Master of Public Health Overview
A Flexible Format Designed to Fit Your Busy Life
The Master of Public Health (MPH) program gives you a strong foundation in the principles and theories of public health practice, along with multiple concentrations to give you the specialized knowledge needed to practice in specific areas of public health. You can complete this MPH program entirely online or in a hybrid format at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
Join a community of people who are dedicated to understanding and improving the health of individuals, families, and communities. The Colorado School of Public Health is the only school of its kind in the Rocky Mountain region. Our faculty members have a wide range of expertise in biostatistics, epidemiology, health policy and more.
Program at a Glance
Degree Program:
Master of Public Health
Offered By:
Colorado School of Public Health
Tuition:
Cost Per Credit:
$920
Cost Per Credit:
$1491
Credit Hours:
42
Public Health Concentrations
Hybrid concentrations require some in-person courses. Classes are typically during the day and meet 1-2 days a week per class. There are no on-campus requirements for the fully online concentrations.
In this concentration, you'll focus more on the applied nature of biostatistics and less on the theory behind it. You’ll gain a strong understanding of programming and data management and learn how to navigate serving as a consultant on projects. The Applied Biostatistics concentration has the option to add an emphasis in Global Health.
Concentration Courses
- Applied Biostatistics II (BIOS 6602)
- Advanced Data Analysis (BIOS 6623)
- Data Management Using SAS (BIOS 6680)
- Three (3) Additional Courses
Preferred Qualifications
- Successful completion of at least two or more college-level math/statistics courses
- Experience with statistical computing programs (e.g. R, SAS, SPSS, Stata)
- One letter of recommendation from a faculty member who can attest to your quantitative readiness
In this concentration, you’ll learn how you can influence individuals to make positive health decisions while strengthening communities. You will study the why and the how of population health, engaging with communities in a way that really makes a difference.
Concentration Courses
- Methods in Research and Evaluation (CBHS 6612)
- Program Planning and Implementation (CBHS 6613)
- Community Health Assessment (CBHS 6624)
- One (1) Additional Course (CBHS 6622 or CBHS 6637)
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong analytic and written communication skills
- One year of practical experience (e.g., internships, paid work experiences or volunteering)
Learn how to characterize the human health effects of environmental and occupational hazards and the populations that are most vulnerable to those exposures. As part of our department, you’ll have access to faculty with a wide range of expertise, from climate change and disaster preparedness to Total Worker Health®.
Concentration Courses
- Toxic Effects of Environmental and Workplace Agents (EHOH 6616)
- Environmental Health Policy and Practice (EHOH 6618)
- Environmental Exposures and Health Effects (EHOH 6619)
- Two (2) Additional Courses
Required Qualifications
- Background in health or natural sciences with a science GPA of 3.0 or better
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous coursework in chemistry, biology, statistics and/or geographic information systems
- One year of professional experience (internships, paid work experience, Peace Corps volunteer)
- Strong analytic and writing skills
Study diseases in populations and learn how to apply evidence-based information to promote health and prevent illness. In epidemiology, we get to see the applications of our work every day, saving lives in the here and now and in the future. And as a student in our department, you’ll have access to faculty with a wide range of expertise, from food safety to gene-environment interactions.
Concentration Courses
- Applied Biostatistics II (BIOS 6602)
- Data Management Using SAS (BIOS 6680)
- Research Methods in Epidemiology (EPID 6626)
- Analytical Epidemiology (EPID 6631)
Required Qualifications
- Evidence of analytic/quantitative abilities by presenting at least one of the following:
- Academic background in health, public health, or natural sciences with a math/science GPA of 3.0 or better
- Written product from a professional experience demonstrating analytic/quantitative skill
- Letter(s) of recommendation that give specific examples of applicant’s analytic/quantitative abilities
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous coursework in chemistry, biology, statistics, or math is strongly recommended
Learn about the entire breadth of the healthcare arena and what it looks like on the scale of national policies, regional hospitals, and individual patient outcomes. In the Department of Health Systems, Management & Policy, you’ll have access to faculty with a wide range of expertise—from disaster preparedness to rural populations to the economic impact of health policies, we do it all.
Core Courses
- Health Equity (HSMP 6602)
- Health Care Economics (HSMP 6604)
- Health Policy (HSMP 6605)
- Health Care Financial Management (HSMP 6610)
- Introduction to Health Policy Analysis (HSMP 6616)
- Choose either Public Health Administration (HSMP 6606) or Management of Nonprofit Organizations in Public Health (HSMP 6633)
Required Qualifications
- Proficiency in arithmetic, algebra, and geometry
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience with quantitative reasoning, data analysis, and/or statistics
- Strong analytical writing and verbal communication skills
- Experience with healthcare and/or public health programs and policies
This program will prepare you for leadership positions in public-health-driven organizations in health care, government, non-profit, and for-profit industries. You’ll gain the management, budgeting, evaluation and public health administration experience you need to become an effective leader and manager.
Concentration Courses
- Leadership in Public Health Practice (CBHS 6640)
- Leadership in Public Health Practice Part 2 (HSMP 6640)
- Methods in Research and Evaluation (CBHS 6612)
- Management, Budgeting, and Public Health Administration (HSMP 6634)
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional experience commensurate with this leadership concentration
Learn to define public health needs related to maternal and child health, design strategies to address those needs, and evaluate the effectiveness of different policies and programs. Our faculty and students are passionate about working with diverse populations to improve the health of mothers, children and families. You’ll have access to faculty with a wide range of expertise, from reproductive health to child development.
Core Courses
- Maternal & Child Health (CBHS 6621)
- Maternal & Child Health Policy (HSMP 6614)
- Maternal & Child Health Epidemiology (EPID 6644)
- Methods in Research & Evaluation (CBHS 6612)
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in the field of maternal and child health (either paid and/or volunteer) is desirable.
- Previous coursework in human development or child development is preferred but not required.
The MPH concentration in Population Mental Health & Wellbeing is among the first and only accredited Master of Public Health programs in the U.S. in this subject area. Gain specialized knowledge to practice public health in the areas of mental health, substance use and wellbeing. You'll join a community of people who are dedicated to lessening the burden that mental health and substance use disorders have on the health of individuals, families and communities.
Concentration Courses
- Mental Health (PMHW 6601)
- Behavioral Health Systems & Policy (PMHW 6620)
- Mental Health & Well-being Promotion (PMHW 6621)
- Methods in Research & Evaluation (CHBS 6612)
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous coursework in psychology, public health, social work, or related fields
- Previous mental health work experience (paid or volunteer)
- Strong written communication skills
Master of Public Health Program Details
Flexible Options
Whether you’re a working professional or an out-of-state resident who can’t relocate for school, the Colorado School of Public Health at CU Anschutz offers online and hybrid programs to suit your needs. We can help you achieve your educational and career goals while juggling work and your personal life. The MPH program does not run on a cohort model, so you can adjust your coursework on a semester-by-semester basis to accommodate your schedule. Fall and spring courses last 16 weeks, while summer courses are approximately 11 weeks long. The MPH can be completed in two years by taking 9-12 credit hours per semester.
Engaging Classes
Our student-to-faculty ratio is 5:1, meaning you’ll get personalized attention in small classes. The MPH program’s hands-on coursework includes a capstone project, which is an independent project completed in partnership with an organization, and a 120-hour practicum, which can be completed in person in your community or virtually/remotely.
Results That Matter
99% of our CU Anschutz MPH alumni go on to employment or continuing education in the year after graduation. MPH graduates pursue careers in epidemiology, biostatistics, research, health policy, education and more. Many of our students come from a public health background or social sciences such as psychology, but you do not need experience in the field of public health to be a good candidate for the MPH program.
CEPH-Accredited
The Master of Public Health program at CU Anschutz is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). CEPH’s focus is the improvement of health through the assurance of professional personnel who are able to identify, prevent and solve community health problems. The Council's objectives are to:
- Promote quality in public health education through a continuing process of self-evaluation by the schools and programs that seek accreditation;
- Assure the public that institutions offering instruction in public health have been evaluated and judged to meet standards essential for the conduct of such educational programs; and
- Encourage—through periodic review, consultation, research, publications, and other means—improvements in the quality of education for public health.
Global Health Emphasis Option
The MPH Global Health emphasis is a 45-credit-hour program that's designed to provide you with a public health perspective of globalization and global health issues, along with the skills to address global challenges. As part of the MPH program, students are required to complete the core program curriculum including practicum and capstone projects. Capstone projects should incorporate applied biostatistics and a global component. The Global Health Emphasis can be applied to the following concentrations: Applied Biostatistics; Community & Behavioral Health; Environmental & Occupational Health; Epidemiology; Health Systems, Management & Policy; and Maternal & Child Health.
Public Health Core Courses
The MPH program’s core courses give you foundational knowledge to practice, teach, and research, and with a concentration, you can specialize your knowledge in a specific area of public health. To learn more about concentration courses, visit the Concentrations section.
This course examines the historical and conceptual bases of public health, the key issues and problems faced by the public health system, and the tools available for the protection and enhancement of the public's health.
You’ll learn applied biostatistical methods, including descriptive and statistical inference, odds ratio and relative risk, probability theory, parameter estimation, tests for comparing statistics of two or more groups, correlation and linear regression. and overviews of multiple and logistic regression and survival analysis.
This course introduces you to descriptive and analytic methods in epidemiology and their application to research, preventive medicine, and public health practice.
You will learn about the relationship between the environment, workplace, and health. Topics include facets of industrial hygiene, air and water pollution, radiation monitoring, toxicology, occupational medicine, policy, environmental justice, and sustainability. Methods include risk assessment, GIS and epidemiology.
This course considers social, behavioral, and cultural factors that affect the health of individuals and populations and contribute to health disparities. You will examine the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and policies to promote and sustain health environments and lifestyles.
This course introduces you to health systems, management and policy. Topics include the financing and organization of the U.S. healthcare system; introduction to health policy, including stakeholder analysis; and basic managerial skills, including human resources and budgeting.
All MPH concentrations require students to successfully complete a practicum in which the student demonstrates competencies and integrates knowledge. It is intended to enrich your experience by providing an opportunity to apply theory and skills in a public health setting.
MPH Capstone Preparation will focus on developing the basis for a strong capstone project, culminating in the finalization of the capstone proposal that meets the expectations of the concentration.
MPH Capstone Integration will focus on interaction between MPH students from across concentrations to build communication skills and facilitate the students' integration of their projects within the broader scope of public health.
Public Health Field Career Data
Public health professionals play important roles in protecting public health, educating communities, and gathering and assessing important data. Alumni of the CU Anschutz Master of Public Health program work in a variety of organizations and agencies, such as:
- State and local health departments
- Non-profits and non-governmental organizations
- Military and federal government agencies
- Universities, hospitals and health care organizations (e.g. HMO’s, insurance)
- Biotech and for-profit health organizations
The Colorado School of Public Health Office of Career Services offers career advising and connects students with alumni and potential employers. Their services are available to both online and in-person students as well as alums.
| Epidemiologists | Research Biostatisticians | Administrative Services and Facilities Managers |
|---|---|---|
|
$81,390 19% Projected Growth |
$104,860 11% Projected Growth |
$104,900 6% Projected Growth |
Salary data based on May 2023 median pay in the United States (bls.gov). Growth rate projected 2023-2033 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
ColoradoSPH provides students opportunities to engage with cutting edge research, stimulating curriculum, and like-minded students. The opportunities for practicum, employment, and research are endless. The connections I am making with fellow students and other professionals will be invaluable for my future career, and I know I am building relationships with lifelong friends and colleagues.
– Margaret | Master of Public Health Student
Tuition and Fees
Financial Aid | Financial aid is available to students who qualify. Financial aid is managed and awarded to students through the University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Office of Financial Aid.
Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) | The WRGP helps students access graduate education outside of their home state without paying the high price tag of an out-of-state education. Students who are residents of WRGP member states and territories may qualify for in-state tuition. Members include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States.
Scholarships | The Colorado School of Public Health offers a limited number of scholarships to incoming and current students. Incoming students are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on the information presented within their application to the school. Other scholarships require a separate application. Please review our website for a full list of these opportunities.
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is military friendly and committed to providing service members and their families with a high-quality education, catered to their distinct needs. The Office of Veteran and Military Student Services (VMSS) supports veteran, active duty, reservist, National Guard and dependent students. VMSS offers holistic student services, including but not limited to, answering questions about your education benefits and serving as a liaison to other divisions on campus.
Many companies offer tuition assistance benefits as part of their employee compensation program. Generally, these policies determine a set number of credit hours per year that the company will pay for on behalf of the student/employee. Some policies place a cap on eligible tuition dollars and related expenses while others reimburse employees on a per-credit-hour basis. Get in touch with your organization's human resources department to learn more about your educational benefits.
Admissions
Students interested in the MPH program should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. We have a preferred minimum GPA of 3.0, but we do not discourage students from applying for any reason. We utilize a holistic admissions process, so GPA is only one of the factors we review. GRE test scores are not required or expected for admission into our MPH, DrPH, or certificate programs, but you may opt to submit them during the application process.
Concentrations for the MPH program may have additional requirements and qualifications. For the application process, you will need:
- Official transcripts from each college or university attended (overall GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Resume or CV
- Application fee
Request more information and start the admissions process by filling out the form on this page, or complete the SOPHAS application if you’re ready. SOPHAS charges $150 for the first program you apply to and $60 for each additional program.
- Application Deadlines
- January 15 (Preferred Deadline)
- May 1 (Final Deadline)
- Rolling Admissions
In our rolling admissions process, we begin evaluating applications on January 15, and applicants can expect to receive a decision in 2-4 weeks.
- Start Dates
Students can choose to start their program in the summer or fall.
Take the Next Step
Find the support and flexibility you need to earn your Master of Public Health degree at the University of Colorado. Our team is here to help you take the next steps and see the possibilities in yourself, your future, and your education.
Rise to new heights. Start today by filling out the form on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to increasing your earning potential and preparing for career advancements, a Master of Public Health degree is an intersection of many possible career paths, from research and education to practice in areas like epidemiology, emergency management, and maternal health. Your work will provide critical services and information to communities in need, and your education and experience can ready you for even more—a doctoral program, a leadership position or your vision of how you can contribute to the field.
Online courses are taught by the same professors who teach in-person classes. Whether you are online, hybrid or in person, you’ll receive the same high quality education and learning experiences. Hybrid concentrations require some in-person courses that typically meet during the day 1-2 days a week per class. There are no on-campus requirements for the fully online concentrations.
Many of our students come from a public health background or other social sciences like psychology. We also have students from hard science or math backgrounds such as biology. Applicants do not need experience in public health or any other background, so we also have students with backgrounds in communication, business, and more.
Our fully online concentrations have no on-campus components. If you choose a fully online concentration, you can complete the Master of Public Health program without needing to relocate or visit campus in person.