Public Health, MPH

The Master of Public Health (MPH) is a 46-credit degree program that prepares individuals to improve the health of the population through evidence-based practice and research.

Coursework and the practice experience provide students with a foundation in the basic disciplines of public health, while allowing them to pursue individual interests and build upon existing strengths and previous experiences. Students further their knowledge and develop analytical skills to define, evaluate and solve complex problems encountered in public health and health care systems. 

PRACTICE EXPERIENCE

The MPH Practice Experience is a structured project or activity that immerses students in one or more aspects of public health operations under the guidance of a preceptor. This fieldwork gives students the chance to apply their academic training in a professional setting. Students build on their skills and knowledge as they work under the guidance of and with public health practitioners. Many students find their practice experience informs their future career choices.

Students complete a minimum of 200 hours of fieldwork and earn three (3) credit hours towards graduation. Registration is required into PUBH 6800 Practice Experience to earn credit.  It is advised to register for the Practice Experience prior to the final semester of the academic program.

As a minimum requirement, all MPH students must complete and pass at least 10 credit hours including the BIOS core OR EPID core and program-specific core before beginning the Practice Experience.  The Practice Experience is available only in fall and summer semesters.

INTEGRATIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Our professional standards from CEPH state that “All professional degree programs shall assure that each student demonstrates skills and integration of knowledge through a culminating experience. The student is required to synthesize and integrate knowledge acquired in coursework and other learning experiences and to apply theory and principles in a situation that approximates some aspects of professional practice.” LSUHSC SPH accomplishes this through PUBH 6600, a case-study based approach with interdisciplinary teams of students working together to address real-world scenarios and emerging issues in public health.  They are able to refine their teaming skills, demonstrate higher-level concentration competencies, and gain valuable practice in communication. 

Students must complete the five core courses from each program prior to registration for PUBH 6600.  Please note this course is only available in spring semesters.

Assessment is conducted at multiple levels from self/individual reflection, peer evaluation and traditional faculty feedback. 

TIME TO DEGREE COMPLETION

All work towards a Master of Public Health degree must be completed in not more than four years. An accelerated track may be pursued (minimum one year), but no modifications to the degree requirements are permitted. Any requests for extension of this policy are subject to approval by the Program Director and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.