Public Health, M.P.H.
School of Public Health
The WVU School of Public Health offers an Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree with an emphasis in Public Health Practice and Leadership (PHPL). This program dives deep into the social and political systems that shape population health. You'll learn to design, implement, and manage broad, system-level strategies to improve health outcomes. Whether it's through public health agencies, not-for-profit organizations, healthcare settings, or government policies at any level, you'll be equipped to lead and innovate for a healthier future.
Cost:
$894 / Cost per credit hour *
Courses and Credits:
18 Courses / 45 Credits
Duration:
Two to four years / 16-week terms
Dates:
Next Start: August 20, 2025 Admission Terms: Fall, Spring
Learning Format:
Online asynchronous
Program Overview
The WVU Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is a multidisciplinary professional degree focused on the application of science, research and theoretical knowledge toward the prevention of disease and improving health and well-being. MPH graduates possess a broad array of skills needed to address challenges affecting communities, including engaging and working with diverse people across sectors, educating the public about best practices in health, and advocating for policy- and systems-level changes that impacts entire populations.
- Balanced Curriculum: Gain a strong foundation in public health theory while applying your skills in real-world settings through hands-on professional practice.
- Leadership-Focused: Prepare for roles as public health leaders, policy analysts, program evaluators, and health advocates.
- Career Versatility: Work in health departments, clinics, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations—or continue on to doctoral study.
- Community Impact: Learn to develop and implement evidence-based solutions that improve health outcomes at the population level.
- Collaborative Skills: Build the ability to engage diverse communities, educate the public, and advocate for systems-level change.
Curriculum
Lead Change. Improve Community Health.
- Explain public health history, philosophy and values
- Identify the core functions of public health and the 10 Essential Services
- Explain the role of quantitative and qualitative methods and sciences in describing and assessing a population’s health
- List major causes and trends of morbidity and mortality in the U.S. or other community relevant to the school or program, with attention to disparities among populations, e.g., socioeconomic, ethnic, gender, racial, etc.
- Discuss the science of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention in population health, including health promotion, screening, etc.
- Explain the critical importance of evidence in advancing public health knowledge
- Explain effects of environmental factors on a population’s health
- Explain biological and genetic factors that affect a population’s health
- Explain behavioral and psychological factors that affect a population’s health
- Explain the cultural, social, political, and economic determinants of health and how the determinants relate to population health and health inequities
- Explain how globalization affects global burdens of disease
- Explain an ecological perspective on the connections among human health, animal health and ecosystem health (e.g., One Health)
- BIOS 501: Applied Biostatistics I
- BIOS 502: Applied Biostatistics Lab
- EPID 501: Epidemiology for Public Health
- PUBH 510: Contemporary Foundations of Public Health Practice
- PUBH 520: Building and Sustaining Public Health Capacity
- PUBH 521: Public Health Prevention and Intervention
- PUBH 540: Leading and Managing Health Organizations
- PUBH 541: Systems Thinking in Public Health Practice
- PUBH 613: Public Health Program Evaluation
- PUBH 629: MPH Capstone
- PUBH 630: MPH Field Practicum
- PUBH 696: Graduate Seminar
- General Elective*
- Applied Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Public Health Practice and Leadership
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
Admissions Requirements and Eligibility
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (preferred)
- WVU requires international students to submit English proficiency scores. Minimum
score requirements are as follows:
Admissions Process and How to Apply
The application deadline for the Fall 2025 entry term has been extended to July 15, 2025
- Submit as soon as possible. Do not wait for SOPHAS to receive transcripts, recommendations, or test scores.
- Allow up to four weeks for SOPHAS to verify and process your application.
- Applications must be complete and verified by SOPHAS by the following deadlines:
- June 15 for Fall admission (April 15th for international applicants)
- November 20 for Spring admission (October 15th for international applicants)
- Upon acceptance from SOPHAS, students will receive correspondence from the WVU School of Public Health regarding their acceptance and instructions to complete the WVU Graduate application.
- All application information submitted to SOPHAS will be transferred directly to WVU Admissions
- Please note: There are both SOPHAS and WVU application fees.
- A statement of purpose and objectives
- Two letters of reference
- A current resume/curriculum vitae
- All university transcripts (SOPHAS requires original transcripts from ALL U.S. institutions attended, even study abroad)
- International students must submit English language proficiency test score(s).
Please note: The GRE requirement has been removed for the current application cycle. However, should you choose to submit your official GRE test scores, use WVU School of Public Health SOPHAS GRE code: 0157
Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
- File the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the June deadline to determine eligibility for funding and scholarships.
- Inquire with your employer about potential financial support for continuing your education.
Connect with Our Team
Jessica Carr Online Admissions Coach
(304) 293-6841 Jessica.Carr1@mail.wvu.edu
Explore Profile Schedule Chat
Careers and Employment
After graduating from the MPH program, you can look forward to a wide range of career opportunities in a growing field that is essential to the well-being of individuals and communities. With their skills and knowledge, they can play an important role in improving health outcomes and addressing some of the most pressing public health challenges of our time.
Some of the emerging areas of public health that MPH graduates may find particularly promising include global health, health equity and social justice, digital health, and environmental health. As society becomes more aware of the importance of public health, the demand for qualified professionals in these areas is likely to increase.
Career Paths
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Epidemiologist: An epidemiologist studies the causes and patterns of disease in populations. They design and conduct studies, collect and analyze data, and communicate findings to policymakers and the public.
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Health Educator: Health educators develop and implement programs that promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, community organizations, and healthcare facilities.
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Public Health Consultant: Public health consultants work with organizations and agencies to develop and implement public health policies and programs. They may provide guidance on disease prevention, health promotion, or emergency preparedness.
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Biostatistician: Biostatisticians use statistical methods to analyze public health data and help researchers and policymakers understand health trends and patterns. They work in a variety of settings, including academic institutions, government agencies, and healthcare organizations.
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Health Policy Analyst: Health policy analysts’ study and analyze health policies and programs to assess their effectiveness and make recommendations for improvement. They may work in government agencies, advocacy organizations, or consulting firms.
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Environmental Health Specialist: Environmental health specialists investigate and evaluate environmental factors that can impact human health, such as air and water quality, food safety, and hazardous waste. They may work in government agencies, consulting firms, or non-profit organizations.
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Global Health Specialist: Global health specialists work to address health issues and diseases that affect populations around the world. They may work for international organizations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.