Social Behavioral Health Emphasis, M.P.H.

I. Contact Information

Wei Yang, Professor, School of Community Health Sciences
Office: (775) 682-7094
weiyang@unr.edu

II. Brief Introduction

The School of Community Health Sciences offers a graduate degree program leading to a master of public health (M.P.H.). Emphases in the MPH in Epidemiology and Social and Behavioral Health as well as dual degrees of MSN/MPH and MD/MPH are currently offered. Students are admitted to the master in public health degree program on a competitive basis. They must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university to be accepted to the graduate program. No specific undergraduate major is required, but in order to be accepted in full standing to the graduate program, the applicant should demonstrate evidence of course-work in health-related disciplines and/or health-related professional experience. Examples include courses in anatomy, physiology, epidemiology, health care ethics, exercise physiology, health communication, health policy, gerontology, kinesiology, nutrition, physical education, and recreation. Given the transdisciplinary nature of the program, students are encouraged to make their best case for the relevance of the undergraduate work they would like to be considered as meeting the above requirement.

III. Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

The goal of the Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program is to prepare students to be effective public health professionals. Public health professionals work in a variety of organizations and agencies to contribute to the common aim of promoting and protecting health in human populations.

IV. Admission Requirements

1. An undergraduate grade point average (GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4-point scale).
2. All applicants are required to take undergraduate courses in statistics.
3. All applicants are required to complete a standardized exam such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Medicine (MCAT), Law (LSAT), Dentistry (DAT), or Business (GMAT), unless they have an MD, PhD, or other terminal degree as part of their scholastic records.
4. International students must have a TOEFL score of at least 250 on the new scale (600 on the old scale).
5. International students who are admitted to the program may be required to complete additional courses from the Intensive English Language program upon enrollment.
6. Applicants must submit official copies of transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
7. Three letters of recommendation from former instructors or employers indicating the student’s capability to do graduate work in public health must be submitted with the application materials.
8. Completion of the admission essay required the semester of application.
9. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose outlining their desire to undertake graduate study in public health, their research interests, and their career objectives.

V. Program Requirements

The M.P.H. degree is a 45 unit minimum program that includes a core curriculum of 18 units in research methods, biostatistics, social/behavioral health, epidemiology, environmental health, and health administration. In addition, all M.P.H. students must complete a 6-unit practicum and 3 units in a M.P.H. capstone course. Students must also complete all required courses in one of the emphases and a minimum of 6 units of electives.

In addition, students who have not completed a course in disease processes, pathophysiology, or a related course must complete CHS 200 - Introduction to Public Health Biology  (units for this course do not count toward a graduate degree) or test out of the course.

VI. Total Units

 The M.P.H. degree is a 45 unit minimum program.

VII. Notes

For the master’s program, classes are offered during the day, in the evening, and through alternative scheduling formats to accommodate full-time students and working professionals.

VIII. Undergraduate Prerequisites

All applicants are required to take undergraduate courses in statistics.  In addition, students who have not completed a course in disease processes, pathophysiology, or a related course must complete CHS 200 - Introduction to Public Health Biology  (units for this course do not count toward a graduate degree) or test out of the course.