Master of Public Health (MPH) in Public Health Practice and Policy (Online)

Overview of MPH in Public Health Practice and Policy

The University of Maryland School of Public Health offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Public Health Practice and Policy administered by the Department of Health Services Administration.   This blended learning program is designed to provide working professionals with the broad range of knowledge and skill-based competencies needed to assume leadership roles in addressing important public health practice and policy issues locally, nationally and globally.

You do not have to take leave time from work; courses fit in with your personal and professional responsibilities. The MPH can be completed in as little as 18 months while minimally disrupting personal and professional life.  Instruction is delivered in a blended learning format with stimulating on-line courses supplemented by a total of six weekends of residency. Easy to use web-based technology enables students to learn in an engaging interactive environment.  A total of 6 - 8 residency days during the program afford an opportunity to integrate online learning with leadership driven practice.  

The MPH 45-credit multi-disciplinary curriculum covers the core principles of public health (6 courses, 14 credits), public health practice and policy (8 courses, 24 credits) and internship and capstone (2 courses, 6 credits).  You determine the number of courses you wish to take each semester. This MPH curriculum and degree have the same content, quality and high standards as the traditional on-site MPH program. 

Intensive leadership training begins immediately on the first day of the program and is woven throughout other courses. The internship provides an opportunity to apply previously acquired knowledge and skills in a health or allied health organization. The capstone project enables you to integrate all your course learning and experiences in a final project.  Intensive advising/mentoring enhances your learning experience.

The exceptional learning experiences and leadership development you’ll gain in this MPH program will raise your career trajectory by increasing your marketable expertise, professional flexibility and mobility, executive leadership competencies, career advancement readiness, lifetime earning potential, professional network support and ability to contribute to society.

University of Maryland School of Public Health faculty and experts from prominent public health organizations are course instructors.  

MPH in Public Health Practice and Policy Courses

* Students completing a thesis (6 credits) instead of a capstone project (3 credits) can select to take 21 credits instead of 24 from the cognate area to compensate for the 3 additional thesis credits.

The University of Maryland School of Public Health is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). MPH students are eligible to take the National Board of Public Health Examiners exam to become Certified in Public Health (CPH) after completing all the core principles of public health courses.

Professional Opportunities

Healthcare is the largest industry in the U.S. and employs over 11 million workers.  Twenty-first century health care professionals require cutting-edge knowledge and exemplary leadership skills to enable their organizations to rise to societal, technological, ethical, financial, and public health challenges.  

The leadership, practice and policy focus of the MPH in Public Health Practice and Policy will give you practical knowledge and professional skills to apply to your work in the health industry and launch you into the next state of an upward career path. The program will enable you to build a platform of professional network support that will benefit you throughout your career.

Admission Criteria:

MPH applications are reviewed with consideration to the following criteria:

• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Undergraduate and any graduate transcripts
• 3 letters of recommendation that address your academic capabilities
• Statement of goals and interests
• Relevant academic/work experience

How to Apply:

• Applications to graduate programs in the University of Maryland School of Public Health are processed through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS).
• Please see the Applications, Deadlines, and Requirements page on how to apply to the MPH in Public Health Practice and Policy.

For more information, please contact Dr. Negin Fouladi fouladi@umd.edu

For more specific program information, please visit The Office of Extended Studies.