M.S. in Clinical Investigation and Development
The M.S. in Clinical Investigation and Development is a 36-credit master's degree p...
Master of Public Health
Boston
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The MPH program at MCPHS is a flexible graduate degree available for full-time or part-time study, with options for on-campus learning in Boston or online delivery. It is designed to prepare graduates to develop strategies that address complex health issues, providing a comprehensive understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods, environmental health sciences, health policy, and community health. Depending on the chosen format, the program typically requires two or more years to complete. It aims to develop leaders who can make a measurable difference in their communities and globally.
STEM-Designated: Yes, the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at MCPHS University is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage for international students on an F-1 visa who choose the on-campus delivery of the curriculum. It allows them to qualify for an additional two years of Optional Practical Training (OPT), providing a total of three years of work authorization in the United States after graduation.
CEPH-Accredited: Yes, the Master of Public Health program at MCPHS University is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). CEPH is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools of public health and public health programs outside of schools of public health. This accreditation signifies that the program meets rigorous standards for quality public health education and training, ensuring that graduates receive appropriate content, have qualified faculty, and are prepared for excellence in practice, research, and service.
Curriculum: The MPH curriculum at MCPHS is comprehensive, typically covering 42 credits. It provides an in-depth survey of public health disciplines. Core coursework includes foundational areas such as Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Community Health Science and Practice, Qualitative Research Methods in Public Health, Environmental Health Sciences, Health Policy and Management, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. The program also focuses on health promotion and education. Students gain practical experience through a required field placement (240 hours) in public health settings, such as hospitals, public health departments, or community organizations. The curriculum is designed to ensure students meet the 22 foundational competencies and five program-specific competencies established by CEPH.
Research Focus: The MPH program at MCPHS places a strong emphasis on developing students' research and analytical capabilities. The curriculum includes dedicated courses in quantitative and qualitative research methods, biostatistics, and epidemiology, which are foundational for conducting and interpreting public health research. Students are trained to analyze data, investigate health patterns and causes of disease, and apply evidence-based approaches to public health challenges. The required field experience and capstone projects often involve practical research or program evaluation, allowing students to apply their methodological skills to real-world public health issues. Faculty research interests in areas like environmental health and health disparities further enrich the program's research-informed approach.
Industry Engagement: MCPHS University is deeply integrated into the healthcare and public health landscape, which significantly benefits its MPH program. Situated in the Longwood Medical Area, students have access to a vast network of prestigious medical institutions, public health organizations, and community agencies for field placements and networking. The program's faculty includes experienced public health professionals and scholars who bring real-world insights into the classroom. Fieldwork placements are a crucial component of the curriculum, providing students with direct, hands-on experience at various sites like Spaulding Hospital, Onyx Pharmaceuticals, and Reliant Medical Group. This strong industry engagement ensures that the curriculum remains relevant to current public health needs and provides graduates with valuable professional connections.
Global Perspective: The Master of Public Health program at MCPHS inherently integrates a global perspective, recognizing that public health challenges extend beyond national borders. The curriculum explores health issues from both local and global viewpoints, preparing students to address health disparities and promote wellness on an international scale. The program's director highlights the importance of "global health" as a large piece of public health, and the curriculum requires field experience, offering opportunities for international travel courses and field placements through partnerships like Child Family Health International (CFHI) in locations such as Uganda, India, and Mexico. These experiences provide students with direct immersion in other cultures, fostering cultural competency and a deeper understanding of community-oriented public health efforts worldwide.
Location
Boston
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
USD 27825
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
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 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 73 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students to help make their education more affordable and accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and financial need, enabling talented students from around the world to pursue their healthcare education without financial burden.
Merit-Based Scholarships: MCPHS provides merit-based scholarships that reward outstanding academic performance. International students with strong academic records, competitive test scores, and leadership potential may qualify for these scholarships, which can cover a significant portion of tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited, some need-based scholarships and financial aid options are available to international students who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must provide evidence of their financial status and submit the required documentation during the admission process.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain colleges and departments within MCPHS offer specialized scholarships tailored to specific health science programs such as Pharmacy, Nursing, Physician Assistant Studies, and Public Health. These scholarships often prioritize candidates pursuing high-demand healthcare fields.
International Student Scholarship Opportunities: MCPHS frequently offers dedicated international student scholarships aimed at encouraging a diverse student body. These scholarships are competitive and awarded based on academic merit, leadership, and contributions to the community.
External Scholarships and Partnerships: International students at MCPHS are encouraged to explore external scholarship programs and partnerships offered by governments, private foundations, and international organizations. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for these opportunities.
A Master of Public Health (MPH) from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) provides graduates with the essential skills and knowledge to lead impactful change in community and global health.
Epidemiologist: Graduates investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in populations. They work for state and local health departments, federal agencies (like the CDC), hospitals, or research institutions, using data to inform public health policy and interventions.
Biostatistician (Entry-Level/Applied): Applying statistical methods to health data, graduates help analyze public health trends, evaluate the effectiveness of health interventions, and contribute to research in diverse settings, including government, academia, and pharmaceutical companies.
Health Educator/Health Promotion Specialist: These professionals design, implement, and evaluate health education programs that promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease in communities. They often work in non-profits, community health centers, schools, or public health departments.
Environmental Health Scientist: Graduates focus on the impact of environmental factors on human health. They identify and assess environmental hazards, develop strategies to mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations, working for government agencies, consulting firms, or industrial organizations.
Public Health Program Manager/Coordinator: In this role, graduates oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health programs or initiatives. They manage budgets, teams, and partnerships to achieve public health goals in government, non-profits, or healthcare systems.
Health Policy Analyst: Graduates analyze existing health policies, propose new ones, and assess their potential impact on public health. They work for government agencies, advocacy groups, think tanks, or healthcare organizations, influencing health legislation and regulations.
Community Health Worker Supervisor/Program Lead: Leveraging their understanding of community health, graduates can lead teams or programs that connect underserved populations with essential health services and resources, addressing health disparities at the grassroots level.
Infectious Disease Investigator: Especially critical in the wake of global health crises, graduates can work for public health departments or research institutions to trace disease outbreaks, identify sources of infection, and implement control measures.
Data Analyst (Public Health): Graduates with strong quantitative skills can collect, organize, and interpret large public health datasets to identify trends, evaluate interventions, and inform decision-making in various public health agencies and research centers.
Global Health Specialist: With a strong global perspective fostered by the program, graduates can work for international NGOs, governmental agencies, or non-profits on global health initiatives, addressing health challenges in developing countries, working on projects related to maternal and child health, infectious diseases, or health equity.
