Master of Public Health in Population Mental Health (MPH)

Students will be able to identify biological, psychological, structural, socioeconomic, and sociocultural correlates of population mental health, as well as examine the relationship between stigma, mental health, and health inequity.

Graduates will be able to positively impact mental health policy and provide multifaceted interventions and practices to improve mental health and achieve health equity.

Graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified in Public Health Exam.

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Each concentration identifies competencies for each degree offered. These competencies reflect the full range of knowledge, skills, and other attributes that a student will acquire as a result of completing the requirements for a particular degree.

Upon graduation, a student completing the MPH curriculum in Population Mental Health will be able to:

• Examine the relationship between stigma, population mental health, and health inequity;
• Identify biological, psychological, socioeconomic, structural, or sociocultural correlates of population mental health;
• Evaluate the impact of population mental health burden;
• Analyze the policy context and resource dependencies of the mental and behavioral health delivery systems in the U.S.; and
• Evaluate interventions that promote population mental health or wellbeing.

The MPH in Population Mental Health degree is offered to students on a full-time or part-time basis. Courses are available in-person, remote, and/or online. Students will complete a total of 45 credits, including a practicum experience and capstone research project.

Students must complete 45 credits of academic work with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0; earn no more than six (6) credits bearing grades less than “B,” and complete the degree requirements within six years. Courses are three credit hours unless otherwise noted and semester when each course is typically offered is noted parentheses. Students should review the Forward Schedule for long-term course planning and the Schedule-At-A-Glance for each semester to determine when, where, and how a course is offered.

If completing the program as a full-time student (nine or more credits per semester), the degree requirements may be completed in as little as two years (four to five semesters). Part-time students taking at least six credits per semester may expect to finish within four years. Taking courses in the summer may help expedite part-time students’ timing.

Students are also required to register for and complete an Interprofessional Education activity prior to graduation.

Dual-degree options are available in partnership with other Rutgers University schools.

Students can earn a post-baccalaureate certificate alongside their degree with an additional 6-12 credits. Contact admissions for additional information at admissions@sph.rutgers.edu.

A complete application includes:

• Completion of the online application
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
• Statement of goals, one-to-three pages in length, which addresses:
  • Interest in the program
  • Preparedness for the program
  • Goals and aspirations
• Two letters of recommendation with at least one letter from an academic reference if you are currently enrolled in a degree program or have graduated within the last four years.
• Resume or CV
• GRE General Exam (optional)
• TOEFL or IELTS score for applicants educated in a non-native English-speaking country

Applications are accepted on a rolling, space-available basis following the regular deadline.