General MPH Program

Program Highlights and Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) at California State University, San Bernardino is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), with accreditation extending until July 1, 2030. The program's mission is to develop public health professionals prepared for leadership roles in population-based settings, aiming to promote, preserve, and restore health in local and global communities by working to reduce health disparities and generate health equity. Key values underpinning the program include diversity, equity, interdisciplinary collaboration, student-centered learning, advocacy, innovation, professionalism, and scholarship.

Delivery Modes

The MPH program is a 2-year, full-time program delivered in a hybrid format. Approximately 51-60% of instruction is offered in-person (on-campus), and 40-49% is delivered online.

Curriculum Overview

The program requires a minimum of 42 semester units. The curriculum is built upon the five core areas of public health: health status and determinants of health, public health statistics, epidemiology, environmental and occupational health, and health systems organization and delivery.

Core coursework totals 38 units and includes Professional Development and Leadership in Public Health (HSCI 6200, 4 units), Advanced Biostatistics for Public Health (HSCI 6210, 4 units), Advanced Topics in Epidemiology (HSCI 6220, 4 units), Advanced Topics in Environmental and Occupational Health (HSCI 6230, 3 units), Advanced Study in Health Promotion (HSCI 6240, 4 units), Advanced Topics in Public Health Policy and Administration (HSCI 6250, 4 units), Health Education Program Planning and Evaluation (HSCI 6260, 4 units), Grant Writing for Health Sciences (HSCI 6280, 4 units), Advanced Professional Development and Leadership in Public Health (HSCI 6390, 2 units), Project Preparation (HSCI 6410, 1 unit), and Field Experience (HSCI 6954, 4 units).

All students must complete the Applied Practice Experience (Field Experience, HSCI 6954). For the Culminating Experience (4 units), students choose one of the following: Project (HSCI 6960) or Thesis (HSCI 6974). This integrative learning experience demonstrates a synthesis of foundational and concentration competencies.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants are admitted for the Fall semester, with an application deadline of March 31st. Prospective students must first apply to the University through Cal State Apply and then submit all departmental requirements. Key admission criteria include:

• A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (“B”) in the last 60 semester units of undergraduate coursework and in all post-graduate coursework.

• Undergraduate coursework in the natural and social sciences, including those focused on diversity and population health.

• A copy of the most recent resume or curriculum vitae.

• Three letters of recommendation that highlight academic ability, potential for success in the graduate program, and professional experiences relevant to public health. At least one letter must be from an academic source.

• A statement of purpose (double-spaced, 2-3 pages maximum) detailing practical and academic experiences in public health, immediate and long-term professional goals, reasons for interest in the MPH program, and key skills the applicant brings.

• A writing sample on a public health topic of interest (approximately 1,000 words, double-spaced, with appropriate references), highlighting understanding of community health needs, epidemiology, and application of public health concepts.

Career and Practical Experience

The MPH program prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities in public health. A key component of the program is the Applied Practice Experience (HSCI 6954 Field Experience, 4 units), which provides students with practical, hands-on experience in a public health setting.

Potential career paths for MPH graduates include:

• Epidemiologist

• Health Policy Analyst

• Biostatistician

• Public Health Program Manager

• Health Educator

• Environmental Health Specialist

• Global Health Specialist

• Public Health Researcher

• Healthcare Administrator

• Public Health Consultant