Master of Public Health (MPH)

A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is a multidisciplinary professional degree focused on the application of science, research and theoretical knowledge toward the prevention of disease.

The WVU MPH program prepares students for promising careers providing evidence-based solutions to complex health issues. Graduates leave our program with the skills necessary to work in a variety of public health settings such as health departments, clinics, and federal agencies.

Program Overview

The MPH program at WVU is organized around three core disciplines of public health:

• Applied Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Public Health Practice and Leadership
• Social and Behavioral Sciences

The program requires a variety of courses and experiences across these disciplines. MPH core courses provide students with an understanding of the breadth of public health, and departmental courses in each major allow students to apply various principles to specific disciplines.

Applied Practice Experience

All Master of Public Health students are required to complete a minimum of 180 contact hours in an applied practice experience with a public health-related agency or organization, supervised by an approved preceptor. The experience is an opportunity for students to explore public health careers, clarify their professional goals, and develop contacts for employment (networking). It allows them to apply their academic knowledge to situations, projects or tasks in the “real world” and make meaningful contributions to the agency or organization. The preceptor provides a professional role model; their practice experience and mentoring is vitally important to a successful student experience.

In addition to the applied practice experience, MPH students will engage with health and other professionals through integrated and interprofessional learning experiences throughout their curriculum.