Public Health, MPH
The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) Master of Public Health Program is a university-wide, interdisciplinary and interprofessional graduate program. The Penn MPH Program prepares students to be public health leaders by integrating research, education, and service to promote the health of populations locally, nationally, and globally. With a 5:1 student to faculty ratio, students have access to public health experts who will mentor them from coursework through their Capstone projects. The program is flexible, allowing for both full-time and part-time study. Students typically complete the program in two years as a full-time student or three years as a part-time student. All MPH students have the same core requirements, including 6 required core courses, two semesters of Capstone Seminar, and an Applied Practice Experience. Students take 6 electives based on their chosen track. As part of their choice of electives, students can take up to 3 graduate-level public health courses from anywhere across the University to leverage the program's interdisciplinary nature.
Generalist Track
The Generalist Track offers students the opportunity to develop an individualized program of study in their six elective courses. The flexibility of this track allows students to focus on the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities they seek from a broad and deep set of electives, Applied Practice Experience (APE), and Capstone Project. Students on the Generalist Track can explore different public health topics in their training, including public health policy, applied or social epidemiology, public health nutrition, mental health, LGBTQ+ health, substance use, policing and carceral spaces, environmental health, and more.
Global Health Track
The Global Health Track allows students to specialize in the theory and practice of global public health through their six electives, Applied Practice Experience (APE), and Capstone Project. The Global Health Track works closely with the Center for Global Health, which offers a vast network of faculty and facilitates connections for students to explore global experiences that could satisfy APE or Capstone.
One Health Track
The One Health Track is designed specifically for students who are interested in the intersection between animals, humans, and the environment, which they explore through their six electives, Applied Practice Experience (APE), and Capstone Project. Key strengths of this track are the close ties between the MPH program and the School of Veterinary Medicine, who are leaders in the field of One Health.
Epidemiology Track
The Epidemiology Track offers a highly focused curriculum specifically for MPH applicants with career goals as a research epidemiologist, data analyst, or epidemiologic practitioner. The track provides students with an in-depth knowledge of highly valued epidemiologic research skills, including articulating achievable research objectives, appropriate analytic techniques, and correctly interpreting and communicating study results. Students will gain experience in designing randomized clinical trials, cohort and case-control studies, and quasi-experimental studies. This is a small and highly competitive track that is limited to full-time students. The track was created in partnership with the Graduate Group of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (GGEB), which manages the Epidemiology PhD program in the Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics (DBEI).
For more information: https://mph.med.upenn.edu/curriculum/
Curriculum
Students must complete 14 course units of coursework and a minimum of 125 hours of fieldwork. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better and must achieve a B- or higher in each course to receive credit toward the degree.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| PUBH 5010 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 1 |
| PUBH 5020 | Introduction to the Principles and Methods of Epidemiology | 1 |
| PUBH 5040 | Public Health Theories & Frameworks | 1 |
| PUBH 5050 | Public Health Policy & Administration | 1 |
| PUBH 5060 | Methods for Public Health Practice | 1 |
| PUBH 5070 | Public Health Law & Ethics | 1 |
| Capstone | ||
| PUBH 7080 | Capstone Seminar I | 1 |
| PUBH 7090 | Capstone Seminar II | 1 |
| Applied Practice Experience (minimum 125 hours) | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select 6 course units of electives 1 | 6 | |
| Total Course Units | 14 | |
- 1
Please note elective choices will vary based on track selection.
Generalist Track
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Generalist Track Electives | ||
| Select one course from the following Generalist Required Track Electives (RTEs): | 1 | |
| Foundations of Global Health | ||
| Leadership Skills in Community Health | ||
| Qualitative Research Methods in Public Health | ||
| Epidemiology & Control of Infectious Diseases | ||
| Interpreting Epidemiologic Literature to Inform & Influence | ||
| Advanced Local Policymaking | ||
| Design for Health Behavior Change | ||
| Mathematical Modeling of Infectious Diseases | ||
| Program Evaluation in Public Health | ||
| Advocacy & Public Health: Legislative Advocacy to Advance Injury & Violence Prevention | ||
| Select five course units in consultation with advisor | 5 | |
| Total Course Units | 6 | |
Global Health
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Global Health Track Electives | ||
| Select one course from the following Global Health Required Track Electives (RTEs): | 1 | |
| Foundations of Global Health | ||
| Health & Human Rights | ||
| Global Health Policy & Delivery | ||
| Select two course units related to Global Health | 2 | |
| Select three course units in consultation with advisor | 3 | |
| Total Course Units | 6 | |
One Health Track
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| One Health Track Electives | ||
| Must take the following course: | 1 | |
| One Health Study Design Seminar | ||
| Select one additional course from the following One Health Required Track Electives (RTEs): | 1 | |
| Public Health Nutrition | ||
| Science & Politics of Food | ||
| Select four course units in consultation with advisor | 4 | |
| Total Course Units | 6 | |
Epidemiology Track
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Epidemiology Track Electives | ||
| Must take the following courses: | 2 | |
| Data Science for Biomedical Informatics | ||
| Advanced topics in Epidemiologic Research | ||
| Select two additional PUBH prefix electives in consultation with advisor | 2 | |
| Select two additional EPID, BMIN, or BTSA prefix electives in consulation with advisor | 2 | |
| Total Course Units | 6 | |
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.