MPHOverview

The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree prepares students in the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through organized community outreach. Public health differs from other health programs in that it focuses on large population groups instead of individuals. It emphasizes promoting health and wellness as ultimate goals and prevention over cure.

The MPH degree requires a student to complete 42 semester credit hours within one of six available concentration tracks:

Each student must declare a concentration track when applying to the program.  Once admitted, each student is assigned an advisor at the time of admission by the department that administers the concentration.  The academic advisor’s name and contact information are sent to the student in the letter of admission. 

Admission Requirements

Applicants must possess the minimum of a US baccalaureate degree to be considered for admission. Applicants who anticipate completion of their undergraduate degree soon after the admissions deadline may apply for conditional admission. If granted conditional admission, a final transcript from the student’s baccalaureate institution must be received by the Office of Student Affairs prior to the date of registration of the admitted semester.

How to Apply

Curriculum

The overall curriculum model for the MPH degree includes:

  • Core Courses: 18 semester credit hours
  • Concentration/Elective Courses: varies by concentration track
  • Applied Practice Experience: 3 semester credit hours (minimum)
  • Integrative Learning Experience Project: 2 semester credit hours (minimum)
  • Integrative Learning Experience Seminar: 1 semester credit hour

Required Applied Practice Experience and Integrative Learning Experience

Two capstone courses are required as part of the MPH curriculum. The first is a preceptorship, or field experience, requiring a minimum of 200 clock hours of work in a public health-related activity, under the joint supervision of a qualified specialist in public health practice and a COPH faculty member. The second is a Integrative Learning Experience project, requiring the student to synthesize and integrate knowledge and apply theory and principles learned to an area of public health practice resulting in preparation of a manuscript for publication, a health policy proposal, a research proposal for submission, or equivalent, if approved by the Integrative Learning Experience Project Advisory Committee (CEPAC) composed of COPH Faculty members.

Applied Practice Experience and Integrative Learning Experience information and policies

Successful Completion of Courses

Courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to be considered successfully completed. Only successfully completed courses can be counted toward degree requirements. When a listed requirement for enrollment in a course includes completion of a prerequisite course, the prerequisite course must also have been successfully completed.

Time Frame for Completion of Degree

All requirements for a master’s degree must be satisfied within 6 consecutive calendar years from the first registration (whether degree-seeking or non-degree seeking) with the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health. Students must begin classes within 1 calendar year after acceptance to the COPH.

CEPH logoFor More Information

Office of Student and Alumni Affairs
4301 West Markham, Mail Slot #820
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 526-6605