Overview
The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Promotion, Policy and
Leadership is designed to provide advanced training to address
the health needs of diverse communities. Students will learn how
to enhance their practical skills for implementation of health
policies and promotional tools to reduce health risks and
protect populations. They will also gain the tools to work with
legislators, health advocates and leaders in the profession to
impact policies and regulations that affect public health.
The MPH program is offered in a cohort-based, hybrid class
format, providing working professionals the flexibility to attend
classes at night and complete the degree in two years. As public
health practitioners, students will prepare for leadership
positions across promotion and policy in the public,
private and government sectors.
Benefits
- Flexible hybrid schedule, with one evening of classes per
week
- Curriculum combines training in health policy and promotion
- Culminating experience focused on solving a public health
problem in the community
- Learn to serve local populations through a social justice
lens
- Self-guided practicum requirement that helps students explore
new areas of practice
- Sacramento location allows for insight on policy-making in
California
- Degree can be completed in two years
Audience
Designed for working professionals, this program offers a high
level of flexibility. A health-related background is not
necessary to pursue this master’s degree; however, 2 or more
years of full-time professional work experience in public health
(or related field) is preferred. The program is ideal for
advancing or transitioning to a career in Public Health
leadership.
Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree from an
accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 from
the last undergraduate or graduate degree completed.
Admitted students who do not have a baccalaureate degree in
public health are required to take a non-credit, online,
training module before starting classes, with a passing score of
80% or higher, in order to prepare them for the program
content. The fee for the online training module is
$200.
Structure
The Masters in Public Health can be completed in two years,
including one summer (five consecutive semesters). Classes are
offered in hybrid format, with classes taking place in person one
evening per week. With a practice-based approach to coursework,
students will learn the foundational material and apply it
in a real-world setting.
Three intensive residencies will be required
throughout the program over one weekend: one at the start of the
program, one in the middle and one at the very end. Students will
also participate in both practicum and
capstone project requirements that
complement their professional experience. The practicum is a
guided field experience that will be completed in the summer,
which includes a consultative position providing technical
assistance to local organizations to help solve community issues.
The capstone is a culminating project, to be completed in the
final term, where students devise practical solutions for a
pressing public health concern.
Fees
Course fees for this program are on a per-unit basis, currently
at $650 per unit. Students pay for each course as they
enroll. Additionally, admitted students who do not
have a baccalaureate degree in public health are required to
take a non-credit, online, training module before starting
classes, with a passing score of 80% or higher, in order to
prepare them for the program content. The fee for the online
training module is $200.
Application fees include the $70 non-refundable university
application fee paid online through CSU Apply, and a $50
departmental fee which is paid upon formal admission to the
program. Admitted students will be given instructions for
how to pay the $50 departmental fee.
