Public Health (Public Health Practice), M.P.H.

I. Contact Information

School of Community Health Sciences
203 Lombardi
(775) 784-1857

Dr. Leslie Elliott, Director, Online Programs
(775) 682-7066
lelliott@unr.edu

II. Brief Description

The School of Community Health Sciences offers a graduate degree program leading to a master of public health (MPH). Specializations in the MPH program include Epidemiology, Health Administration and Policy, Public Health Practice and Social and Behavioral Health. A MD/MPH dual degree program and an accelerated BS to MPH program are also offered. The goal of the Master of Public Health (MPH) 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 through innovative research, policy analysis, and education that draws upon multidisciplinary expertise. The school serves local, national, and international communities with its knowledge through practicum experience. Students are admitted to the MPH 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.

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

ADMISSIONS DEADLINE

The MPH in Public Health Practice (online only) is a year-round program with admissions throughout the calendar year. Application deadlines are six (6) weeks before the beginning of each semester (Spring, Summer, Fall). To receive full consideration for graduate scholarship funding, however, applicants are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible for the semester in which they want to begin.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

The Admissions Committee places emphasis on the diversity of our graduate students who have the qualifications and credentials to succeed in public health practice. The multi-faceted nature of the public health profession now demands students from diverse educational as well as professional backgrounds. We welcome inquiries and applications from anyone who has a passion for improving the health of our communities. Therefore, while we seek students who meet BOTH University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) and School of Community Health Sciences (SCHS) public health requirements for graduate status, we consider other important attributes such as volunteer and professional experiences, career objectives, and potential to contribute to the public health profession.

An applicant who has one or more deficiencies in admission requirements may be admitted on a prescribed basis. Students admitted on a prescribed program are required to obtain a “B” in the first four courses of the program to maintain graduate standing.

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS MUST MEET BOTH UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO (UNR) AND SCHOOL OF COMMUNITY HEALTH SCIENCES (PUBLIC HEALTH) (SCHS) REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATE STATUS.

1. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning, with an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4-point scale. Graduates of international colleges or universities must contact the Graduate School for approval of their undergraduate degree.
2. Pre-requisite course in statistics.
3. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for applicants to the online program. But applicants with a borderline GPA may choose to include GRE scores to increase their chances of acceptance. The GRE is not required for applicants who have already obtained a Ph.D., M.D., D.D.S., Dr.PH, or Masters’ Degrees from approved institutions.
4. Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with prior academic and/or professional performance.
5. Statement of Purpose: The essay should be approximately 500 words in length, addressing applicant’s career objectives and interest in graduate study, particularly in public health.
6. Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
7. TOEFL scores: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores are required for applicants from non-English speaking nations. The minimum threshold is 550 for the TOEFL paper exam, 80 for the internet-based exam, and 6.5 for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

PREREQUISITE COURSEWORK

Completion of an undergraduate or graduate course in statistics.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application for the Public Health Practice (Online) program is submitted directly to the Graduate School of the University of Nevada, Reno. Before applying for admission, please note the admission requirements. Interested applicants may also work with an Enrollment Specialist in submitting their application (877) 417-4331.

APPLICATION:
The following materials are required for consideration for admission to the Master of Public Health program. These materials should be submitted to the Graduate School of the University of Nevada, Reno at http://www.unr.edu/grad/admissions).

• Online Graduate School Application
• One official copy of transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with prior academic and/or professional performance.
• Written statement of purpose. The essay should be approximately 500 words in length, addressing applicant’s career objectives and interest in graduate study, particularly in public health.
• Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV).

V. Program Requirements

The MPH degree in Public Health Practice is a 45 unit program that includes a core curriculum of 21 units in research methods, biostatistics, social/behavioral health, epidemiology, environmental health, health administration, and organizational behavior. In addition, all MPH students must complete a 3-unit practicum and 3 units in an MPH capstone course. Students must also complete all required courses in the specialization area of Public Health Practice.

VI. Total Units (45 units)

VII. Undergraduate Prerequisites

All applicants are required to take undergraduate courses in statistics.