General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

Hawaiʻi Pacific University's (HPU) Master of Public Health (MPH) is an advanced degree focused on promoting and protecting health in communities. It is designed to be highly employable, connecting students to a multi-faceted field operating in private and public sectors to improve the well-being of individuals, families, communities, and nations.

Key highlights include an accelerated program structure, typically completed in 12-16 months by full-time students. The program is offered completely online or in a hybrid format with asynchronous coursework, making it suitable for working professionals. Students usually take only 2-3 courses per 8-week term.

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

Delivery Modes

The MPH program offers flexible delivery modes:

• Fully Online: Can be completed entirely online without in-person class meetings.

• Hybrid: Requires one in-person class meeting per 8-week term at HPU's Waterfront Plaza Campus in downtown Honolulu. This option is ideal for students with face-to-face requirements, such as those using military/veterans benefits.

• Full-time: Designed for completion in 12-16 months.

• Part-time: Part-time study options are also available.

• Accelerated: The program structure allows for rapid completion.

• Asynchronous Coursework: Learning can be done on the student's own schedule.

An Executive Option is available for students with at least 2 years of public health work experience; interested individuals should contact the MPH Chair/Advisor for details.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH curriculum requires a total of 42 credits, comprising 10 public health core courses and 2 elective courses (6 credits). Students typically take 2 to 3 courses per 8-week term. Core subject areas include Health Behavior Change Theory, Environmental Health, Health Policy, Law and Advocacy, Public Health Program Planning, Social Determinants of Health, Human Diseases and Conditions, Epidemiology, and Public Health Research Methods.

The program culminates with PH 6500 Public Health Field Training (16 weeks, 240 hours) and PH 7000 Public Health Capstone (3 credits). Conditional prerequisites may be required: MATH 1123 Statistics (for students lacking undergraduate statistics) and PH 6100 Foundations of Public Health (for students lacking undergraduate public health background). A list of pre-approved elective courses is available. Further details can be found in the HPU Catalog .

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Required application components include:

• Completed application form

• Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions

• A personal statement

• Two letters of reference

• A current curriculum vitae (CV) or resumé

• TOEFL or IELTS scores (for non-native English speakers only)

Priority application deadlines are July 1 for Fall entry and November 1 for Spring entry. For more information, visit the Graduate Admissions page .

Career & Practical Experience

MPH graduates are prepared for diverse roles in health promotion and disease prevention. Target employment settings include local to international government agencies, non-profit health organizations, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, corporate settings, and community coalitions.

The program emphasizes skills-based learning. Students gain practical experience through a 16-week (240 hours) field training placement, mentored by public health professionals. These placements can occur in the Pacific region, across the U.S., or internationally, tailored to student interests and career goals. HPU's location in downtown Honolulu provides proximity to organizations such as the Hawai‘i State Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, non-profit health organizations, research institutions, hospitals, and schools, offering numerous opportunities for field training, internships, and volunteer work.