General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) is designed for individuals seeking to advance their careers and make a significant impact on community health. The program aims to unlock a world of professional opportunities with specializations catering to diverse passions and career goals.

The program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Key highlights include:

• A strong track record with 100% of graduates either employed or pursuing further education (as per program highlights).

• Significant scholarship opportunities, with over $300,000 awarded in scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year.

• A focus on providing students with real-world teaching and practical experience.

Delivery Modes

The MPH program offers flexible delivery modes to accommodate diverse student needs:

• On-Campus: A full-time cohort program based at the UNTHSC campus in Fort Worth, TX. Students typically take 12 credit hours per semester. The on-campus format features small class sizes (core classes 20-35 students, concentration classes 10-20 students) and a cohort model where students progress through a pre-determined sequence, fostering strong networking opportunities.

• Online: Students in the online MPH program typically take two classes per 16-week term. Online students are also expected to participate in professional development sessions and complete six hours of community service each fall and spring.

• Full-time, Part-time, and Accelerated Options: The program can be completed full-time in approximately two years. Part-time options are available, extending completion to three to four years. UNTHSC also offers accelerated MPH programs that can be completed in as little as one year.

All students participate in CPH professional development and Interprofessional Education (IPE) sessions, including weekly interlude meetings with career prep programs, alumni panels, networking, coaching, and guest speakers specific to concentration studies. IPE activities bring students from across university schools together for cross-disciplinary training.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH curriculum varies based on the chosen specialization. Detailed curriculum information for each concentration is available on the program website. Core components of the program include foundational public health coursework, specialized concentration courses, and significant practical experience.

• Practice Experience (Practicum): All MPH students complete an intensive 400-hour hands-on practice experience over three semesters. This involves working with local public health nonprofits, governmental institutions, or health systems, and completing a significant project for the organization (e.g., designing a new education program, data analysis, policy analysis).

• Capstone Project: The program typically includes a capstone project as part of its requirements.

• Community Service (Online Students): Online students are required to complete six hours of community service each fall and spring semester.

Admissions Requirements

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

• Academic Background: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

• GPA: While a 3.0 GPA is recommended, there is no minimum GPA requirement for MPH programs.

• Standardized Tests: GRE scores are not required for admission to UNTHSC’s MPH programs. Applicants may choose to submit scores if taken.

• Prerequisites: Some specializations may have specific prerequisite coursework. For example, the Biostatistics and Data Science specialization may require a background in college algebra and calculus.

• Professional Experience: Relevant professional or volunteer experience in public health or a related field can strengthen an application, though not always mandatory.

Application Components:

• A completed application via SOPHAS.

• Personal statement (statement of purpose) outlining career goals, reasons for pursuing an MPH, and program alignment with professional aspirations.

• Two to three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.

• Current resume or CV.

International Applicants: Non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL (minimum 85 iBT) or IELTS (minimum 6.5) scores.

Application Deadlines: Deadlines vary for in-person/cohort (Priority March 15 / Final July 1) and online programs (December 1 / February 15, May 1, July 15 / September 15). Specific dates are available on the admissions section of the CPH website.

For detailed requirements and to apply, visit the CPH Admission Requirements page or contact an advisor.

Cost & Financial Aid

UNTHSC offers various financial aid options to help students fund their MPH education. While specific tuition costs per credit or total program costs are not detailed in the provided context, prospective students are encouraged to explore the following resources:

• Scholarships: UNTHSC provides merit-based scholarships (e.g., Dean's Award, President's Award, Chancellor's Award), need-based aid, and program-specific scholarships. Over $300,000 in scholarships were awarded for the 2024-2025 academic year. Students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships upon admission. External scholarships are also encouraged.

• Assistantships: Graduate Assistant (GA), Research Assistant (RA), and Teaching Assistant (TA) positions are available, offering stipends and professional experience (typically do not include tuition waivers).

• Loans and Grants: Students can apply for federal and state loans and grants.

• International Student Aid: Financial aid options are available for international students, including institutional scholarships and assistantships.

• Employer-Sponsored Tuition Assistance: Many employers offer tuition assistance programs, and students are encouraged to check with their HR departments.

For comprehensive information on tuition, fees, scholarships, and financial aid, please visit the UNTHSC Financial Aid Office website or contact them directly at [email protected].

Career & Practical Experience

An MPH degree from UNTHSC opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities in various sectors. Graduates are prepared for roles such as:

• Epidemiologist

• Biostatistician / Data Analyst

• Health Services Manager / Administrator

• Public Health Consultant

• Maternal and Child Health Specialist

• Public Health Educator

• Health Policy Analyst

Career Outlook: The job outlook for MPH graduates is strong, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting significant growth in healthcare occupations. Specific roles like epidemiologists are expected to see a job growth rate of 28% over the next 10 years (much faster than average).

Salary: Salaries vary based on specialization, experience, location, and employer. For example, national averages can range from $78,240 to $196,970 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for epidemiologists.

Career Services: UNTHSC provides comprehensive career support through its Career Readiness Center , including job listings, resume workshops, career counseling, and networking opportunities.

Practice Experience: The mandatory 400-hour practice experience provides students with real-world skills, a professional reference, and valuable experience for their career path. Students work with organizations based on their passions and career goals, completing projects like program design, data analysis, or policy development. This experience helps students gain new confidence in their career path.