A Flexible, Hands-On master of public health (MPH) Program Taught by Industry Experts

Advance your public health career with real-world skills, expert guidance, and the flexibility to learn on your schedule through our MPH degree.

  • 100% Online
  • 24 Months
  • Career Support
Valparaiso University is recognized as a Best College by the Wall Street Journal
Valparaiso University is recognized as a Top College by Forbes

Take The First Step Toward Your MPH Degree

  • Application Deadline
    January 7, 2026
  • Start Date
    January 14, 2026

Program Overview

Valparaiso University’s flexible master of public health (MPH) equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle public health challenges, focusing on areas like epidemiology, disease prevention, and health policy. Whether you’re leading health initiatives, conducting research, or advocating for equitable health outcomes, our MPH degree prepares you for a rewarding career dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals and populations.

  • Program Details

  • Career Outlook

  • Curriculum

  • Admission

  • Tuition Cost

  • FAQ

Program Options

100% Online

100% online coursework with flexible scheduling and virtual collaboration tools. Perfect for working professionals.

Hybrid

Select courses feature occasional on-campus sessions to enrich learning and provide hands-on engagement.

Program Length and Pricing

Full-Time Track

  • Complete in 24 months
  • 9-12 credits per semester

  • Traditional academic schedule

Part-Time Track

  • Complete in 36 months
  • 6-8 credits per semester

  • Flexible for working professionals

Excellence and Recognition

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher
Learning Commission

The Wall Street Journal

Ranked a 2025
Best College

Forbes Recognition

Ranked a 2024
America’s Top College

Take the Next Step in Your Public Health Career

Applications are now open to join our next cohort of occupational therapy leaders. Apply by January 7, 2026.

Hands-on Learning Opportunities

Internships

Gain hands-on experience through rotations in diverse public health settings like community organizations, public health agencies, and nonprofits.

  • Direct exposure to public health programs and initiatives

  • Mentorship from experienced public health professionals

  • Real-world opportunities to address current public health challenges

Capstone Projects

Address real-world public health challenges through impactful, solution-driven capstone projects in collaboration with community groups and industry partners.

  • Collaboration with public health organizations

  • Strategic planning and program development experience

  • Implementation of evidence-based public health solutions

Public Health Career Outlook

The career outlook for those pursuing public health is on the rise, with growing demand for professionals tackling today’s health challenges. This dynamic field continues to expand year over year.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in epidemiology and other public health-related careers are projected to grow 19% in the next decade, a much faster rate than the national average for all occupations (3%).

Career Growth Statistics

19%

Industry Growth Rate

11,000

Job Openings

$83,980

Median Salary

95%

Employment Rate

Comprehensive Career Support

Career Counseling

One-on-one guidance from experienced public health professionals

Resume Development

Professional assistance in crafting compelling resumes

Networking Opportunities

Connections with industry leaders and public health organizations

Interview Preparation

Mock interviews and feedback sessions

Job Portal Access

Exclusive access to public health job opportunities

Alumni Network

Engagement with successful graduates in the public health field

 

Top Careers with a Master of Health (MPH)

EPIDEMIOLOGIST

Investigate patterns and causes of disease to improve public health outcomes

  • Average Salary: $86,000/year

Public Health Manager

Oversee health initiatives, manage teams, and implement community strategies

  • Average Salary: $101,000/year

HEALTH POLICY ANALYST

Analyze and shape health policies to promote equitable health outcomes

  • Average Salary: $95,000/year

Curriculum

At Valparaiso University, our master of public health (MPH) program offers a comprehensive exploration of the field, providing the perspective of a public health professional.

Our coursework ensures a well-rounded education that prepares you to tackle global health challenges and make a meaningful impact in your future public health career. The curriculum covers critical subjects such as:

Biostatistics and Epidemiology

Environmental Health for a Sustainable Future

Epidemiologic Research Methods

Policy, Leadership, and Administration

Course Requirements

IPE 603 – Principles of Epidemiology (Credits: 3)

This course focuses on the application of the principles of epidemiology to the planning, implementing, and evaluating of population-based health services across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on the use of epidemiological and biostatistical methods of reasoning to draw inferences about strategies at all levels of prevention.

PHS 501 – Introduction to Public Health (Credits: 3)

Introduces the many areas of the public health system, providing students with a foundational understanding of public health principles, Students will gain insights into the multifaceted nature of public health and its critical role in improving population health outcomes.

PHS 503 – Biostatistics (Credits: 3)

Application of descriptive statistics, basic probability concepts, one- and two-sample statistical inference tests, analysis of variance, and simple linear regression to public health research. Perform selection, basic calculations, and interpretation of statistical methods for detection of significant associations and differences. Introduction to statistical data analysis software.

PHS 513 – Social, Behavioral, & Cultural Factors in Health (Credits: 3)

Examines the complex relationships among the social context, behavior, and health at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community levels. Identifies key social and behavioral determinants of health in the United States and throughout the world. Presents theories to facilitate health education and programs aimed at promoting health and preventing disease.

PHS 520 – Biological Basis of Disease (Credits: 3)

Provides an overview of current knowledge about the biologic mechanisms of disease that are the major causes of death and disability in developed, developing, and underdeveloped countries. Understand and interpret the reciprocal relationships among genetics, social, behavioral, and environmental determinants of health within an ecological context. Analyze biologic principles of disease related to public health.

PHS 521 – Environmental Health for a Sustainable Future (Credits: 3)

Examines the connection between public health and environmental exposures to biological, chemical, and physical agents. Through the use of problem-solving frameworks, students become familiar with data and information sources, methodologies, and policy approaches to address environmental impacts on public health. This course will integrate concepts of environmental health with principles of sustainability to examine how policy and practice on the local, state, national, and global levels affect population health.

PHS 560 – Public Health Policy, Leadership, & Administration (Credits: 3)

This course focuses on the application of knowledge, attitudes, and skills about health policy, leadership, and administration in public health services in the United States and around the world. Emphasis is placed on leadership in organizing, planning, implementing, and evaluating health advocacy, policy, and administration for social change on local, state, national, and global levels.

PHS 662 – Public Health Program Planning, Management, & Evaluation (Credits: 3)

This course focuses on developing expertise to effectively plan, design, implement, and evaluate public health programs for target populations. Students will assess individual, community, organizational, and societal needs of populations, and prioritize concerns and resources for public health programs. Students will apply ethical principles in public health programs.

PHS 618 – Global Health Epidemiology (Credits: 3)

This course integrates analysis of social, political, economic, and environmental determinants of health in developing countries and traces development of societal responses to health promotion and disease prevention. In the course, students will examine origins of primary healthcare, population health, disease burden, maternal mortality, child survival, air, water, sanitation, international agencies, and impact of public health policies.

PHS 619 – Applied Health Data Analysis (Credits: 3)

This course focuses on empirical applications of statistical approaches commonly used in public health. Emphasis is placed on organizing data into analyzable forms, choosing appropriate statistical methods, and interpreting the results of statistical tests for precise scientific communications. SPSS or SAS is used to manipulate data, fit statistical models, and perform model diagnostics.

PHS 673 – Epidemiologic Research Methods (Credits: 3)

This course focuses on the fundamentals of research study design and methodology as well as data collection. Emphasis is placed on finding and analyzing existing research to develop a research proposal in public health.

It is required for all new international graduate students in their first semester of enrollment.

This course is designed to help students from diverse cultural backgrounds learn and adjust to the expectations and requirements deemed necessary for academic success across all Valparaiso University graduate programs. This course will build upon information presented at the international graduate student orientation. Sequenced opportunities for collaboration and communication (verbal and written) will be integrated throughout the curriculum sequence.

Internship / Culminating Experience (Minimum 6 Credits)

PHS 680 – Applied Practice Experience (Credits: 3)

Provides the opportunity for students to apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills acquired through their public health program of study. Integrates a planned, customized, supervised, and evaluated practice experience relevant to the student’s public health program competencies in a variety of public health agencies and organizations.

PHS 681 – Integrative Learning Experience (Credits: 3)

Synthesize and apply theory and principles of public health acquired in coursework and other learning experiences to situations that approximate aspects of professional public health practice. Students are evaluated on the mastery of public health program competencies through customized culminating experiences.

GRD 500 – Graduate Academic Success (Credit: 0)

Electives (3 Credits

Total MPH Requirements (42 Credits)

Public Health Skills That Drive Change

Master these essential competencies to excel in public health and leadership

Community Health Strategy

Design and execute public health initiatives, optimize resource use, and align with long-term population wellness goals

Collaborative Leadership

Coordinate cross-functional teams, support collaboration, and resolve challenges in public health environments

Policy AND Advocacy

Interpret public health policies, ensure regulatory compliance, and support effective implementation strategies

Program Budgeting

Manage public health budgets, control costs, and ensure efficient allocation of program funding and grants

Health Systems Innovation

Lead health system reforms, implement evidence-based practices, and respond to emerging health challenges

Standards & Evaluation

Monitor health outcomes, uphold program standards, and drive continuous improvement in community health services

Take the Next Step in Your Public Health Career

Applications are now open to join our next cohort of occupational therapy leaders. Apply by January 7, 2026.

Admission

Priority Deadline

December 17, 2025

Application Deadline

January 7, 2026

Start Date

January 14, 2026

Admission Requirements

  • A completed graduate studies application form

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • 2.75 GPA in all undergraduate and/or graduate coursework
Ariana Baldwin

Get Personalized Guidance

SPEAK WITH A GRADUATE ADMISSION COUNSELOR

Our experienced graduate admission counselors are here to answer your questions about the MPH program, guide you through the application process, and help you achieve your career goals.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition Cost

$650 per credit hour

Financial Aid Available

Various financing and scholarship options

Flexible Payment Plans

Spread tuition into monthly payments

Want to Talk With Someone?

We are here to help you navigate the financial aid process and make your education at Valparaiso University both successful and affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beyond meeting the educational requirements, it can be helpful to pursue internships or volunteer work to help you get hands-on experience in the field. This experience will prepare you to build on the skills you’ve developed and give you additional insight into public health careers.

In 2024, the median total pay for someone with an MPH is $92,439 per year in the United States, according to Glassdoor.

International applicants must complete an application profile, write a reflective essay, provide recommendation letters, provide transcripts and credential evaluations from a NACES member institution, demonstrate English proficiency, provide proof of financial support, provide a passport copy, and pay the application fee before the deadline.

Please note: A non-native English speaker is required to have a minimum TOEFL (iBT version) 82 or IELTS 6.5.