Purpose Statement
The Master of Public Health (MPH) program prepares professionals across diverse sectors to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities in Mississippi and beyond. Consistent with the university’s mission, the program provides high-quality graduate education for a diverse student population, with an emphasis on applied public health practice, student-centered learning, and community engagement, particularly in under-resourced communities and populations experiencing health disparities, including issues relevant to women’s health.
The program is designed to develop graduates who possess practical public health knowledge, applied skills, and professional values necessary to address complex health challenges and promote health equity across a variety of professional settings. The MPH is a 42-credit-hour program offered fully online. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Degree requirements include completion of a capstone service-learning project and a comprehensive integrative learning experience demonstrating the application of public health competencies.
Program Philosophy
The MPH program is grounded in a philosophy that integrates theoretical knowledge with applied public health practice. The curriculum prepares students to assess community health needs, design and implement evidence-based interventions, and evaluate programs across a variety of settings, including communities, schools, workplaces, and healthcare environments.
The program emphasizes a mentorship-rich, student-centered environment that supports individualized learning and professional development. Through collaboration with community partners and participation in experiential learning opportunities, students strengthen both their competencies and the capacity of the organizations they serve. The program promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, responsiveness to evolving public health needs, and a commitment to health equity and lifelong learning.
Graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination. The program aligns with competencies established by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing.
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