General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of Mississippi is designed to equip future public health professionals with the knowledge and skills to promote and protect health at local, state, national, and global levels. The program focuses on preparing graduates for significant roles in health policy, research, education, and administration.

Students learn to effectively work with diverse populations. Applied learning experiences are integral to the curriculum, ensuring that MPH graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and address pressing public health challenges.

The curriculum, consistent for both online and on-campus students, prepares graduates for key professional certifications, including the Certified in Public Health (CPH) and Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exams.

The program's Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) aligns with the requirements of the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) , culminating in a comprehensive exam in the final semester.

Delivery Modes

The MPH program offers flexibility with both fully online and traditional on-campus (residential) delivery modes, catering to students with varying schedules and preferences for their learning environment.

All courses within the program are delivered in an accelerated 8-week format.

Students can typically complete the program in 18 to 24 months, depending on their individual pace and course load.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH degree requires the completion of 42 credit hours, structured to provide a comprehensive public health education.

The curriculum includes:

• Public Health Core (15 credits) covering foundational areas such as health program planning, public health policy, health communication, biostatistics, and epidemiology.

• Concentration Courses (at least 9 credits) allowing specialization in areas like Community Health or Epidemiology.

• Public Health Practicum (6 credits) providing hands-on experience in a public health setting.

• Elective Courses (3-12 credits) offering opportunities for further specialization or exploration of related topics.

Students without an undergraduate degree in public health are required to take PH 600: Foundations of Public Health (3 credits) in their first semester as one of their elective courses.

In their final semester, students complete an Integrative Learning Experience (ILE), which involves a comprehensive exam, satisfying a key CEPH requirement.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the Master of Public Health program are expected to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Detailed information regarding the application process, including specific requirements and deadlines, can be found on the University of Mississippi Graduate School's application portal .

Prospective students without a prior undergraduate degree in public health should note that the PH 600: Foundations of Public Health course will be a required part of their initial coursework.

Career & Practical Experience

The MPH program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in public health, including roles in health policy development, research, health education, and program administration.

A significant component of the program is the practicum experience, where students apply their learning in real-world public health settings, enhancing their preparedness for the job market.

Graduates are equipped for various positions, such as:

• Epidemiologist

• Biostatistician

• Research Scientist

• Healthcare Services Administrator

• Occupational Health and Safety Manager

• Environmental Health Officer

• Community Health Worker

• Health Educator

• Health Policy Analyst

• Program Manager

The field of public health offers strong career prospects, with roles like Epidemiologists and Medical and Health Services Managers demonstrating significant earning potential according to recent job market data.