Public Health (MPH)

Admission Requirements

The ideal candidate for admission to the MPH program has received the equivalent of a bachelor's degree or higher, can comprehend and communicate effectively in English, has the recommendations of at least three persons in a health-related or advanced education field, has performed satisfactorily on one or more standardized test, and is interested in pursuing a career in public health or a related field.

The requirements for admission to the MPH program are:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or its equivalent
  • Recommended minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • If a candidate's primary language is not English, one of the following:
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam with a minimum score of 79 (after conversion for test type), official IELTS scores of at least 6.5 overall band score from the academic module exam, or official Duolingo overall score of 105.  
    • Degree from an accredited U.S. institution

Applicants must apply through the Centralized Application Service for Public Health, SOPHAS.

An application is considered after the following requirements have been received:

  • Three letters of recommendation written within the last twelve months from persons in a health-related or advanced education field.
  • Official transcripts of all degrees.
  • One-page personal statement written by the applicant that is a clear, substantive description of his or her goals in public health, noting any professional or research experience.
  • GRE scores are not required for the following MPH concentrations: Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, Health Policy, Epidemiology, and Public Health Research. 
  • GRE scores are required for the MPH concentration in Biostatistics.
  • International applicants: Foreign credential evaluation of all degrees from non-U.S. institutions. Please contact the MPH program prior to completing this requirement.
  • Health Policy concentration applicants must be interviewed by the HMSS Health Leadership Committee.
  • Public Health Research concentration applicants must show successful completion of college level algebra (or higher level math) with a grade of B or higher, evidenced via college transcripts. High School AP credit does not satisfy this requirement.

Application Deadline

Fall semester – March 1 (International applicants). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for domestic students.
Domestic students are encouraged to apply no later than 30 days prior to the start of the fall semester.

Spring semester – Applications are not accepted.

Summer semester – Applications are not accepted.

For information on the application process, please contact:

MPH Program
School of Public Health and Information Sciences
University of Louisville
485 East Gray Street
Louisville, KY 40202
sphismph@louisville.edu
Phone: (502) 852-3289

Fax: (502) 852-3294

Faculty Advisor

On matriculation, each student is assigned a faculty advisor and is requested to meet at least twice each semester with his or her advisor.

If a student is admitted to a specific concentration, the director of the concentration will assign a specific faculty member as advisor.  If students are admitted to the program as undeclared, the MPH program director will serve as their advisor.  Undeclared students admitted to a specific concentration by the end of the first semester will be assigned a faculty advisor by the director of the concentration.

The faculty advisor serves as academic practicum advisor, academic mentor, and counselor on career and employment opportunities, professional development, and opportunities beyond graduate school. 

Program Requirements

The MPH curriculum consists of core courses, concentration courses in one of the areas of public health, completion of a practicum experience, and completion of an integrating experience. The core courses are completed prior to taking concentration courses, the integration experience, and the practicum. 

Full-time students are expected to complete the program and graduate in two years. Part-time students are required to complete the program and graduate within six years.

Coursework

42-48 total credit hours:

  • Twelve (12) credit hours of core courses
  • Four (4) credit hours of Practice Experience
  • Two (2) credit hours of Integrative Experience
  • 24-30 credit hours of concentration coursework

Students must successfully complete core, concentration, practicum, and integrating experience coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Academic Standing

To maintain good academic standing in the MPH program, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for all coursework in the program. A student must be in good academic standing in order to receive the degree.

Any MPH student with a program cumulative GPA below 3.0 will be placed in probationary status. Any student who remains in probationary status for two consecutive terms may be considered for dismissal from the program.

MPH Coursework

Core Coursework12
PHMS 501
Introduction to Public Health Practice and Administration
PHPB 501
Introduction to Public Health Behavior
PHEP 501
Introduction to Epidemiology
PHST 500
Introduction to Biostatistics for Health Sciences I
Practice Experience4
PHPH 677
Public Health Practice Experience 1
PHPH 678
Public Health Practice Experience 2
PHPH 679
Public Health Practicum Experience 3
Integrative Experience2
PHPH 698
Public Health Integrative Learning Experience
Concentration Coursework24-30
See Concentration Requirements for specific coursework and a two-year (full-time) Plan of Study
Minimum Total Hours42-48

Concentration courses (minimum 24 credit hours)

All students seeking an MPH degree in the School of Public Health and Information Sciences must take a minimum of 24 credit hours in their selected concentration. For a detailed description of coursework for each of the concentrations, click on "Concentration Requirements" in the menu above.

On This Page

Concentration Requirements

Concentration in Biostatistics

Academic Plan Code(s): PH_ _MPHBIO

42 total credit hours, made up of the following:

Twelve (12) credit hours of MPH core coursework
 Four (4) credit hours of Practice Experience
 Two (2) credit hours of Integrative Experience
24 credit hours of required courses in Biostatistics

The Biostatistics concentration is not available for completion by accelerated MPH students.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallHours
PHMS 501 Introduction to Public Health Practice and Administration 3
PHPB 501 Introduction to Public Health Behavior 3
PHEP 501 Introduction to Epidemiology 3
PHST 500 Introduction to Biostatistics for Health Sciences I 3
 Hours12
Spring
PHST 501 Introduction to Biostatistics for Health Sciences II 3
PHMS 641 Data Mining I 3
PHST 620 Introduction to Statistical Computing 3
PHPH 677 Public Health Practice Experience 1 1
 Hours10
Year 2
Fall
PHST 680 Biostatistical Methods I 3
PHEP 602 Introduction to Epidemiologic Methods 3
PHPH 678 Public Health Practice Experience 2 1
PHPH 698 Public Health Integrative Learning Experience 2
 Hours9
Spring
PHST 640 Statistical Methods for Research Design in Health Sciences 3
PHST 681 Biostatistical Methods II 3
PHST 684 Categorical Data Analysis 3
PHPH 679 Public Health Practicum Experience 3 2
 Hours11
 Minimum Total Hours42

Concentration in Epidemiology

Academic Plan Code(s): PH_ _MPHEPI

  • Soaring Scholar BA in Public Health-MPH: PHBAMPHEPA
  • Soaring Scholar BS in Public Health-MPH: PHBSMPHEPA
  • Soaring Scholar BA/BS-MPH for non-Public Health majors: PHMPHEPA

Students concentrating in the MPH Epidemiology Program will be required to fulfill a minimum of 45 credit hours including the following:

Twelve (12) credit hours of MPH core coursework
 Four (4) credit hours of Practice Experience
 Two (2) credit hours of Integrative Experience
24 credit hours of required courses in Epidemiology
Three (3) credit hours (maximum) of either: a) an epidemiology selective1  or b) an independent study (i.e., PHEP 666)2

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallHours
PHMS 501 Introduction to Public Health Practice and Administration 3
PHPB 501 Introduction to Public Health Behavior 3
PHEP 501 Introduction to Epidemiology 3
PHST 500 Introduction to Biostatistics for Health Sciences I 3
 Hours12
Spring
PHST 501 Introduction to Biostatistics for Health Sciences II 3
PHEP 627 Survey Research Methods 3
PHEP 604 Epidemiology of Infectious Disease 2
PHEP 616 Disease Surveillance and Health Statistics 3
PHPH 677 Public Health Practice Experience 1 1
 Hours12
Year 2
Fall
PHEP 602 Introduction to Epidemiologic Methods 3
PHEP 609 Epidemiology of Cardiometabolic Disease 2
PHEP 620 Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology 3
PHPH 678 Public Health Practice Experience 2 1
 Hours9
Spring
PHEP 607 Epidemiology of Cancer 2
PHEP 655 Emerging Issues in Epidemiology 3
One of the following: 3
PHEP 666
 Master's Independent Study in Epidemiology and Population Health  
PHEP Selective (see list below) 1
  
PHPH 679 Public Health Practicum Experience 3 2
PHPH 698 Public Health Integrative Learning Experience 2
 Hours12
 Minimum Total Hours45

1 Epidemiology Electives: Availability of the following courses will vary each year as epidemiology selectives with consideration to faculty workloads:

  • PHEP 606 Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology 
  • PHEP 613 Epidemiology of Aging and Disability 
  • PHEP 624 Methods in Reproductive and Perinatal Epidemiology
  • PHEP 626 Introduction to Social Epidemiology 
  • PHEP 611 Nutritional Epidemiology 
  • PHEP 615 Foundations of Global Maternal and Child Health 
  • PHEP 625 Child Health & Development 

2 PHEP 666 Master's Independent Study in Epidemiology and Population Health may be taken as an optional course for MPH Epi-concentration students who wish to supplement their learning experience via independent research with a faculty member. Enrollment is limited to three (3) credit hours for an MPH student.

Non-epidemiology courses also may be selected pending program and instructor permissions; all courses offered by SPHIS are pre-approved by the program, with the exception of those required for the MS or PhD in Epidemiology (PHEP 618, PHEP 612, PHEP 621, PHEP 622, PHEP 623, PHEP 701, PHEP 702, PHEP 750, PHEP 778) for which both program and instructor permission will be required for enrollment. 

Concentration in Health Policy

Academic Plan Code(s): PH_ _MPHHPC

  • Soaring Scholar BA in Public Health-MPH: PHBAMPHHPA
  • Soaring Scholar BS in Public Health-MPH: PHBSMPHHPA
  • Soaring Scholar BA/BS-MPH for non-Public Health majors: PHMPHHPA

48 total hours, made up of the following:

Twelve (12) credit hours of MPH core coursework
Four (4) credit hours of Practice Experience
 Two (2) credit hours of Integrative Experience
21 credit hours of concentration coursework
 9 credit hours of Health Policy elective coursework

The Health Policy concentration is not available for completion by accelerated MPH students.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallHours
PHMS 501 Introduction to Public Health Practice and Administration 3
PHPB 501 Introduction to Public Health Behavior 3
PHEP 501 Introduction to Epidemiology 3
PHST 500 Introduction to Biostatistics for Health Sciences I 3
 Hours12
Spring
PHST 501 Introduction to Biostatistics for Health Sciences II 3
PHMS 610 Health Policy and Analysis 3
PHMS 530 Comparative Health Systems 3
PHMS 635 Health Law and Ethics 3
PHPH 677 Public Health Practice Experience 1 1
 Hours13
Year 2
Fall
PHMS 662 Health Economics 3
One of the following: 3
Health Policy Elective #1 *
  
PHMS 670
 Statistical Data Management (recommended for students wishing to pursue the PhD in Health Management & Policy)  
Health Policy Elective #2 * 3
PHPH 678 Public Health Practice Experience 2 1
 Hours10
Spring
PHMS 509 Health Finance and Financial Management 3
One of the following 3
Health Policy Elective #3 *
  
PHMS 671
 Statistical Analysis for Population Health (recommended for students wishing to pursue the PhD in Health Management & Policy)  
PHPB 611 Community-Centered Engagement and Assessment 3
PHPH 679 Public Health Practicum Experience 3 2
PHPH 698 Public Health Integrative Learning Experience 2
 Hours13
 Minimum Total Hours48

 Recommended Health Policy Electives*

*Students interested in pursuing the PhD in Public Health Sciences, specialization in Health Management and Policy should align their health policy electives with PhD courses to save up to nine (9) credit hours in the doctoral program.

Concentration in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences

Academic Plan Code(s): PH_ _MPHHKC

  • Soaring Scholar BA in Public Health-MPH: PHBAMPHHKA
  • Soaring Scholar BS in Public Health-MPH: PHBSMPHHKA
  • Soaring Scholar BA/BS-MPH for non-Public Health majors: PHMPHHKA

45 total hours, made up of the following:

Twelve (12) credit hours of MPH core coursework
Four (4) credit hours of Practice Experience
Two (2) credit hours of Integrative Experience
27 credit hours of concentration coursework

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallHours
PHMS 501 Introduction to Public Health Practice and Administration 3
PHPB 501 Introduction to Public Health Behavior 3
PHEP 501 Introduction to Epidemiology 3
PHST 500 Introduction to Biostatistics for Health Sciences I 3
 Hours12
Spring
PHPB 611 Community-Centered Engagement and Assessment 3
PHPB 630 Social and Structural Determinants of Health 3
PHPB 652 Evidence-Based Practices in Public Health 3
PHPH 677 Public Health Practice Experience 1 1
 Hours10
Year 2
Fall
PHPB 612 Health Communication: Theory and Practice 3
PHPB 614 Public Health Intervention Design, Implementation, and Sustainment 3
PHPB 635 Health Promotion Policy Development 3
PHPB 654 Foundations of Health Equity 2
PHPH 678 Public Health Practice Experience 2 1
 Hours12
Spring
PHPB 615 Program Evaluation 3
PHPB 651 Equitable Leadership and Program Management in Public Health 4
PHPH 679 Public Health Practicum Experience 3 2
PHPH 698 Public Health Integrative Learning Experience 2
 Hours11
 Minimum Total Hours45

Concentration in Public Health Research

Academic Plan Code(s): PH_ _MPHPHR

42 total credit hours, made up of the following:

Twelve (12) credit hours of MPH core coursework
 Four (4) credit hours of Practice Experience
 Two (2) credit hours of Integrative Experience
24 credit hours of required concentration courses

The Public Health Research concentration is not available for completion by accelerated MPH students.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallHours
PHMS 501 Introduction to Public Health Practice and Administration 3
PHPB 501 Introduction to Public Health Behavior 3
PHEP 501 Introduction to Epidemiology 3
PHST 500 Introduction to Biostatistics for Health Sciences I 3
 Hours12
Spring
PHST 501 Introduction to Biostatistics for Health Sciences II 3
PHEP 614 Introduction to Clinical Epidemiology 2
PHEP 620 Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology 3
PHPH 677 Public Health Practice Experience 1 1
 Hours9
Year 2
Fall
PHEP 602 Introduction to Epidemiologic Methods 3
PHST 624 Clinical Trials I: Planning and Design 2
PHMS 681 Population Health Quantitative Methods 3
Approved Elective 1* 3
PHPH 678 Public Health Practice Experience 2 1
 Hours12
Spring
PHST 625 Clinical Trials II 2
Approved Elective 2* 3
PHPH 679 Public Health Practicum Experience 3 2
PHPH 698 Public Health Integrative Learning Experience 2
 Hours9
 Minimum Total Hours42

* Approved Electives:

PHEP 612Statistics for Epidemiologic Research and Practice 3
or PHST 680 Biostatistical Methods I
PHST 681Biostatistical Methods II3
PHEP 627Survey Research Methods3
PHPB 612Health Communication: Theory and Practice3
  • Other electives are viable as approved by the program director.

Dual Master of Public Health, Health Policy - Master of Science, Health Administration

Dual Master of Science, Health Administration - Master of Public Health, Health Policy

Unit: Public Health and Information Sciences
Academic Plan Code: PH_ _MPHHPC, HEADMS

Program Information

The dual MPH (Health Policy) - MS Health Administration degree program facilitates development of advanced population and public health management professionals that may leverage knowledge and practices from both public health science and healthcare management domains to serve in leadership roles within public health institutions, federal-state-local agencies, and healthcare organizations. For more information about the dual program, please visit the program webpage.

Admission Requirements


Students must apply to and be accepted into both the MPH-HP and MS-HA programs. Only MS-HA Evening track students may apply. Each program will require a separate application and application fee. 

The dual program is not available to MSHA Online track students.
 

Program Requirements

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallHours
PHMS 501 Introduction to Public Health Practice and Administration 3
PHPB 501 Introduction to Public Health Behavior 3
PHEP 501 Introduction to Epidemiology 3
PHST 500 Introduction to Biostatistics for Health Sciences I 3
 Hours12
Spring
PHST 501 Introduction to Biostatistics for Health Sciences II 3
PHMS 610 Health Policy and Analysis 3
PHMS 509 Health Finance and Financial Management 3
PHMS 530 Comparative Health Systems 3
PHPH 677 Public Health Practice Experience 1 1
PHMS 686 MSHA Practicum Experience I 1
 Hours14
Summer
PHMS 620 Healthcare Strategic Management 3
 Hours3
Year 2
Fall
PHMS 505 Governance and Management of Healthcare Organizations (elective #1) 3
PHMS 680 Health Management Leadership Seminar 1
PHMS 681 Population Health Quantitative Methods (elective #2) 3
PHMS 682 Population Health Information Management 3
PHMS 683 Healthcare Quality Management 3
PHPH 678 Public Health Practice Experience 2 1
PHMS 691 MSHA Practicum Experience II 1
 Hours15
Spring
PHPB 611 Community-Centered Engagement and Assessment 3
PHMS 684 Project Management for Population Health 3
PHPH 679 Public Health Practicum Experience 3 2
PHMS 692 MSHA Practicum III 1
PHPH 698 Public Health Integrative Learning Experience 2
 Hours11
Year 3
Fall
PHMS 662 Health Economics 3
PHMS 685 Health Operations & Management Science 3
PHMS 687 Managerial Accounting for Healthcare Managers 3
PHMS 688 Healthcare Marketing 2
MPH-HP Elective #3 3
 Hours14
Spring
PHMS 689 Insurance & Alternative Payment Models 2
PHMS 635 Health Law and Ethics 3
PHMS 630 Human Resource Management in the Public Health Sector 3
PHMS 625 Population Health Management 3
PHMS 690 MSHA Capstone Course 3
 Hours14
 Minimum Total Hours83