General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

Trinity Washington University's Master of Public Health (MPH) program focuses on Community Health, preparing students to address critical health-related issues such as healthy living, housing, behavioral choices, food access, healthcare availability, and environmental exposures. The program aims to equip future leaders to impact society and improve health outcomes in diverse communities. Work environments for graduates include local, state, and national government institutions, as well as non-profit organizations.

Trinity Washington University is an applicant for accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). The accreditation review will specifically address the Master of Public Health program.

Delivery Modes

The MPH program offers flexibility with online and hybrid formats. Students can enroll on a full-time or part-time basis. Courses are offered in the evenings and on weekends. The program utilizes 8-week terms during the summer semester and alternate weekly or weekly sessions during the fall and spring semesters. The hybrid learning experience includes directed readings, lectures, podcasts, quizzes, and assignments, complemented by face-to-face sessions for lectures, discussions, group activities, and experiential learning. Students attend virtual classes multiple times throughout the semester.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH program requires the completion of 42 credits, consisting of 24 required core credits and 18 required credits in the Community Health concentration (including two elective courses). Core curriculum areas include Theoretical Foundations of Public Health, Epidemiology and Disease Prevention, Health Advocacy, Quantitative Research and Biostatistics, and Qualitative and Outcomes Research.

A key component of the program is the capstone project and practicum, undertaken after completing 24 credit hours. The practicum requires 100 contact hours at an approved community site, allowing students to apply knowledge and skills. Students are expected to secure their own practicum sites, which must be approved by program faculty. The capstone project is an integrative learning experience derived from the practicum.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Provisional admission may be granted to students who do not meet standard requirements but demonstrate potential.

Application components include:

• Completed online application.

• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.

• Two letters of recommendation.

• A 400-500 word essay outlining personal and professional goals.

• A current résumé or curriculum vitae.

An interview with the Program Director may be requested prior to acceptance.

Career & Practical Experience

The MPH program prepares graduates for in-demand roles in community agencies, health care financing and delivery organizations, federal/state/local health departments, research support, and policy advocacy. Target careers include Public Health Crisis Communication Specialist, Public Health Analyst, Public Health Preparedness Planner, Community Health Specialist, and Health Communications Specialist.

Students gain practical experience through a 100-hour practicum. Clinical partners for practicum experiences may include organizations such as MedStar Health, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Children’s National Hospital, Sibley Hospital (Johns Hopkins), Community of Hope, and Catholic Charities, among others.