Online MPH with Public Health Practice Emphasis/Concentration

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The UMass Amherst School of Public Health & Health Sciences states it has 24 years of experience and is a leader in online graduate education. Since launching its first online graduate program in 2001, the institution has developed strong expertise in delivering high-quality, asynchronous degree and certificate programs.

As a publicly funded, not-for-profit institute of higher education, UMass Amherst's focus is on student success. The Online MPH in Public Health Practice program is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Key benefits of the program include:

• Small Class Sizes: Core classes are capped at 40 students, and electives are limited to 25 students, ensuring personalized attention.

• Accessible Faculty: Instructors are readily available to answer questions, address concerns, and provide guidance.

• Dedicated and Comprehensive Advising Services: Academic and career advising is tailored to individual student education and professional goals.

Delivery Modes

The MPH in Public Health Practice is delivered entirely online using an asynchronous format. This approach provides flexibility, with programs tailored to fit seamlessly into the busy schedules of working public health and healthcare professionals.

Curriculum Overview

The program requires a total of 42 credits, structured as follows:

• Six public health core courses (18 credits) covering topics from biostatistics to public health leadership.

• Three research-based courses (9 credits), including research methods, a practicum, and a final capstone project allowing students to delve into a current issue of their choice.

• Five electives (15 credits) selected from a choice of over 40 courses in Health Education, Health Policy, Healthcare Management, and Epidemiology.

Admissions Requirements

Applications are submitted through the SOPHAS (Schools of Public Health Application Service) system. Applications are considered twice a year with the following deadlines (as of the information provided):

• Fall term Priority Deadline: February 1, 2025

• Fall admissions Final Deadline: June 15, 2025

• Spring admissions Deadline: November 15, 2025 (SOPHAS opens August 17th for this cycle).

Career & Practical Experience

The program is designed to build skills necessary for career advancement through both theoretical and practical learning modules. Students engage in a practicum and complete a final capstone project, providing opportunities to apply knowledge to real-world public health challenges.

UMass Amherst offers dedicated academic and career advising services tailored to students' education and professional goals. These services are available throughout their time in the program and for up to six months after graduation.