Program Details

Start Date Fall
Duration 2 Years (full-time) or up to 7 Years (part-time)
Tuition Approx. $19,500 (CA Resident) - $36,200 (Non-Resident) for the entire program (estimated for 2 years, based on 2023-2024 fees)
Format On-campus
Credits 42 Credits

Program Statistics

Acceptance Rate Not publicly available%
Employment Rate Not publicly available%

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is designed to cultivate future public health leaders equipped to tackle complex health challenges and promote well-being in diverse communities. The curriculum emphasizes a foundational understanding of public health competencies, including epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, social and behavioral sciences, and health policy. Students gain practical skills through rigorous coursework, research opportunities, and community engagement, preparing them for impactful careers.

Housed within the Department of Health Sciences, the program benefits from a dedicated faculty with extensive expertise and strong connections to local public health agencies. CSUN’s MPH program is committed to addressing health disparities and promoting health equity, particularly within the greater Los Angeles area. Graduates are prepared to serve as change agents, advocating for policies and implementing programs that improve population health outcomes.

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The program offers a specialization in Community Health Education, focusing on the design, implementation, and evaluation of health promotion interventions. This concentration ensures students develop the competencies necessary to educate communities, build healthy environments, and empower individuals to make informed health decisions. The program culminates in a practicum experience and a comprehensive exam or thesis, integrating academic knowledge with real-world application.

Curriculum

The CSUN MPH program requires a total of 42 units, structured to provide a comprehensive public health education with a specialization in Community Health Education. The curriculum is divided into core public health courses, concentration-specific courses, electives, a practicum, and a culminating experience.

  • Core Public Health Courses (21 units): These courses establish a strong foundation in the five core disciplines of public health, including Public Health Theory, Social and Behavioral Aspects of Health, Biostatistics for Public Health, Epidemiology, Environmental Health, Health Policy and Management, and Research Methods in Public Health.
  • Community Health Education Concentration (9 units): This specialization focuses on practical application, covering Program Planning in Public Health, Program Evaluation in Public Health, and Health Communication and Advocacy.
  • Electives (6 units): Students select graduate-level elective courses in public health or related fields, allowing for further specialization or exploration of interest areas.
  • Applied Practice Experience (Practicum - 3 units): A supervised field experience in a public health setting, providing hands-on application of classroom knowledge.
  • Culminating Experience (3 units): Students complete either a comprehensive examination or a master's thesis, demonstrating mastery of public health competencies and the ability to conduct independent research or analysis.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet both university and program-specific admission criteria. Key requirements include:

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
  • A minimum GPA of 2.5 in the last 60 semester units attempted, or overall GPA of 2.5. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is strongly preferred for competitive admission.
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
  • Three letters of recommendation, preferably from academic or professional supervisors.
  • A compelling Statement of Purpose outlining academic and career goals, and how the MPH program aligns with these aspirations.
  • A current Resume or Curriculum Vitae detailing educational background, work experience, and relevant skills.
  • While not required, undergraduate preparation in a health-related field or coursework equivalent to a minor in Health Sciences or a related field is highly recommended.
  • International applicants must also submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores, if applicable, demonstrating English language proficiency.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is NOT required for admission to the CSUN MPH program.

Application Process

The application process for the CSUN MPH program involves two main components:

  1. SOPHAS Application: Applicants must complete and submit an application through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS). This includes submitting official transcripts from all institutions attended, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume/CV directly to SOPHAS.
  2. CSUN University Application: In parallel, applicants must also submit a separate graduate application directly to California State University, Northridge via Cal State Apply.
  3. Supplemental Materials: Ensure all required documents are submitted to the correct platform by the stated deadlines. Official transcripts must be sent to both SOPHAS and CSUN Admissions & Records.

International applicants should consult the CSUN International Admissions website for additional requirements and deadlines.

Application Fee: $145 (SOPHAS initial application) + $70 (CSUN application fee)

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