Master of Public Health

The prospective student must complete the Graduate School admission application online and pay the application fee at http://apps.usm.edu/graduate-school/grad-school-apps/.

There is no minimum score because performance on the GMAT or GRE is only one component of the application package.

You can complete the MPH in Health Policy and Administration in 15 months based on a full-time schedule averaging 4-5 courses per semester.

No. Online MPH students pay resident tuition.

Yes. All of the courses for the online MPH in Health Policy and Administration are available totally online. You are not required to visit campus for an in-class lecture; however, participation in online lectures may be required by your instructors. You are required to complete 400 hours of fieldwork at a health facility during your last semester.

The internship is a culminating experience that is completed during the last semester of your program. You must complete 400 hours of fieldwork at a health facility.  The internship is a valuable opportunity for you to gain hands-on experience and engage in professional networking within a health services organization. You will apply the knowledge and skills gained from academic courses to real situations. You must be in good academic standing to be approved for the internship.  Your advisor and the internship coordinator will assist you with internship placement that fits your needs and career interests.  More information on the internship is available in the MPH Graduate Student Handbook.  https://www.usm.edu/sites/default/files/groups/department-public-health/pdf/mph_graduate_student_handbook-_updated_5.2.2016.pdf

Yes.  You must pass a comprehensive examination (often called “comps”) to complete the MPH in Health Policy and Administration.  Comprehensive examinations are usually taken over two days during the last semester of the program.  Comprehensive examinations allow you to demonstrate your comprehension of public health and your emphasis area as well as apply the knowledge you have learned during the program. More information on comprehensive examinations is available in the MPH Graduate Student Handbook. https://www.usm.edu/sites/default/files/groups/department-public-health/pdf/mph_graduate_student_handbook-_updated_5.2.2016.pdf

No. A thesis is not required. The MPH in Health Policy and Administration is a comprehensive exam based program.  Students must pass a comprehensive examination to complete their degree.  Comprehensive exams require online exam proctoring at an approved site.  More information about the Department of Public Health’s MPH Comprehensive Examination Policy is available athttps://www.usm.edu/community-public-health-sciences/mph-comprehensive-exam-policy

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