Boston University School of Public Health: A Comprehensive Guide to MPH Programs
Boston University (BU) stands as one of the largest independent, nonprofit colleges in the United States, offering a diverse array of academic programs and a vibrant campus environment. Established in 1839, this private university, located in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, spans 169 acres and hosts an undergraduate population of over 18,000 students. Ranked among the top national universities, Boston University is particularly renowned for its School of Public Health (SPH), which offers a range of Master of Public Health (MPH) programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to address pressing public health challenges.
Given the rising demand for public health professionals, with projected job growth exceeding the average across various specializations, an MPH degree from a reputable institution like Boston University can be a significant asset. Boston itself is a hub for healthcare and education, making it an ideal location to pursue a public health degree.
Degree Options at Boston University School of Public Health
The Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) provides a comprehensive suite of MPH degree options to cater to diverse student needs and career aspirations. These include:
- Traditional In-Person MPH
- Online MPH
- Doctoral Programs (PhD and DrPH)
- Master of Science (MS)
- Dual Degree Programs
- Part-Time Programs (both in-person and online)
On-Campus MPH Program
The on-campus MPH program at BUSPH delivers a broad, in-depth, and practical educational experience crucial for success in a public health career. The integrated core curriculum establishes a firm foundation of public health knowledge. Students can then build their careers by choosing from 17 certificates that best match their professional goals within a field of study within public health. Students have up to 5 years to complete the MPH, and may take fewer credits each semester. However, a minimum of 6 credits are required to qualify for federal financial aid. The practicum experience, a requirement of the MPH program, hones your public health skills through 240 hours of relevant field experience completed at one of the many public health organizations in Boston or in any location around the globe.
Online MPH Program
For working professionals seeking to advance their education without disrupting their careers, Boston University offers an Executive Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. This 42-credit program is delivered through a fully online distance learning platform, providing flexibility and convenience. The program focuses on developing leaders in public health, emphasizing evidence-based problem-solving and essential leadership skills. Weekly integrated opportunities allow students to connect live with their peers. The 42-credit program can be completed on the timeline that works for you. Each Online MPH module is designed and led directly by Boston University School of Public Health faculty. Students complete six, online modules with weekly deadlines in addition to a 0-credit orientation module taken prior to the official start of the semester.
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Dual Degree Programs
Boston University offers two joint degree programs: the Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Health (BA/MPH) and the Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Health (BS/MPH). These programs are designed for students who want to pursue public health as part of their health science undergraduate degree. This bachelor’s to master’s combined program typically requires five years of full-time study.
In the BS/MPH program, students passionate about improving health at the population level take public health courses to enhance their health sciences-related bachelor’s degree. In addition, the accelerated bachelor’s to master’s format streamlines a student’s public health education so students can enter their intended career or pursue further education earlier. In order to accelerate the completion of this bachelor’s to master’s program, 12 credits of graduate-level School of Public Health coursework are completed in the last two years of undergraduate study and applied to both the BS and MPH degrees.
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
Boston University also features a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree. This 48-credit program is designed for experienced public health practitioners seeking advanced training and credentials to assume leadership positions. The program focuses on creating, implementing, and analyzing public health programs and policies at the national and international levels. Aspects of public health covered in the DrPH program include data analysis, leadership, management, governance, policy and programs, education, and workforce development.
Curriculum Overview
The MPH curriculum at Boston University includes core courses that cover foundational public health principles and specialized courses that allow students to focus on specific areas of interest.
Core Courses
The curriculum of the MPH degree includes the following core courses:
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- Quantitative Methods of Public Health
- Leadership and Management in Public Health
- Health Systems and Policy
- Individual and Population Health
Executive MPH Courses
The following are a few of the courses that are necessary to complete the MPH degree:
- Communication and Collaboration for Public Health Leaders
- Financial Management for Health Programs
- Intervention Strategies for Health Promotion
- Strategic Management of Healthcare Organizations
- Monitoring and Evaluation of Health Programs
Certificate Programs
BUSPH offers over 300 courses in public health and a robust certificate program with 17 certificates designed to demonstrate competency in specialized areas of public health for on-campus students. Customize your focus by selecting a required functional certificate that prepares you for your professional goals and choose an optional context certificate to further specialize. You can also round out your program with elective courses from several context areas.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary depending on the specific program. However, some common requirements include:
- Application form
- College transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose and objective
- CV or resume
For the DrPH program, applicants must possess at least three years of experience in the public health industry.
BS/MPH Program Specifics
Both MPH dual degree programs (BA/MPH & BS/MPH) are required to fill out an application form and have it signed by the director of the prehealth programs, fill out another application form to the School of Public Health, submit two Boston University undergraduate transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. Two of the letters of recommendation must be written by faculty members. Students are required to apply to this program by April 1st of their sophomore year for the following fall semester and October 15th of their junior year for the following spring semester.
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Application Deadlines
The priority deadline for MPH spring applications is October 15, and the fall deadline is January 17th.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Annually, tuition for undergraduate students is $54,720 without any fees or expenses. For students interested in the MPH program or the online executive MPH program, the total cost of the entire program is $82,080. Boston University provides MPH and DrPH students with scholarships to help them pay for their education. Students may also apply to the public health fellowship or for the public health research award. Boston University offers a grant of up to $25,000 immediately upon enrollment as well as a paid practicum.
Additional Information
Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, a regional accrediting agency. With a 25 percent acceptance rate, Boston University is considered very competitive. Students have the option to join 500 student clubs and study abroad in more than 90 various international programs.
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