Master in Public Health Degree Program

Overview

The Extended MPH Degree Program (EXDP) is a partial-distance program designed to help professionals expand their knowledge in public health and health services while allowing them to continue with their careers. The program is designed for mid-career public and community health professionals. The program helps students develop the skills needed to effectively manage current and future health care issues in public health agencies and programs. EXDP can be completed in two years/two weeks (six years maximum) and combines individualized study with a periodic on-site component.

The onsite commitment involves one month per summer for two years and a two-week period during a third summer. Additionally there are four weekend seminars per year for the first two years. Studies continue while off-site using the web and email. Most of the program's electives are offered by distance learning.

The program provides alternative, high-quality graduate education for health professionals who are unable to undertake full-time study. Admission standards and program quality are equivalent to on-campus programs.

The program was initiated in 1980 with support from a Bureau of Health Professions Special Project Grant. It is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

The Extended MPH Degree Program (EXDP) provides:
  • Graduate education in core Public Health disciplines (Health Services, Epidemiology, Environmental Health and Biostatistics)
  • Skill enhancement in program management, evaluation, and policy
  • An opportunity to design an individualized course of study through focused electives in areas such as; Community Practice, Global Health, Health Education, Maternal and Child Health, Nutrition, and Health Policy
  • Opportunity for advanced study without quitting your job
Who Should Apply?

The Extended MPH Degree Program is designed specifically for employed public, community, and environmental health professionals. Individuals otherwise involved with such organizations as state and local health departments, health systems agencies, hospitals, and voluntary health agencies are also encouraged to apply. Interested applicants should have, or anticipate having, program responsibilities, such as program planning, organization, management, or evaluation within the agency in which they are employed.

Format and Requirements

The degree is earned through a combination of on-site courses and partial-distance courses typically over a period of nine quarters (two years plus one quarter).

Practicum Requirement

All students enrolled in an MPH program must complete a practicum experience in an organization, agency, or community that provides planning or services relevant to public health. (MPH students with at least 3 years of comparable experience may be eligible to waive the practicum requirement.)

Thesis or Project Requirement

MPH program students have the option of completing either a thesis or an agency-related project.