Master of Public Health (MPH) - Generalist

Driving Change. Creating Impact. Across Communities.

About the Program

This degree prepares graduates to effectively engage in public health work either locally or globally, with a breadth of both theoretical knowledge and experience to carry forward into the real world of the public health workforce. Analytic, quantitative, and qualitative research skills are all practiced throughout the curriculum, with a strong focus on strategic and critical thinking throughout as well. The broad selection of elective courses available in this study track gives students time to explore special interests.

MPH Program objectives are:

• Prepare future leaders in the field of public health by providing the highest quality education and practice opportunities in theories, approaches, methods, and other substantive issues pertinent to public health;
• Create and nurture an environment conducive to interdisciplinary public health initiatives, with special emphasis on vulnerable populations who suffer disproportionately from illness and disability;
• Pursue innovative and rigorous research on critical public health issues to prevent disease and injury, promote well-being, and foster overall physical and mental health;
• Stimulate collaboration with the community to develop effective partnerships in combating the health challenges in our communities, city, state, and region; and
• Inform public policy, disseminate health information, and increase awareness of public health concerns through disease surveillance, needs assessments, and program evaluation.

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program offers two options for students:

• a traditional four-semester program offered in-person or online
• an accelerated program available for completion within 12 to 15 months

MPH-Generalist degree can be earned either in-person, online, or hybrid either as full-time or part-time.

What will you learn?

Graduates will be prepared to do quality mixed methods research at the community level, plan, implement, and evaluate projects, and assess health impacts at both the ecological and social levels. You will have a strong theoretical understanding of public health principles, as well as a foundation in research methodology, implementation and communication, and program evaluation. 

Where to after graduation?

A Generalist MPH provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of public health. This degree is highly valued in population health and clinical practices and will serve those preparing for or already engaged in the clinical medical field. MPH Generalists are also welcomed in research and policy fields.

Is this degree right for you?

If you have completed or are in the process of completing a bachelor’s degree and are ready to immerse yourself in deeper study of population health, health research, and evidence-based intervention strategies, the Generalist MPH track could be right for you. Reach out to our admissions team to learn more and discuss your options.

Request Information

Connect with our Admissions Team

Shirl Sharpe, MS
Academic Services Coordinator II
ssharpe@memphis.edu
(901) 678-1710

Briana McNeil, MEd
Coordinator, Recruitment and Admissions
sphadmissions@memphis.edu
(901) 678-3740

Admission Information

Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
  • US applicants: 400-500 words
  • International applicants: 750-1000 words
• CV/Resume
• International students:
  • Transcripts from degrees obtained outside of the United States must be evaluated by WES or by any members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services 
  • Test of English proficiency scores are required if language of instruction for prior degrees was not English (minimum scores)

A multi-disciplinary faculty admissions committee determines admission to the MPH program. Criteria for the selection process are broad because of the wide range of backgrounds from which students may apply. Prior background in public health or health care is not necessary for admission but may be considered in the admission process. The following is necessary for application:

Applicants must hold a bachelor or graduate degree from an accredited college or university with an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) or a graduate cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher in the major subject area. 

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit acceptable scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Letters of recommendation from at least three persons familiar with the applicant’s academic background or experience in public health related issues, specifying in detail the applicant’s capabilities for graduate study and for future performance as a public health professional, are required. At least one letter from a former professor or instructor is required.

Applicants must also submit a statement of purpose indicating his or her present interests and career goals, including why s/he wants to pursue an MPH degree.

All MPH applicants will be expected to have adequate preparation in the sciences, including at least one college-level course in general biology (including human biology), mathematics (e.g., calculus or algebra), and a social science (e.g., sociology, anthropology, or psychology). Basic computer skills are also expected. 

Courses in health-related fields such as anatomy, physiology, nutrition, chemistry, physics, and statistics are not mandated, but are strongly recommended. Previous professional or other relevant work experience is also highly desirable, but not required.

Deadlines

• Fall Semester - July 15*
• Spring Semester - December 15*

*International applicants should plan to have their applications in by May 15 for Fall Semester and October 15 for Spring Semester to ensure sufficient time to receive your Form I-20 and visa.

Curriculum

42 credit hours required with a 3.0 GPA

• 18 hours of core courses
• 9 hours of generalist concentration
• 9 hours of elective courses
• 3 hours of practicum/field experience
• 3 hours of thesis or master's project

Core Courses (18 hours)

• PUBH 7120: Environmental Health I
• PUBH 7150: Biostatistical Methods I
• PUBH 7170: Epidemiology in Public Health I
• PUBH 7180: Foundations of Public Health
• PUBH 7160: Social and Behavioral Sciences Principles
• HADM 7105: Health Policy and Organization of Health Services

Concentration Courses (9 credits)
Generalist

• PUBH 7004: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Population Health Challenges
• PUBH 7141: Epidemiologic Survey Method
• HADM 7110: Leadership and Organizational Change in Health Care

Other Requirements

• Elective (9 credits)
• PUBH 7985: Practicum/Field Experience
• One of the following:
  • PUBH 7992: Master’s Project Seminar
  • PUBH 7996: Master’s Thesis

Competencies

Foundational

• Apply epidemiological methods to the breadth of settings and situations in public health practice.
• Select quantitative and qualitative data collection methods appropriate for a given public health context.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using biostatistics, informatics, computer-based programming and software, as appropriate.
• Interpret results of data analysis for public health research, policy or practice.
• Compare the organization, structure and function of health care, public health and regulatory systems across national and international settings.
• Discuss means by which structural bias, social inequities and racism undermine health and create challenges to achieving health equity at organizational, community and societal levels.
• Assess population needs, assets and capacities that affect communities’ health.
• Apply awareness of cultural values and practices to the design or implementation of public health policies or programs.
• Design a population-based policy, program, project, or intervention.
• Explain basic principles and tools of budget and resource management.
• Select methods to evaluate public health programs.
• Discuss multiple dimensions of the policy-making process, including the roles of ethics and evidence.
• Propose strategies to identify stakeholders and build coalitions and partnerships for influencing public health outcomes.
• Advocate for political, social or economic policies and programs that will improve health in diverse populations.
• Evaluate policies for their impact on public health and health equity.
• Apply principles of leadership, governance, and management, which include creating a vision, empowering others, fostering collaboration, and guiding decision making.
• Apply negotiation and mediation skills to address organizational or community challenges.
• Select communication strategies for different audiences and sectors.
• Communicate audience-appropriate public health content, both in writing and through oral presentation.
• Describe the importance of cultural competence in communicating public health content.
• Perform effectively on interprofessional teams.
• Apply systems thinking tools to a public health issue.

Generalist

• Discuss demographic challenges and policy issues associated with cost, access, and quality of care.
• Critically evaluate various leadership theories and apply strategic thinking tools to identify a personal leadership style.
• Recommend strategies for risk communication with underserved communities in situations of public health crisis requiring emergency response, such as disasters or outbreaks.
• Describe the principles of Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and analyze the benefits and limitations of this approach in promoting public health.
• Assess the direct and indirect human, ecological, and health effects of major environmental and occupational agents.