General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The University of Kansas Master of Public Health (KU-MPH) program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) , with reaccreditation valid until July 1, 2025. The program has maintained CEPH accreditation since 1998. Its mission is to improve public health for all in Kansas, the Heartland, and the nation through excellence in education, discovery, and community engagement, envisioning healthy communities.

KU-MPH is a member of the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) and is consistently ranked among the top public health programs in U.S. public universities by U.S. News and World Report. The program boasts experienced and dedicated faculty, nationally recognized in various research areas.

Delivery Modes

The KU-MPH program is offered through the Department of Population Health at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) in Kansas City, Kansas, and the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita (KUSM-W) in Wichita, Kansas. The Generalist concentration is available 100% online, in partnership with the University of Kansas Edwards Campus.

The program offers flexible learning options, including full-time and part-time study. Delivery modalities include in-person, hybrid, and fully online formats to accommodate diverse student needs.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH degree requires a minimum of 42 credit hours. This includes 21 credit hours of core courses covering:

• Principles of Epidemiology (PRVM 800)

• Community Health Assessment, Intervention, and Advocacy (PRVM 804)

• Public Health Administration (PRVM 827)

• Environmental Health (PRVM 830)

• Leadership in Public Health (PRVM 861)

• Management of Public Health Data (PRVM 875)

• Health Communication (PRVM 877)

Students also complete a minimum of 15 credit hours in their chosen concentration, 3 credit hours for a public health internship (PRVM 891), and 3 credit hours for a capstone project (PRVM 893), which includes a written report and defense. Available concentrations are Epidemiology, Public Health Practice, and Generalist (online).

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must meet the following general requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

• A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the bachelor’s degree.

• Evaluation of non-U.S. transcripts from WES (for international applicants or those with non-U.S. undergraduate degrees).

• Proof of English proficiency for non-native speakers.

• A background check.

• Three letters of recommendation.

• A résumé or curriculum vitae (preference for 1+ year of health field work experience or a health profession degree).

• A 1-2 page personal written statement describing career goals and motivation.

Math prerequisites vary by concentration:

• Public Health Practice or Online Generalist: One semester of an upper-level math course.

• Epidemiology: Completion of one semester of calculus.

Career & Practical Experience

KU-MPH graduates are prepared for a wide variety of public health fields, including governmental public health, non-profit organizations, academic research, healthcare organizations, clinical medicine, research, health education, and disease surveillance. Skills gained include:

• Interpreting data analysis for public health research, policy, or practice.

• Comparing health care, public health, and regulatory systems.

• Designing population-based policies, programs, or interventions.

• Advocating for policies and programs to improve health in diverse populations.

• Applying negotiation and mediation skills.

• Selecting communication strategies for different audiences and sectors.

All students complete a public health internship (practicum) in a public health agency or similar organization, and a capstone project involving a written report and defense.