General MPH Program

Program Highlights

Yale’s Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree program is designed for highly motivated students with related work experience or a professional degree, as well as a substantial interest in an area of public health. A unique sequencing of courses, applied practice experiences, and field or laboratory research provides students with multiple opportunities to define their specialty and tailor their course of study.

Individualized programs are shaped by frequent interactions with faculty through courses, field and research experiences, and the thesis. An important component of the M.P.H. program is the faculty-student relationship, institutionalized in the form of an advisory system. The Yale School of Public Health (YSPH) is committed to student success, with accomplished faculty and staff devoted to helping students achieve their career aspirations. The interdisciplinary research approach prepares students for a fulfilling future in public health.

Delivery Modes

The Yale MPH program offers several paths of study:

• Traditional Two-Year M.P.H. Program: The standard path, typically completed full-time on-campus over two years (four semesters). Part-time status is available, requiring completion within five years.

• Advanced Professional M.P.H. Program: An accelerated eleven-month, on-campus program for individuals with advanced degrees or significant work experience.

• B.A.-B.S./M.P.H. Select Program: A five-year joint-degree program for Yale College students.

• Accelerated M.B.A./M.P.H. Program in Health Care Management: A twenty-two-month integrated, accelerated program with the Yale School of Management.

• Executive M.P.H. Program: A two-year, part-time program combining online education with in-person sessions (hybrid format).

Curriculum Overview

The traditional two-year M.P.H. curriculum is designed to provide a breadth of skills and perspectives essential for public health careers, emphasizing innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. The M.P.H. curriculum comprises:

• 20 course units (for the two-year program).

• The MPH core curriculum.

• A 2-part Professional Skills Seminar.

• Departmental courses.

• Electives and/or concentrations and tracks.

• The Applied Practice Experience (APE).

• A Master's thesis or capstone course (thesis requirements vary by department; e.g., not required for Biostatistics, Health Policy, or Health Care Management; Social and Behavioral Sciences students choose between thesis and capstone).

The core curriculum includes 5 foundational courses and two Professional Skills Seminars:

• EPH 505a - Biostatistics in Public Health (not required for BIS students)

• EPH 507a - Social Justice and Health Equity

• EPH 508a - Foundations of Epidemiology and Public Health

• EPH 510a - Health Policy and Health Care Systems

• EPH 513b - Major Health Threats: Ethics and Practice

• EPH 100a - Professional Skills Seminar

• EPH 101b - Professional Skills Seminar

Full-time students in the traditional program must carry a minimum of 4 course units per term for four terms. Part-time students are encouraged to take at least 2 course units per term.

Admissions Requirements

The M.P.H. program is generally designed for highly motivated students with related work experience or a professional degree and a substantial interest in public health. Students select their department/program at the time of application.

Specific program tracks have tailored admission criteria:

• Advanced Professional M.P.H. Program: Requires a doctoral-level degree in a related field; OR a master’s degree with at least two years of relevant work experience; OR a bachelor’s degree with at least five years of relevant work experience; OR completion of the third year in an accredited U.S. medical, dental, or podiatric school.

• Executive M.P.H. Program: Requires a doctoral-level degree in a related field; OR a master’s degree with at least two years of relevant work experience; OR a bachelor’s degree with at least four years of relevant work experience.

Applicants to the traditional two-year MPH program focus their studies in one of several departments or programs, including Biostatistics, Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Health Policy and Management, Social and Behavioral Sciences, or the Health Care Management Program.

Career & Practical Experience

Public health research and practice are critical components of the YSPH educational experience, preparing students for a wide variety of careers in areas such as management, practice, policy, and research.

Key practical components include:

• Applied Practice Experience (APE): Required for all M.P.H. students, offering practical learning opportunities such as internships and practice-based courses.

• Master's Thesis or Capstone Project: Typically completed in the second academic year, allowing students to conduct independent research under faculty guidance (requirements vary by department).

YSPH provides career support, with alumni receiving personalized career guidance, recruitment opportunities, and access to a network of public health professionals. Students gain valuable experience through international research projects and access to a diverse range of courses, research centers, and extracurricular activities across campus.