General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) program with a unique major concentration in Hispanic and Border Health, the only one of its kind in the nation. The program is dedicated to preparing future health leaders to promote health equity, prevent disease, and improve the overall quality of life, particularly in Hispanic and border communities. It is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Key features of the program include:

• Accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

• Courses held in late afternoons and early evenings to accommodate working professionals.

• Field research training opportunities in Latin America through the Minority Health International Research Training (MHIRT) Program.

Delivery Modes

The program is delivered on-campus. To accommodate working professionals, all MPH courses are held in the late afternoons and early evenings, which supports part-time enrollment. The program operates on a cohort model with admissions for the fall semester only.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH degree requires the completion of 42 credit hours. The curriculum includes 15 credit hours of core courses covering five fundamental public health competencies: Social and Behavioral Sciences, Health Services Administration and Policy, Epidemiology, Environmental Health, and Biostatistics. An additional 9 credit hours are dedicated to the Hispanic and Border Health Concentration.

Students must complete a 6-credit hour practicum (PUBH 5662) to apply learned theories and skills in a practical setting. The program culminates in either a thesis (6 credits, via PUBH 5398 & PUBH 5399) or a graduate research project (3 credits, via PUBH 5395 or PUBH 5396). The 42-credit total typically incorporates the thesis option. Additionally, students select 6 credit hours of elective courses in consultation with a faculty mentor. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required, with a grade of B or higher in all courses.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must submit their application to the UTEP Graduate School by March 15 for fall enrollment. Key admission requirements include:

• A completed baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution or a recognized foreign institution.

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for prior degree(s).

• GRE and/or MCAT scores (optional).

• Proof of English proficiency for applicants whose degrees are from non-English speaking institutions.

• Three letters of recommendation from professional references with graduate degrees (at least one academic).

• A 500-word essay describing prior public health-related experience and reasons for pursuing the MPH.

• A current curriculum vitae or professional resume.

• An English language writing sample authored solely by the applicant.

• A teleconference (Zoom or Skype) meeting with the Admissions Committee.

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates of the MPH program are prepared for diverse careers focused on promoting health, preventing disease, and improving the quality of life, with a special emphasis on Hispanic and border communities. Opportunities span public health agencies, scientific research facilities, colleges or universities, community-based nonprofits, and healthcare facilities.

Potential career roles include Health Care Specialist, Nutritionist, and Epidemiologist. The program's required practicum offers students valuable hands-on experience, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world public health settings. Furthermore, the Minority Health International Research Training (MHIRT) Program provides opportunities for field research training in Latin America.