General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at South University, Virginia Beach, focuses on equipping students to handle significant health-related issues such as controlling infectious diseases, improving access to healthcare, and reducing environmental hazards. The program is designed to educate both students and working professionals on areas of critical importance to local, national, and international public health challenges.

Mission Statement: Our public health program is dedicated to preparing an inclusive community of practitioners, educators, and scholars who are committed to working in their communities to promote health equity for all.

Vision Statement: A future where everyone regardless of their background, location, or income, has the potential to lead the healthiest life possible.

Core Values:

• Health Equity: Commitment to an environment where all individuals can reach full health potential.

• Community-Based: Emphasis on local communities, particularly those with limited resources.

• Practice Approach: Prioritizing training students for professional practice to tackle real-world situations.

• Inclusion: Fostering an inclusive environment supporting students from non-traditional backgrounds.

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at South University is an applicant for accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). South University, Virginia Beach, is certified to operate in the Commonwealth of Virginia by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEVA).

Delivery Modes

The MPH program is offered at the Virginia Beach campus, with all academic classes delivered in an online format. This structure provides flexibility for students while incorporating an essential in-person practicum experience to apply learned skills in a real-world public health setting.

Curriculum Overview

The Master of Public Health degree program requires a total of 56 credit hours, structured as follows:

• Core Courses (20 Credits): PHE5000 Public Health Foundations, PHE5001 Social and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health, PHE5010 Environmental and Occupational Health, PHE5015 Principles of Epidemiology, PHE5020 Biostatistical Methods.

• Principal Courses (32 Credits): Including PHE6201 Public Health Policy Research, PHE6202 Program Planning and Evaluation, PHE6206 Global Community Health, PHE6210 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, PHE6220 Evidence-based Public Health Practice, PHE6250 Case Studies in Public Health, PHE6402 Public Health Law and Ethics, and PHE6404 Grant and Contract Proposal Writing in Public Health.

• Practicum Experience (4 Credits): PHE6980 Practicum in Public Health, a culminating experience that synthesizes information learned throughout the program.

Admissions Requirements

The criteria for admission to the Master of Public Health program include:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 2.5 (on a scale of 4.0) OR an earned graduate degree from an accredited institution with a CGPA of 3.0 or higher.

• Completion of an undergraduate statistics course or equivalent (approved by the Public Health Department Chair/Program Director) with a grade of “C” or better. Students accepted provisionally must complete this course within one quarter after their acceptance date.

• Submission of official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended.

For additional admissions information, please see the admissions section in the university catalog .

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates of the MPH program can explore various career options. Some potential roles include:

• Medical and Health Services Supervisors/Managers

• Community Health Workers

• Medical Administrative or Office Staff

The program includes a practicum experience where students apply their knowledge and skills in real-world public health settings, such as government or social service agencies, community or public health organizations, or other approved businesses. (Note: South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts).