General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

Capella University's online Master of Public Health (MPH) program is designed to prepare students to protect and improve the health of communities and populations. The curriculum focuses on mitigating health disparities, analyzing the epidemiology of specific diseases, and conducting program evaluation and outcomes research.

Key features of the program include:

• Real-world experience through two 40-hour practicums where students work with faculty and professionals.

• Immersive learning with Vila Health™, a simulated healthcare environment to practice communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Interprofessional education, sharing courses with nursing and health administration practitioners.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The MPH program curriculum is designed to align with CEPH (Council on Education for Public Health) competencies, which are integrated into practicum requirements.

Delivery Modes

The Master of Public Health program is delivered fully online using Capella's GuidedPath learning format. This structured format includes an active peer community and faculty guidance.

Key features of the GuidedPath format for this program include:

• University-set deadlines for assignments.

• Weekly online interactions and discussions.

• 24/7 access to the online courseroom.

• Students typically take 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter.

Curriculum Overview

The Master of Public Health program requires a total of 60 quarter credits. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of public health principles and practices.

Program components include:

• Core Courses (12 courses, 48 quarter credits): Covering fundamental areas such as biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, health policy and management, and social and behavioral sciences. Specific courses include Communication, Collaboration, and Case Analysis for Master's Learners (NHS5004), Behavioral Foundations in Public Health (MPH5506), Principles of Epidemiology (MPH5512), and Management of Health Service Organizations (MPH5100).

• Practicum (2 courses, 8 quarter credits): MPH5921 Public Health Practicum 1 and MPH5922 Public Health Practicum 2 each involve a minimum of 40 hours of supervised experience at an approved public health agency, focusing on applying core and CEPH competencies.

• Capstone (1 course, 4 quarter credits): MPH5990 Public Health Capstone allows students to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program.

A maximum of 16 quarter credits may be eligible for transfer.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the Master of Public Health program must meet the following criteria:

• A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution.

• Official bachelor’s transcripts demonstrating a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

• A completed admission application (no application fee is required).

• A valid, government-issued form of photo identification.

A background check is required upon admission before enrolling in courses. Standardized tests such as the GRE or GMAT are not required for admission.

International applicants must meet additional requirements, including submission of proof of English proficiency (minimum score on an acceptable test) and a transcript evaluation.

Cost & Financial Aid

For the GuidedPath learning format, tuition for the Master of Public Health program is $515 per credit. Additionally, there is a $125 resource kit fee per quarter. The estimated total program cost for students with no transfer credits is $30,900, typically completed over 33 months. This estimate is effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change; it does not include all potential expenses.

Additional costs include a background check ($32.00) and a CastleBranch service fee ($2.99), as of February 13, 2025 (subject to change).

Capella University offers several ways to help manage education costs:

• Federal Financial Aid: Eligible students can apply for federal student aid.

• Scholarships: Including the $2.5K Capella Progress Reward scholarship for eligible new master's students.

• Military Discounts: A 10% tuition discount is available for active-duty service members, guard and reserve members, veterans, their spouses, and dependents.

• Transfer Credits: Accepted transfer credits can reduce overall program cost and time to completion.

For comprehensive details, refer to the University Catalog tuition chart , explore financing and payment options , and learn about Federal aid eligibility .

Career & Practical Experience

The MPH program incorporates significant practical experience. Students complete two 40-hour practicum courses (MPH5921 and MPH5922) at an approved public health agency. These experiences allow students to apply learned skills and demonstrate proficiency in core and CEPH competencies in real-world settings, working alongside faculty and public health professionals.

Graduates with an MPH from Capella University may explore a variety of career paths. Potential job titles include:

• Epidemiologist

• Health Director

• Public Health Officer

• Data Analyst

• Clinical Manager

• Health Policy Analyst

• Health Program Analyst

• Health Manager

Employment settings can include healthcare organizations, public health agencies, community health centers, non-profit organizations, government entities (local, state, federal), and consulting firms. Capella University offers career development resources and support services, including faculty guidance and academic advising.