General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of North Dakota prepares culturally-aware public health professionals to improve population health in the diverse communities of the Northern Plains and beyond. Graduates boast a 100% employment rate in health-related careers.

Key highlights include:

• Accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) .

• Eligibility for the Certified in Public Health (CPH) Exam upon graduation.

• No standardized test score (e.g., GRE) required for admission.

• The Population Health Research & Analytics specialization is STEM-eligible, allowing international F-1 visa students to apply for extended Optional Practical Training.

Delivery Modes

The MPH program offers flexibility with both on-campus and online delivery modes. The core curriculum and specializations in Indigenous Health and Health Management & Policy are available fully on-campus or online. The Population Health Research & Analytics specialization is offered on-campus and via distance education/interactive video network.

Online courses are a mix of asynchronous (learn at your own pace within set deadlines) and synchronous (real-time, interactive) classes.

An Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's (ABM) option allows students to earn a Bachelor in Public Health Education and an MPH in five years, available 100% online. Joint degree options like MPH/JD and MD/MPH are also available.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH degree requires successful completion of at least 42 credit hours.

The curriculum includes:

• Core Courses (18 credits): Covering foundational public health knowledge such as Public Health Management, Planning, and Health Care Systems; Environmental Health; Biostatistics 1; Public Health Communication; Public Health Leadership & Interprofessional Practice; Epidemiology 1; and Health Policy.

• Specializations (12-13 credits): Students choose one of three specializations: Health Management & Policy, Indigenous Health, or Population Health Research & Analytics. Each includes required courses and 6 credits of electives.

• Applied Practice Experience (APEx - 3 credits): A 135-hour supervised practicum (PH 594) providing hands-on experience in a public health setting.

• Culminating Experience (3 credits total): Consists of an Integrative Learning Experience (PH 995, 2 credits) involving a project demonstrating synthesis of knowledge, and an MPH Seminar (PH 590, 1 credit) focusing on current public health issues.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the traditional MPH program must meet the following general requirements:

• Completion of the SOPHAS online application (for traditional applicants) and the UND School of Graduate Studies application , along with payment of applicable fees.

• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or its equivalent.

• A minimum cumulative undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) GPA of 3.00.

• Satisfaction of the School of Graduate Studies' English Language Proficiency requirements.

Required application materials include:

• A written statement (2-page limit) describing professional goals, motivation for seeking an MPH degree, and relevant personal qualities.

• For applicants to the Population Health Research & Analytics specialization: evidence of analytic/quantitative abilities (e.g., relevant academic background with a math/science GPA of 3.0+, a written professional product, or specific letters of recommendation).

• A current resume listing work experience, voluntary activities, and relevant accomplishments.

• Official post-secondary academic transcripts from all institutions attended.

• Three letters of recommendation from academic and professional sources, with at least one from an academic source.

An interview (in-person or Zoom) may be requested. A background check is completed before final admission.

Note: Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's (ABM) and Joint MPH/JD program applicants submit all required materials to the UND School of Graduate Studies admissions application and do not need to complete the SOPHAS application.

Career & Practical Experience

The MPH program prepares graduates for a variety of roles in public health. Target careers include:

• Biostatisticians

• Epidemiologists

• Health Policy Analysts

• Medical Science Liaisons/Researchers

• Public Health Administrators

• Public Health Educators

• Public Health Statisticians

Graduates have a 100% employment rate in health-related careers. Alumni have secured positions at organizations such as Altru Health System, North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, American Indian Cancer Foundation, Health Partners Institute, Mayo Clinic, and Sanford Research.

Practical experience is a core component, highlighted by the 135-hour Applied Practice Experience (APEx) practicum with a public health organization.