General MPH Program

Program Highlights

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at West Chester University of Pennsylvania provides students with a comprehensive understanding of public health principles and practices. The program is designed to equip graduates with the skills to address diverse public health challenges through a curriculum that includes core public health knowledge, specialized elective tracks, and applied learning experiences.

Delivery Modes

The program offers both full-time and part-time study options. Sample course plans indicate that courses are typically scheduled for evenings (e.g., "one-three nights a week for fall/spring semesters"), suggesting an on-campus delivery format suitable for working professionals or full-time students.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH program requires a total of 45 credits for completion. The curriculum is structured around a Public Health Core, focused elective tracks, and an applied learning experience.

The Public Health Core courses include:

• HEA 503 Foundations of Public Health (1 credit)

• HEA 516 Health Care Management (3 credits)

• HEA 520 Public Health Epidemiology (3 credits)

• HEA 526 Biostatistics for Public Health (3 credits)

• ENV 530 General Environmental Health (3 credits)

• HEA 605 Utilizing Systems Thinking in Public Health (1 credit)

• HEA 615 Policy in Public Health (3 credits)

• HEA 632 Social and Behavior Aspects of Public Health (3 credits)

• HEA 648 Research Methods in Public Health (3 credits)

Students select one of three focused elective tracks (18 credits) to gain specialized knowledge:

• Community Health

• Environmental Health

• Healthcare Management

The program culminates in an Applied Learning Experience, comprising HEA 649 Applied Learning Experience I (1 credit) and HEA 650 Applied Learning Experience II (3 credits). This provides students with practical, real-world application of public health concepts.

Career & Practical Experience

The curriculum integrates practical experience through the mandatory Applied Learning Experience (HEA 649 and HEA 650). This component is designed to prepare students for professional roles in the public health field by allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.