Master of Public Health (MPH)

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Degree:

Master of Public Health (MPH) Degree

Application:

$0 application fee. No essays/exams.

National University’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program prepares you for leadership positions in health promotion and disease prevention, community mental health, or public health care administration.

This program is offered online and can be completed in as few as 18 months. You will choose from three specializations depending on your area of focus, which include: Health Promotion, Community Mental Health, and Healthcare Administration. In the online MPH degree program, you will learn essential, effective ways to share your knowledge of preventive medicine and establish public health initiatives that make a measurable impact on community and global health. You will learn from diverse and doctoral-trained faculty and have access to internship and networking opportunities designed to prepare you for career success.

Degree Requirements

To receive an MPH degree, students must complete at least 72 quarter units of graduate work, including the core MPH requirements and one area of specialization. A total of 13.5 quarter units of graduate credit may be granted for equivalent graduate work completed at another institution, as it applies to this degree and provided the units were not used in earning another advanced degree.

National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters. 

Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.

Refer to the section on graduate admission requirements for specific information regarding application and evaluation.

The following courses are specific degree requirements. Students may need to take additional general electives to satisfy the total units for the degree.

Core Requirements

8 Courses

1.5 Quarter Units

Includes orientation to the Master of Public Health Program including history, philosophy, values, core functions and the critical importance of evidence in advancing public health knowledge. Introduction to the available options for attaining public health foundational competencies and competencies in their chosen MPH specialization. Can be taken concurrently with HCA 600: US Healthcare System. Grading is S/U only.

4.5 Quarter Units

US healthcare system overview, including terminology, components of healthcare delivery systems, financing, personnel, regulation, delivery and consumers. Consideration of the effects of public policy on services.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: HCA 600

Analysis of global public health with emphasis on defining and evaluating preventive efforts to affect the quantitative, biological, economic, social, political, and behavioral determinants of health. Investigation of burden of disease, social justice and equitable health care. Emphasis on reproductive health, population dynamics, complex humanitarian emergencies, globalization and global cooperation.

4.5 Quarter Units

An introduction to the use of statistical analysis in public health. Provides an understanding of the basic methods and underlying concepts of statistics that are used in public health decision-making. Among topics explored are descriptive statistics, probability, sampling, hypothesis testing and non-parametric statistics.

4.5 Quarter Units

The theoretical basis of individual health behavior. Application of cognitive, psychosocial and environmental theories of health behavior and theories of self-directed and professionally facilitated health behavior change. Emphasis on Behavior Modification, Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Cognitive Theory, Stress and Coping, Social Support, and Transtheoretical Model.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: COH 602, or ANA 630

The study of determinants and distribution of disease and disability in human populations. Empirical analysis of population data related to morbidity and mortality. Investigation of disease outbreaks, risk factors, health outcomes and causal relationships. Critical evaluation of public health literature and study design.

4.5 Quarter Units

Fundamentals of research methods and statistical analysis of public health data. Includes principles of research investigation, research design, sampling, measurements, and the use of descriptive and inferential statistics for data analysis and hypothesis testing. Focuses on health survey design, sampling methodologies, questionnaire construction and administration, interviewing, and coding procedures.

4.5 Quarter Units

Explores the roles health advocates assume and how individuals working in public health settings might participate in advocacy strategies to affect policy. Focuses on frameworks for conceptualizing and promoting the right to health as well as strategies to give consumers more power in making decisions, defining issues, designing programs, and developing policies.

Requirements for the Specialization in Community Mental Health

7 Courses

4.5 Quarter Units

US mental healthcare system overview, including terminology, components of healthcare delivery systems, financing, personnel, regulation, delivery and consumers. Focus on the availability, accessibility and acceptability of services to treat mental disorders in the US. Consideration of the effects of public policy on services for the treatment of mental disorders.

4.5 Quarter Units

Special focus on individuals with severe and persistent mental conditions. Special consideration will be given to how the contemporary mental health system relates to and is experienced by disadvantaged individuals.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: COH 602

Substance use disorders examined from the public health perspective. Prevention and treatment of substance use disorders to reduce deaths, disability and human suffering in communities.

4.5 Quarter Units

Analysis of the evidence-based programs designed to prevent mental illness. Investigation of applications of evidence-based public health in planning and evaluating programs to prevent mental disorders. Analysis of existent programs, databases and professional literature. Design of mental health services and evaluation of the effectiveness of proposed mental health programs.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: COH 606

Analysis of the epidemiological study of mental illness. Investigation of contemporary applications of epidemiology in investigating disease distribution and etiology. Emphasis on the use of epidemiological studies to plan mental health services, design prevention programs and to evaluate the effectiveness of mental health programs.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: COH 604

Intimate partner violence, child neglect and abuse, assault, homicide, war and terrorism are explored from a public health perspective. Focus on risk factor reduction and prevention of deaths, disability and human suffering.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: COH 604

Exploration of biological, psychological, behavioral and social aspects of health sexuality throughout the lifespan. Community level interventions to promote healthy sexuality.

Health Experience

1 Course

Choose one of the following two courses

3.0 Quarter Units

Demonstrate attainment of public health foundational competencies and specialization competencies through applied practice experience in a global setting. Faculty-led short-term study abroad program. Exploration of the healthcare system and public health issues facing global communities. Tour location and experience the healthcare, economic, political, legal, and cultural environment of a host country. Development of thorough knowledge of global public health through combination of pre-departure study, service learning, in-person lectures and presentations by host country experts and healthcare leaders, post-tour analysis and reflection.

3.0 Quarter Units

Recommended: Prior completion of: all core and specialization courses prior to enrolling in COH 693C

Demonstrate attainment of public health foundational competencies and mental health specialization through applied practice experience. Students may either work in a mental health agency planning, implementing and/or evaluating a health promotion program or provide a portfolio that demonstrates alignment of volunteer work with the competencies. Grading is H/S/U only.

Final Project for Major

1 Course

Recommended: Prior completion of: all core and specialization courses prior to enrolling in COH 694A

Two-month capstone project of original research related to the contemporary practice of public health promotion. Planning and completion of either a data-based analysis, an evaluation of a health promotion program or primary research related to public health promotion. Student project may require Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Student produces a high-quality written product. Grading is S/H/U only.

Requirements for the Specialization in Healthcare Administration

7 Courses

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: COH 602

Healthcare organization theories and structure, including analyses of managerial functions, relationships, and operations for service delivery. Development of effective service delivery systems. Appreciation of external influences including community, financial institutions, socioeconomic environment, and regulatory agencies. Examination of professional roles, responsibilities, and accountability. Understanding of organizational mission, goals, objectives and priorities.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: ANA 630

Effective data and information technology utilization to improve performance in healthcare organizations: including information systems, databases and analytical tools to structure, analyze and present information; legal and ethical issues affecting management of healthcare information.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: HCA 600 and HCA 620

Theoretical and practical frameworks to facilitate the continuous improvement of quality in healthcare organizations. Includes data collection, data planning and evaluation. Introduces multiple approaches, including strategy and outcome measurement. Team development, analytical statistics, and process knowledge are central themes, along with culture transformation.

4.5 Quarter Units

Study of healthcare organization, training, motivation and direction of employees while maintaining high level productivity and morale. Includes selection, compensation, financial incentives, work standards, and leadership principles in healthcare organization.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: HCA 628

Application of healthcare accounting and finance theories to decisions in healthcare environments. Emphasis on management problems and policy issues regarding allocation of resources, payments systems, capital investments and budgeting.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: COH 611

Strategic planning for healthcare organizations based on the analyses of secondary quantitative and qualitative data about technological, social, political, regulatory, and competitive aspects of the healthcare market. Marketing principles and tools for the development of a healthcare organization marketing plan.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: HCA 624

Concepts of leadership related to current healthcare organizations. Communications – including public relations – team building, negotiation, and conflict resolution considered. Strategic aspects such as vision, viewpoint, and mission included. Managing uncertainty emphasized.

**Please note: ANA prerequisite is NOT required for students in the Specialization in Healthcare Administration

Health Experience

1 Course

One of the following:

3.0 Quarter Units

Demonstrate attainment of public health foundational competencies and specialization competencies through applied practice experience in a global setting. Faculty-led short-term study abroad program. Exploration of the healthcare system and public health issues facing global communities. Tour location and experience the healthcare, economic, political, legal, and cultural environment of a host country. Development of thorough knowledge of global public health through combination of pre-departure study, service learning, in-person lectures and presentations by host country experts and healthcare leaders, post-tour analysis and reflection.

4.5 Quarter Units

Recommended: Prior completion of: all core and specialization courses prior to enrolling in COH 693B

Demonstrate attainment of public health foundational competencies and healthcare administration specialization through applied practice experience. Students may either work in a healthcare agency applying leadership and management skills or provide a portfolio that demonstrates alignment of volunteer work with the competencies. Grading is H/S/U only.

Capstone Requirement

1 Course

4.5 Quarter Units

Recommended: Prior completion of: all core and specialization courses prior to enrolling in COH 694B

Two-month capstone project related to the contemporary practice of public health administration. Completion of a training manual, policy statement, business plan, or a program or protocol evaluation report. Student project may require Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Student produces a high-quality written product. Grading is S/H/U only.

Requirements for the Specialization in Health Promotion

7 Courses

4.5 Quarter Units

Biological foundations of public health issues including infectious and chronic diseases. Reproduction and development of disease pathogens and transmission, immune responses and constitution of the host. Anatomical, physiological and cellular foundations for understanding chronic diseases. Focuses on methods for the control and prevention of disease.

4.5 Quarter Units

Analysis of the health impact of home, workplace, community and global environments. Examines scientific understanding of causes and control of the major environmental health problems. Includes environmental pollutants; physical, chemical, and biological agents of environmental contamination; vectors for dissemination; solid hazardous waste; susceptible populations; biomarkers; and emerging global environmental problems.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: COH 604

Exploration of health status and issues in various communities. Application of the national agenda for health promotion and disease prevention in the United States. Emphasis on health disparities by socioeconomic status, ethnicity, gender, age, ability and literacy. Examination of diffusion of health innovations throughout communities.

4.5 Quarter Units

Recommended Preparation: COH 604

Development of community-wide interventions to promote health and prevent disease. Systematic design by application of the principles of epidemiology, health behavior and Evidence-Based Public Health. Includes Community-Based Participatory Research and investigation of ethical issues in conducting community-based public health programs.

4.5 Quarter Units

Fundamentals of evaluation methods applied to public health interventions. Effective use of measurement tools to evaluate achievement of program goals and objectives. Includes analysis of validity and reliability of measurement instruments. Emphasis on reach, effectiveness, acceptance, implementation and maintenance of community programs. Includes fundamentals of proposal development.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: COH 605 and COH 609

Investigation and evaluation of strategies implemented to promote health in communities. Emphasis on community organization, coalition building, curriculum development, communication theory and technology, social marketing, mass media and ecological models. Critical analysis of interventions that implement each strategy through systematic analysis of public health literature.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: COH 606

Application of information systems and technology to public health practice and research. Information technologies that support and improve the status of individual and community health. Development, deployment and maintenance of these systems. Effective use of data, information and knowledge tools to build manage, merge, retrieve and analyze public health data.

Health Experience

1 Course

One of the following:

3.0 Quarter Units

Demonstrate attainment of public health foundational competencies and specialization competencies through applied practice experience in a global setting. Faculty-led short-term study abroad program. Exploration of the healthcare system and public health issues facing global communities. Tour location and experience the healthcare, economic, political, legal, and cultural environment of a host country. Development of thorough knowledge of global public health through combination of pre-departure study, service learning, in-person lectures and presentations by host country experts and healthcare leaders, post-tour analysis and reflection.

4.5 Quarter Units

Recommended: Prior completion of: all core and specialization courses prior to enrolling in COH 693B

Demonstrate attainment of public health foundational competencies and healthcare administration specialization through applied practice experience. Students may either work in a healthcare agency applying leadership and management skills or provide a portfolio that demonstrates alignment of volunteer work with the competencies. Grading is H/S/U only.

Capstone Requirement

1 Course

4.5 Quarter Units

Recommended: Prior completion of: all core and specialization courses prior to enrolling in COH 694A

Two-month capstone project of original research related to the contemporary practice of public health promotion. Planning and completion of either a data-based analysis, an evaluation of a health promotion program or primary research related to public health promotion. Student project may require Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Student produces a high-quality written product. Grading is S/H/U only.

Master of Public Health in Community Mental Health

The Community Mental Health specialization prepares you for leadership positions in planning, implementing, and evaluating community-wide prevention programs to enhance mental health.

Learn More

Master of Public Health in Health Promotion

The Health Promotion specialization prepares MPH students for leadership positions in health promotion, health education, and health enhancement. The program focuses on the planning, implementation, and evaluation of community-wide prevention programs.

Learn More

Master of Public Health in Healthcare Administration

The Healthcare Administration specialization prepares you for leadership positions in public and private healthcare by demonstrating the knowledge and skills to organize, finance, and deliver services that prevent and treat illness and disease.

Learn More

Career Outlook

The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree will prepare you for careers such as:

  • Top Jobs in this field
  • Median Salary (USA)
  • JOB Openings (USA)
  • Community Health Workers
  • $47,950 avg. salary (USA)
  • 8,200 job openings (past yr.) past year
Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.
Median Salary:
$47,950 annual -0% below US average
Job Openings:
8,200 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $35,204
  • Medium
    $47,950
  • High
    $76,516

Most desired skills

Top companies hiring for this role

  • Medical and Health Services Managers
  • $108,957 avg. salary (USA)
  • 63,206 job openings (past yr.) past year
Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
Median Salary:
$108,957 annual +126% above US average
Job Openings:
63,206 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $66,190
  • Medium
    $108,957
  • High
    $218,008

Most desired skills

  1. Nursing
  2. Care Coordination
  3. Medical Records
  4. Billing
  5. Electronic Medical Record
  6. Auditing
  7. Marketing

Top companies hiring for this role

  • Unclassified
  • UnitedHealth Group
  • HCA Healthcare
  • Elevance Health
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Optum
  • Humana
  • Health Educators
  • $62,600 avg. salary (USA)
  • 7,462 job openings (past yr.) past year
Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May link health systems, health providers, insurers, and patients to address individual and population health needs. May serve as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.
Median Salary:
$62,600 annual +30% above US average
Job Openings:
7,462 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $39,309
  • Medium
    $62,600
  • High
    $108,460

Most desired skills

  1. Health Education
  2. Nursing
  3. Public Health
  4. Health And Wellness Coaching
  5. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
  6. Diabetes Mellitus
  7. Health Promotion

Top companies hiring for this role

  • Unclassified
  • YMCA
  • Elevance Health
  • Swift Safety Institute
  • Wset Certification Classes
  • Sharecare
  • University of California

Program Learning Outcomes

As a graduate of National University’s Master of Public Health program, you will learn the following skill sets:

  • Analyze and interpret Health Data
  • Describe the distribution and determinants of disease, disabilities and death in human populations.
  • Evaluate the environmental factors that affect the health of a community.
  • Analyze the planning, organization, administration, and policies of health care organizations
  • Apply the concepts and methods of social justice and behavioral sciences relevant to the identification and solution of public health problems.
  • Communicate appropriate public health content in writing and through oral presentation in a culturally competent and effective manner
woman smiling at man taking notes

Admissions

Transfer Students Welcome

More about transferring to NU.

Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.

To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.

Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.

To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.

Accreditations

The National University Master of Public Health and the Bachelor of Science in Public Health programs are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.

WASC Senior College and University Commission logo

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.

Top 5 in the US graduating students in the Master of Science in Public Health among nonprofit 4-yr online university.

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Why National University?

We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.

Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.

“The National University MPH program has given me the opportunity to grow professionally and academically by providing a flexible learning experience.”

– Marisol Delgado, MPH 2022

“The MPH program at National University provided me exactly what I was looking for – an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills I needed as I developed a lens to look through as I navigated my career. The lens of public health and the good of others remains a focal point in every business or social problem. Whether it’s my full-time job, part-time work, or volunteerism – National University has helped me build the kind of person I need to be to tackle the issues around us.”

– Ryan Zieno, MPH 2020

What makes a degree
with National University unique?

Free Tutoring Sessions

Access personalized tutoring sessions at no cost — empowering your learning.

Online

Flexibility meets quality education with our online learning option.

24/7 Support

Get assistance anytime, anywhere with our round-the-clock support services.

Military Friendly

Committed to serving those who serve — diverse resources and support for veterans and family. Military and Veteran Admissions.

Mentoring Network

Individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, and customized career support.

Transfer Students Welcome

NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.

Accelerate Your Career With NU

At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.

Our network of 240,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.

man and woman in graduation cap and gown smiling among other graduating students

FAQs

This accelerated program at National University allows students to take one class per month, whereas typically full-time students may take approximately two and a half years to complete the 43-credit-hour, 17-course MPH degree program.

You must complete a college-level introductory statistics course, such as BST322 or MTH210, and earn a baccalaureate degree with a 2.85 cumulative GPA from a regionally accredited institution.

Yes. An MPH can open the door to job opportunities and have excellent earning potential. Most importantly, making a difference in the field and in the entire community is worthwhile endeavor and rewarding experience.

Online courses are ideal if you want to pursue an advanced degree without sacrificing your current job. National University is a leader in online education and you will be receiving a rigorous education through innovative online learning tools.

Yes, it’s a diverse field that offers a broad range of career opportunities in public or private hospitals, government, NGOs, and other healthcare units. NU’s MPH program is designed to help you stand out with prospective employers throughout the healthcare industry.

You have the potential to make an impact in the lives of many by promoting health, preventing disease, and empowering individuals to take their illness or disability into their own hands. Most leadership positions require a master’s degree for consideration.

Pursue your master’s in public health degree at National University, and gain access to:

  • Four-Week Courses That Start Monthly. Focus on one subject at a time and truly master the material before moving on to the next. Keep the momentum going throughout the program, start any month you choose, and finish faster.
  • Three Career-Focused Specializations. Tailor your education to the area that best meets your career goals and helps you stand out in the health care job market. Specializations include Health Promotion, Health Administration, or Community Mental Health.
  • Prepare for CHES and MCHES Certifications. At the end of your program, you should be ready to sit for the CHES and MCHES exams, which provide certification as a health education specialist.
  • Data Analysis and Critical-Thinking Focus. Learn how to analyze and interpret health data, as well as evaluate the environmental factors that affect the health of a community. These are important skills in leadership positions.
  • Extensive Program Support. You will be assigned a faculty advisor at the onset of the program and begin with an orientation course that sets you up for success. You will also have access to the Public Health Student Organization and Public Health Opportunities, where you can apply for leadership positions, receive career advice, and network with students and alumni.
  • Diverse and Doctoral-Trained Faculty. Learn from diverse and doctoral-trained faculty. In addition to a dedicated faculty advisor, you will have easy access to all faculty members and the program director.
  • Strong MPH Alumni Network. Make connections with alumni who lead public health organizations, community organizations, local government organizations, health care administration, running clinics, and more.
  • Online or In-person Options. Choose whether you would prefer to attend classes completely online or in person.

MPH – Specialization in Health Promotion

The specialization in Health Promotion is structured toward preparing MPH students for leadership positions in health promotion, health education, and health enhancement. The program emphasizes the planning, implementation, and evaluation of community-wide prevention programs. The pursuit of social justice and global health are overarching concepts throughout the MPH program.

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

  • Assess factors that influence, enhance, or impede health promotion
  • Explain factors that influence implementation of health promotion programs
  • Evaluate the implementation of health promotion programs
  • Integrate the results of health promotion evaluation into interventions and policies
  • Apply principles of financial management, information technology, human resource management, and community building to build or enhance health promotion programs
  • Provide advice and consultation on health promotion issues
  • Apply appropriate research principles and techniques to develop health promotion programs

MPH – Specialization in Health Administration

The Specialization in Healthcare Administration prepares MPH students for leadership positions in public and private health care. Health care management involves the organization, financing, and delivery of services to prevent and treat illness and disease.

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

  • Conduct financial analysis, explain financial and accounting information, and make long-term investment decisions for a health care organization
  • Apply health care management methods to health care organizations
  • Use administrative and health information technology to develop process and performance-improvement plans
  • Incorporate the principles of quality management for improving outcomes in health care organizations
  • Synthesize best practices in health care leadership

MPH – Specialization in Community Mental Health

The Specialization in Community Mental Health prepares students for leadership positions in planning, implementing, and evaluating community-wide prevention programs to enhance mental health.

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

  • Assess the social, political, and environmental context of mental health in relation to public health practice
  • Create evidence-based programs to prevent or reduce mental health disorders in community settings
  • Design an evaluation plan to assess the effectiveness of a community mental health program
  • Identify factors that promote or influence the occurrence, persistence, or severity of mental and behavioral disorders
  • Apply appropriate research principles and techniques to mental health
  • Construct an advocacy plan to improve culturally sensitive mental health policies in communities

The Master of Public Health program can be completed online or in-person through video lectures, audio recordings, readings, or interactive presentations. You will also complete assignments, quizzes, and exams online. You may also choose to attend classes in person, depending on the format that works best for your schedule.

Through threaded discussion boards, you can reach out to professors and classmates whenever you have a question, thoughts, or opinions you would like to discuss. Faculty are also available for one-on-one virtual meetings to go over the coursework, answer any questions you may have, or to offer general mentorship or guidance. All grades are posted online as well through the course gradebook, so you can keep track of your progress and find out your grades on assignments and quizzes as soon as they are posted.

At the end of the program, a faculty advisor will help plan out an internship program and comprehensive capstone experience in which you work on a project with a company for three months, applying your learnings from the program. Both your internship and capstone are excellent resume builders that can give you the competitive edge to advance in your career.

The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is the most common graduate-level degree awarded by CEPH-accredited schools and programs of public health and is widely considered the primary professional degree for employment in federal, state and county health agencies. The degree is suited for students interested in pursuing a professional career in public health, and is not primarily geared toward teaching or research. Common work environments include hospitals, consulting firms, international agencies, state and federal agencies, health departments, managed care organizations, community-based organizations, among others.  Examples of careers among MPH graduates include*:

  • Administrative Services Managers
  • Associate Directors
  • Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Clinical Social Workers
  • Clinical Supervisors
  • Clinical Trials Administrator
  • Community Engagement  Specialist
  • Community Health Worker
  • Community Health Workers
  • Directors of Behavioral Health
  • Directors of Nursing
  • Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
  • Epidemiologist
  • Evaluation Specialist
  • Global Health Project Coordinator
  • Health Communications Specialist
  • Health Data Analyst
  • Health Education Specialists
  • Health Educator
  • Health Equity Manager
  • Health Policy Impact Analyst
  • Health Services Administrator
  • Health Services/Health Policy Researcher
  • Healthcare Social Workers
  • Infection Preventionist
  • Injury Prevention Technician
  • Laboratory Managers
  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers
  • Medical and Health Services Managers
  • Medical Social Workers
  • Medical Writer
  • Outreach Specialist
  • Program Directors
  • Public Health Program Manager
  • Public Health Research Associate
  • Quality Assurance Coordinator
  • STI Program Coordinator
  • Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator
  • Wellness Program Coordinator

Our students share a common desire to advance community and global health and are motivated by helping people and their community. In fact, many of our NU alumni have gone on to lead public health organizations, community organizations, local government organizations, health care administration, and clinics.

*For additional information on job opportunities in public health please visit https://www.publichealthcareers.org

*SOURCE: Labor Analyst- Report. Employment data research company homepage at https://www.economicmodeling.com/company/ (Report viewed: June, 2023). DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for informational purposes only. Employment data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Current and prospective students should use this data with other available economic data to inform their educational decisions.

Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.

All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.

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