General MPH Program

Program Highlights

The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) prepares professionals with the knowledge, skills, and practices to manage the health and safety concerns of local and global communities. Students study the impact of recent public health issues, policy, and procedures. The program offers both thesis and non-thesis options and emphasizes hands-on experience through a culminating experience, such as a practicum with a public health agency. Enrollment is available for Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.

Delivery Modes

The MPH program is delivered 100% online, providing flexibility for students. An accelerated 4+1 option, combining the Bachelor of Science in Public Health with the MPH, is available for eligible undergraduate students, allowing them to earn both degrees in a condensed timeframe.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH program requires a total of 42 credit hours. The curriculum includes core courses covering fundamental public health domains such as Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Services Administration, Social and Behavioral Determinants of Public Health, and Public Health Biostatistics. Additional required courses include Public Health Grant Writing and Health Program Planning/Pre-Capstone.

Students choose one of two concentrations (12 credit hours): Global Health and Social Justice or Health Education and Promotion. The non-thesis track includes 6 credit hours of prescribed electives, while the thesis track involves 6 credit hours dedicated to thesis research (HLTH 6098 Thesis I and HLTH 6099 Thesis II) and a successful oral defense.

A culminating experience is required, which can be a Public Health Capstone/Practicum (HLTH 6397) for non-thesis students, involving a practice-based project with a public health agency. This course also serves as the comprehensive exam component. Thesis students fulfill this through their thesis research and defense.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Graduate Admissions Application submitted online via ApplyTexas.

• Application Fee.

• An earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 credit hours.

• Official transcripts of bachelor and any graduate degrees.

• Three letters of recommendation (from professors and/or employers).

• A written summary (minimum 500 words) on why the applicant seeks an MPH and how they plan to use the degree.

• A resume (to include all professional, employment, and volunteer activities).

• An interview by Skype (or other means).

International applicants have additional requirements, including official TOEFL or IELTS scores and English translation/evaluation of transcripts. Note: SHSU will not be able to issue an I-20 to students seeking an F-1 Student Visa for this program.

Application Deadlines: Fall - August 1; Spring - December 1; Summer - May 15.

Cost and Financial Aid

For detailed information on tuition, fees, and overall program costs, prospective students should consult the official Sam Houston State University resources. Links to relevant pages are provided below. Information regarding financial aid, scholarships, and other funding opportunities can be obtained from the SHSU Financial Aid Office.

• SHSU Tuition and Costs

• Resident Graduate Tuition & Fees

• Non-Resident Graduate Tuition & Fees

• SHSU Office of Financial Aid

• Graduate Student Scholarships

Career Outlook and Practical Experience

Graduates of the MPH program are prepared for a variety of roles, including Health Education Specialist, Public Health Specialist, Health Service Manager, Epidemiologist, Emergency Management Director, or Director of Health Promotion. The program aims to develop community leaders and professionals who can improve the well-being of diverse populations.

Practical experience is a key component, with opportunities for internships and practicums at nationally recognized medical centers, hospitals, clinics, county and city health departments, voluntary health agencies, international humanitarian organizations, and governmental health programs. Students develop marketable skills such as analytical and assessment abilities, critical thinking, communication, leadership, and cultural competency.