General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) at the University of Louisville is a professional degree offered by the School of Public Health and Information Sciences (SPHIS). The program emphasizes a foundation of academic and applied research, along with community involvement, to address public health challenges. Key highlights include:

• Instruction from nationally-known faculty.

• Utilization of leading-edge information technologies.

• Challenging, real-world experiences.

• A dynamic collaboration with the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness.

• Options for an accelerated Bachelor's-MPH and a dual MPH (Health Policy) - MS in Health Administration.

The School of Public Health and Information Sciences is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Delivery Modes

The MPH program is offered on-campus. Students can pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time basis. An accelerated Bachelor's-MPH option is also available for qualifying undergraduate students, allowing completion of both degrees in five years.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH curriculum requires a total of 42-48 credit hours, depending on the concentration. This includes:

• 12 credit hours of core courses (Introduction to Public Health Practice and Administration, Introduction to Public Health Behavior, Introduction to Epidemiology, Introduction to Biostatistics for Health Sciences I).

• 4 credit hours of Practice Experience.

• 2 credit hours of Integrative Learning Experience.

• 24-30 credit hours of concentration coursework.

Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must apply through SOPHAS (Centralized Application Service for Public Health). Key requirements include:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (or equivalent).

• Recommended minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

• For non-native English speakers: TOEFL (min 79), IELTS (min 6.5 overall), or Duolingo (min 105 overall), or a degree from an accredited U.S. institution.

• Three letters of recommendation.

• Official transcripts of all degrees.

• One-page personal statement.

• GRE scores: Not required for Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, Health Policy, and Epidemiology concentrations. Required for the Biostatistics concentration.

Application Deadline: For Fall semester, March 1 for international applicants. Domestic applications are accepted on a rolling basis, encouraged by 30 days prior to Fall start. No Spring or Summer admissions.

Cost & Financial Aid

MPH students from Kentucky's seven border states (Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia) may be eligible for scholarships that cover the difference between resident and non-resident tuition rates. For comprehensive information on educational expenses and the Cost of Attendance, please refer to the Student Financial Aid Office’s website .

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates are prepared for positions in the public health workforce, health-related industries, academic organizations, or for further professional/academic education. The program requires a Practice Experience and an Integrative Learning Experience, combining didactic learning with practical application. Students can select practice sites from a list or seek their own. Faculty advisors provide mentorship on career opportunities and professional development. A notable collaboration exists with the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, offering first-hand experience.