General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

Howard University's Master of Public Health (MPH) program is designed for students and professionals looking to improve health policy and practice. It addresses current and evolving issues in public health locally, nationally, and globally, with a particular emphasis on eliminating health disparities. The program prepares graduates for leadership roles in public health education, research, policy, and administration.

Areas of research strength include individual, social and structural determinants of health, biostatistics, epidemiology, health policy analysis, maternal and child health, environmental health, global health, and health communication. Students work closely with practicing faculty who advance public health for underserved communities.

The Howard University Master of Public Health (MPH) program is an applicant for accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) . The accreditation review addresses the generalist MPH (place-based format) and the MPH/MSW joint degrees.

Delivery Modes

The MPH program is offered in an on-campus format. Students can pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time basis. A dual degree option, MSW/MPH, is also available for students interested in the intersection of social services and public health.

Curriculum Overview

The program requires 45 credit hours for completion. It features an integrated learning experience completed in the second year and a culminating capstone project. Core areas of study (27 credits) encompass Principles of Epidemiology, Introduction to Statistical Reasoning, Social and Behavioral Science, Public Health Policy and Management, Environmental Health Science in Public Health, Health Disparities, Inequities & Inequalities, Principles of Public Health Practice, Applied Biostatistics, and Global Health. Students also complete 12 credits of elective courses, a 3-credit Public Health Practicum, and 3 credits for the Public Health Capstone project.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (or the international equivalent) and have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0.

Prerequisite coursework includes:

• Science: 2 college-level courses in natural or physical sciences (6 semester credit hrs).

• Mathematics: 2 college-level courses in Mathematics (6 semester credit hrs).

• Social Science: 2 college-level courses in Social Sciences (6 semester credit hrs).

Application components include:

• Online GradCAS application.

• Statement of purpose/academic interest (500-1,000 words).

• Official transcripts sent to GradCAS.

• 3 letters of recommendation (one must be from an academic professor).

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae.

• Autobiographical statement (500-750 words).

GRE scores are not required (N/A for Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing).

Career & Practical Experience

MPH graduates are employed by state and local health departments, research institutes, nonprofits, and private sector agencies. Others pursue further graduate or clinical study. The program's location in Washington, D.C. provides proximity to leading public health organizations like the Pan American Health Organization and the American Public Health Association.

Students gain practical public health experience through an integrated learning experience, a practicum, and a culminating capstone project, allowing them to integrate coursework knowledge to address relevant public health issues.