Public Health (Graduate)

Go to Doctoral Public Health Programs | Go to Programs and Course Listings

Faculty

Monique Ahinee Amamoo, Interim Chair, Professor; Director, Graduate Program
Rachel E. Bailey, Associate Professor; Director, Experiential Learning
Kimberly Davey, Associate Professor; Director, Undergraduate Program

Graduate Programs and Requirements

Degree/Major
Master of Public Health
Public Health (MPH)

Accelerated Bachelor-to-Graduate Pathway Program
Fast-Track Master of Public Health (BS/MPH)

Joint Degree Pathway Programs
Master of Public Health (MPH)/Master of Social Work (MSW)
Master of Public Health (MPH)/Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
Master of Public Health (MPH)/Juris Doctor (JD)

Older Programs*
Public Health (MPH) w/a Concentration in Community Public Health
Public Health (MPH) w/a Concentration in Nutrition
Public Health (MPH) w/a Concentration in Public Health Management
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*These concentrations are being phased out and are closed to new admits.
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The Department of Public Health offers an online master of public health degree (MPH). The department also offers a fast-track version that allows students to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in their selected major and an MPH. See the Samford University Undergraduate Catalog for more information.

The department also offers three joint degree pathway programs: one in cooperation with the Department of Social Work, leading to both a master of public health (MPH) and a master of social work (MSW); and one in cooperation with the McWhorter School of Pharmacy, leading to both an MPH and a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD); and one in cooperation with Cumberland School of Law, leading to both an MPH and juris doctor (JD). Some credit sharing is allowed, and overall credits of the combined programs are reduced.

Additionally, the department offers a coordinated degree option in cooperation with the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics for an MPH with a Dietetic Internship Certificate (CRH-DIET). This degree/certificate combination does not share credits.

The department also offers a doctor of public health degree (DrPH). This 45-credit online degree is an interdisciplinary program drawing from all departments within the School of Public Health. Students will choose one of two concentrations: health management and policy or population health analytics and decision-making. For more information, see the Public Health Doctoral Programs and Requirements section.

Master of Public Health (MPH)

The Samford University master of public health (MPH) program is committed to developing highly skilled public health professionals. Through faith-infused academic rigor and extensive community engagement, the program provides a solid foundation in evidence-based approaches to public health, leadership and management skills for public health practitioners, healthcare systems and policy, and cross-cultural communication skills to promote health in local and global communities. Graduates are equipped to serve their communities and make significant contributions globally. The online MPH program at Samford University embraces a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach that integrates cutting-edge scientific research, diverse cultural and faith perspectives, and an understanding of global and local health systems to address critical public health challenges.

Admission Requirements

Possess a baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited college or university (degree in any field).
Obtain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. If the applicant’s GPA is below a 3.00, a GRE or MAT score may be submitted for possible conditional admission (Minimum scores: Verbal: 153; Quantitative: 14; Analytical: 4.0).
Achieve a B or better in all “major” courses.
Submit three letters of reference through the application system. The three required references should be from a) current or previous professor, b) work supervisor, and c) professional colleague.
International applicants or American citizens who learned English as a second language must score at least 550 (paper), 213 (computer) or 80 (internet) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Upon acceptance, a non-refundable fee of $500 is required to secure admission into the program. This fee is applied to the first semester’s tuition.
Exceptions to any of the admission requirements may be considered on an individual basis.

Academic Policies

Students in the MPH program must maintain an overall 3.00 GPA in all graduate work. Graduate students who receive a grade below a B in any required course or whose cumulative GPA falls below a 3.00 will be placed on academic probation.

Transfer Credit

Up to 12 semester credit hours of appropriate and approved graduate coursework completed at another accredited university may be substituted for program course requirements. Coursework requested to be transferred must have been completed with a grade of at least a B in each course.

MPH Program Outcomes

Students who complete the MPH program at Samford University will achieve the following competencies, in addition to the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) Foundational Competencies:

Plan and conduct systematic community health needs assessment, integrating multiple sources of data and community and stakeholder input.
Examine global patterns of disease (chronic and infectious) using the Global Burden of Disease framework, and the evidence-based interventions used to address them.
Compare and contrast health care delivery systems, including their history, financing, and delivery infrastructures, in a global context.
Demonstrate basic verbal and nonverbal communication skills and professional behavior important in the health care setting.
Recognize and articulate the key elements of diverse faith and cultural traditions, including beliefs and practices and their impact on the health of populations.

Time Limit

All students must complete the MPH within a period of five years from the academic session of first admission.

Joint Degree Pathway Programs

The Department of Public Health offers three graduate level joint degrees. These innovative programs allow for some credit sharing, reducing overall credits and streamlining the educational journey. Graduates emerge from these programs ready to serve and significantly contribute to their communities, both locally and globally. They are equipped with a comprehensive education that blends academic excellence with real-world application, poised to promote and protect the health of populations through innovative solutions and leadership in public health.

Master of Public Health/Master of Social Work (MPH/MSW)

The MPH/MSW joint degree program is offered in collaboration between the Department of Public Health and the Department of Social Work, both within the School of Public Health. Once completed, the student earns both a master of public health (MPH) and a master of social work (MSW).

Master of Public Health (MPH)/Master of Social Work (MSW)

Master of Public Health/Doctor of Pharmacy (MPH/PharmD)

The MPH/PharmD joint degree program is offered in collaboration between the Department of Public Health and the McWhorter School of Pharmacy. Once completed, the student earns both a master of public health (MPH) and doctor of pharmacy (PharmD).

Master of Public Health (MPH)/Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

Master of Public Health/Juris Doctor (MPH/JD)

The MPH/JD joint degree program is offered in collaboration between the Department of Public Health and the Cumberland School of Law. Once completed, the student earns both a master of public health (MPH) and a juris doctor (JD).

Master of Public Health (MPH)/Juris Doctor (JD)

Programs

Master

Joint Degree (Graduate)

Courses

Public Health - Graduate

NOTE: See the Public Health (Doctoral) section or the MPH program tables for links to additional courses required for the master of public health.