General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

Creighton University's Master of Public Health (MPH) program, housed within the School of Medicine, is dedicated to preparing professionals to tackle significant public health challenges. The program is grounded in Jesuit values, emphasizing care for the whole person and advocacy for marginalized populations, aiming to make the world a healthier place by focusing on preventing and mitigating disease outbreaks and confronting systemic health challenges.

Key highlights include:

• An interprofessional education approach, bringing together diverse concepts and perspectives from students with varied backgrounds.

• Faculty are experienced practitioners and researchers in public health, keeping their skills current with emerging issues.

• Accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), with initial accreditation dating to September 6, 2019. Graduates are eligible for the Public Health certification exam.

• Membership in the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH).

Delivery Modes

The MPH program is designed for flexibility, catering to busy professionals and career changers.

• The program is delivered entirely online.

• Students typically take courses on a part-time basis, such as one 3-credit course per eight-week term, allowing for balance with work and other commitments.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH degree requires the completion of 42 credit hours, structured to provide comprehensive public health knowledge and specialized skills. The program can typically be completed in about two and a half years.

• Core Public Health Knowledge (21 credits): Courses include Organization and Management of Public Health Services, Introduction to Community-Based Participatory Research, Social and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health, Epidemiology, Environmental Health, Ethical Issues in Public Health: A Global Perspective, and Mixed Methods.

• Concentration Courses (15 credits): Students choose one of three specializations:

  • Healthcare Management

  • Healthcare Ethics

  • Global Health Promotion (This concentration is also part of the dual MD/MPH Arrupe Global Scholars program).

• Practice Experience and Capstone (6 credits): Students engage in a practical experience, working with a practicum coordinator to align with their goals and interests, typically collaborating with a public health professional in their local area. This experience culminates in a capstone project.

Admissions Requirements

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

• A completed application.

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.

• A current resume or curriculum vitae.

• A personal statement outlining career goals and interest in public health (see application for specific requirements).

• Three letters of recommendation from persons other than friends or family members.

A personal interview (in-person or virtual) may be requested. International applicants are welcomed into this program so long as they complete it from their country of residence, as F-1 visas will not be issued. International applicants must also meet English language proficiency requirements .

Cost & Financial Aid

For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition for the MPH program is $995 per credit hour. With 42 total credit hours, the estimated total tuition is $41,790. Tuition rates typically change in the fall of each year.

Creighton University encourages prospective students to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA ) to explore financial assistance options. Graduate student scholarships and fellowships may also be available.

For detailed and up-to-date information, please refer to the official Cost of Attendance page .

Career & Practical Experience

The MPH program prepares graduates for a variety of rewarding careers focused on promoting healthy individuals, families, and communities by solving public health issues.

• Potential career paths include roles as public health educators (focusing on nutrition, exercise, drug use, chronic disease), data analysts for disease and illness, and consultants ensuring public health programs effectively serve the community.

• Overall employment of health education specialists and community health workers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2023 to 2031, more than double the average for other occupations.

The program includes a significant practical experience component, designed to be flexible. Students work with a practicum coordinator to determine the focus of their practice experience based on their goals and interests, then complete the practicum by working with a public health professional in their area. This experience is then used to complete the capstone project.