General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

National University’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program is designed to prepare students for leadership positions in health promotion and disease prevention, community mental health, or public health care administration. The program focuses on equipping students with essential skills to make a measurable impact on community and global health.

The Master of Public Health program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Key features include being ranked among the Top 5 in the US for graduating students in the Master of Science in Public Health (as per university statement), preparation for Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) certifications, a strong focus on data analysis and critical-thinking, extensive program support with assigned faculty advisors, instruction from diverse and doctoral-trained faculty, and a robust MPH alumni network for professional connections.

Delivery Modes

The MPH program offers flexible learning options, available fully online or in a hybrid format. Some in-person (on-campus) options may also be available. The program features an accelerated structure with four-week courses that start monthly, allowing students to focus on one subject at a time and potentially complete the degree in as few as 18 months.

Curriculum Overview

Students must complete at least 72 quarter units of graduate work. This includes core MPH requirements and courses for one area of specialization. National University may grant up to 13.5 quarter units of graduate credit for equivalent work completed at another institution.

Core courses (8 courses total) cover foundational public health principles, the U.S. healthcare system, global public health, biostatistics, theories of health behavior, epidemiology, public health research methods, and health policy and advocacy.

Students choose one of three specializations: Community Mental Health, Healthcare Administration, or Health Promotion. Each specialization consists of 7 dedicated courses, an applied health experience, and a capstone project.

The curriculum integrates practical experience through an applied practice component (such as a Global Health Experience or specialization-specific field experience) and culminates in a comprehensive capstone project where students conduct original research or develop a significant public health product related to their specialization.

Upon graduation, students will be able to:

• Analyze and interpret Health Data

• Describe the distribution and determinants of disease, disabilities and death in human populations.

• Evaluate the environmental factors that affect the health of a community.

• Analyze the planning, organization, administration, and policies of health care organizations.

• Apply the concepts and methods of social justice and behavioral sciences relevant to the identification and solution of public health problems.

• Communicate appropriate public health content in writing and through oral presentation in a culturally competent and effective manner.

Admissions Requirements

National University offers a streamlined application process with a $0 application fee and no essays or exams required. Applications are accepted and reviewed year-round, allowing students to begin classes as soon as the next month, depending on program choice.

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 2.85. Additionally, completion of a college-level introductory statistics course (e.g., BST322 or MTH210) is required. Transfer students are welcome to apply.

Career & Practical Experience

The MPH program prepares graduates for leadership roles in various public health settings, including hospitals, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community health organizations. Target careers include Community Health Workers, Medical and Health Services Managers, and Health Educators, among a broad range of other opportunities such as epidemiologist, program coordinator, and policy analyst.

Practical experience is a cornerstone of the program, featuring an internship and a comprehensive capstone project. These experiences allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, working on projects with organizations for three months. Career support includes access to the Public Health Student Organization and Public Health Opportunities for networking, leadership development, and career advice, complemented by a strong alumni network of over 245,000 graduates worldwide.