General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree through a flexible, online program designed for busy professionals seeking to advance their careers in public health. Established in 1986 and housed within the Institute for Health & Humanity, the program emphasizes public health practice, leadership development, and community engagement.

The MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), having received a maximum 7-year reaccreditation. This national recognition affirms the program's strength in teaching, research, service, and student support, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for real-world community health challenges. The MCW Graduate School is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).

Mission: To provide an exceptional educational experience emphasizing public health practice, leadership development, and community engagement.

Vision: Healthy, thriving, and equitable communities.

Goals of the MPH Program:

• Education: Foster interdisciplinary learning in an inclusive environment for students and faculty of diverse backgrounds, interests, and experiences. Recruit and retain a diverse faculty and student population.

• Service: Partner with communities to address current and emerging public health issues.

• Research: Promote faculty and student scholarship and research that reflects the priorities of the communities, offers evidence-based public health knowledge and solutions, and advances the field of public health.

Delivery Modes

The MPH program is delivered entirely online, offering a convenient distance-learning format. All courses are conducted asynchronously, allowing students to access materials and complete coursework at their own pace within specified timeframes. There are no mandatory on-campus orientations or summer intensives. The program supports both full-time and part-time study, accommodating working professionals.

Curriculum Overview

The Master of Public Health program consists of 42 credits and features a single concentration in Public Health Practice. The curriculum focuses on community health assessment and improvement, program planning and evaluation, leadership, policy, communication, and health equity.

Core Courses (4):

• 18165 Principles of Public Health Data & Epidemiology

• 18203 Public Health Administration

• 18204 Public Health Analytics

• 18155 Public Health Theory & Practice

Required Concentration Courses (5):

• 18209 Community Health Assessment and Improvement

• 18230 Community Health Program Planning

• 18260 Community Health Program Evaluation

• 18160 Racial and Ethnic Inequalities in Health

• 18268 Leadership for the Public's Health

Required Culminating Experiences (3):

• 18279 MPH Field Placement Preparation

• 18280 MPH Field Placement

• 18297 MPH Capstone Project

Elective Courses: Students choose two courses (6 credits).

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the Master of Public Health Degree Program must hold a bachelor's degree. The program welcomes prospective students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds.

• Three recommendation letters are required for admission.

• GRE is not required for admission.

Application Deadlines:

• Fall term: July 1

• Spring term: November 1

• Summer term: April 1

View application instructions for the Master of Public Health Degree on the Graduate School Website.

Cost & Financial Aid

Financial aid is available for qualified students enrolled at least half-time in the MPH program. For detailed information on tuition, fees, and financial aid options, please visit the MCW Tuition and Fees page . You can also consult with the Office of Financial Aid at [email protected] or (414) 955-8208.

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates of the MPH program are qualified for more advanced roles within the field of public health. The curriculum includes required culminating experiences such as an MPH Field Placement, providing practical, real-world experience.

An MPH degree can expand career opportunities for professionals such as nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and social workers. Graduates may find positions in health departments, non-profit organizations, hospitals, academic institutions, corporate health and wellness, insurance companies, federal agencies like the CDC and NIH, and international organizations.