Our Master of Public Health degree is a fully accredited graduate program that dives into the complex world of global health issues, focusing on diverse perspectives and evidence based practices. Through classes, hands-on experiences, and applied research skills, you’ll gain an understanding of public health challenges and develop the skills to address them. The SAU MPH program emphasizes health equity and improving population health to prevent disease, promote health, and prolong lifespans.
What is a Master of Public Health degree?
Save up to $1.5K on tuition
Why earn a Master of Public Health at SAU?
Students will focus on preventing disease and infections, promoting health via education and advocacy, and prolonging lives via hands-on learning and experiential practice. As a public health professional it is important to understand how social determinants of health impact health equity. Students will learn how to detect, prevent, and respond to infectious and non-communicable diseases.
Flexible format
Start in the Fall, Spring or Summer terms, and choose between our 12-month, 16-month, and 3-year programs. Flex between full and part-time studies.
100% online
This is a fully online, asynchronous program to allow MPH students to learn anytime, anywhere.
Accessible faculty
Faculty have professional relationships with students. You are a part of the MPH program pre-, during, and post graduation.
Real-world experience
Complete 200 hours with a community public health organization for real-world experience in our Applied Practicum Experience (APE).
Dual degree with MSW
The MPH degree can be combined with a Master of Social Work (MSW).
Choose a microcredential
Tailor your degree with a microcredential in epidemiology or global health.
What you’ll learn in the MPH program
MPH students will cover a wide range of topics including epidemiology, health promotion, health policy, evaluation, program management, quality improvement, environmental health, health equity, and social and behavioral sciences. These studies work to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent and respond to injuries and diseases. The focus of this work is on populations as small as a local neighborhood, or as big as an entire country or region of the world. Some of the skills you will practice include:
- Preventing disease and infection
- Promoting health and wellbeing
- Examining and conducting research to guide future practices and policies in public health
- Identifying and analyzing the social, environmental, and behavioral determinants that influence the health status of vulnerable populations
- Monitoring and evaluating health programs to determine impact and to improve quality of service delivery
Explore Master of Public Health courses
- This degree will require you to complete a total of 43 credits.
- You’ll also complete 1 internship (200 hours of an applied practicum experience), and 1 capstone research project.
Sample courses
| Class code | Class title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MPH 515 | Health Promotion/Communication | 3 credits |
| MPH 520 | Epidemiology | 3 credits |
| MPH 540 | Behavioral/Social/Environmental Health | 3 credits |
| MPH 610 | Evidence-Based Practice | 3 credits |
| MPH 670 | Global Health Systems | 3 credits |
How much does the Master of Public Health cost?
The cost of your MPH degree will depend on several factors, including your specific scholarships, finances, the number of credits you take per semester, and your start date. New students also pay a $10 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for supplies and materials, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore total cost of attendance.
12-month accelerated program
| Expense | Per Semester (Fall or Spring) | Per Summer Session | Total Program Cost** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total tuition ($764/credit hour)* | $12,224 - $13,752 | $6,876 | $32,852 |
| Technology fee | $140 | $140 | $420 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $12,364 - $13,892 | $7,016 | $33,272 |
*Based on 2024-2025 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**12-month program requires a summer start date. Total cost includes summer, fall, and spring semester.
Full-time program (14 months)
| Expense | Per Semester (Fall or Spring) | Per Summer Session | Total Program Cost** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total tuition ($764/credit hour)* | $9,168 - $9,932 | $4,584 | $32,852 |
| Technology fee | $140 | $70 | $490 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $9,308 - $10,072 | $4,654 | $33,342 |
*Based on 2024-2025 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**Estimate based on fall start date. Total includes two fall semesters, and one each of spring and summer.
Part-time program (~3 years)
| Expense | Per Semester (Fall or Spring) | Per Summer Session | Total Program Cost** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total tuition ($764/credit hour)* | $4,584 - $5,348 | $2,292 | $32,852 |
| Technology fee | $70 | $70 | $560 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $4,654 - $5,418 | $2,362 | $33,412 |
*Based on 2024-2025 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**Estimate based on fall start date. Total includes three fall semesters, three spring semesters, and two summer sessions.
无码天堂’s Master of Public Health program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health
The Master of Public Health program at 无码天堂 has achieved accreditation by the , an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools of public health and public health programs. A copy of the accreditation report is available upon request by emailing mph@sau.edu.
How does SAU support students in the MPH program?
Faculty are available to MPH students for 1:1 coaching at any point in their academic journey. The department also assists students in the process of publishing scholarly articles.. As students prepare for their future and make plans, faculty can offer career support each step of the way.
MPH program faculty
Other support resources for MPH students
Accessibility Resource Center
Need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies? The ARC is here to help.
Academic and Career Planning Center
Our career resources can help you polish your resume and land a job or internship to launch your career.
Are there cost savings available for the MPH program?
At 无码天堂, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of resources to help make college more affordable for our students.
O'Rourke MPH Endowed Scholarship
The Joseph R. '72 and Joyce O'Rourke Endowed Scholarship is offered annually to multiple MPH students. Learn more about this MPH Scholarship.
External Scholarships
Scholarships are also available through two of our member organizations. Check the and the for details.
Transfer previous credits to SAU
You may be able to transfer previous credits toward your MPH, saving you time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
Graduate assistantships
Graduate assistantships can reduce your total tuition cost or provide income as you pursue your degree. Check our employment page for open positions.
Military benefits
Veterans, service members, and their children and spouses may be eligible for education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Learn more.
Campus resources for MPH students
Public health is a very diverse field, you might come in thinking you want to study infectious or non-communicable disease and then shift to examine the social determinants of health. You can follow your passion or discover new passions to pursue via our program. We will also work closely with you to build an Applied Practicum Experience (APE) that aligns with your passions and professional goals. Besides intensive coursework, MPH students also have a leadership opportunity and are able to become involved with the Graduate Student Government Association (GSGA).
Admission requirements for a Master of Public Health
Here are the admissions requirements for our MPH.
- Submit all materials through the .
- Official transcript showing completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. If you are currently enrolled as an undergraduate, provide a list of remaining courses and timeline for earning the undergraduate degree.
- A statement addressing how your personal or academic background and experiences will bring a unique perspective to the program and contribute to a diverse and inclusive student community (no more than one page).
- 2 letters of reference from either academic (i.e. professor) or professional (i.e. supervisor) sources.
- Evidence of a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended.
International student requirements
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from secondary education
- A recommended minimum of 3.0 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
What can I do with a MPH degree?
Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. 无码天堂 can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a MPH graduate could achieve.
Potential job titles
- Epidemiologist
- Healthcare administrator
- Infectious disease analyst
- International health worker
- Environmental health specialist
- Community health worker
Potential employment settings
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Non-profit organizations
- Government offices
- Private businesses
- Community service organizations
Traits of a public health worker
- Cultural humility
- Empathy
- Adaptability
- Analytical mindset
- Communication
- Critical thinking
Industry facts
- The median wage for epidemiologists was $78,520 in 2022.
- Employment of community health workers is projected to grow 14 percent from 2022 to 2032.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that public health jobs will grow at a faster-than-average rate until 2026, and could potentially grow by about 7% by 2031, creating around two million new jobs.
For more information on management employment and wages, visit the .
News and events
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Become who you are meant to be
With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at 无码天堂! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
