Online MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) Online Program at the University of Utah is designed to train professionals for the broad field of public health, with a special emphasis on Health Equity. This focus aims to address health disparities and serve underserved populations, making it a unique offering in the state. The program is tailored for students who prefer online learning, including those working full-time in health and human services, individuals living remote from campus, those with family caregiving responsibilities, or persons with disabilities, offering an asynchronous format for schedule flexibility.

The MPH program has been continuously accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) since 1978, ensuring a high standard of public health education.

Delivery Modes

The program is delivered fully online, combining the flexibility of online teaching with direct engagement. Students can study at their own pace through an asynchronous format while interacting with classmates and instructors via group assignments, discussion forums, and peer reviews. The program can be completed in approximately two years as a full-time student, with part-time options available for those who require more time.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH program requires 45 credit hours. Core coursework covers Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Environmental Sciences, and Public Health Management and Practice. Students are also required to take and pass the Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam to fulfill the comprehensive exam requirement. Prerequisite courses for the CPH exam include:

• PBHLT 6100 Biostatistics 1

• PBHLT 6300 Epidemiology

• PBHLT 6400 Public Health Management & Practice

• PBHLT 6500 Public Health Systems & Services

• PBHLT 6600 Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health

• PBHLT 6700 Environmental & Biological Science in Public Health

• PBHLT 6550 Public Health Program Planning, Evaluation, & Implementation

A key component of the program is a practicum experience. All MPH students must complete 6 credit hours (270 hours fieldwork) of practicum prior to graduation. This provides direct, hands-on experience comparable to a career position. Students can begin practicum work after completing 4 of the 6 prerequisite courses (6100, 6300, 6400, 6500, 6550, 6600, 6700), with 6550 and either 6100 or 6300 being mandatory among the four. The goals of the practicum are:

1. To integrate foundational public health knowledge with a concrete experience of public health practice. In particular, to observe and report how the following concepts play out in real public health practice:

   • the core functions of public health

   • the core organizational practices necessary for governmental agencies to carry out the mission of public health, and

   • the essential public health services, from a community-based perspective.

2. To identify and report the issues in cultural competence relevant to a specific practicum site and how they play out in real public health practice.

3. To identify emerging areas in the practice of public health.

4. To broaden knowledge and skills in public health practice.

5. To gain experience working with a mentor that has the academic credentials and experience to oversee and evaluate masters level student goals and activities.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements of the Graduate School and the Public Health program. This includes a bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited college/university and at least a 3.00 or higher undergraduate weighted mean GPA. Candidates with a GPA below 3.0 must submit a justification letter. Required documents for the SOPHAS application include:

• Official transcripts for US applicants

• Three letters of recommendation

• Statement of purpose

• Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

The Division of Public Health admits students into the MPH online program in the Fall semester. The application deadline for guaranteed consideration is April 30th. Applicants must first complete a SOPHAS application. If recommended for admission by the Public Health program, they will then be asked to complete a University of Utah application through Slate.

Cost & Financial Aid

The tuition for the online MPH program is $698.63 per credit hour. This rate is subject to change without notice.

This program qualifies for the University of Utah employee reduced tuition benefit.

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates with an MPH Health Equity emphasis are prepared for various roles such as Health Equity Consultant, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator, Health Educator, and Community Outreach and Equity Director. Other related occupations include community health workers, medical and health services managers, and social scientists. The labor market demand for these professions is moderate to high in Utah.

For more information on career paths, students can access public health career resources .