Graduate Program

Master of Public Health

The MPH degree is the most widely recognized professional credential for leadership positions in public health. This degree is appropriate for those who wish to pursue careers in epidemiology; in developing, planning, managing, or evaluating health promotion and disease prevention programs; in conducting public health related research; or advocating for public health policy. The UNF MPH Program is aligned with the Council on Education for Public Health’s (CEPH) 22 Foundational Competencies and offers concentrations in epidemiology and health promotion/health education. MPH graduates will be able to integrate and apply their knowledge to address public health problems and will possess skills and competencies necessary for public health practice in a wide range of public and private institutions. Graduates are typically employed in governmental or non-profit health agencies, health care facilities, or work site wellness programs. See our list of the Top10 Reasons to Choose UNF's MPH Program!

Program Accreditation & Professional Certification

The UNF Master of Public Health Program is nationally accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Graduates are eligible to become Certified in Public Health (CPH) by passing the CPH exam offered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE). Graduates are also eligible to become a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) by passing the exam offered by the National Commission for Health EducationCredentialing (NCHEC).

Applied Practice Experience

CEPH accredited programs are required to provide an Applied Practice Experience APE). The UNF MPH Capstone and Internship consists of two 3-credit courses taken over 2 semesters. Students set up the APE in the spring semester (PHC 6940 Public Health Capstone) and complete the 150 internship hours in the summer semester (PHC 6945 Public Health Internship). The internship is the final culminating field experience required for the MPH degree and serves as an opportunity for the student to demonstrate competency attainment through applied practice experience. To accomplish the internship objectives, practice experiences must focus on selected competencies from CEPH’s 22 Foundational Competencies for all MPH students and Concentration Competencies for either Health Promotion/Health Education or Epidemiology.

 

Integrative Learning Experience

CEPH accredited programs are required to provide an Integrative Learning Experience. Students enrolled in PHC 6940 Public Health Capstone, will individually complete an online, comprehensive case study assignment. This written product will serve as a culminating experience focusing on integrating the overarching public health competencies with the concentration specific competencies. It will address selected Competencies from CEPH’s 22 Foundational Competencies for all MPH students and Concentration Competencies for either Health Promotion/Health Education or Epidemiology.

 

Program Format

The MPH Program admits one cohort of students each fall semester. The full- time program can be completed in 2 years and the part time in 3 years (including fall, spring, and summer terms). Each course is offered in one of three ways: 1) face-to-face; 2) distance learning (DL); or 3) hybrid. Face-to-face courses meet on UNF campus, typically one night per week, 6:00-8:45pm. DL courses are offered online. Hybrid courses are a combination of the first two methods, with no more than half of classes meeting face-to-face. This format makes the UNF MPH Program very accessible to those working full time while still providing meaningful interaction with faculty and peers.