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Master of Public Health (MPH)
Request InformationLearn to take on the new challenges public health professionals face with the help of our Master of Public Health degree program.
Next start dates
- Course-Based Courses with a set schedule August 30, 2021
Accreditations
CEPH Accredited Master's
Transfer Credits
- Up to 32 Credits
Explore Our Online Master of Public Health
Public health professionals are the unsung heroes of our time, confronting challenges ranging from the opioid crisis to viral outbreaks like COVID-19. Join the ranks of these global change leaders with a Master of Public Health degree from Walden.
In this CEPH-accredited program, you’ll learn from practicing public health experts and use data to explore solutions to problems in the field. Explore engaging, challenging curriculum that’s enriched by the perspectives of students and faculty from all over the world.
A Master of Public Health degree program can prepare students to pursue roles such as public health policymakers, administrators, researchers, and educators.
Cutting-Edge Curriculum
A solid grounding in foundational public health knowledge. Cutting-edge curriculum featuring case studies on the latest public health issues.
Global Perspective
A global perspective on public health, enriched by the experiences of students from all over the world.
Interactive online Environment
Interactive and enhanced media that allow students to simulate real-world public health issues and solutions.
Readily Applicable Skills
A field experience designed for an immediate impact on your career and your community.
PROGRAM SAVINGS
Speak with an Enrollment Specialist to learn about our current tuition savings.
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Curriculum
Completion Requirements
- 64 quarter credits
- Foundation course (5 cr.)
- Core courses (51 cr.)
- Practicum and Applied Project (8 cr.)
- ePortfolio
This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
The program’s courses are delivered in a prescribed sequence.
Courses
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
The program’s courses are delivered in a prescribed sequence. |
||
| PUBH 6005 |
Perspectives on Health and the Developing Scholar-PractitionerStudents cover the origins and evolution of the concept of health, including some of the important health problems that face the world today and emerging concerns for the future. In this foundational course, students are introduced to key events in history as well as some of the health systems and issues that a modern health practitioner may encounter. Strategies for success as a graduate-level scholar and a health practitioner are integrated in a way that provides meaningful context to learners. Students discuss key concepts with peers, and the course culminates with a reflection paper designed to help learners evaluate their professional goals and how to progress as scholar–practitioners and social change agents. Students explore careers in various public health and health education settings and experience a virtual health department to learn about various functions and personnel. |
(5 cr.) |
| PUBH 6038 |
Health Behavior TheoryStudents in this course are introduced to concepts necessary for promoting positive health-behavior change by examining the most commonly used theories and models in public health and health education and promotion. Coursework focuses on the identification and application of theories and models for promoting and designing effective health behavior programs and interventions. Students explore individual, interpersonal, and community theories and modules to determine the most appropriate application. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
| PUBH 6127 |
Public Health Policy, Politics and ProgressIn this course, students examine the role of federal, state, and local government in the assurance of public health through health policy and law. Consideration is given to contemporary policy, law and regulatory issues arising in public health practice, as well as to the economics and financing of public health programs. The advocacy, political, and creative process in the formulation, implementation, and modification of health policy are examined and discussed. Students also learn how to structure and write a health policy analysis. Prerequisites MSN Public Health Nursing Specialization
All Other Programs
|
(5 cr.) |
| PUBH 6128 |
Biological Foundations of Public HealthA foundation in basic science and critical thinking informs the core areas of public health. Students explore the biological and physical underpinnings of the human body in health and disease states, and they investigate the microbiological, physical, behavioral, and environmental causes of common diseases from a public health perspective. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
| PUBH 6032 |
SPSS RevealedThis is a laboratory-type course where students learn the skills needed to use the statistical computer package SPSS in public health practice and research. Topics include importation of data, management of various types of data, creation and exportation of tables and graphs, and computation of basic statistical tests using SPSS. Prerequisites
|
(1 cr.) |
| PUBH 6129 |
Global Perspectives on HealthStudents are introduced to current public health issues and challenges affecting vulnerable populations around the globe. Particular emphasis is given to the social and economic determinants of health and possible intervention strategies for addressing the global burden of diseases. Students learn about organizations that work to support and advance health locally and internationally and compare health systems around the globe. Students also analyze global health ethics, examine international health-related goals, and explore health communication and other strategies for social change. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
| PUBH 6033 |
Interpretation and Application of Public Health DataStudents in this course learn about biostatistical methods and concepts used in public health practice and research. Emphasis is placed on interpretation and application of concepts rather than statistical calculations. Major topics include identification of types of data, creation and interpretation of narrative and graphical descriptive statistics, conceptualization of statistical inference and probability, and interpretation of common nonparametric tests, analysis of variance, and simple linear regression models. Students are required to use the statistical computer package SPSS. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
| PUBH 6031 |
Public Health Administration and LeadershipIn this course, students are provided with a foundational understanding of the administrative, managerial, and organizational practices of public health and healthcare delivery systems. Students examine theories of leadership as well as the professional attributes, skills, styles, and strategies required to advance public health goals. They engage in a variety of contextual and practical assignments focused on management theories, policy processes, systems thinking, strategic planning and partnerships, public health financing, human resource management, public health informatics, quality and performance improvement, leadership, and organizational behavior. Students also consider the impact of global trends on public health. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
| PUBH 6035 |
Epidemiology: Decoding the Science of Public HealthStudents in this course are provided with an epidemiological approach to the study of the incidence, prevalence, and patterns of disease and injury in populations, and the application of this study to the control of public health problems. Key sources of data for epidemiological purposes are identified, and principles and limitations of public health screening programs are addressed. Students learn to calculate basic epidemiological measures and to draw appropriate inferences from epidemiological data and reports. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
| PUBH 6475 |
Program Planning, Implementation, and EvaluationThe focus of this course is on the competencies required of the public health professional in planning for the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of community health promotion and disease prevention initiatives. Attention is given to needs assessment, logic models, and collaboration with stakeholders. Strategic approaches to planning, implementation, and evaluation with particular attention to study design and sampling are addressed. Health behavior theories are considered in the development of health promotion programs, the assignment of evaluation findings, and prioritization of community concerns and resources. Prerequisites MSN: Public Health Nursing Specialization
All Other Programs
|
(5 cr.) |
| PUBH 6034 |
Environmental Health: Local to GlobalThis course provides a comprehensive overview of environmental factors that affect the health and safety of 21st century communities. Students examine associations and interrelationships between chemical, physical, and biological hazards in the environment and their impact on human health. Concepts cover food, water, air, waste, radiation, noise, pests, population growth, and climate change. Students analyze and discuss current local and global problems and solutions and consider new ways to address environmental issues. Prerequisites MSN: Public Health Nursing Specialization
All Other Programs
|
(5 cr.) |
| PUBH 6245 |
Applied Research in Public HealthThe goal of this course is to provide participants with an understanding of theories, principles, strategies, and alternative methods of applied research (quantitative, qualitative, and/or mixed-method designs) in public health focusing on culturally sensitive, appropriate literacy level and appropriate community engagement through participatory action research and collaborative inquiry of community-based participatory research, an appreciation of advantages and limitations of this approach, and skills necessary for participating effectively in CBPR projects. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
| PUBH 6638 |
Practicum I: Field Experience in Public HealthStudents in the practicum are provided with the opportunity to apply and integrate the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their program of study and to further develop key professional competencies. Students engage in a field experience in an approved public health setting, which they align to their academic and professional goals. Supervision by an on-site preceptor is a critical component of the practicum. The on-site supervisor and the course instructor monitor and evaluate students' performance throughout the entire practicum experience. In this first course of the two-part practicum, students are required to complete a minimum 100 of the total 200 required hours of practicum work. Students also participate in the accompanying online course and begin to develop an eportfolio based on assigned professional development activities. Prerequisites
|
(3 cr.) |
| PUBH 6639 |
Practicum II: Field Experience and Applied Project in Public HealthThis course is the continuation and extension of PUBH 6638 - Practicum I: Field Experience in Public Health. Students complete the remainder of their required 200 hours of practicum work, participate in the accompanying online course, and complete the eportfolio of their field experience. Students also develop their applied public health project (see PUBH 6245 course description for further explanation of the project). Prerequisites
Note: Time spent on developing the project is expected to be above and beyond the 200 hours devoted to actual practicum work. |
(3 cr.) |
| PUBH 6640 |
Applied Project in Public HealthAs a culminating experience, MPH students are provided the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to synthesize and integrate advanced knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program and to apply theory and principles in a public health project focused on social change. For this project, students write a grant proposal for a public health initiative or create a community health program plan. The project must address the need(s) of a specific population in the student's field site community. Students are also required to describe how the MPH program competencies/learning outcomes were demonstrated while carrying out the project as well as how their project relates to social change. Prerequisites
|
(2 cr.) |
| VIEW ALL COURSES | ||
Tuition and Fees
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 64 quarter credit hours | $480 per quarter hour | $30,720 |
| Technology Fee | Per quarter | $160 | $1,280 |
| $32,000* |
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 30 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,000 and $1,400.
FINANCIAL AID
Many Walden degree-seeking students—67%—receive some form of financial aid.* Create a customized plan that makes sense for you.
*Source: Walden University’s Office of Financial Aid. Data reports as of 2018.
Find Ways to SavePROGRAM SAVINGS
Speak with an Enrollment Specialist to learn about our current tuition savings.
Get Started NowAdmission Requirements
Program Admission Requirements: A bachelor's degree or higher.
General Admissions Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
Create a World of Difference
Walden’s practice-based Master of Public Health program provides you with a solid foundation in the profession. Build the multidisciplinary expertise to design programs that address emerging public health challenges and breakthroughs. Develop the leadership skills needed to reduce disparities and shape innovative public health policies and programs.
You also have the opportunity to gain direct field experience via an intensive, two-quarter practicum.
Meet Your Academic Team
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Aimee Ferraro
Senior Core FacultyDr. Ferraro has worked in the public health field for more than 20 years, conducting research on drug use, HIV, STDs, Hepatitis C, and vector-borne diseases. She was named a Fellow of Walden’s Center for Social Change for her study on the socioecological factors impacting Zika virus transmission.
Read Aimee's Bio -
Richard Jimenez
Core FacultyDr. Jimenez has almost 30 years of experience in public health practice, teaching, and research, including as public health advisor at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. His research interests include infectious diseases, health disparities, and the public health impact of medical errors.
Read Richard's Bio -
Tony Cappello
Senior Contributing FacultyDr. Cappello serves as the director of the Disease Control and Environmental Epidemiology, State Laboratory, and Emergency Preparedness and Response Divisions for the State of Colorado. Previously, he was the executive director for the Northeast Colorado Health Department.
Read Tony 's Bio
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of our online Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program will be prepared to:
- Utilize culturally appropriate communication skills to convey prevention and intervention strategies used to improve health outcomes among diverse local and global populations.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how research methods, biostatistical data and software, and the epidemiological approach impact the study of patterns of disease, disability, and injury.
- Evaluate biological, environmental, legal, and regulatory factors that affect the health of local and global communities.
- Evaluate the major social, behavioral, and cultural factors that affect the health of local and global populations.
- Appropriately access, interpret, and evaluate public health data that are available through the use of information technology.
- Analyze essential services, systems, public policies, and associated challenges that impact the health of local and global communities.
- Demonstrate skills needed for sound leadership and decision making in public health, including applications of ethics and professionalism.
- Apply health management and systems thinking to public health agencies, programs, policies, and issues.
- Apply the principles of program design, implementation, and evaluation to improve the health of local and global populations.
- Exhibit a commitment to professional and ethically responsible public health research and practice.
What’s the Career Impact of Earning a Master of Public Health?
From food safety concerns and the reemergence of eradicated diseases to the rise of a pandemic, public health has become an urgent global priority. Public health professionals play a key role in monitoring health trends, advancing policy, and leading programs that protect and save lives.
A Master of Public Health degree from a CEPH-accredited program is an elite credential that sets you apart in the job market and opens new career doors. You’ll be prepared to work in a variety of settings and make a direct and lasting impact on the health of your community, your country, and the world.
A Master of Public Health can prepare you to pursue career options such as:
- Epidemiologist3
- Occupational health and safety specialist4
- Public health analyst
- Environmental health specialist5
A Master of Public Health can prepare you to work in settings such as:
- Government organizations
- Nonprofit and NGOs
- Universities
- Health departments
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
The study “Global Health Workforce Labor Market Projections for 2030” indicated a global demand for
80 million
healthcare workers by 2030.1
Employment for health educators and community health workers is expected to grow by
11%
through 2028—much faster than the average for all occupations.2Testimonials
My experience at Walden University was quite rewarding and has helped me professionally.
Sunday Aboje Master of Public Health (MPH) Graduate
I went from a barista to a leader in public health in Texas in seven years. I credit my Walden education and my determination for me getting here.
Amanda Robison-Chadwell Master of Public Health (MPH) Graduate
I continue to find Walden to be far superior to other online institutions
W. Sumner Davis Master of Public Health (MPH) Graduate
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FAQ About Walden’s Online Master of Public Health Program
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The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is a graduate-level degree in public health. While students may enter the program with a bachelor’s degree in public health, for many, the MPH degree will be their first formal instruction in the field of public health. In fact, MPH students come from many different backgrounds including healthcare, public health, government, nonprofit, social work, and other disciplines.
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When reviewing public health degree programs to find the best fit for your life and lifestyle, you’ll want to verify that the programs you’re considering are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). CEPH is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit public health programs, ensuring that they provide rigorous preparation to meet the needs of the profession and the health and safety of society. This accreditation is important to MPH programs because it ensures that they meet specified criteria and standards for quality. It is considered the benchmark of quality in the evaluation of public health programs, as accreditation ensures the MPH degrees offered provide the highest caliber of education possible, preparing competent public health professionals to enter the field. Walden University received CEPH accreditation for its MPH program in September 2019.
Graduates can qualify for an expansive range of employment opportunities. Some employers, such as the U.S. Public Health Service, U.S. military, and state and local government agencies, may require that MPH-level jobs be filled by graduates of CEPH-accredited schools or programs.
Additionally, graduates of CEPH-accredited MPH programs are eligible to sit for the Certified in Public Health exam administered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) without needing five years of public health work experience after earning their bachelor’s degree.
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A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is very versatile and can lead to opportunities in a variety of areas and industries. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, epidemiologists have become much more prominent in the public eye. However, public health remains essential even when a crisis has passed and the spotlight fades. Clinicians and other medical professionals appreciate the focus on prevention and the balance that the MPH degree gives to their professional practice. Some of the key roles in which you can find MPH-prepared individuals include positions as health educators, scientists and researchers, community health planners, biostatisticians, social and behavioral health workers, environmental and occupational health and safety professionals, and public health policymakers.
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While some universities may require the examinations, Walden University does not require GRE scores for admission into the MPH program.
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Earning your MPH degree online has a number of great advantages. Most significant is the flexibility to log in to the classroom from home and complete work on your own schedule within the stated deadlines, enabling you to work full time or pursue other activities while you earn your degree. The Walden MPH program of study also incorporates a required practicum, which allows students to get hands-on experience in an approved public health setting that aligns with their academic and professional goals.
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- Walden’s MPH faculty are all public health practitioners with relevant terminal doctoral-level degrees (such as PhD or DrPH). This can differ from many other programs that may be taught by research-based faculty or adjunct faculty who don’t have relevant terminal degrees.
- Walden’s MPH program is truly global. With students from all over the world and highly skilled faculty who are not limited to any geographic area, our program offers a comprehensive and robust learning environment.
- Walden’s MPH program is adaptable and relevant, with a focus on up-to-date instruction. Faculty bring their professional expertise and can incorporate current events into the curriculum to really bring the mission of public health and the program to life.
- The Walden MPH program is individualized in that students can determine the focus of their research and practice in public health.
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Public health careers offer all of the challenges and rewards that come with a dedication to improving the health and safety of others. There is a wide range of jobs in public health in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, and while it’s possible to gain valuable experience working in the field, many of those career paths require a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. That’s because a high-quality MPH program prepares burgeoning public health professionals to address health issues around the globe. In addition, earning your master’s demonstrates to employers that you’re committed to furthering your knowledge in the field.
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Walden’s MPH program is 64 quarter credits. The program is designed to be completed in eight quarters, which generally equates to two years. At Walden, we understand that adult learners are often juggling many priorities such as work and family, and students have up to seven years to complete the program.
Questions about our Master of Public Health?
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