General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

Clemson University's Master of Public Health (MPH) program aims to meet the national need for rebuilding the public health infrastructure. It emphasizes rural health, training students in outreach and addressing barriers in rural communities, and focuses on outcomes research and applied evaluation to prepare students for work in the health services sector. The program is designed to equip graduates with pertinent, practical skills for leading public health initiatives in local communities.

Students develop core competencies across the five pillars of public health and expertise in their chosen concentration. The core curriculum utilizes a systems-thinking framework to train students in evidence-based approaches to public health. Specific accreditation details for the MPH program (e.g., CEPH) were not explicitly mentioned in the provided information.

Delivery Modes

The MPH program is delivered fully online. Online classes are typically scheduled for the evening and include synchronous meetings, self-directed study, and group projects. The program follows a cohort model, where students enter and progress through the program together.

The majority of students are full-time, completing the degree in two academic years (four semesters). Part-time students typically complete the degree in three calendar years, taking two courses per semester, including summer term.

Curriculum Overview

The online MPH program requires 43 credits, comprising 21 credits of core public health coursework, 10 credits of concentration coursework, 6 credits of elective coursework, and a 6-credit practicum experience. All core courses are completed in the first year, with students branching into concentration areas in the second and third semesters. The practicum is completed in the final term.

Students adapt principles learned in health policy, theory, program planning, and management to create health-promoting interventions. They also exercise training in epidemiology, research design, quantitative analysis, and evaluation. A culminating practicum experience allows students to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.

Admissions Requirements

Applications are accepted year-round, but students are only admitted for fall terms. The application deadline is July 1st for consideration for the following fall term, with priority given to applications submitted by April 15th. No application fees or GRE scores are required.

Application components include:

• A personal statement addressing purpose for graduate study, research interests, professional plans/experience, career goals, and fit for the program. It must acknowledge the online format, synchronous meeting requirements, and ineligibility for graduate assistantships. Any GPA deficiencies should also be addressed.

• Resume.

• Unofficial transcripts.

• Two letters of recommendation (one from an academic source if possible).

Please note: This is an online program; international students will not travel to the United States for study. The program requires the ability to attend regular, synchronous meetings. Students enrolled in this program do not qualify for graduate assistantships.

Career & Practical Experience

MPH graduates find employment in a broad range of careers, working in public, private, and non-profit organizations; healthcare systems; government agencies; schools, communities, and industry. This versatile degree allows graduates to adapt their expertise to specific roles such as policy makers, community health workers, epidemiologists, biostatisticians, health educators, and health administrators.

Through a culminating practicum experience, students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting, building efficacy and confidence in their role as public health practitioners.