Public Health - Community Health & Behavior (MPH) (Accelerated Online)
M.P.H. Public Health - Community Health and Behavior
Program Overview
The Masters of Public Health (M.P.H.) is focused on developing public health practitioners who demonstrate competency in the key areas of public health leadership, program development and evaluation, epidemiology, social determinants and public health data science. The M.P.H. curriculum allows students to pursue advanced-level study in public health competencies while gaining practical experience in a community setting. Graduates of this program will be prepared for careers in state, regional, and local public health departments, non-profit organizations, and other community-based public health institutions.
Course Work
The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree prepares students for advanced careers in public health. It provides practical training in foundational public health knowledge and core competencies, while teaching students how to assess, plan, deliver, and evaluation public health programs.
Students will complete core courses in public health competency areas in addition to an internship in a public health setting. Course work focuses on leadership, program development, evaluation, epidemiology, social determinants of health, applied statistics, and health policy.
Students will also complete a comprehensive examination in the final semester before completing the program. Graduates develop a well-balanced foundation in public health practice and can pursue employment in public health departments, state and federal health agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other community health organizations. Graduates are also eligible to pursue doctoral studies in various areas of public health and health promotion.
| Degree | Concentration | Hours | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.P.H. | Concentration Community Health and Behavior (Accelerated Online) | Hours 42 hours | Location Online |
For more information on online programs, certifications, and international restrictions, visit our Application Policy Information page.
Program Details
Students pursuing a Master of Public Health will complete 42 hours of graduate course work focusing on core competencies of the public health profession including courses on leadership, program development, evaluation, epidemiology, social determinants of health, applied statistics, and health policy. Students can select one of two concentrations: Community Health & Behavior or Health Policy & Management. As part of the program, students complete a 6-credit hour internship course which allows for increased experiential learning in a practical public health setting. After completing the program, students are eligible to sit for the nationally accredited Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination.
Program Mission
The educational objectives of this program include:
- preparing students for analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of theoretical perspectives in the public health field.
- preparing students to apply research and develop practical skills in the public health field.
- preparing students to become regional, state, and national leaders in the public health field.
Career Options
The public health sector is one of the fastest growing job areas in the U.S., and the U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics predicts a significant increase in national public health jobs over the next 10 years. Texas currently ranks 4th in public health job growth, and the Texas Workforce Commission predicts job growth in the public health sector in Texas will be significantly greater than the national average.
What are my career options?
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Program Faculty
The Public Health faculty research areas include:
- The public health faculty research areas include:
- health equity and disparities
- alcohol and substance abuse prevention
- Hispanic/Latino health
- occupational health and safety
- sexual health
- violence prevention
- chronic disease self-management
Contact us for general questions about your application, funding opportunities, and more. If you have specific questions after reviewing the program details, contact the program's graduate advisor.
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Application Deadlines
| Term | Part of Term | Deadline | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | First 8 Weeks | August 15 | August 25 |
| Fall | Second 8 Weeks | September 30 | October 14 |
| Spring | First 8 Weeks | January 6 | January 20 |
| Spring | Second 8 Weeks | February 24 | March 10 |
| Summer | First 5 Weeks | TBD | TBD |
| Summer | Second 5 Weeks | TBD | TBD |
For important information regarding deadlines and decision timelines, review the Application Policy Information page.
Admission Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international webpages.
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Application
- completed online application
Review important information about the online application.
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Application Fee
- $55 Nonrefundable application fee, OR
- $90 Nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
Review important information about application fees.
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Transcripts & GPA
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university. (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- An official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted.
- A 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses).
Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.
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Test Scores
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
Review important information about official test scores. -
Documents & Other Requirements
- statement of purpose (500 words, double-spaced, computer-generated) addressing the following:
- Why public health is an interest area for you.
- How you will use a graduate degree in Public Health to reach your career goals.
- three letters of recommendation from persons best able to assess the student’s ability to succeed in graduate school
- resume/CV outlining education, work experience, scholarships/grants, publications/presentations, other accomplishments
Review important information about documents.
- statement of purpose (500 words, double-spaced, computer-generated) addressing the following: