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Master of Public Health

The Colorado School of Public Health Master of Public Health (MPH) program offers students comprehensive training in the science of public health, training students for a variety of public health careers.

The Colorado School of Public Health offers the MPH at all three institutional campuses. Each campus offers different areas of study and students are encouraged to select a primary campus based on the area of study to which they apply. However, all students receive the same foundational, core curriculum regardless of campus or area of study. And as an accredited school, our MPH graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified in Public Health examination.

The 42 credit hour program is designed to be completed in two years, depending upon a student's course selection; taking no more than 15 credits per semester and lasting no more than 5 years. In addition, each MPH concentration includes a practicum and capstone as part of the school's practice-based learning curriculum.

Areas of Study

The Master of Public Health is offered at all three Colorado School of Public Health campuses. Students can earn their degree in a variety of program areas tailored to match the research and educational strenghts of the program's home campus:

Animals, People and the Environment | Colorado State University

Applied Biostatistics | University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Community and Behavioral Health | University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Community Health Education | University of Northern Colorado

Environmental and Occupational Health | Colorado State University

Environmental and Occupational Health | University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Epidemiology | Colorado State University

Epidemiology | University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Global Health and Health Disparities | Colorado State University

Health Communication | Colorado State University

Health Systems, Management and Policy | University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Physical Activity and Healthy Lifestyles | Colorado State University

Public Health Nutrition | Colorado State University

Program highlights and options:

Students interested in Peace Corps service many pursue the Master of Public Health program at Colorado State University in coordination with the CSU Master's International program. Learn more

Students interested in a joint degree can select from additional programs at the University of Colorado's Denver Campus, Anschutz Medical Campus, or Colorado State University. Learn more

Core Curriculum | Program Competencies (PDF)

Core MPH requirements are consistent across the school unless otherwise published by individual concentrations or focus areas. See specific concentration/focus area for exceptions.

Requirements:

Course Requirements	Course #	Credits	Year
Applied Biostatistics I	BIOS 6601	3 credit hrs	1
Epidemiology	EPID 6630	3 credit hrs	1
Intro to Environmental & Occupational Health	EHOH 6614	3 credit hrs	1
Social & Behavioral Factors & Health	CBHS 6610	3 credit hrs	1
Health Systems and Management	HSMP 6603	3 credit hrs	1
Foundations in Public Health	PUBH 6600	2 credit hrs	1
Practicum	PUBH 6606	2 credit hrs	2
MPH Masters Project	PUBH 6955	2 credit hrs	2
Concentration Requirements		12 credit hrs	1-2
Electives		9 credit hrs	1-2
Total Program Credits		42

Practice Based Learning

The Practice Based Learning curriculum is the culminating course series for all MPH students, combining the MPH practicum and capstone project.

Practicum – 2 Credits
Students are expected to complete a practical experience following their first year of required courses. Students will work with the practicum coordinator to find an appropriate site to complete 120 field hours in their chosen area of study. Practicum sites may include health departments or other governmental agencies, medical centers, community-based organizations, related private industry, community-based research projects or research centers. Sponsoring sites designate a qualified member of their staff to serve as the student’s preceptor. Preceptors will guide the student’s experience on site, helping him/her think critically about the meaning of activities, while facilitating interactions with staff and community members.

Contact
Jan Gascoigne, PhD

Capstone Experience 1-2 Credits
The culminating academic experience for the MPH program is a Masters Project (or publishable paper) that benefits the community or particular target population. Projects must contribute meaningfully to the current body of knowledge in the field and may include creating a program plan, program evaluation, or policy initiative . The project will often be connected to the practicum experience by addressing a need identified by the host site. The project or paper should relate to a student’s academic goals and professional interests, as well as demonstrate the student’s ability to work independently at the master’s level. The final products will be a professional oral and poster presentation at the CSPH Public Health Forum, and a 8-10 page reflective paper addressing the student’s experience. Students who complete a Masters Project will receive 2 credits for the Capstone Experience that includes the project; students who choose to produce a publishable paper will receive 1 credit for the Capstone Experience and 3 credits (2 denoted as general elective credits) for the paper. Assigned faculty members and site preceptors provide ongoing support and guidance to students during the project.

Contacts
Marci Sontag, PhD | Lucinda Bryant, PhD | Dennis Lezotte, PhD