General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The mission of the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is to cultivate leaders who are creative, critical thinkers, with the knowledge and skills to address evolving public health challenges.

The UNMC MPH is a specialized professional master’s degree program designed to prepare graduates for work in public health. It emphasizes a social justice and practical skills-based framework. Key features include a 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio, providing personalized education and research experiences.

Cornerstones

1. Practice-centered: Curriculum that integrates theory and application, with students engaged in real-world public health experiences.

2. Evidence-based: Students trained to apply, and contribute to, evidence-based public health approaches.

3. Equity-focused: Challenge and equip students to apply a health equity lens in all aspects of practice and research.

4. Diverse: The learning experience is enhanced by valuing all people and perspectives.

5. Collaborative: Interprofessional learning to strengthen the skills needed to impact population and community health.

Accreditation: The program's Applied Practice Experience (APEx) and Capstone Experience meet requirements of the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the national accrediting body in public health.

Delivery Modes

The program offers flexible study options, allowing students to study full-time or part-time. Courses are available both online and on-campus. Students can start the program in the Fall or Spring semesters.

The MPH degree can be completed entirely online in an asynchronous format. Online courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer, typically delivered in weekly modules that require regular interaction.

Curriculum Overview

Core courses focus on the areas of knowledge basic to public health. Concentration areas emphasize prevention, the scientific knowledge base, interdependency with other areas of knowledge and practice, and social justice. The curriculum is built upon five academic domains of public health: epidemiology, biostatistics, health administration, health promotion, and environmental health. Course material pays particular attention to health status, health outcomes, and health needs in special populations.

Applied Practice Experience (APEx)

The Applied Practice Experience (CPH 528, 3 credit hours) is a required component providing students with an applied, scholarly, and mutually beneficial experience in a public health practice setting. Students integrate and apply at least five foundational public health competencies and produce two beneficial products for the partner organization.

APEx Prerequisites:

• Attendance at APEx Orientation session.

• Good academic standing.

• Completion of at least 6 credit hours plus the CPH 500 Foundations in Public Health Course (may be taken concurrently).

• Completion of Affiliation Agreement.

• Completion of Professionalism Training Module.

• Approval of the Applied Practice Experience Learning Contract.

Capstone Experience

The Capstone Experience (CPH 529) is a required integrative learning experience. It involves a project addressing a topic of public health significance, demonstrating the student's ability to integrate skills and competencies from across the curriculum to conduct public health research or practice.

Capstone Prerequisites:

• Good academic standing.

• Completed at least 36 credit hours, including all required MPH core and concentration courses.

• Current Plan of Study signed by academic advisor.

• Formed Capstone committee (not applicable for Capstone Course Track).

• Received approval of proposal from committee (not applicable for Capstone Course Track).

• Received IRB approval if required (not applicable for Capstone Course Track).

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0-point scale.

Concentration-Specific Prerequisites

• Epidemiology: Grade of B or better in one college-level precalculus or similar math course.

• Environmental and Occupational Health: One semester of biology, one semester of chemistry, and one semester of college-level math.

• Biostatistics: Grade B or better in college-level statistics and algebra. One calculus course is recommended.

Application Components

• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Non-US transcripts must be evaluated by WES (ICAP Course-by-course).

• Three letters of recommendation.

• One-page personal statement (interest in public health/concentration, career objectives, self-assessment).

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae.

• English Proficiency: TOEFL (minimum 80 iBT), IELTS (minimum 6.5), or Duolingo (minimum 120) scores for applicants without a previous degree from a US institution or specified English-speaking countries.

• Optional: Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional but highly recommended for applicants with a GPA below 3.0.

Full details of the application and admissions process can be found on the College of Public Health Admissions website .

Career & Practical Experience

The program prepares graduates for work in public health, with over 90% of MPH students finding career positions within 12 months of graduation. Practical experience is gained through the Applied Practice Experience (APEx) and Capstone Experience.

Potential Job Titles

• Biostatistician

• Data Analyst

• Research Coordinator

• Occupational Health Epidemiologist

• Health Educator

• Community Education Manager

• Wellness Coordinator

Example Employers

• State and local health departments

• Federal agencies (CDC, HRSA)

• Military (U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force)

• Nonprofit organizations

• Healthcare systems and insurance companies