference for Christ. A key feature is the real-world experience gained through a field practicum and a capstone project. The program offers a specialization in Health Equity, allowing students to customize their studies with elective groups such as Disaster Health and Emergency Preparedness or International Health. This Christ-centered program emphasizes applying principles of equity and social justice.

APU’s Public Health Department received the maximum 5-year initial accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). The university itself is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Delivery Modes

The MPH program is offered at multiple locations including Azusa (Main Campus), Monrovia, and Orange County, as well as online. This provides flexibility for students, with options for both full-time and part-time study.

Curriculum Overview

The program requires 43-50 units for completion. Core coursework covers essential public health domains such as Graduate Statistics (GSPH 613), Bioethics and Healthcare Policy (GSPH 504), Strategic Leadership in Health Care (GSPH 560), Social Determinants of Health (GSPH 510), Epidemiology (GSPH 525), Environmental Health (GSPH 535), Global Health (GSPH 540), Spiritual Concept Analysis in Health Care (GSPH 506), Public Health Biology (GSPH 526), and Research and Theory in Health Care (GSPH 508C).

A key component is the Health Equity Specialization, which requires 9 units. Students choose three elective courses from a list that includes topics like Health, Culture, and Diversity; Population Health Management; Global Health Systems; Public Policy; Advanced Biostatistics and Epidemiology; and more. The department provides recommended elective groups to help students tailor their studies to career goals, such as Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Disaster Health and Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Health, Public Health Policy, Healthcare Administration, Health Promotion and Education, International Health, and Social and Behavioral Science.

Practical experience is integrated through a Field Practicum (GSPH 593, 3 units), with an option for additional field practicum experience (GSPH 594, 1-5 units). The program culminates in either a Capstone project (GSPH 597) or a Thesis (GSPH 598) combined with Research Proposal Writing (GSPH 514).

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for regular admission. Provisional admittance may be considered for applicants with a lower GPA if competency can be demonstrated through multiple measures. Application components include:

• Completed graduate application for admission.

• $45 nonrefundable application fee.

• Official transcripts from all institutions leading to and awarding the bachelor’s degree and all postbaccalaureate study.

• Written statement of educational and professional goals (letter to the dean, two pages in length).

• Current résumé detailing employment and educational experience, professional or academic honors, and volunteer activities.

• Two recommendations from professional references (e.g., managers, supervisors, academic faculty).

Cost & Financial Aid

The tuition for the Master of Public Health program is $690 per unit. The total base cost for the program ranges from $29,670 (for 43 units) to $34,500 (for 50 units). Note that this base cost is provided to aid in program comparison and some courses may require additional fees. A $45 nonrefundable application fee is also required. For a complete list of university fees, visit the APU university fees page .

Several types of financial aid are available, including federal loans, state grants, and potentially program-specific fellowships and scholarships. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, offering financial assistance to military members and their dependents. The HRSA Public Health Scholarship Program is also available for eligible MPH students, with awards ranging from $10,500 to $21,000. APU states that 100% of its incoming students receive financial aid.

Career & Practical Experience

The MPH program prepares students for a variety of careers. Depending on their chosen elective focus, graduates may pursue roles such as biostatistician, data analyst, emergency management director, environmental health practitioner, health policy analyst, healthcare administrator, health educator, or international aid specialist. Students gain hands-on experience by participating in a field practicum under the guidance of a mentor and completing a capstone project. The program aims to hone problem-solving skills for healthcare solutions. Career counseling is also available, for instance, through the HRSA Public Health Scholarship Program.