Public Health, M.P.H. (CIP 51.2201)

Master of Public Health Program

The Master of Public Health Degree Program is offered by Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS) and the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - Shreveport (LSUHSC-S) and includes 42 credit hours. The curriculum is specifically designed to prepare public health graduate students for careers in a public health setting. All students complete a five course core (15 credit hours) that addresses the five areas of core knowledge identified by the Council of Education for Public Health (CEPH) as essential for all MPH students to demonstrate. An additional 21 credit hours in public health related courses are also completed. The last phase of the program consists of a practicum (3 credit hours) which students are required to complete 200 hours of practicum experience and produce a structured report that describes, analyzes; and critiques the experience. Students have the option of completing a MPH Capstone project (3 credit hours) or Master’s thesis (6 credit hours). Students who choose  the MPH Capstone project will complete an additional six credits of electives. Students who choose to complete a thesis may waive one elective. In both the practicum and culminating experiences, students are under the supervision and guidance of faculty and field based practitioners.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Master of Public Health degree program need to meet the admission criteria for the LSUS Office of Graduate Studies, submit a personal statement and three letters of recommendation. Applicants are not required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) if they have earned a minimum of baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college within 36 months of submitting their application.  Applicants whose graduation date exceeds 36 months at the time of application will not be required to take the GRE but will have to submit a detailed resume and examples of work-product.  The MPH Admissions Committee reserves the right to request applicants who have not taken the GRE to do so if the committee deems the exam beneficial in making a decision to accept the applicant.  The LSUS Office of Graduate Studies and the program’s Admissions Committee grant final determination for admission into the MPH program.

Transfer of Credit

A maximum of 12 credit hours may be accepted for transfer into the program by prior approval of the MPH Director. 

Career Opportunities

The MPH prepares students for positions in local, state, federal, and non-governmental health agencies, health services, community health organizations, research institutions, and academic institutions. 

Grade Policy

A GPA of 3.0 or higher is required for graduation from the MPH program.  Students are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the program.

Curriculum

• Master of Public Health Curriculum