Master of Public Health

KU School of Medicine

Master’s in Public Health Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the Master of Public Health program at KU, students will:

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of public health principles and practices.
• Analyze health data and assess the impact of public health programs and policies.
• Design, implement, and evaluate public health interventions.
• Work effectively with diverse communities to improve health outcomes.
• Communicate public health information to stakeholders, policymakers, and the public.

What Careers Are Possible With a Master’s in Public Health?

Graduates of KU’s MPH degree program have gone on to successful careers in a variety of public health fields, including epidemiology, health policy, global health, environmental health, and health education. According to published data, KU MPH graduates have found roles in:

• Local and state public health agencies
• Non-profit organizations
• International health organizations
• Healthcare facilities and hospitals
• Research institutions

With an MPH degree, you can work in leadership positions focused on improving health outcomes, designing public health policies, conducting epidemiological research, managing health programs, and advocating for health equity.

According to Lightcast, employment for graduates with an MPH degree will increase 13% over the next 10 years, with current median compensation of $104,000/year nationally.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The cost of the MPH degree varies based on the modality of study (online, on-campus, or hybrid). For up-to-date information on tuition rates and fees, please visit the Tuition & Financial Aid page. There are also various options for financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

For information on tuition rates, financial aid opportunities, and how to apply for financial assistance, please visit KU Financial Aid.

Admission Requirements

The Master of Public Health program at KU has specific admission requirements that help ensure students are ready to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field. Requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (any field of study is acceptable, though a background in health, biology, or social sciences may be beneficial), including an official transcript.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 in your undergraduate coursework.
• Three letters of recommendation from academic advisers, supervisors, or other qualified professionals who can evaluate your readiness for graduate-level study. Letters from family members, friends, or political figures are not accepted.
• Résumé or CV. One or more years of responsible work experience in the health field or a degree in a recognized health profession is preferred.
• 1-2 page personal statement describing career goals and motivation for seeking post-graduate training in public health.
• One semester of an upper-level math course is required to enter the Public Health Practice or Online Generalist concentration.
• One semester of calculus is required to enter the Epidemiology concentration.

Note: A criminal background check is required prior to final enrollment. Applicants who receive an offer of admission will receive separate instructions for completing this step.

For more details, please visit the Department of Population Health.

Student Life and Learning Experiences

At KU, students have the opportunity to engage in research initiatives and hands-on learning experiences that make a real-world impact on public health issues. From community health programs to international health initiatives, students can apply their learning in diverse environments.

KU’s MPH students benefit from a dynamic learning environment, whether studying on-campus or online. Students have access to various networking events, professional development opportunities, and student organizations, including:

• Public Health Student Organization
• Global Health Interest Group
• KU Public Health Case Competitions

These activities provide opportunities for students to connect with peers, faculty, and industry professionals.

Master’s in Public Health Sample Courses

KU’s MPH degree offers a comprehensive and practical curriculum designed to prepare you for diverse careers in public health. Some of the courses included in the program are:

• Principles of Epidemiology
• Community Health Assessment, Intervention, and Advocacy
• Leadership in Public Health
• Environmental Health
• Management of Public Health Data
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology (Epidemiology concentration)

You can explore additional courses and descriptions directly from the KU Course Catalog.

Accreditation & Notes