General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Georgia Southern University is dedicated to preparing graduate-level public health practitioners capable of applying practice-based skills in the field. The program emphasizes a student-centered learning environment with a hands-on curriculum where students and faculty collaborate on a wide range of cutting-edge projects. It aims to equip students to battle disease, promote better nutrition and hygiene, improve water quality, and ensure access to preventative healthcare.

The MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Delivery Modes

The MPH program offers flexible delivery modes to accommodate diverse student needs. Students can choose to study in person on the Statesboro Campus or opt for fully online concentrations such as Applied Public Health and Public Health Informatics. The program supports both full-time and part-time study, allowing students to balance their education with professional and personal commitments.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH degree requires the completion of 42 credit hours. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of public health principles and practices. Key components include:

• Six required core classes covering the five core public health focus areas: biostatistics, community health, environmental health sciences, epidemiology, and health policy and management.

• Concentration-specific courses to develop specialized expertise.

• Guided electives, with the number varying by concentration.

• A 300-hour practice-based field practicum in a community, public health facility, government agency, or related setting.

• One integrated capstone experience to synthesize knowledge and skills.

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the MPH program is competitive. Applicants must meet the following general requirements:

• A completed application submitted through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS).

• A bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.

• Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. International transcripts require evaluation by a NACES-accredited service.

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale in upper-division undergraduate or graduate courses.

• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission; however, individual concentrations may request additional information or work samples. Applicants may still submit GRE scores (ETS code: 8560). The GRE may be waived for applicants holding a terminal degree (e.g., M.D., J.D., DrPH, Ph.D.) from a regionally accredited institution.

• International applicants and U.S. citizens whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency via TOEFL (minimum 75 iBT or 537 paper-based) or IELTS (minimum 6.0). (TOEFL ETS code for SOPHAS: 5688).

• Two letters of recommendation, ideally one academic and one from a work/internship supervisor.

• A current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume detailing educational and professional experience.

• A Statement of Purpose (500-1000 words) outlining reasons for pursuing the MPH and career aspirations.

Some applicants may be required to complete prerequisite coursework. Provisional admission may be granted to applicants who do not fully meet all requirements.

Career & Practical Experience

The MPH program prepares graduates for a variety of roles in public health. Graduates have found employment at organizations such as the American Red Cross, CDC, FDA, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, various health departments, and the USDA Forest Service.

Potential career paths include:

• Biostatistician

• Community Program Manager

• Epidemiologist

• Healthcare Data Analyst

• Health Services Administrator

• Medical Writer

• Policy Advisor/Analyst

• Prevention Specialist

• Public Health Consultant

• Regulatory Specialist

• Research Associate

A key component of the program is a 300-hour supervised field practicum, providing hands-on experience. Students can also explore study abroad opportunities in locations like Ghana or Ireland to enrich their studies with a global perspective on public health.