Through the pioneering Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the Bursky School of Public Health at Washington University, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to tackle some of society's most pressing health challenges by recognizing that complex problems require multifaceted solutions.
Our program, accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health, is distinguished by its unique classes and course packages, outstanding research opportunities, and real-world learning experiences.
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Master of Public Health
MPH Curriculum
Our two-year, 52-credit-unit degree, which is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health, provides students with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to take leadership in the field of public health.
Our innovative curriculum includes outstanding research opportunities, real-world learning experiences through practicum, and unique classes and course packages.
This curriculum was designed to be different. We are relentlessly focused on understanding problems and creating solutions. We transcend the boundaries of academic disciplines, teaching students to think broadly about complex public health issues.
Learn more about our distinctive approach on our MPH Curriculum webpage.
Required Courses
The list below includes the courses required to build a student's course of study. Because of the variety of concentrations offered with the MPH degree, the order in which students take their courses may vary.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations of Public Health (15 credit units) | ||
| PHFN 5000 | Epidemiology | 3 |
| PHFN 5001 | Biostatistics | 3 |
| PHFN 5002 | Environmental Health | 3 |
| SWSP 6018 | Health Administration and Policy | 3 |
| SWTH 6003 | Health Behavior and Health Promotion | 3 |
| Research Methods (9 credit units) | ||
| PHRS 6000 | Research Methods | 3 |
| PHRS 6001 | Applied Linear Modeling (ALM) | 3 |
| PHRS 6002 | Planning, Implementation, & Evaluation Evidence-Based Programs & interventions (PIE) | 3 |
| Cross-Cutting Themes (1 credit unit) | ||
| PHFN 5003 | Cross-Cutting Themes in Public Health | 1 |
| Public Health Seminar (2 credit units) | ||
| PHFN 5004 | Public Health Seminar I | 1 |
| PHFN 5005 | Public Health Seminar II | 1 |
| Practicum (3 credit units) | ||
| PHFN 5010 | Foundations of Applied Practice | 0 |
| PHPC 6001 | Practicum I - MPH Program | 3 |
| Transdiciplinary Problem Solving in Public Health (3-6 credit units) | ||
| To meet this requirement, students choose two 3-credit unit transdisciplinary problem-solving courses, which span a variety of topics. Some dual degree-seeking students may only take 3 credits of TPS to meet Generalist Concentration requirements. | 6 | |
| Electives/Concentration (11 credit units)* | ||
| Elective I | 3 | |
| Elective II | 3 | |
| Elective III | 3 | |
| Elective IV | 2 | |
| Skill Labs (3 credit units) | ||
| Skill Lab I | 1 | |
| Skill Lab II | 1 | |
| Skill Lab III | 1 | |
| Integrated Learning Experience (2 credit units) | ||
| PHCC 6011 | Capstone I | 1 |
| PHCC 6012 | Capstone II | 1 |
| Total Units | 52 | |
- *
Students use elective credits in years one and two to earn a concentration or to take other graduate coursework. They can choose from a wealth of electives, including up to two additional Skill Labs, or they may pursue relevant courses from other Washington University graduate programs.
Note: The MPH curriculum and required credit units are subject to change.