Graduate Academic Programs

Master's Degree Programs

Master of Public Health Degree (MPH), Public Health Major

Description of Program

IU’s degrees in public health prepare students to promote the health of the general public by assuming leadership roles that influence education, policy development, advocacy efforts, research, and program development, implementation, and evaluation. Students in the public health degree programs examine a range of critical health issues facing communities both domestically and abroad.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 43 graduate credit hours is required for this program.  A minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. A minimum grade of C– is required in each course. A minimum of 20 credits must be in the Department of Applied Health Science. All electives for completing the degree must be approved by the advisor. Prerequisite courses may be prescribed for students lacking sufficient background for graduate study in public health.

Master of Public Health Degree Requirements (43 credits)

Public Health Core Requirement (15 credits)
Complete each of the following courses:

  • HPER-C 589 Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health (3 cr.)
  • HPER-C 591 Public Health Statistics (3 cr.)
  • HPER-C 512 Environmental Health Science (3 cr.)
  • HPER-C 611 Epidemiology (3 cr.)
  • HPER-C 510 Organization and Administration of Public Health Programs (3 cr.)

Concentration Requirement (28 credits)
Complete each of the following courses:

  • HPER-C 501 Assessment & Planning in Public Health (3 cr.)
  • HPER-C 505 Public Health Foundations & Leadership (3 cr.)
  • HPER-C 529 Health and Disease Disparities in Diverse Communities (3 cr.)
  • HPER-C 602 Intervention Design in Public Health (3 cr.) (p: C589 and C501)
  • HPER-C 644 Field Experience in Public Health (5 cr.) (prerequisite: GPA of at least 3.0)
  • HPER-C 650 MPH Culminating Experience (2 cr.)
  • HPER-H 594 Health Program Evaluation (3 cr.)
  • Electives by approval of advisor (minimum 6 cr.)
Special Opportunities

Degree programs in public health balance theoretical knowledge with professional experience through internships and opportunities to work with faculty on research, teaching, and service projects. The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree program is accredited by the Council for Education in Public Health (CEPH) and has a major in social, behavioral, and community health.

Careers

Public interest in a healthy lifestyle is increasing the demand for public health professionals. Public health careers can be found in local, state, and federal government; nonprofit organizations; businesses and corporations; hospitals; county health departments; universities; and with health foundations and health-based grant projects. A public health degree can lead to career positions such as the following:

  • Biostatistician
  • Disease Prevention Manager
  • Environmental Health Specialist
  • Health Data Analyst
  • Health Promotion Specialist
  • Maternal and Child Health Specialist
  • Public Health Educator
  • Public Health Epidemiologist
  • Public Health Researcher
  • Sexual Health Educator
  • Technical Advisor for HIV/AIDS Programs
  • Vaccine Advisor and Program Manager
  • Youth Tobacco Prevention Coordinator

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