The Master of Public Health program at Boston University prepares students to influence change and transform lives. At BU, we share a commitment to public health as it affects people and societies, locally and globally. Our in-the-world approach translates into a revolutionary model of public health education that gives you the opportunity to investigate pressing challenges and develop productive solutions.
As a graduate of the 48-credit BU MPH, you will understand the complex interplay of the biological, social, economic, cultural, political, behavioral, and environmental factors that affect the health of populations. Our practical education offers unparalleled insight into the complex world of public health, allowing you to study this field in action and to step straight into your career after graduation.
Designed to accommodate students with different needs and preferences, the MPH program has flexible options:
Full-time: complete as quickly as 16 months
Part-time: complete in two to three years
Hybrid: complete the core courses online and finish program on campus
Students can switch between part-time and full-time options. The hybrid options allow students to complete their core courses completely online before coming to campus to complete the remaining requirements. The executive MPH offers students with five or more years of professional experience a more streamlined degree.
Mobilize your career and your ability to drive change in the world by pairing your passion, experience, and education with the BU MPH.
How the MPH Works
As a Master of Public Health student, you will develop essential skills needed in the field of public health, starting with a broad foundation and building advanced, more specialized skills.
The integrated core curriculum of the MPH program establishes a firm foundation of public health knowledge on which students can build their careers. After completing the core curriculum, students can confidently engage in the many issues facing the field of public health today.
Each student also pursues specialized training by choosing certificates that best match their professional goals within field of study within public health. Students are required to choose one functional certificate though up to two are possible, and have the option to add a context certificate.
Functional Certificates
Community Assessment, Program Design, Implementation, and Evaluation
Environmental Health
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Global Health Program Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation
Health Communication and Promotion
Health Policy and Law
Healthcare Management
Program Management
Context Certificates
Chronic and Non-Communicable Diseases
Global Health
Human Rights and Social Justice
Infectious Disease
Maternal and Child Health
Mental Health and Substance Use
Pharmaceutical Development, Delivery, and Access
Sex, Sexuality, and Gender
January 2025
School of Public Health
Talbot Building,
715 Albany Street,
BOSTON,
Massachusetts,
02118, United States
January 2025
School of Public Health
Talbot Building,
715 Albany Street,
BOSTON,
Massachusetts,
02118, United States
Students seeking admission to the Master of Public Health program at BU’s School of Public Health must have already earned or be in the process of earning a bachelor’s degree.
English Language Proficiency: TOEFL ibt: 100 or higher; TOEFL pbt: 600 or higher; IELTS - Academic Exam Only: 7.0 (total band score).
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.