General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at California State University, Fresno is designed to prepare students in the broad area of public health. It includes comprehensive preparation in the public health core and features a Health Promotion Option.

This program aims to equip public health professionals to fulfill leadership roles in the development, promotion, application, and evaluation of educational and behavioral approaches to health.

The MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Delivery Modes

The MPH program is offered as a full-time, two-year blended program. Coursework is typically scheduled for late afternoon and evening study.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum for the Health Promotion Option consists of 42 units. This includes core public health coursework, specialized courses in health promotion, 3 elective units, a field experience, and a culminating experience.

Core courses include:

• PH 202 - Advanced Public Health Statistics (3 Units)

• PH 203 - Seminar in Community Health Organization (3 Units)

• PH 206 - Environment and Occupational Health (3 Units)

• PH 208 - Health Promotion (3 Units)

• PH 209 - Advanced Concepts in Epidemiology (3 Units)

• PH 210 - Introduction to Health Policy (3 Units)

• PH 213 - Health Planning and Program Evaluation (3 Units)

• PH 223 - Health Promotion and Policy Advocacy (1 Unit)

• PH 225I - Foundation in Health Promotion (3 Units)

• PH 225IIS - Foundation in Health Promotion Part 2 (3 Units)

• PH 280 - Seminar in Techniques of Health Research (3 Units)

A significant component of the program is the practical field experience, fulfilled through PH 285 - Internship in Public Health (1-4 Units).

Students must complete a culminating experience, choosing between a thesis (PH 299, 2-4 Units), a project (PH 298, 2-4 Units), or a comprehensive exam (PH 297 - Professional Competencies in the Field of Public Health, 2-4 Units).

Graduate-level writing competence must be demonstrated by passing the writing requirements in PH 210. Check the program’s website for the most current copy of the policy.

Admissions Requirements

In addition to meeting University entry requirements, applicants must demonstrate academic ability and preparation. Specific application materials include:

• Three professional letters of recommendation

• A statement of intent

Admission commences during the fall semester, and each student is admitted for a specific term. If a student is admitted and is unable to start the program, he or she will have to reapply for admission to another term. Once admitted, the student will be assigned to a faculty advisor.

Career & Practical Experience

The program prepares graduates for leadership roles in the development, promotion, application, and evaluation of educational and behavioral approaches to health.

Practical experience is gained through the required field experience (PH 285 - Internship in Public Health), which includes a field experience and a culminating experience.