Public Health

Public Health at the University of New Mexico is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary program designed to prepare students to address diverse health challenges within communities. Emphasizing a broad understanding of health determinants, epidemiology, health policy, and health promotion, the program equips graduates with the skills necessary to improve population health outcomes both locally and globally. Students will engage with core courses covering topics such as biostatistics, environmental health, global health issues, health behavior and education, and healthcare systems. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, including internships, research projects, and community-based initiatives, fostering the development of analytical, communication, and leadership skills. The program emphasizes culturally competent practices and social justice principles, recognizing the importance of addressing health disparities among diverse populations. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and collaborate with faculty members who are experts in areas like epidemiology, health policy, and community health. The program is designed for individuals committed to making a tangible difference in public health and preparing for careers in governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare institutions, and research. Graduates of the University of New Mexico’s Public Health program will be well-equipped to develop, implement, and evaluate health programs, conduct research, and advocate for policies that promote health equity. Whether pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree, students will benefit from a supportive academic environment that encourages innovative thinking, community engagement, and professional growth. The program aims to produce public health leaders who can respond effectively to emerging health threats and contribute to the well-being of communities both within New Mexico and beyond.

Community Health Concentration

The mission of the Community Health concentration is to prepare students for leadership roles in population-based disease prevention and health promotion in public and private settings. The philosophical foundation of the concentration relies on a community capacity building, empowerment approach to promote social justice and equity in health. The concentration is designed for students with prior experience, education or interest in community-focused public health practice or research that values diversity, self-reflection and critical analysis of evidence-based practice and practice-based public health approaches. The purpose of this concentration is to provide students with the multi-disciplinary knowledge and skills necessary to plan, implement, and evaluate public health programs at multiple levels of the social-ecologic framework.

Requirements

• Completion of 19 credit hours of M.P.H. core courses and at least 18 credit hours in graduate-level courses in public and community health as outlined below.
• Completion of 2 credit hours of practical field experience (PH 598 - Public Health Practicum) in a community public health setting.
• Completion of at least 3 credit hours demonstrating competencies in integrating community health perspectives through one of the culminating experience options (Professional Paper, or Integrative Experience, or Thesis and the Oral Master’s Examination).
• The chair of the culminating experience committee must be a core faculty member of the concentration.

Epidemiology Concentration

The concentration in Epidemiology provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to collect, analyze, and interpret epidemiologic data for the solution of public health problems. It prepares students for employment as a master’s level epidemiologist or research scientist in various settings such as the New Mexico Department of Health, the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, and other public health research and service organizations.

Requirements

• Completion of 19 credit hours of M.P.H. core courses and 18 credit hours of required and elective graduate-level courses in the concentration as outlined below.
• Completion of 2 credit hours of practical field experience (PH 598 – Public Health Practicum) in an epidemiologic setting.
• Completion of at least 3 credit hours demonstrating competencies in epidemiology through one of the culminating experience options (Professional Paper, or Integrative Experience, or Thesis and Master’s Oral Examination).
• The chair of the culminating experience committee must be a core faculty member of the concentration.

Health Systems, Services, and Policy Concentration

The concentration in Health Systems, Services, and Policy provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze health systems, public health and health care services and programs, and related governmental and non-governmental policies. Students develop the capacity to analyze and develop interventions and health policies at local, national, and global levels. The goal of the concentration is to prepare students to work in health organizations and policy arenas to improve population health and decrease health inequities.

Requirements

• Completion of 19 credit hours of M.P.H. core courses, and 18 credit hours in graduate-level courses as outlined below.
• Completion of 2 credit hours of practical field experience (PH 598 – Public Health Practicum) in policy, public health or health care service settings.
• Completion of at least 3 credit hours demonstrating competencies in integrating health systems, services, and policy perspectives through one of the culminating experience options (Integrative Experience, Professional Paper, Thesis and Master’s Oral Examination).
• The Chair of the culminating experience committee must be a core faculty member of the concentration.

1. B.S., B.A., or equivalent from an accredited U.S. institution or a recognized foreign institution.
2. GPA of at least 3.0 is required in undergraduate upper-level courses (300- to 400-level), or 9 credit hours with GPA of 3.0 or better in public health-related graduate courses.
3. Undergraduate basic statistics course or graduate-level basic statistics course with a 3.0 GPA or higher. M.D. and Ph.D. students who have received their accredited degrees from U.S. institutions are exempt from this requirement. All students must have recent (within five years) GRE scores with preferred verbal, quantitative and analytical writing scores around the 50th percentile, or MCAT with preferred total score of 22 and N in writing, or GMAT with preferred score of 500 and above. M.D. and Ph.D. applicants who received their degrees from a U.S. university are exempt from submitting the above test scores. Foreign medical graduates must be licensed to practice in the U.S. or must have received their degrees from an accredited U.S. institution to be exempt from the test scores requirement. Foreign applicants must take the TOEFL examination and score at least 550.
4. Foreign applicants must submit one of the following English proficiency tests: 

Preference is given to students who have public health experience. Their experience may be in public health practice in a health department, community development, research, health education, health science, health promotion, or other health-related work. Experience may be paid or voluntary.

Students may transfer up to 17 credit hours with grades of "B" or better to the program from other institutions or other non-degree or graduate programs within UNM. However, those credit hours cannot have been used to meet the requirements of another degree program.

The University of New Mexico offers multiple financing options for students enrolled in its Public Health programs. Funding opportunities include scholarships, grants, assistantships, and federal financial aid programs designed to support students throughout their studies. Prospective and current students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for federal grants such as the Pell Grant and Federal Supplementary Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). The university also provides several merit-based scholarships for outstanding students, which are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and community involvement. Additionally, funding opportunities specific to Public Health students may include departmental scholarships and research grants for those engaged in public health research projects or community service initiatives.

Graduate students enrolled in master's or doctoral programs can explore assistantship positions such as teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or administrative assistantships. These positions often provide a stipend and tuition remission, significantly reducing the overall cost of education. The university also promotes external funding sources, including state and private scholarships, health department workforce development grants, and fellowships from public health organizations. Students are encouraged to consult the university’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for personalized guidance and to stay updated on newly available funding opportunities. In some cases, students may secure loans to cover remaining expenses not met by scholarships or aid. The university’s commitment to accessible education is reflected in its comprehensive financial support system, aiming to enable qualified students to pursue their public health careers without excessive financial burden. Overall, students are advised to investigate all available options early in their academic planning process to maximize their financial resources and ensure a smooth educational journey in Public Health at the University of New Mexico.

The University of New Mexico offers comprehensive Public Health programs designed to prepare students for diverse careers in health promotion, disease prevention, and health policy. The Bachelor of Medical Science in Public Health provides foundational knowledge in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health behavior, and health administration. Students gain practical skills through internships, community engagement, and research projects, equipping them to address complex health issues at local, national, and global levels. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and cultural competence, preparing graduates to work effectively with diverse populations.

Additionally, the university's School of Population Health offers graduate degrees such as the Master of Public Health (MPH), which focus on advanced training in areas like epidemiology, health policy and management, environmental health sciences, and social and behavioral sciences. These programs are designed to enhance analytical skills, policy development, and leadership abilities necessary for improving public health outcomes. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and partnerships with healthcare organizations, government agencies, and community groups. The curriculum includes coursework, fieldwork, and capstone projects, fostering hands-on experience.

The university also promotes active research, with faculty involved in studies addressing pressing health issues such as rural health disparities, infectious disease prevention, and health equity. Students often participate in research initiatives, contributing to impactful discoveries and policy recommendations. Furthermore, UNM's programs emphasize the importance of addressing social determinants of health, health equity, and community-based interventions to promote overall well-being.

Career opportunities for graduates include roles in public health departments, nonprofits, hospitals, research institutes, and policy organizations. They are prepared for positions such as epidemiologists, health educators, program managers, policy analysts, and health consultants. The university’s public health programs are committed to producing graduates who are not only skilled professionals but also globally minded leaders dedicated to advancing public health infrastructure and outcomes. The programs' robust coursework, experiential learning, and research opportunities ensure graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to make meaningful impacts in the field of public health worldwide.