Program Overview

Master of Public Health with a Concentration in Population Health

The Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Population Health is an individualized concentration designed for professionals working in healthcare-related fields or for students enrolled in one of our coordinated degree programs. This concentration provides insight into the critical role that public health plays in targeting solutions at the population level.

Curriculum

Students in this concentration must complete 42 credit hours of public health-related coursework, including:

• The 14-hour MPH core based on the Evidence-Based Public Health framework
• A 3-hour course on multidisciplinary perspectives on Population Health
• An Applied Practice Experience (Internship)
• An Integrative Learning Experience (Capstone) In addition, students select from all available master's-level courses to design a curriculum that supports their career goals.

Procedures for Designating Population Health Concentration Competencies

All MPH concentrations accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) require that graduates demonstrate at least five competencies in addition to the foundational competencies common to all CEPH-accredited MPH programs. As an individualized concentration, Population Health students have the opportunity to pursue a set of competencies uniquely suited to their particular career goals.

Admission

To apply for this degree, applicants must meet the general admission requirements for the Master of Public Health degree program. The application process involves submitting an initial application packet through the SOPHAS application system, followed by a supplemental application through the UAB Graduate School website upon acceptance.

Format and Duration

The program is offered in both online and in-class formats. Full-time students generally complete this degree in two years or less (four-to-five semesters).

Student Spotlight

The program attracts individuals from various healthcare backgrounds who are looking to expand their knowledge in public health to better serve vulnerable populations. For example, a student who worked as an ER nurse pursued the MPH in Population Health to educate the public on preventable illnesses and promote health education in rural areas.

Research Areas

The School of Public Health encompasses several departments, including:

• Biostatistics
• Environmental Health Sciences
• Epidemiology
• Health Behavior
• Health Policy and Organization Students can select courses from these departments as well as from the Global Health program to tailor their curriculum according to their career objectives.

Accreditation

The MPH program, including the Population Health concentration, is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), ensuring that graduates meet the highest standards in public health education.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MPH in Population Health are equipped to work in a variety of settings, including healthcare organizations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry, focusing on health education, policy development, research, and program management aimed at improving population health.