Master of Public Health (MPH) Degree Program

Vikki Nolan, DSc, MPH
Associate Professor, Assistant Dean, MPH Coordinator
228 Robison Hall
901.678.1696

Email: vgnolan @memphis.edu

The mission of the CEPH accredited Master of Public Health (MPH) program is to provide a stimulating academic environment in a metropolitan setting that supports excellence and innovation in education, research, and service to enhance the lives and health of individuals, families, and communities in the Mid-South. Program objectives are: (1) Prepare future leaders in the field of public health by providing the highest quality education and practice opportunities in theories, approaches, methods, and other substantive issues pertinent to public health; (2) Create and nurture an environment conducive to interdisciplinary public health initiatives, with special emphasis on vulnerable populations who suffer disproportionately from illness and disability; (3) Pursue innovative and rigorous research on critical public health issues to prevent disease and injury, promote well-being, and foster overall physical and mental health; (4) Stimulate collaboration with the community to develop effective partnerships in combating the health challenges in our communities, city, state, and region; and (5) Inform public policy, disseminate health information, and increase awareness of public health concerns through disease surveillance, needs assessments, and program evaluation.

Program Admission

A multi-disciplinary faculty admissions committee determines admission to the MPH program. Criteria for the selection process are broad because of the wide range of backgrounds from which students may apply. Prior background in public health or health care is not necessary for admission but may be considered in the admission process. The following is necessary for application:

Applicants must hold a bachelor or graduate degree from an accredited college or university with an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) or a graduate cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher in the major subject area. Current Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores from within the past five years are required.

Applicants already holding a doctoral degree or its professional equivalent obtained in the United States may be exempt from the GRE requirement. Professional school standardized test scores (e.g. MCAT, DAT, LSAT, etc.) may be substituted for the GRE by applicants who are enrolled in or who have already earned post-baccalaureate degrees in areas such as medicine, dentistry, or law. Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit acceptable scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Letters of recommendation from at least three persons familiar with the applicant’s academic background or experience in public health related issues, specifying in detail the applicant’s capabilities for graduate study and for future performance as a public health professional, are required. At least one letter from a former professor or instructor is required.

Applicants must also submit a statement of purpose in approximately 400-500 words indicating his or her present interests and career goals, including why s/he wants to pursue an MPH degree.

Program Prerequisites

All MPH applicants will be expected to have adequate preparation in the sciences, including at least one college-level course in general biology (including human biology), mathematics (e.g., calculus or algebra), and a social science (e.g., sociology, anthropology, or psychology). Basic computer skills are also expected. Courses in health-related fields such as anatomy, physiology, nutrition, chemistry, physics, and statistics are not mandated, but are strongly recommended. Previous professional or other relevant work experience is also highly desirable, but not required.

Program Requirements:

Completion of a total of 42 hours, including 18 hours of core course requirements; 9 hours of electives, 3 hours of practicum/field experience, and 3 hours of a culmination experience in the form of either a thesis or master’s project seminar. Students may choose a concentration in any of the following areas: Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Health Systems Management, Social and Behavioral Sciences, or Urban Health. They may also choose to have a Generalist MPH degree. 

Concentration courses include:

MPH online course notes

** denotes courses that may be available online.