Master of Public Health (MPH)

As the nation shifts towards a new healthcare delivery model, professionals skilled in prevention and community-based research become pivotal in guaranteeing comprehensive healthcare and enhancing the nation's health. The MPH degrees in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Health Behavior and Health Promotion aim to train the upcoming generation of public health professionals.

Graduates from the MPH Generalist program will possess expertise in assessing the health status of diverse populations and crafting comprehensive strategies for implementation. The core objective of DPHS is to enhance population health locally, statewide, and globally. This program endeavors to educate a diverse public health workforce, including working adults and students who might face challenges attending traditional in-person graduate programs. The intent is to mold them into experts in groundbreaking research, leadership, and advocacy for better and equitable population and community health across South Carolina and beyond. This aligns with MUSC's mission concerning disease prevention, community wellness, and population health. Graduates will gain valuable skills suitable for careers in public health agencies, health departments, healthcare organizations, regulatory government agencies, non-profits, academic institutions, and the private sector.

The program's vision resonates with the Department of Public Health Sciences' aspiration to foster a healthier future through leadership in Public Health Sciences. It also aligns with the Medical University of South Carolina's Imagine MUSC 2020 Strategic Plan, emphasizing Commitment to Patients and Families, Building Healthy Communities, Embracing Diversity and Inclusion, Advancing Knowledge and Scientific Discoveries, and Fostering Innovative Education and Learning.

Our mission is to propel knowledge, skills, and scholarship in public health, population health, and data science. This is achieved through research, education, and service via synergetic and innovative programs.

The overarching goal is to educate health professionals who can drive positive health outcomes and bolster health equity not only in South Carolina but also in the Southeast region, nationally, and internationally.

Through the program, students will cultivate the expertise to evaluate the health status of various populations and to formulate robust plans and strategies. This positions them to champion health initiatives that elevate population health.

Curriculum

Each MPH degree requires the completion of a total of 45-47 credit hours including coursework in the core concentration, along with an internship and a capstone project. The degree can be completed in 4 semesters.

For those students admitted with Advanced Standing from Clemson University, the MPH degree requires the completion of a total of 33-35 credit hours, including coursework in the core concentration, along with an internship and a capstone project.

Internship

Complete 180 hours of field placement in a comprehensive public health setting in the chosen concentration with a local or regional sites. Internship sites include hospitals, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and pharmaceutical companies.

Capstone Project

A professional paper or report which is the culmination of the internship experience.