General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) at the University of Utah is a professional degree offering a curriculum in the core areas of knowledge fundamental to public health. The program is recognized by the public health community and has been continuously accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) since 1978. It aims to prepare students for impactful careers in the field of public health.

Delivery Modes

The MPH program offers flexibility with both on-campus (in-person) and fully online delivery formats. The online courses are asynchronous, allowing students to learn at their own pace. Students can pursue the degree on a full-time basis, typically completing it in approximately two years, or opt for part-time study, which may extend the completion time.

Curriculum Overview

The core curriculum covers five essential areas of public health:

• Biostatistics: Collection, storage, retrieval, analysis, and interpretation of health data; design and analysis of health-related surveys and experiments; and concepts and practice of statistical data analysis.

• Epidemiology: Distributions and determinants of disease, disabilities, and death in human populations; the characteristics and dynamics of human populations; and the natural history of disease and the biologic basis of health.

• Environmental Health Sciences: Environmental factors including biological, physical, and chemical factors which affect the health of a community.

• Public Health Administration: Planning, organization, administration, management, evaluation, and policy analysis of health programs.

• Social and Behavioral Sciences: Concepts and methods of social and behavioral sciences relevant to the identification and the solution of public health problems.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements set by the Graduate School of the University of Utah and any additional departmental requirements. Key requirements include:

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited college/university.

• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 (a justification letter is required for GPAs below 3.0).

• Completion of both a SOPHAS application and a Slate (University of Utah) application.

• Required documents for SOPHAS: Official transcripts (or WES/ECE evaluation for international applicants), GRE scores or demonstrated quantitative ability (GRE not required but recommended in certain cases), three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose (max 500 words), and a current resume or CV.

• Required for Slate: Unofficial transcripts.

• Prerequisite: Completion of College Algebra (or higher) with a grade of B or better. A course in Statistics or Epidemiology is highly recommended.

• English proficiency for international students, as per university guidelines.

• A personal interview may be required.

The application deadline for Fall semester admission is typically May 1st for guaranteed consideration.

Cost & Financial Aid

For the Academic Year 2024-2025, the Online MPH program tuition is $780.00 per credit hour for both resident and non-resident students. The Division of Public Health’s programs are approved for the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), allowing eligible students from participating states to pay resident tuition rates plus 10%. A $100 non-refundable seat fee is required upon admission to hold a student's spot. Detailed tuition information for on-campus and online programs, as well as WICHE, can be found through links on the program's website.

Career & Practical Experience

The MPH program is designed to facilitate students' career goals in public health. Applicants are encouraged to articulate their career aspirations and relevant experiences in their statement of purpose. While specific career services or practicum site details are not extensively listed in the provided overview, the curriculum's focus on core public health competencies prepares graduates for diverse roles in the field. Online MPH students may also have opportunities for learning abroad as an elective.