General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The distinctive mission of the UCI M.P.H. program is to create a motivated cadre of public health professionals prepared to implement effective strategies for reducing disease and disability in culturally diverse communities. Graduates are primed to draw from broad training in global public health principles to lead and collaborate on health-risk assessments and evidence-based prevention strategies. Established in 2010, the MPH program is a key graduate offering at the UC Irvine Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health, aiming to train practitioners to work independently and collaboratively for community health improvement.

The program is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) .

Delivery Modes

The program is primarily offered on-campus. Full-time students must enroll in at least 12 units per quarter. Part-time enrollment is also allowed upon approval, requiring four to eight units per quarter to maintain residency.

Curriculum Overview

The M.P.H. program offers six concentrations: Biostatistics (63 units), Community Health and Health Equity (64 units), Environmental and Occupational Health (64 units), Epidemiology (64 units), Global Health (64 units), or Health Systems and Policy (64 units).

All students complete seven core courses, at least six concentration courses, and 8 or 12 units of electives depending on the concentration. Courses must be taken for a letter grade (B or better), except for the capstone. Students must also pass the "Certified in Public Health" (CPH) comprehensive examination to advance to candidacy.

A mandatory 180-hour practicum (PUBHLTH 295, eight units) at an approved public health site is required after advancing to candidacy. This culminates in a comprehensive written report and a poster presentation.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Strong verbal and quantitative skills are expected. No specific course prerequisites are required; students from diverse academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Application materials include transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and other relevant qualifications. Applicants must select a concentration at the time of application. Both the UCI Application for Graduate Admission and the SOPHAS application must be submitted. The application deadline is December 15 for fall quarter admission.

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates are prepared for employment in public and private agencies focused on disease prevention and health promotion. The UCI MPH curriculum emphasizes combining core public health knowledge with leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills for diverse communities, enabling graduates to pursue supervisory roles and career advancement.

The 180-hour supervised practicum provides practical experience, with students working at approved sites and producing a final report and presentation. A list of approved practicum sites is available to enrolled students. Coursework and practicum experiences also prepare students for doctoral programs (Ph.D. or Dr.P.H.).