Public Health

The MSPH degree is appropriate for the student who plans a career as a practice focused professional in public health that involves research. The MSPH degree is considered an academic degree and takes approximately two years to complete as a full-time student. Students who undertake their training on a part-time basis because of work or other commitments may require more time.

The MSPH degree program at the University of Utah is a general public health education.

The program has always offered a curriculum embracing the core areas of knowledge basic to public health both recognized from the community as well as our accrediting body the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

• Biostatistics - collection, storage, retrieval, analysis and interpretation of health data; design and analysis of health-related surveys and experiments; and concepts and practice of statistical data analysis
• Epidemiology - distributions and determinants of disease, disabilities and death in human populations; the characteristics and dynamics of human populations; and the natural history of disease and the biologic basis of health
• Environmental health sciences - environmental factors including biological, physical and chemical factors which affect the health of a community
• Public health administration - planning, organization, administration, management, evaluation and policy analysis of health programs
• Social and behavioral sciences - concepts and methods of social and behavioral sciences relevant to the identification and the solution of public health problems

The following courses comprise the MPH curriculum for a total of 45 credit hours. Courses are listed in recommended order (though they do not have to be taken in this order).

Required Courses: 24 credits

First fall semester

First spring semester

Second fall semester

Electives: 15 total credits 

All electives must be pre-approved by advisor or committee chair

Total: 45 credit hours

• Earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA
• Taken a math course in college algebra (Math 1050) or higher and earned a B grade or better
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Online application ApplyYourself
• All unofficial transcripts must be uploaded (even if the University of Utah already has them and even if you attended the U) Send official transcripts to the University of Utah Admission office directly
• Three (3) letters of recommendation - There is no specific format for recommendation letters
• Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement - not to exceed 500 words
• Sample of publications - when available
• GRE - Department Code 0617, School Code 4853. The GRE is required for candidates without a terminal degree (M.D. or PhD) earned in the United States. GRE scores expire after five years.

International applicants:

• The TOFEL is also required.  It expires after two years from the date test is taken.
• Please note an in-person interview may be required
• Faculty Mentor - Applicants must have an initial faculty mentor from the Division of Public Health before their application is reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
  • Applicants should review the faculty members and their research projects on the Division’s website and contact those with whom they have similar interests.
  • If the faculty mentor agrees, they need to email the academic advisor to notify them of their approval.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course