Program Details

Start Date Fall/Spring/Summer
Duration Typically 2 Years (full-time); flexible options available including 16-month accelerated and part-time up to 5 years.
Tuition Approx. $82,740 (for 42 credits, based on AY 2024-2025 rate of $1,970/credit, excludes fees and living expenses)
Format On-campus (with some hybrid course options)
Credits 42 Credits

Program Statistics

Acceptance Rate Not publicly disclosed for the specific MPH program. Admission is competitive.%
Employment Rate Approximately 95% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within 6-12 months of graduation.%

The Boston University Master of Public Health (MPH) program, housed within the renowned School of Public Health (BUSPH), is a CEPH-accredited, practice-oriented degree designed to cultivate leaders dedicated to improving public health globally. The program emphasizes a robust foundation in public health principles, critical thinking, and practical skills development, all underpinned by a strong commitment to health equity and social justice. Students benefit from a dynamic urban environment in Boston, offering unparalleled opportunities for fieldwork and networking with leading public health organizations and institutions.

BUSPH’s MPH is distinguished by its innovative curriculum that integrates foundational knowledge with specialized functional certificates. This flexible structure allows students to tailor their education to specific career goals, whether in epidemiology, health policy, global health, or community health. The program culminates in a mandatory practicum experience, providing invaluable real-world application of classroom learning, and an integrated learning experience that synthesizes knowledge across public health domains. Graduates emerge prepared to address complex public health challenges and drive meaningful change in diverse settings, from local health departments to international organizations.

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Curriculum

The 42-credit Master of Public Health curriculum at Boston University School of Public Health is structured to provide a comprehensive and flexible education. It is divided into three main components:

  • Foundational Public Health Knowledge: All students complete core courses covering essential public health disciplines such as biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, health policy and management, and social and behavioral sciences. This foundational sequence ensures a broad understanding of public health challenges and methodologies.
  • Functional Certificates: Students choose from a range of specialized functional certificates to deepen their expertise in a particular area. Examples include Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Health Policy & Law, Community Health Sciences, Global Health, Health Communication & Promotion, Maternal & Child Health, and more. Each certificate comprises a set of focused courses.
  • Applied Practice & Integrated Learning: A cornerstone of the program is the mandatory practicum, an applied field experience where students work on a public health project in a real-world setting. This hands-on experience allows students to apply classroom knowledge and develop professional skills. The program culminates in an Integrated Learning Experience (ILE) or capstone, which synthesizes learning across the curriculum and demonstrates mastery of public health competencies.

Admission Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
  • A strong academic record (competitive applicants typically have a GPA of 3.0 or higher).
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing relevant work experience, volunteer activities, and research.
  • A personal statement (essay) outlining your interest in public health, career goals, and reasons for pursuing an MPH at Boston University.
  • Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
  • Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores are optional for most applicants.
  • For international applicants, proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS scores) is required unless specific waiver criteria are met.

Application Process

Applications for the Boston University MPH program are submitted through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS). The process generally involves the following steps:

  1. Create an account on the SOPHAS portal and select Boston University School of Public Health.
  2. Complete all sections of the SOPHAS application, including personal information, academic history, and experiences.
  3. Upload all required supporting documents, such as official transcripts from all previously attended institutions, your resume/CV, and a compelling personal statement.
  4. Arrange for two letters of recommendation to be submitted directly through SOPHAS by your recommenders.
  5. If applicable, submit GRE scores (optional for most) and English proficiency scores (for international applicants).
  6. Pay the SOPHAS application fee. Note that BUSPH does not have an additional institutional application fee beyond the SOPHAS fee.
  7. Monitor your application status through the SOPHAS portal and respond to any requests for additional information from the admissions committee.

Application Fee: $145 (SOPHAS fee)

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