Overview
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.
Master in Public Health Curriculum
Biology (Required)
| Course ID | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENVH 50301 | Biology for Public Health: Infectious Disease | 1 |
| ENVH 50101 | Biology for Public Health: Chronic Disease | 1 |
| ENVH 50201 | Biology for Public Health: Current Issues | 1 |
Core (Required)
| Course ID | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PBHL 50033 | Introduction to Public Health | 3 |
| BIOS 50133 | Biostatistics I | 3 |
| ENVH 51003 | Environmental Health Sciences | 3 |
| HPMT 51033 | The Health Care System | 3 |
| HBHE 51043 | Health Behavior and Health Education | 3 |
| EPID 51103 | Epidemiology I | 3 |
CPH Exam Prep Course (Required)
| Course ID | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PBHL 59931 | Certified in Public Health Exam Prep Seminar | 1 |
Capstones (Required)
| Course ID | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PBHL 59893 | Applied Practice Experience | 3 |
| PBHL 59932 | Integrative Learning Experience Project | 2 |
42 credit hours are required within one of six 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.
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 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 8 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.
For More Information
Office of Admissions and Alumni Affairs
4301 West Markham, Mail Slot #820
Little Rock, AR 72205
COPHAdmissions@uams.edu
Phone: 501-526-6605