General MPH Program

Program Highlights

The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Public Health is designed to address the critical need for highly trained public health professionals. The program aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and expertise to provide service and leadership in public health at local, national, and global levels. It caters to both current health professionals seeking to expand their capabilities and students aspiring to build a career in public health. Key features include a comprehensive curriculum, extensive field experience, and a choice of seven distinct concentrations. The College also offers various dual degree options.

Delivery Modes

• On-Campus: The primary MPH program is offered full-time on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens, Georgia. Students are admitted each Fall semester.

• Online: An Online Master of Public Health program is available as an alternative for working professionals seeking flexibility.

• Full-Time: The on-campus program is structured for full-time study.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH degree requires a minimum of 44 credit hours, encompassing core public health disciplines, concentration-specific coursework, electives, and practical experiences. The curriculum includes:

• Core MPH Courses (15 hours): Covering Social and Behavioral Foundations, Introduction to Epidemiology, Introduction to Biostatistics, Fundamentals of Environmental Health, and Introduction to Health Policy and Management.

• Degree Concentration Courses (12-15 hours): Specialized coursework based on the chosen concentration.

• Electives (5-12 hours): Allowing students to further tailor their studies.

• Applied Practice Experience (6 hours): A 300-hour supervised experience in a public health-related organization.

• Integrative Learning Experience (3 hours): A culminating experience undertaken in the final semester.

Students can also pursue certificate programs in areas like gerontology, global health, and disaster management in conjunction with their MPH degree.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the MPH program must hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is recommended. The GRE is no longer a requirement for MPH admissions.

Applications are submitted through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS), and a supplemental fee must be paid to the UGA Graduate School.

Application Deadlines for Fall Enrollment (On-Campus Program):

• January 5: Deadline for consideration for available assistantships and other financial aid opportunities.

• May 1: Final application deadline for Fall semester admission.

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates of the MPH program find employment in a variety of settings, including local and state health departments, non-profit organizations, for-profit corporations, and federal/national public health agencies. The College of Public Health offers career development services to support students in their career pursuits.

A key component of the program is the Applied Practice Experience, which requires students to complete 300 contact hours in settings such as public health agencies (local, state, federal), private sector organizations, or non-governmental agencies. Students receive assistance in finding suitable placement sites that align with their professional goals.