General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Washington University in St. Louis's Brown School is a top-20 public health program at a leading research university. It offers a transdisciplinary perspective with strengths in both quantitative and socially focused curricula, preparing students to understand complex problems and create effective solutions. Our faculty are renowned in the field and serve as dedicated student mentors.

The program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). All six concentration areas are STEM-certified. Key features include collaborations across Washington University, including the School of Medicine, fostering multifaceted research and practice opportunities. Graduating students are required to sit for the Certification in Public Health (CPH) exam, and those who pass will earn CPH credentials, indicating their knowledge of and commitment to the field.

Delivery Modes

The MPH program is designed as a full-time, on-campus experience, typically completed over two years.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH is a two-year, 52-credit-unit degree. The innovative curriculum focuses on understanding problems and creating solutions using transdisciplinary approaches. It includes outstanding research opportunities, real-world learning experiences through practicum, and unique classes and course packages.

Core components include:

• Foundations of Public Health (15 credit units: Health Behavior and Health Promotion, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Health Administration and Policy, Environmental Health)

• Research Methods (9 credit units: Research Methods, Applied Linear Modeling, Planning, Implementation, & Evaluation Evidence-Based Programs & Interventions)

• Cross-Cutting Themes in Public Health (1 credit unit)

• Public Health Seminar (2 credit units)

• Practicum (3 credit units)

• Transdisciplinary Problem Solving in Public Health (6 credit units)

• Electives/Concentration (11 credit units)

• Skill Labs (3 credit units)

• Integrated Learning Experience (2 credit units: MPH Capstone I & II)

Students gain real-world learning experiences through a practicum and complete an Integrated Learning Experience (Capstone project). Elective credits are used to specialize in a concentration or explore other graduate coursework, including up to two additional Skill Labs or relevant courses from other Washington University graduate programs.

Admissions Requirements

The Brown School admits one cohort annually for the fall semester. Applicants typically come from a wide variety of academic backgrounds but share a commitment to building a better and more equitable society through excellence in public health.

While specific prerequisites like a minimum GPA are not detailed in the provided context, a bachelor's degree is implicitly required for a master's program. Detailed application instructions, deadlines, and evaluation criteria can be found on the MPH Application Information page .

Career & Practical Experience

The program prepares students to transform health outcomes and succeed in diverse public health roles, including hospital administration, epidemiology, biostatistics, research, policy, and working at the intersection of the social determinants of health.

A significant component is the practicum, an applied practice experience where students implement real change at local, national, or international organizations. Students have the unique opportunity to select their own practicum location, working with faculty and advisors from the Office of Field Education. Practicum partners include the Washington University School of Medicine, the CDC, and international nutrition agencies, giving students access to the latest innovations.

The Career Services team prepares students for the job market with one-on-one coaching, specialized workshops, and networking events. Brown School graduates are valued for their leadership and vision in professional positions such as Health Communications Specialists, Epidemiologists, and Policy Analysts.