Online MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Online Master of Public Health (MPH) with a Concentration in Public Health Practice at the University of South Florida (USF) is designed to equip experienced health professionals with the skills and training necessary to formulate public health policies, address critical health issues, and promote positive change. The program prepares individuals for leadership roles within multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams in both U.S. and global public health settings.

Key skills and knowledge areas emphasized in this concentration include:

• Public health practice

• Epidemiology

• Program analysis and inference from data

• Development of programs that consider cultural, social, economic, ethical, geopolitical, and legal factors

• Community- or population-based health policy and program planning

• Budgeting and management

Accreditation information for this specific program is not detailed on this page.

Delivery Modes

This MPH program is delivered fully online, offering flexibility for working professionals. It requires the completion of 42 credit hours.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum totals 42 credit hours, focusing on a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge essential for effective public health practice. Experiential learning is a key component, including:

• Applied Practice Experience (APE): A community-facing experience at an agency where students develop practical skills and produce at least two products based on agency needs. This must be distinct from regular employment.

• Integrated Learning Experience (ILE): A scholarly, culminating experience requiring a high-quality written product appropriate for the student’s educational and professional objectives, ideally useful to external stakeholders.

• Interprofessional Education (IPE): Engagement with professionals outside of public health (e.g., architects, nurses, social workers, physicians) to foster collaboration.

• Exit Interview: Scheduled with the Faculty Mentor in the final semester.

Admissions Requirements

This program is designed for experienced health professionals. For detailed admission criteria, degree requirements, GPA, prerequisites, and application components, please refer to the USF Graduate Admissions application portal and requirements pages, accessible via the 'Apply Now' and 'Get Started!' links.

Cost & Financial Aid

The tuition for the Online MPH in Public Health Practice program is as follows:

• Tuition cost per credit hour: $525 (Non-Resident rate).

• Total program tuition cost (42 credits): $22,050 (Non-Resident rate).

Note: These costs represent base tuition. They do not include application fees, late fees, registration fees, educational resources (e.g., textbooks), or the one-time new graduate student fee. An additional Distance Learning Fee of $30 per credit hour is assessed for all online courses, regardless of residency. With the exception of Department of Children and Family (DCF) waivers, other waivers (including State of Florida and USF employee) are not accepted for this program. For detailed tuition and fee information, as well as financial aid options, please consult the links provided in the Key Links section and the university's financial aid office.

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates of the Public Health Practice concentration are prepared for a variety of leadership and coordination roles. Potential career paths include:

• Public Health Director

• Public Health Analyst

• Clinical Research Coordinator

• Program Coordinator

• Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

• Health Center Coordinator

• Infection Prevention and Control Coordinator

The program's emphasis on Applied Practice Experience (APE) and Integrated Learning Experience (ILE) ensures graduates have practical skills and a portfolio of work relevant to their career goals.