MPH with Public Health Practice Emphasis/Concentration

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Public Health Practice at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) is designed to equip practitioners with the skills to understand and address the complex relationships between determinants of health and health outcomes. The program focuses on assessing population needs, planning, implementing, and evaluating programs to protect and promote public health, with a particular emphasis on the unique challenges and needs of Alaska and the Circumpolar North. It welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds, including natural sciences, social sciences, business, health professions, human services, education, and law.

The UAA MPH program aligns with national accreditation criteria from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Delivery Modes

All required courses for the MPH program are offered in a distance format, allowing students to pursue their careers with minimal disruption.

An Accelerated MPH in Public Health Practice option is available for eligible UAA Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) students, allowing them to apply certain graduate courses to both their BSHS and MPH degrees.

Curriculum Overview

A minimum of 42 credits is required for the MPH degree.

The curriculum includes core courses in fundamental public health areas such as Public Health and Society (HS A605), Environmental and Occupational Health (HS A610), Health Services Administration (HS A615), Biostatistics for Health Professionals (HS A625), and Principles of Epidemiology (HS A626). Additional required coursework covers Circumpolar Health Issues (HS A624), Program Evaluation (HS/SWK A628), Public Health Research Tools and Methods (HS A629), and Public Health Emergencies and Disasters (HS A630).

Students complete 9 credits of advisor-approved 600-level focused public health-related emphasis courses, allowing for an individualized area of study. The program culminates in a 3-credit Applied Practice Experience (APE, HS A695) and a 2-credit Integrative Learning Experience (ILE, HS A696).

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the general Admission Requirements for Graduate Degrees at UAA.

In addition, MPH program applicants must submit the following:

• An essay (max 2 double-spaced pages, 11-12pt font, with citations) identifying a major public health challenge in their community, describing its extent, and discussing one to two evidence-based solutions.

• A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV).

• A personal statement (max 2 double-spaced pages, 11-12pt font) explaining how and why obtaining the MPH in Public Health Practice would contribute to their career goals.

Application deadlines are March 1 for fall admission (with applications accepted until July 1 if openings remain; contact the MPH office if applying after March 1) and October 1 for spring admission. Applicants are encouraged to apply to the university early, as UAA admission processing can take time.

For the Accelerated MPH option, UAA BSHS students must have completed at least 60% of their bachelor's degree credits, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00, and have completed at least 24 course credits at UAA. They should plan to apply during their junior year.

Career & Practical Experience

The program prepares graduates for careers as public health practitioners. Key components like the Applied Practice Experience (APE) and the Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) provide students with hands-on opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings, further preparing them for professional roles in the field.