MPH with Epidemiology Emphasis/Concentration

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology at San Diego State University (SDSU) is a fully-online, research-oriented graduate program designed to help public health professionals advance their careers. Students learn to conduct sophisticated research on disease and injury in diverse human populations and acquire skills to manage teams in various public and private professional settings.

Key features include intensive virtual courses led by expert faculty from SDSU’s School of Public Health, many of whom are world-renowned experts. The program also emphasizes hands-on experience through a field placement with a public health organization in the student's own community.

SDSU’s online MPH programs, including the Epidemiology concentration, are fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Delivery Modes

The MPH in Epidemiology program detailed here is offered in a fully-online format, with coursework delivered mostly asynchronously. This allows students to earn their degree while managing work schedules, family obligations, and other responsibilities.

The online program is designed for full-time study, and there is no part-time option available for this online modality. Students typically take two 3-unit courses every eight weeks.

San Diego State University also offers an on-campus MPH in Epidemiology program.

Curriculum Overview

The online MPH in Epidemiology program requires the completion of 51 units. The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of public health principles and epidemiological methods.

Core components for the online program include:

• Public Health Core Courses (18 units): Covering foundational topics such as Epidemiology (PH 601), Biostatistics (PH 602), Behavioral and Social Science in Public Health (PH 603), Environmental Determinants of Human Health (PH 604), Health Services Administration (PH 605), and Applied Research Methods in Public Health (PH 606).

• Epidemiology Concentration Courses (15 units): Including Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases (PH 621), Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases (PH 622), Epidemiological Methods (PH 623), Advanced Statistical Methods in Public Health (PH 627), and SAS for Biostatistics II (PH 629).

• Supervised Field Placement (3 units): PH 650R Field Practice: Required Community Practice, providing hands-on experience.

• Prescribed Electives (a minimum of 9 additional units): Selected from a list of approved courses, with offerings determined on a term-by-term basis.

• Integrated Learning Experience (6 units): Consisting of PH 797 Research for Graduate Studies (3 units) and PH 798 Special Studies (Alternative Capstone) (3 units). Students choose between completing a capstone project or constructing a manuscript.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the online MPH in Epidemiology program must meet the following general requirements:

• A bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited university. A specific major is not required.

• Satisfactory completion of an introductory statistics course prior to admission.

• An undergraduate GPA of at least 2.85 (overall, or in the last 60 semester or 90 quarter units). International students require a GPA of at least 3.0.

• Current employment of at least 30 hours per week (75% full-time), preferably in a public health-related position/organization.

• A minimum of three years of full-time work experience, preferably in a public health-related position/organization.

• Demonstrated English proficiency for international applicants (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo scores).

The application process involves two main applications:

1. Complete an SDSU Application via Cal State Apply , including submission of official transcripts.

2. Complete a SOPHAS Application , which includes a personal statement, proof of English proficiency (if applicable), official transcripts (or WES evaluation for international coursework), three letters of recommendation, and a résumé/CV.

Cost & Financial Aid

The total estimated cost for the online MPH in Epidemiology program is $30,804.

The program is approved for financial aid. Prospective students are encouraged to apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Further information can be found on the SDSU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website .

Career & Practical Experience

The MPH in Epidemiology program prepares graduates for careers as public health practitioners, as well as for roles in teaching and research. Graduates are equipped to become leaders in various public health-related fields.

Potential career settings include state and local government, federal agencies like the CDC, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, scientific research and development, hospitals, clinics, healthcare organizations, data analysis, and pharmaceutical companies.

According to labor analysis (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024), there were 6,581 job postings for MPH in Epidemiology graduates in the last 12 months, with a projected job growth of 19% in the next 10 years and an average salary of $74,594.

A key component of the program is the supervised field practicum. Students gain hands-on experience working with a public health organization in their own community. These experiences can take place in diverse settings such as hospitals, government agencies, research institutions, and community organizations, helping students apply classroom knowledge to real-world public health issues.