Requirements for the MPH Program




Minimum CSU Admission Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission to master’s and post baccalaureate studies at a California State University campus are in accordance with University regulations, as well as Title 5, chapter 1, Subchapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations.  Specifically a student shall at the time of enrollment:

  • Have completed a four year college course of study and hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association, or equivalent preparation as determined by appropriate campus authorities;
  • Be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended;
  • Have attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 in an acceptable earned baccalaureate degree or attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 in the last 60 semesters units (90 quarter units) attempted; (Department graduate programs may require a higher GPA.)
  • Satisfactorily meet the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards for graduate study, including qualifying examinations, as appropriate campus authorities may prescribe.
  • For international students, all applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose native language is other than English are required to submit proof of English proficiency before an admissions decision can be made.

For a complete list of requirements, please refer to the Graduate Studies Office website.

Minimum MPH Program Admission Requirements

After meeting the above criteria, additional requirements for acceptance into the MPH program include:

  • Official transcript(s) from all college work sent directly to the CSUF Office of Admissions.
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score. School Code: 4589 Department Code: 0616
  • Two letters of recommendation.
  • A statement of purpose (300-500 words describing how the program relates to professional goals).
  • A current resume.
  • Completion of 3 units of statistics and/or research methods (appropriate courses include: statistics, epidemiology, research methods, calculus, etc.) with a grade B or better.
  • Appropriate educational background for the public health program.
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.7.
  • Paid or volunteer experience in public health, health education or related health area.
  • Interview upon request.

Master in Public Health Core Requirements

Download the MPH Core Requirement here (.pdf)PDF File Opens in new window

The Master of Public Health requires 42 units of approved graduate work including 30 units of core competency classes (which includes a six-unit internship) and an additional nine to twelve units of electives to support specific career objectives. The program requires 75 percent of the coursework to be taken from 500-level courses. Therefore, all students must take at least one 500-level elective course.

The MPH program can be completed in 2 years if students enroll in 9 units each semester and 6 units during the summer between year 1 and year 2. Two Core Competency courses (PUBH 515,  PUBH  524) are offered during the summer only.

Core Competency Courses (24 units)

  • PUBH  500 Issues in Public Health (3)
  • PUBH  501 Advanced Methods in Epidemiology (3)
  • PUBH  508 Statistical Methods in Kinesiology and Health Science (3)
  • PUBH  510 Research Methods in Health Science (3)
  • PUBH  515 Advanced Environmental Health (3)
  • PUBH  524 Public Health Administration (3)
  • PUBH  535 Advanced Study in Program Planning and Evaluation (3)
  • PUBH  540 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (3)

PUBH 550 Graduate Internship (6 units). The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) requires 240 hours of internship.  Students may begin the internship after completing all core competency courses and two (2) electives. Usually students begin their internship in the spring semester of year 2, and dedicate time during usual working hours to completing this requirement.

Electives (9-12 units). Working with a faculty adviser, students select 9-12 units of electives to support career objectives in one of the following three tracks: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention; Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety; and Gerontological Health. These career tracks allow student to select unique combinations of courses appropriate for their professional objectives.

Terminal Requirements (0-3 units).  PUBH 597 Project (3) OR  PUBH 598 Thesis (3) OR Comprehensive Examination (0). Students who choose the comprehensive examination must complete an additional adviser-approved course (3 units).

 

 

Department of Public Health  | 800 North State College Blvd., Fullerton, California 92834, Room KHS-121,        Phone: (657) 278-3316, Fax: (657) 278-5317