Master of Public Health (MPH)

• Applications to the Sacred Heart University Master of Public Health Program are accepted on a rolling basis.
• Depending on the desired program length & pace of study (accelerated, full-time or part-time), students may matriculate in the fall or spring semester on a full or part-time basis.
• There is no GRE requirement for the Sacred Heart University MPH program.
• There are no required prerequisite courses. Public health is a multi-disciplinary field and applicants from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

For complete information, visit our MPH admission requirements page.

Yes! The Sacred Heart University MPH program is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) as of June 2022.

The MPH program at SHU is a 42-credit degree program. The program can be completed either on a full-time or a part-time basis. Students, typically in their final year of the program, choose between an Applied Practice Experience or a Research Thesis to satisfy the culminating experience requirement for graduation.

Our flexible curriculum includes classes that are offered on-ground, hybrid and online. Students enrolled full time take up to four courses per term. Full-time students spend one day each week on campus, with classes offered during the day and/or in the evening, in addition to online coursework. This low-residency structure combines the flexibility of online learning with in-person interaction, allowing students to pursue an MPH with minimal time away from their jobs and families, but still benefit from close interaction with faculty. 

For students enrolled part-time, classes are offered in the evenings one day a week and online, allowing for minimal disruption to their careers. The online offerings have consistent, predictable assignment dates, allowing students to plan ahead and complete assignments when time permits. Most part-time students take up to two courses per term.

Yes, students can work when enrolled in the MPH program. Our low-residency format allows students to complete an MPH with minimal time away from their jobs, yet still benefit from regular personalized interaction with faculty. This format allows students to build a professional network that will allow them to achieve their academic and career goals.

There are many opportunities for graduate assistant positions that can assist with tuition costs. The public health department has a minimum of four graduate assistant positions open to students each year. Faculty are also available to identify scholarships, fellowships and loan repayment programs that may assist with the cost of the program.

The MPH Practicum is one capstone option in the MPH program that satisfies the culminating experience requirement for graduation. The Practicum gives students the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to real-world public health issues.

Students who choose to do a Practicum will partner with an external community partner to design and implement a public health applied project. Students will identify two mentors who will guide them through their Practicum. The community site mentor will provide practical guidance to the student on project implementation. The faculty mentor will provide assistance in shaping the student’s project and will provide general guidance in the professional development of the student.

The MPH program allows students to choose between two capstone options for a culminating Public Health Experience. These options are: Applied Practice Experience (APE) or Thesis research. Students who choose to do an Applied Practice Experience register for MPH 596/598 (APE Seminar I, II) The APE Seminar allows students to work on their Applied Practice Experience with other classmates and faculty. Students draft and submit an Applied Practice Experience Proposal Form to their mentors for review and approval. Students will also submit progress reports to their mentors monthly. The APE ends with the student submitting a final paper and presenting their portfolio to students, faculty and mentors.

Students who choose a research capstone design, prepare and defend a master’s thesis. A thesis is a body of work that contributes new public health knowledge to the field. Students develop an original research question that they then evaluate using public health methodology. Students pursuing thesis research will enroll in MPH 597/599 (Thesis I, II), where they will work closely with faculty mentors to complete their project. All students who choose the thesis option will still experience applied learning experiences in the field; our curriculum includes experiential learning experiences as part of the required coursework.

Sacred Heart University faculty are experts in their field who are focused on research and practice in community public health. Faculty have close ties to local and national public health partners and are committed to improving community health. Our faculty are nationally recognized scholars who give talks at domestic and international society meetings.

The Master of Public Health is focused on the student and the student’s success. The SHU MPH program has small class sizes, which allows for personalized and guided mentorship from faculty. Our faculty are actively engaged in community-based research and there are many opportunities for students to work alongside faculty and be involved in their research and practice. Faculty-mentored student projects have won awards, been published in peer-reviewed academic journals and received national media attention.

Whether your path is shaping policy, working on the front lines in health care, applying evidence-based practice to improve patient care, or advancing scientific knowledge through research, the MPH program at SHU will provide the training, experience, skills and opportunities to be successful in your career.

The industry-recognized MPH credential allows graduates to enter the workforce with a variety of options. Our alumni can be found in the following positions:

• Health educators or program managers at local health departments
• Immunization coordinators at health departments
• Program coordinators at regional health organizations
• Prevention and health specialists at large hospital systems
• Hospital account managers
• Research coordinators for universities or pharmaceutical companies
• Pursuing advanced health care training in medical or dental school

The Sacred Heart University MPH program prides itself on creating a supportive learning environment with strong student mentoring. Faculty bring experiential learning and service opportunities within the classroom in the very first semester. The small class sizes allow for personalized attention from faculty and assistance in finding a position after graduation and beyond. Master of Public Health students also take advantage of the many resources that Sacred Heart University has to offer within the Center for Career Professional Development while they are enrolled in the program and as SHU alumni after they have graduated.