General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTSPHSA) is a 45-credit-hour professional degree. It prepares students to evaluate community health needs, develop innovative policies and programs, and ensure the strengthening and maintenance of established systems. Graduates are equipped with skills in eight key public health areas: evidence-based approaches, public health and health care systems, planning and management for health promotion, public health policy, leadership, communication, interprofessional/intersectoral practice, and systems thinking.

The program's curriculum is aligned with the foundational competencies established by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), ensuring students receive comprehensive training. CEPH accreditation is noted for the program.

Curriculum Overview

The M.P.H. program requires a minimum of 45 semester credit hours, typically completed over five semesters (two academic years). The curriculum includes foundational courses, concentration-specific courses (such as in Public Health Practice and Administration), electives, an Applied Practice Experience (Practicum), and a Capstone or Integrative Learning Experience.

The Applied Practice Experience involves 3 credit hours and a minimum of 180 hours of supervised, hands-on, real-world public health practice. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to graduate and complete all coursework within five years of enrollment.

Admission Requirements

Key admission requirements include:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or proof of an equivalent degree from a foreign institution (NACES evaluation required for foreign transcripts).

• Official transcripts from each college/university attended.

• For international applicants whose native language is not English: TOEFL (minimum score 84), IELTS (minimum score 7.0), or Duolingo English Test (minimum score 115). Waivers may be requested.

• Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV).

• A writing sample in response to prompts provided by the Admissions Committee.

• A personal statement on the applicant's approach to working in and with the community, affirmation of social justice, and health equity.

• Two letters of recommendation from professional, academic, or community sources.

• An interview with the Admissions Committee.

• Required immunizations, criminal background and sanction checks.

Career & Practical Experience

The program emphasizes practical experience through a mandatory Applied Practice Experience (Practicum). This involves at least 180 hours of supervised, hands-on field experience focused on local and regional public health problems, directly relevant to the public health workforce. Students also complete an Integrative Learning Experience (e.g., discovery-based paper or project, or capstone experience), synthesizing their knowledge and skills.

Graduates are prepared for roles in public health practice and administration, equipped to lead and manage public health programs and interventions, and to address complex health challenges through evidence-based strategies.