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, or in conducting public health related research. The UNF MPH Program prepares students with a broad understanding of the core areas of public health combined with a focus on one of two concentrations: epidemiology or 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, work site wellness programs or school settings. See our list of the Top 10 Reasons to Choose UNF's MPH Program!

Program Accreditation & Professional Certification

The UNF MPH 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). This certification is only available to graduates of CEPH accredited programs. Graduates are also eligible to become a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) by passing the exam offered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC).

MPH Curriculum

The curriculum includes coursework in the five core areas of public health (Health Behavior, Biostatistics/Research, Epidemiology, Health Services Organization, and Environmental Health), and the epidemiology or the Health Promotion/Health Education concentration. The curriculum focuses on knowledge and skills for assessing, understanding, and modifying factors that influence population health including socio-economic conditions, political systems and policies, cultural beliefs and practices, behavioral risk factors, and environmental exposures. 

Internship

Accredited MPH programs are required to provide a Culminating Experience and a Public Health Practice Experience. UNF’s program accomplishes these objectives through the Capstone and Internship courses, completed in the final 2 terms of the program. Typical student internships are focused on planning, implementing, and/or evaluating health programs, grant writing and submission, or conducting research projects.  Internship sites are chosen by the student. Sites are generally flexible in scheduling hours as most students work full time. A passing score on the Certified in Public Health (CPH) examination is required to obtain this degree. Students may take the CPH exam after completing the core requirements for the MPH degree (see the Program of Study for a list of these courses). 

Program Format 

The MPH Program is offered in a hybrid format - students can complete the program in two years meeting on campus one night per week on average. The Program admits one cohort of students each fall semester.  Students may opt for the full time or part-time sequence. The full time program can be completed in 2 years (including fall, spring, and summer terms). The part-time sequence can be completed in 3 years.  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.

Program of Study