General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of Southern Maine is multi-disciplinary, offering a generalist curriculum. It is designed to equip students with essential skills for successful careers in public health, including management and leadership positions.

• Flexible Hyflex Program: Customize your mode of study. Courses are held in person while simultaneously being live-streamed online, allowing attendance either in person or online during each scheduled meeting time.

• Study On Your Terms: Earn your degree full-time (typically 2 years) or part-time (typically 3 to 4 years).

• Practical Knowledge and Skills: Gain the expertise to address today’s complex population health and health service needs.

• Engaged Faculty: Study with research and practice-based faculty involved in applied research, evaluation, and policy/program development at local, state, and national levels.

• Hands-On Fieldwork: Participate in fieldwork with public health organizations.

• Research Opportunities: Option to apply for paid research assistantships with nationally recognized faculty.

The MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Learn more about the accreditation here .

Delivery Modes

The program utilizes a flexible hybrid (Hyflex) model. Courses are conducted in person while simultaneously being live-streamed online. This allows students the choice to attend either on-campus or online for each class session.

Students can pursue the degree full-time, typically finishing in 2 years, or part-time, completing the program in 3 to 4 years.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH program features a generalist curriculum, requiring 45 credit hours for completion. Most courses are 3 credit hours. Detailed program requirements can be found in the university catalog .

The curriculum includes hands-on fieldwork with public health organizations and opportunities for capstone projects, providing practical experience.

Admissions Requirements

No GRE is required for admission. Applications are accepted for fall, spring, or summer term starts.

Applicant Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university.

• GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate units is required. If the applicant has 12 or more graduate units, the GPA will be based on graduate units.

• Other Considerations: The program is particularly interested in applicants with a GPA of 3.2 or higher, international life experience, and paid or unpaid experience in public health or healthcare delivery.

Required Application Materials:

General requirements

• Application: Submit via the Online application portal .

• Application fee:

  • In-state, out-of-state, and Canadian applicants: Free to apply.

  • International applicants: Submit US $50 fee.

• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended (excluding University of Maine System campuses).

  • International College Transcripts: Require an official evaluation by a NACES or AICE approved agency.

• Resume/CV: Outlining professional, volunteer, and community experience.

• English Proficiency: Students whose first language is not English may need to submit TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo scores. See additional information on requirements .

Additional requirements

• Essay: A brief personal statement (maximum 500 words) describing why you want a degree in public health, your interest in this program, motivation, and any emerging career aspirations.

• Letters of Recommendation (2): From individuals qualified to comment on your ability to undertake graduate study and your chosen profession, based on direct experience with your academic or professional work.

Application Deadlines: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed continuously.

• Fall term start: Final deadline August 1; International applicants deadline June 1.

• Spring term start: Final deadline December 15; International applicants deadline October 15.

• Summer term start: Final deadline April 15; Not available for international applicants.

Cost & Financial Aid

Program costs include tuition and fees. Out-of-state residents may receive a special tuition break. Detailed information on graduate tuition and fees can be found on the USM Student Financial Services website .

Over 150 graduate assistantships are available, offering stipends and tuition assistance. Other financial aid options include scholarships, fellowships, and research opportunities. Explore aid options at the Student Financial Services aid page and find scholarship opportunities .

Career & Practical Experience

The MPH curriculum equips students for diverse careers in public health, including leadership roles. Graduates work in public and private sectors in Maine, across the US, and globally. Alumni careers include community liaison consultants, executive directors, network contract managers, public health researchers, data analysts, communications managers, and program coordinators. More information on career options is available here .

Students participate in hands-on fieldwork with various public health organizations, such as state and local health departments, nonprofit agencies, state associations, physician practices, and health systems. Faculty offer strong community connections, creating opportunities for field placements, capstone projects, and career networking.

The Office of Graduate Studies provides support by connecting students with professional development, scholarships, and graduate assistantships. They also foster the graduate student community through Peer Mentorship and the Graduate Student Board. Browse graduate resources .