Program Overview

Department of Public Health

The Department of Public Health is located in the College of Health and Human Sciences at San Jose State University.

Master of Public Health

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at San Jose State University was founded in 1970 to prepare community health education practitioners. The program has been continuously accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) since 1974.

Program Specialization

The MPH program offers a specialization in Community Health Education in two formats:

• Campus (Regular Session)
• Online (Special Session through Professional and Global Engagement)

Program Duration

The MPH degree on Campus offers students the flexibility to complete their degree in 2 years or more, depending on personal circumstances. The Online option is a fast-paced, 24-month program of study.

Program Mission

The program's essential mission is to provide professional education that prepares both students and graduates with knowledge, conceptual frameworks, health education, and public health competencies. The goal is to enable students to operate programs, build community capacity, advocate for policy and health equity, and contribute to evidence-based public health practice.

Ultimate Goal

The ultimate goal of the program is to achieve public health and social justice through planned, organized, and empowering community efforts.

MPH Curriculum

The MPH curriculum includes:

• Culminating Experience
• Fieldwork: 291 Series
• Health Education Core Courses
• Public Health Core Courses

Admissions

For admission requirements, deadlines, and application procedures, please refer to the Admissions page and the Admissions Information Packet.

Careers in Public Health

Graduates of the MPH program can pursue various careers, including:

• Community Health Specialist
• Health Promotion Coordinator
• Health or Public Policy Aide
• Biotech Research and Development Specialist
• Health Communications Specialist
• Health Educator/Program Coordinator
• International Health Worker
• Epidemiologist
• Poison Prevention Coordinator
• Emergency Preparedness Specialist
• Training Coordinator
• Clinical Health Education Specialist
• Patient Navigator
• Allied Health Professional
• Community Organizer
• Researcher
• Study Coordinator
• Health & Social Marketing Designer
• Activist

Accreditation

The MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

LGBT and HIV Scholarship

The program offers an LGBT and HIV Scholarship.

MPH Information Sessions

The program hosts MPH Information Sessions, which include a program presentation and Q&A segment. These sessions provide an opportunity to ask program questions and meet faculty members.