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Master of Public Health in Urban Public Health (MPH)
Master of Public Health in Urban Public Health (MPH)
The Rutgers School of Public Health’s Master of Public Health (MPH) in Urban Public Health degree prepares students to advance health and well-being in diverse, dynamic, and often marginalized, urban populations in New Jersey, the United States, and the world.
About the Program
Through in-depth training and coursework, graduates of the MPH in Urban Public Health degree have a thorough understanding of systems and structures that lead to inequities, the social determinants of health, and intervention planning that meets community needs. As a result, graduates are able to collaborate with communities to positively impact health with a lens of equity and social justice.
Graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified in Public Health Exam.
Competencies
Upon graduation, a student completing the MPH curriculum in Urban Public Health will be able to:
- Analyze the role of multiple factors (such as individual, biological, social, economic, political, and environmental factors) that influence the health status of urban populations
- Describe the health status and disparities in urban populations and communities using relevant research
- Propose a solution to address an urban public health issue in light of the characteristics, challenges and opportunities of urban communities
- Evaluate the scientific evidence related to urban public health issues
- Design a research proposal using qualitative, quantitative or mixed research methods
Program Format and Length
The MPH in Urban Public 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.
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.
Dual-degree options are available in partnership with other Rutgers University schools.
Students are also required to register for and complete an Interprofessional Education activity prior to graduation.
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.
Application Deadline and Requirements
Fall Semester Start Date
January 15 (priority)
May 1 (regular)
Spring Semester Start Date
October 15 (priority)
December 1 (regular)
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.
Core Courses (18 credits)
- PHCO 0501 - Health Systems and Policy
- PHCO 0502 - Principles and Methods of Epidemiology
- PHCO 0503 - Introduction to Environmental Health
- PHCO 0504 - Introduction to Biostatistics (Prerequisite: Quantitative Skills Assessment)
- PHCO 0505 - Social and Behavioral Health Sciences in Public Health
- PHCO 0513 - Leadership and Management Essentials for Public Health
Practicum (3 credits)
Note: Students should review the Practice Experience webpage for information about Practicum.
- PRAC 0715 - Applied Practice Experience (0 credits) [Prerequisite: APE Learning Agreement and select PHCO and concentration courses]
- PRAC 0716 - Practicum Capstone (3 credits) [Prerequisite: Completion of the APE and Practicum Capstone Learning Agreement]
Review the School’s Registration Calendar for important MPH Practice Experience Registration dates specific to PRAC 0715 and PRAC 0716.
Concentration Courses (15 credits)
Note: Students should review the Course Descriptions in the School Catalog for specific information about prerequisites required for required courses and recommended electives.
- UGPH 0605 - Qualitative Research Methods (Fall)
- UGPH 0621 - Public Health and Health Disparities (Fall)
- UGPH 0680 - Urban Public Health (Spring)
- HBSP 0652 - Program Planning and Evaluation (Fall/Spring/Summer)
-also-
Choose one of the following two:
- EPID 0621 - Survey Research in Epidemiology (Fall)
- HBSP 0600 - Health Behavior and Policy Research Design and Methods (Fall/Spring/Summer)
Other Requirements (0 credits)
For Students Enrolled Fall 2018 and After
- PRAC 0621 - Interprofessional Education (0 credits) [Fall/Spring]
Students are required to register for and complete an Interprofessional Education activity prior to graduation.
Elective Courses (9 credits)
Courses in urban public health as approved by advisor