General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

St. Catherine University offers the first Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Global Health in the Twin Cities metro area. This rigorous, multi-disciplinary professional degree program is designed for students aiming to improve public health through population health program development and evaluation, implementation of behavioral, environmental, or policy interventions, and evidence-based practice.

The program prepares graduates to lead and positively influence ongoing and emerging population health threats both globally and locally. Consistent with the mission of St. Catherine University, the MPH in Global Health is grounded in Catholic intellectual inquiry and social teaching to develop transformational leaders and advance the well-being of individuals worldwide.

The St. Kate's Master of Public Health (MPH) in Global Health is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) through July 1, 2025. More information about accreditation can be found on the CEPH website .

Delivery Modes

The program is offered in evening, hybrid, and fully online formats, providing flexibility for working professionals and those with family responsibilities. Students can pursue the program full-time, typically completing it in two years, or part-time, with a maximum completion time of five years. An accelerated "3+2" dual degree option is available for qualifying St. Kate's undergraduate students, allowing them to complete their bachelor's and MPH degrees in five years.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH program requires the completion of 44-45 credits. Students gain foundational public health knowledge and demonstrate core public health and global health competencies through:

• Coursework covering areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, global health policy, environmental health, and social and behavioral health theories.

• An international experience (virtual or in-person).

• A 200-hour practicum.

• A capstone project and oral presentation.

The curriculum includes required core courses, required Global Health track courses, and a selection of skill-based and topic-based elective courses. Up to twelve relevant transfer credits from a CEPH-accredited institution may be applied toward the MPH degree with program director approval.

Admissions Requirements

Prospective students must meet all MPH admission requirements . General requirements for degree conferral include completion of required courses, a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, a capstone project with oral presentation, an international experience, and a 200-hour practicum. The "3+2" dual degree option has specific eligibility criteria for St. Catherine University undergraduate students.

Career & Practical Experience

The MPH program is tailored for students aspiring to careers focused on improving public health. This includes roles in population health program development and evaluation, implementation of behavioral, environmental, or policy interventions, and evidence-based practice. Graduates are equipped to lead and address public health challenges at local and global levels. A key component of practical experience is the mandatory 200-hour practicum, which can also fulfill the international experience requirement if completed at an approved international site (virtually or in-person).