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College of Life Sciences Public Health
Master of Public Health
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Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about the Masters in Public Health

  • The mission of the BYU MPH program is to develop future public health leaders who drive change that improves the health and well-being of communities, families, and individuals. To this end, the program prepares students to conduct public health surveillance, and to plan, implement, and evaluate public health programs and policies that focus on at-risk populations in both domestic and international settings.
  • MPH programs are offered at many institutions throughout the world with various specialized tracks. For example, MPH programs are offered in epidemiology, biostatistics, international health, health education, nutrition, administration, etc. Graduates will be involved with promoting health and preventing disease by developing population-based health education strategies.
  • The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is the most recognized professional credential in public health practice. It is a practice-based degree where students fulfill core requirements in areas of knowledge basic to public health, with an emphasis in global health promotion and community health education. The MPH program responds to the needs of health professionals who wish to expand their career options in public health.
  • Applicable undergraduate degrees with relevance to public health are varied and include health education, biologic sciences, environmental science, economics, statistics, food science and nutrition, international studies, political science, psychology, nursing, social work, anthropology, geography, etc.
  • There are no prerequisite requirements beyond a relevant undergraduate degree.
  • Students must complete a total of 48 credits: 30 required credits; 12 elective credits; and 6 credits related to the MPH field experience.
  • A thesis is not required in the MPH Program, nor is it an option. Rather, students are required to perform a 6-credit field experience (300 contact hours) and complete a written report on the experience.
  • The fieldwork experience will be completed between the first and second years of the program under direct supervision of a faculty advisor and a professional mentor. The purpose of this experience is to expose students to a broad array of public health promotion strategies and interventions in multicultural settings, whether domestic or international. It allows the student to apply what has been learned in the classroom. The process will lead to the development of a product that meets the objectives of the student’s graduate project.
  • When can students begin the program and how long will it take to complete? Students will begin the program fall semester each year. Students should complete the program within a year and a half to two years. Students must be enrolled in the program on a full-time basis and will not be allowed to complete the program on a part-time basis.
  • The MPH is considered the terminal practice degree for the public health profession. However, for students interested in specialized careers in research or higher education, doctoral programs and other advanced graduate degrees are usually necessary. The MPH degree offers excellent preparation for advanced graduate study.
  • The MPH Program is located in the Department of Public Health in the College of Life Sciences. For more information, contact the MPH Office at 4103 Life Sciences Building, or 801.422.3082, or mph@byu.edu.