Program Requirements
MPH students must complete the prescribed coursework. In addition, they must complete a capstone intellectual product (master’s essay) under the guidance of a faculty committee and register for a practicum experience. Students will take the school-wide core courses as part of the required credits to complete their degree. The curriculum consists of 45 credits typically completed over two years.
General Requirements for Master’s Degrees
(Note: This is not a complete list of requirements)
All master’s degree-seeking students must:
- Complete the school-wide core courses required for their program, and complete and submit the thesis or essay
- Fulfill the program’s core course requirements, including required courses, and any field work, and examinations
- Register for two terms of Public Health Grand Rounds
- Complete the online Academic Integrity Module in the first semester
- Submit a master’s thesis or essay
Thesis or Essay
All master’s students must complete a minimum of two essay/special study credits and meet the master’s thesis/essay requirement. Program listings will specify the type of master’s paper required. The form of the essay or thesis must be in accord with specifications stipulated in the University’s Style and Form Manual or the ETD Format Guidelines Manual. The electronic copy of the thesis/essay must be uploaded and all required paperwork submitted to Joanne Pegher by the deadline posted for that graduation term.
MPH students who have been permitted to submit an article accepted for publication in lieu of the essay must meet the margin requirements and submit a committee signature sheet and title page patterned after that in the Style and Form Manual or the ETD Format Guidelines Manual. If there are multiple authors, a statement should be included explaining the role of each author. All essays must be read and approved by two faculty representing two different University of Pittsburgh Pitt Public Health departments. MS theses require approval by three readers.
Requirements for the MPH Degree:
The MPH in Health Policy and Management (HPM) prepares students for careers as public policy analysts, advocates for public health and high quality care, and professionals engaged in the development and implementation of health policies. The program provides professional development through a combination of coursework, a health policy or management related practicum, a Public Health Leader-in-Residence, and other curricular activities.
This two-year, 45-credit Program prepares students for careers in both health policy development, analysis and advocacy and program and organization management in public health agencies, foundations, other nonprofits and the private sector. Graduates of our MPH Program should be well-prepared to pass the Certification in Public Health (CPH) exam, pursue related Doctoral studies and/or obtain professional employment in public health and related sectors, nationally and globally.
In order to be eligible for graduation, students must complete 45 credit hours with a B average or better including a supervised practicum, and prepare a scholarly master’s essay relating to culminating experience. The curriculum includes the GSPH core courses, the required MPH core and elective courses offered within and outside of the schools of health sciences.
MPH Curriculum
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