Online MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota's online Master of Public Health (MPH) program is designed to graduate public health leaders equipped to address persistent and emerging public health issues. The program emphasizes serving the underserved and improving community well-being, aligning with the university's Lasallian values. Key highlights include:

• CEPH-Aligned Curriculum: The program's curriculum is designed in alignment with the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) standards, ensuring it meets the highest academic and professional benchmarks.

• No GRE Required: Admission does not require GMAT or GRE scores.

• Flexible Completion Time: The program can be completed in 24–36 months.

• Specialized Field Experience: Students gain practical skills through a required field experience.

The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission at the institutional level, and its curriculum is aligned with CEPH standards.

Delivery Modes

The MPH program is delivered fully online with asynchronous coursework. This format provides flexibility for working professionals and students managing other commitments. While there is no on-campus residency requirement, a field experience in the student's geographic area is necessary.

Curriculum Overview

The 42-credit, 14-course online Master of Public Health program builds a strong foundation of public health knowledge. The curriculum covers:

• Core Courses (15 credits): Includes Principles of Public Health, Foundations of Biostatistics, Social and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health, Principles of Epidemiology, and Environmental Determinants of Health.

• Application Courses (21 credits): Covers Public Health Research and Analysis, Design of Community Health Programs and Interventions, Evaluation of Community Health Programs, an elective choice between Population Health and Community Organizing (MPH 645) or Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (DIGA 605), Health Promotion and Communication, Advanced Health Policy and Ethics, and Strategic Health and Human Services Leadership.

• Summative Courses (6 credits): Consists of a Field Experience (3 credits, 120 hours) where students apply skills in a public health agency, nonprofit, or private institution, and an Integrative Learning Capstone (3 credits) focused on writing a grant application.

The curriculum emphasizes cultural competence, health disparities, and social justice.

Admissions Requirements

• Undergraduate Degree: From a regionally accredited institution.

• GPA: A minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Provisional status may be granted for GPAs below 2.75 at the program director's discretion.

• Prerequisite Coursework: College-level courses (3 credits each) in Human Biology and Statistics or Quantitative Methods, taken in the last 10 years. These can be fulfilled at Saint Mary’s or waived on a case-by-case basis.

• Application Materials: Online application, official transcripts from degree-conferring institutions, an up-to-date résumé, two letters of recommendation, and a written statement (personal background, training, career goals, experience, reasons for seeking admission, strengths).

• No GMAT/GRE: Scores are not required.

• Transfer Credits: A maximum of six transfer credits may be accepted.

• English Language Proficiency: Required for students with transcripts from universities outside the U.S. (unless from a waiver country). Accepted tests include TOEFL (min 72), IELTS (min 6.0), MELAB (min 74%), ITEP (min 4.0), Pearson Test of English (min 51), or Duolingo (min 100).

Cost & Financial Aid

For the 2025-2026 academic year, the tuition for the online MPH program is $560 per credit. With 42 credits required, the total estimated tuition is $23,520. Additional fees include a $25 application fee and a $100 technology fee per term. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers various financial aid options, including private loans and scholarships. Military tuition discounts and employer reimbursement programs may also be available. Students are encouraged to explore these resources.

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates of the MPH program are prepared for leadership roles in various public health settings. Common career paths include Epidemiologist, Public Health Analyst, Health Promotion Specialist, Community Health Director, and Environmental Health Officer. The program's curriculum, particularly the 120-hour field experience and the grant-writing focused capstone project, provides students with practical skills and real-world application of their knowledge. Career resources are available through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and professional organizations like the American Public Health Association (APHA).