M.Ed. in Special Education
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville offers a Master of Education (M.E...
Master of Public Health
Jacksonville, Florida
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The University of North Florida (UNF), situated in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) program through its Brooks College of Health. This program is designed to prepare students for a diverse range of public health careers within public and private institutions, healthcare facilities, or worksite wellness programs. The curriculum is focused on equipping future public health professionals with the knowledge and skills to understand and address critical public health issues.
Curriculum: The UNF MPH program is a 45-credit-hour program that allows students to specialize by choosing between two distinct concentrations: Epidemiology or Social and Behavioral Science. All MPH students complete foundational core courses which typically include Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Public Health Administration and Policy, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. These core courses provide a comprehensive understanding of the five core disciplines of public health. Beyond the core, students delve into specialized courses within their chosen concentration. A significant component of the program is the Applied Practice Experience (APE), a required internship where students gain hands-on experience in a public health setting, applying classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. The program culminates in an Integrative Learning Experience (ILE), often a capstone project, where students demonstrate their synthesis of foundational and concentration competencies.
Research Focus: The MPH program at UNF emphasizes a strong research focus, training students to use data and evidence-based approaches to address public health problems. Through courses in research methods and epidemiology, students develop analytical skills crucial for conducting public health research, interpreting data, and evaluating interventions. Faculty within the Brooks College of Health are actively involved in research across various public health domains, including health systems, policy, community health promotion, epidemiology, biostatistics, and health informatics. This active research environment provides opportunities for students to engage in scholarly work, analyze public health disparities, and contribute to the scientific understanding of health issues.
Industry Engagement: UNF's MPH program is deeply committed to industry engagement, preparing graduates for immediate impact in the public health workforce. The program places a strong emphasis on practical experience through its required Applied Practice Experience (internship), where students work directly with local, state, or federal health agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare facilities, or worksite wellness programs. These partnerships provide invaluable real-world exposure, allowing students to apply their skills, build professional networks, and gain practical experience under the guidance of experienced public health professionals. The program's design aligns directly with the competencies needed for diverse public health practice settings.
Global Perspective: The Master of Public Health program at UNF inherently incorporates a global perspective by addressing health issues that transcend geographical boundaries and affect diverse populations worldwide. While specific "Global Health" concentrations might be offered at other institutions, UNF's curriculum, particularly through its core courses in epidemiology and social and behavioral sciences, prepares students to understand and tackle health disparities, disease prevention, and health promotion in a global context. The analysis of population health challenges often involves examining international trends, policies, and interventions. Graduates are equipped to work in an interconnected world, whether for international NGOs, governmental agencies dealing with global health initiatives, or local organizations serving diverse communities with global health concerns.
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 18803
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $31
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Florida (UNF) offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNF provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically to eligible applicants during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are reserved exclusively for international students. Examples include the International Freshman Scholarship and the International Transfer Scholarship, which reward high-achieving students with financial aid packages that may cover partial to full tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited for international students, some need-based financial aid options may be available through private organizations or partnerships coordinated by UNF’s financial aid office. International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship databases for additional funding opportunities.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments and colleges at UNF offer scholarships targeted to students enrolled in specific fields of study. International students can apply for these scholarships based on their major, research interests, or academic achievements within their discipline.
A Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of North Florida (UNF) is a highly impactful degree designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to address complex health challenges at a population level. With concentrations in areas like Epidemiology and Social and Behavioral Science, and a strong emphasis on practical experience through the Applied Practice Experience, UNF's MPH program prepares graduates for diverse and meaningful careers in various public, private, and non-profit settings.
Epidemiologist: Often called "disease detectives," epidemiologists investigate the patterns, causes, and effects of diseases and health conditions within populations. They collect and analyze health data, identify risk factors, and develop strategies for disease prevention and control, working for health departments, research institutions, or government agencies like the CDC.
Health Educator/Health Promotion Specialist: These professionals design, implement, and evaluate programs and campaigns to promote healthy behaviors and improve community health outcomes. They work in various settings, including public health departments, non-profit organizations, schools, hospitals, and corporations, to educate individuals and communities on topics like nutrition, physical activity, and disease prevention.
Biostatistician: With a strong analytical and quantitative skillset, biostatisticians apply statistical methods to public health data. They design research studies, analyze findings, and interpret results to answer critical public health questions, working in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, or public health agencies.
Environmental Health Specialist: These professionals assess and address environmental factors that impact human health, such as air and water quality, sanitation, and exposure to hazardous substances. They work to prevent environmentally related illnesses and promote healthier living and working conditions, often for local or state health departments.
Public Health Policy Analyst: Public Health Policy Analysts research, evaluate, and recommend policies that influence public health. They work at various levels of government, in research institutions, or for advocacy groups, using data to inform policy decisions related to healthcare access, health disparities, and public health funding.
Community Health Program Manager: These individuals plan, implement, and oversee public health programs designed to address specific health needs within communities. They manage budgets, staff, and resources, and collaborate with community stakeholders to ensure effective service delivery and positive health outcomes.
Global Health Specialist: For those interested in international health, Global Health Specialists work with international organizations (like the WHO), NGOs, and governments to address health issues affecting populations worldwide. They focus on infectious disease control, maternal and child health, nutrition, and health system strengthening in diverse global settings.
Public Health Researcher: Working in academia, research institutes, or government agencies, Public Health Researchers design and conduct studies to uncover new insights into health issues, disease patterns, and the effectiveness of interventions. They contribute to the evidence base that drives public health practice and policy.
Infection Preventionist/Infection Control Specialist: These specialists work primarily in healthcare settings (hospitals, long-term care facilities) to prevent the spread of infections. They develop and implement infection control policies, educate staff, and monitor infection rates to ensure patient and staff safety.
Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator: These professionals plan for and coordinate responses to public health emergencies, such as disease outbreaks, natural disasters, or bioterrorism threats. They develop emergency plans, conduct drills, and ensure that communities are prepared to respond effectively to public health crises.
