Master of Public Health Degree Program

M.P.H. Degree Program in Biostatistics
The primary focus of the Master of Public Health degree program in biostatistics is to prepare individuals to undertake meaningful teaching, research, and service roles in the fields of medicine and public health. Graduates of this program are expected to understand the role that statistics play in helping to identify and resolve contemporary health problems, assist in the planning and implementation of health-related studies, and undertake analysis and draw appropriate conclusions from the collected data.

M.P.H. applicants must have an advanced professional degree in a health field (M.D., D.V.M., D.D.S., D.O.), or a health-related mas-ter’s degree and at least three years’ experience directly relevant to biostatistics, or a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years’ experience relevant to biostatistics and public health.

The degree program can be completed in three academic semesters and a 10-week summer practice experience.

The total number of credits required for graduation is 42, 15 of which must be earned in Public Health core courses (PUBHLTH 540, 565, 601, 620, 630), 18 credits in Biostatistics core courses (PUBHLTH 632, 640, 691F, 741, 743), 3 credits for the practicum experience, 3 credits for the culminating experience (which may be fulfiled by an M.P.H. project, a capstone course or a comprehensive examination) and 3 credits from an elective course.

M.P.H. Degree Program in Epidemiology
The Master of Public Health degree program in epidemiology is designed for the health professional who wishes to pursue a public health degree. This generalized degree provides an opportunity to expand one’s knowledge base and broaden perspectives; develop an epidemiological orientation to public health problems; and improve methodological and quantitative skills.

M.P.H. applicants must have earned an advanced professional degree (M.D., D.V.M., D.D.S., D.O.), have completed a master’s or doctoral degree in a health-related field, or have considerable experience in a health-related field.

The degree program can be completed in three academic semesters and a 10-week summer practice experience, although many students choose to spread the program over two years.

The total number of credits required for graduation is 42, 15 of which must be earned in Public Health core courses (PUBHLTH 540, 565, 601, 620, 630), 9 credits in Epidemiology core courses (PUBHLTH 632, 640, 796 for three semesters), 3 credits for the practicum experience, 3 credits for culminating experience (which may be fulfilled either by an M.P.H. project, a capstone course, or a comprehensive exam), and 12 credits from elective courses.

All M.P.H. students are required to complete a practicum as part of their degree requirements. Culminating experience options include one or more of the following: a capstone course, an M.P.H. project or a comprehensive examination.

© 2012 University of Massachusetts AmherstSite Policies
This page is maintained by the Center for Educational Software Development