Table of contents:
Program Overview
The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of North Carolina is a rigorous and comprehensive graduate program that prepares students to become leaders in public health practice, research, and policy. The program’s mission is to advance the health of populations through education, research, and service.
The MPH program at UNC has a long and distinguished history, and it is consistently ranked among the top programs in the nation. The program offers a wide range of concentrations, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests. Students can choose from concentrations in areas such as biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, health behavior, and social and behavioral sciences.
The MPH program at UNC is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experience they need to make a difference in the world. Graduates of the program are employed in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry. They are working to improve the health of communities around the world.
Program Strengths
The MPH program at UNC has a number of strengths that make it a top choice for students interested in pursuing a career in public health. These strengths include:
- A strong faculty with expertise in a wide range of public health disciplines.
- A diverse student body with a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
- A commitment to experiential learning, with opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in the field.
- A supportive and collaborative learning environment.
- A strong alumni network that provides students with opportunities for networking and mentorship.
Curriculum
The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of North Carolina offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex public health challenges. The program consists of a core of foundational courses, complemented by a wide range of concentrations and elective options.
The core courses provide a strong foundation in the core disciplines of public health, including biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, health policy, and social and behavioral sciences. These courses are designed to develop students’ critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Core Courses
- Biostatistics I and II
- Epidemiology I and II
- Environmental Health
- Health Policy
- Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health
Concentrations
Students can choose to specialize in one of six concentrations: Community Health Education, Epidemiology, Environmental Health, Global Health, Health Policy and Management, and Maternal and Child Health.
Each concentration offers a tailored curriculum that delves into the specific knowledge and skills required for success in that field. For example, the Epidemiology concentration includes courses in advanced epidemiologic methods, infectious disease epidemiology, and chronic disease epidemiology.
Flexibility and Customization
The MPH program at UNC is designed to be flexible and customizable to meet the needs of individual students. Students can choose to complete the program in two years of full-time study or three years of part-time study.
In addition to the core courses and concentrations, students can choose from a wide range of elective courses to tailor their program to their specific interests and career goals. These electives include topics such as health communication, program planning and evaluation, and health disparities.
Faculty and Research
The MPH program at the University of North Carolina boasts an esteemed faculty of renowned scholars and practitioners in the field of public health. Their expertise encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and environmental health.
Our faculty members are actively engaged in cutting-edge research that addresses critical public health issues. They collaborate with leading institutions and organizations worldwide, contributing to advancements in disease prevention, health promotion, and healthcare delivery.
Research Facilities and Opportunities
The program is supported by state-of-the-art research facilities that provide students with hands-on experience in data analysis, field research, and laboratory techniques. Students have access to the Carolina Population Center, a renowned hub for population health research, as well as the Gillings School of Global Public Health’s extensive research network.
The program offers numerous opportunities for students to participate in research projects, both within the university and in collaboration with external partners. These experiences provide valuable training in research design, data collection, and analysis, preparing students for careers in public health research and practice.
Career Outcomes
The University of North Carolina’s Master of Public Health program prepares graduates for successful careers in various fields of public health.
Graduates pursue positions in diverse sectors, including healthcare, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and research institutions.
Types of Positions
- Epidemiologist
- Health Policy Analyst
- Program Manager
- Data Analyst
- Environmental Health Specialist
Industries
- Public Health
- Healthcare
- Government
- Non-profit Organizations
- Research
Alumni Testimonials
“The MPH program at UNC provided me with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in my career as an epidemiologist. I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in pursuing a career in public health.”
– Dr. Emily Carter, MPH ’15
Admissions and Financial Aid
The University of North Carolina’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program welcomes applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. The admissions process is competitive, and the program seeks students who demonstrate a strong academic record, a commitment to public health, and a desire to make a positive impact on the community.
To apply to the MPH program, applicants must submit the following materials:
- A completed online application
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
- A personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- A resume or curriculum vitae
The admissions committee reviews applications holistically, considering all aspects of the applicant’s background and qualifications. The program seeks students who have a strong academic record, a commitment to public health, and a desire to make a positive impact on the community.
The MPH program at UNC offers a variety of financial aid options to assist students with the cost of attendance. These options include:
- Scholarships
- Fellowships
- Assistantships
The program also offers a number of payment plans to help students manage the cost of attendance. For more information on financial aid, please visit the UNC School of Public Health website.
The cost of attendance for the MPH program at UNC varies depending on the student’s residency status and the number of credit hours taken per semester. For more information on the cost of attendance, please visit the UNC School of Public Health website.
