Online MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Columbia Southern University (CSU) is delivered fully online, providing a comprehensive foundation in the core competencies of public health. It equips students to apply public health principles in both research and practical contexts, preparing them for positions in public, private, and international settings.

Columbia Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The provided HTML context does not mention specific programmatic accreditation for the MPH program, such as CEPH.

Delivery Modes

The MPH program is offered entirely online, providing flexibility for students.

Curriculum Overview

The program requires a total of 36 credit hours. The core curriculum (Major Requirements) consists of 24 credit hours, covering fundamental areas such as Public Health Concepts (PUH 5301), Applied Biostatistics (PUH 5302), Concepts of Epidemiology (PUH 5303), Health Behavior (PUH 5304), Concepts of Environmental Health (PUH 5305), Public Health Research (PUH 6301), and Law and Ethics in Public Health (PUH 6302). A 3-credit Public Health Capstone course (PUH 6320) is also required.

Students complete 12 credit hours in a concentration. A General Concentration option allows students to choose any 5000-6000 level courses not used to satisfy program requirements, in consultation with an academic advisor. Alternatively, students can select 12 credit hours from a list of specified advanced public health courses such as Foundations and Methods in Community Health (CHE 6301), Strategies of Health Promotion (CHE 6303), Health Program Planning, Implementation, and Assessment (CHE 6304), Grant Writing in Public Health (PUH 5307), and Public Health Policy and Management (PUH 6304).

Upon completion of the program, students should be able to:

• Analyze the etiology of major health problems in populations that affect the development and implementation of public health programs.

• Analyze factors that influence lifestyle choices and impact public health.

• Interpret the statistical significance of epidemiological reports in public health studies.

• Evaluate the impact of external affairs on health policy.

Admissions Requirements

An undergraduate degree is typically required for admission to a master's program. Up to 24 transfer credits may be accepted towards the MPH program. Specific GPA or prerequisite course requirements are not detailed in the provided context.

Cost & Financial Aid

The standard tuition rate for graduate courses is $349 per credit hour. Most courses are three credit hours. Active-duty military members using tuition assistance may qualify for a reduced rate of $250 per credit hour for master's courses (excluding Learning Partner discounts).

CSU offers several ways to manage education costs, including:

• Textbooks included (Book Grant)

• Acceptance of transfer credits

• Various payment options

• Military & Veteran benefits

• Learning Partner discounts

• Scholarships

Tuition rates are subject to change and are payable in U.S. funds.

Career & Practical Experience

The MPH program aims to equip students with skills for positions in public, private, and international health settings. CSU notes that multiple factors, including prior experience, geography, and degree field, affect career outcomes and does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.