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About the Master of Public Health (MPH)

Master of Public Health

The Master of Public Health (MPH) is a cohort model program that trains health professionals through educational programs, research, and community service opportunities so that they may make a substantive contribution to the health of individuals, communities, and the environment.  The program prepares its students for leadership positions in public health, other public and private health promoting agencies, and health care institutions.

Emphasis Areas

Students in the MPH program will choose from one of three emphasis areas: Prevention and Intervention Programming, Data-Driven Decision-Making or Health Management and Leadership.

Master of Public Health students must successfully complete at least 42 credit hours of approved coursework, including 16 credits of foundational coursework, and the requirements of their chosen emphasis area. To view course information and descriptions download the graduate catalog.

Prevention and Intervention Programming

Data-Driven Decision-Making

Health Management and Leadership

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work full time and be a student in the MPH program?

Yes, the MPH program offers:

  • Evening classes that cater to working students
  • A full time option that takes 2 years or 4 semesters to complete
  • A part time option that takes 3 years or 6 semesters
  • Most core and emphasis area classes are taken in-person at the Boise State Health Science Riverside Building

If accepted into the program, when would I start?

The MPH program has a fall semester only start time.

  • We use a cohort model so you will begin classes with fellow students accepted at the same time.
  • To learn more about important academic dates, please visit Boise State University’s academic calendar page.

Does the MPH program offer graduate assistantship positions?

Yes, the MPH Program has a small number of graduate assistantships available. In order to apply, please keep the following in mind:

  • Submit your graduate application to the Graduate College by the priority deadline of January 15th to learn about graduate assistantship opportunities in our program as early as possible.
  • All students that apply by the priority deadline will have an opportunity to interview for available graduate assistantships.
  • These are highly competitive and the number of available positions changes based on funding and research opportunities.
  • The main responsibilities of graduate assistants funded by the School of Public and Population Health are to help with teaching and faculty research.
  • Learn about other graduate assistantships, funding, scholarships and work employment opportunities across Boise State here.

What potential career fields could I pursue with an MPH degree?

  • Public Health Education
  • Community Health Work
  • Public Policy
  • Emergency Management
  • Healthcare Administration and Leadership
  • Epidemiology
  • Global Health
  • Environmental Health
  • Behavioral Science
  • Biostatistics/Research

Please reference the MPH handbook to learn more about the program. Please reach out to mphinfo@boisestate.edu if you have any questions.