MPH with Epidemiology Emphasis/Concentration

Program Highlights & Accreditation

Vision: A future where all communities experience optimal health and well-being.

Mission: Provide high-quality training rooted in foundational public health services that equips learners with the knowledge and skills to drive innovation and advance the health of all populations.

The overall goal of the M.P.H. program is to educate students to become well-grounded in the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes of public health and demonstrate their ability to apply these essentials through coursework, internships, and the M.P.H. capstone project. The program boasts experiential learning, a highly interactive environment, accessible and approachable faculty, and student involvement in significant projects.

The Epidemiology concentration is designed to provide students with the skills required to advance to a broad spectrum of positions as public health researchers, epidemiologists, or data analysts.

The program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Students will develop educational competencies outlined by CEPH, covering foundational knowledge for public health practitioners. These competencies can be viewed on the School of Public Health's website .

Delivery Modes

The M.P.H. program is primarily offered on-campus. Full-time study is typical, aligning with a two-year completion timeline. Accelerated B.S./M.P.H. opportunities are available for qualified VCU undergraduate students.

Curriculum Overview

A minimum of 45 graduate credit hours of formal coursework is required for the M.P.H. degree. The curriculum includes:

• Core Didactic Coursework: 26 credits minimum, which includes a three-credit internship and a minimum three-credit capstone project.

• Concentration Coursework: 9 credits minimum.

• Concentration Elective Coursework: 10 credits minimum.

Public Health Internship: A supervised experience (minimum 180 hours) in a real-world public health setting, typically conducted in the summer between the first and second year.

Capstone Project: A culminating practical experience planned and implemented in the second year, allowing students to apply learned concepts and skills. It requires a formal written paper and a poster presentation.

Non-curricular requirements include documented attendance at 12 public health seminars and 20 hours of community-based service-learning.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must apply online via SOPHAS.org and submit a VCU supplemental application. Admission is for Fall (deadline March 1) and Spring (deadline November 7) semesters. Key requirements include:

• Prior Degree: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (health, social, or basic sciences preferred).

• GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all undergraduate and any other graduate study.

• Transcripts: Official copies for all prior degrees earned.

• Standardized Tests: International students must submit TOEFL (minimum 100 iBT), IELTS (minimum 7.0), or PTE (minimum 65) scores. Exceptions may apply; see the International Admissions webpage .

Applicants must also submit:

• Letters of Recommendation: Two, from individuals who can assess qualifications for graduate school (at least one academic reference recommended).

• CV/Resume: Current version, including relevant experience/education.

• Personal Statement: A 2-5 page statement covering:

  1. Applicant’s career goals.

  2. Why the applicant wishes to pursue an M.P.H. degree.

  3. How an M.P.H. degree will help achieve career goals.

  4. Particular areas of interest in public health.

  5. Why VCU’s M.P.H. program fits these interests.

  6. Plans for the first few years after graduation.

Career & Practical Experience

The M.P.H. program, particularly with the Epidemiology concentration, prepares students for careers as public health researchers, epidemiologists, or data analysts in public, private, or nonprofit sectors.

Practical experience is gained through the Public Health Internship, a supervised experience (minimum 180 hours) in a professional public health organization, allowing students to integrate classroom knowledge with real-world applications.

The Capstone Project further enhances practical skills by requiring students to apply learned concepts to a focused project, such as a manuscript for publication, a policy analysis, a needs assessment, or a program evaluation. This involves data analysis and synthesis of literature, culminating in a written paper and poster presentation.