Master of Public Health

(This article or section deals primarily with the United States and does not represent a worldwide view of the subject.)

The Master of Public Health (MPH) is a professional master's degree awarded for studies in areas related to public health. In the United States the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accredit schools of public health through a formal review process. Master of Public Health programs are available throughout the world in Medical Schools and Schools of Public Health.

MPH is usually a one or two year program[citation needed], with many students already possessing an advanced degree. In some countries the MPH program is only available for medical graduates (MBBS or equivalent), those without the medical degree can join the Master of Medical Science in Public Health program.

The degree is designed to expose the candidates on five core public health areas:

1. Health Services Administration/Management
2. Biostatistics
3. Epidemiology
4. Behavioral sciences/health education, and
5. Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences.

In addition to coursework, CEPH programs have a thesis and practicum requirement which may be waived if the candidate has substantial prior experience in the field. Program other than CEPH also may have other requirements.

from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_of_Public_Health