Master of Public Health
Overview
Our Master of Public Health program equips students to address the most pressing health issues through research and analysis, guided by an advanced understanding of the social, political and environmental factors that influence health outcomes. Courses are taught by faculty members recognized for their contributions to advancing population health.
Select a Concentration
Curriculum
Our curriculum is founded on the understanding that issues in public health are too complex for any one discipline to solve. The MPH program’s interdisciplinary emphasis equips students to identify the numerous factors that affect public health and strategically work across disciplines to create sustainable, comprehensive solutions. Among the features of our MPH program are:
- Transdisciplinary problem-solving courses that examine pressing public health issues from a multifaceted perspective. Courses cover topics such as global mental health, climate change, sustainable food systems, reproductive health and harm reduction in community practice.
- Skill labs that provide training in areas such as statistical analysis, data management and visualization, and team leadership. These labs advance students’ research and leadership skills.
Timeline
The MPH program requires a total of 52 credit hours. The order in which students take courses varies. See an example of one plan below.
Foundations of public health courses (15 credits)
- Epidemiology
- Biostatistics
- Health Behavior and Health Promotion
- Environmental Health
- Health Administration and Policy
Research methods courses (6 credits)
- Planning, Implementing and Evaluating Evidence-Based Programs
- Research Methods
Additional courses (3 credits)
- Public Health Seminar
- Foundations of Fieldwork
- Cross-Cutting Themes in Public Health
Research outside the classroom
Extensive research opportunities exist for our students; 60% of MPH students serve as research assistants. Conducting research provides opportunities to bridge the gap between coursework and professional practice.
Practicum
Extensive research opportunities exist for our students; 60% of MPH students serve as research assistants. Conducting research provides opportunities to bridge the gap between coursework and professional practice.
Apply now
At WashU School of Public Health, we are reimagining public health and working to move the field forward at one of the most impactful moments of our time. Become part of our academic community, where we are dedicated to addressing the world’s most urgent public health challenges.