Program Overview

The Spring Hill College online public health program prepares students to pursue careers founded on altruism focused on improving the health of others at both local and global levels. Students of this program graduate equipped with the skills and expertise needed to address today’s critical public health issues. 

Employing public health principles is essential in protecting and promoting health on the individual, community, and societal levels. The online MPH program at Spring Hill College prepares students to positively impact their communities and society by providing essential public health education, preparing students to address real-world health issues, and strengthening the U.S. public health infrastructure. 

Delivery:

Online

Credits:

41 Credits

Time To Degree:

2-4 Years

Cost Per Credit:

$411

Program Outcomes

Throughout this program, you’ll learn to be a responsible, knowledgeable leader in the field of public health. The practical skills you’ll gain will enable you to help educate communities about vital health information and effectively communicate complex ideas, assisting individuals in making informed, educated decisions about their health. You will learn how to appropriately structure health messaging for various health issues to meet the needs of specific populations and ultimately lead to better health outcomes. 

You will also learn how to partner with other organizations to achieve strategic goals and approach various health issues in an interdisciplinary way. In addition to completing courses in public health, you will study ethics, statistical methods, health behaviors, health policy, research methods, health communication, and more. 

After completing the program, you will be able to: 

  • Educate current and future leaders in public health practice and policy by emphasizing critical thinking in an interdisciplinary environment. 
  • Engage in collaborations and partnerships to identify critical health issues, develop strategies to address these issues and disseminate effective, evidence-based public health practices. 
  • Stay abreast of current public health research, evidence-based guidelines, and evolving strategies. 
  • Use targeted, needs-based approaches to address health issues in a variety of settings and populations, and adapt these accordingly. 

Skills Acquired 

  • Health Care Management 
  • Health Communications 
  • Critical Thinking 

Career Outlook

Meet the Need for Public Health Professionals 

Public health is one of the nation’s fastest-growing fields. However, it is also critically lacking all over the country—an issue that has increased as a significant concern in recent years. There is a constant, unanswered demand for talented, trained public health professionals in a broad range of areas in the U.S. Just a snapshot of examples include the expectation that the field of epidemiology will grow by 26% by 2031, and there are about 16,100 openings for health education specialists and community health workers each year on average.

Our online program will prepare you with the skills and expertise necessary to fulfill these and other critical public health needs and become a leader who is well-equipped to work for positive change. 

Admissions Requirements

  • Degree and Minimum GPA 3.0 on a 4 point scale
  • Official transcripts from every college-level institution attended
  • Official GMAT/GRE Score Standardized test scores are not required for admission, but if cumulative GPA is below the 3.0 minimum, scores from a GRE taken in the last five years may be submitted for possible conditional admission.
  • Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references, resume/curriculum vitae and statement of purpose and objectives 

International Students 

Spring Hill College welcomes international applicants for graduate programs, but they are required to provide specific documentation: 

Course EvaluationAn official copy of a course-by-course evaluation of credentials earned outside the U.S. by an approved evaluation service like the World Education Service.
English ProficiencyEnglish proficiency An official copy of an English proficiency test score report indicating an acceptable score. 

Transfer Credits 

Up to nine credit hours can be transferred with grades of B- or better. The courses must be similar to courses offered in the Spring Hill College online MPH program. Transfer credits must be approved by the program director. 

When to Apply 

Apply now to earn your Master of Public Health degree from Spring Hill College. Our flexible, fully online program will give you the experience you need, regardless of your schedule. Call 1 (855) 557-1557 to learn more. 

MPH Core Courses

A study of nature of leadership in organizational and social settings through case and literature analysis. Leader effectiveness is examined in terms of personal traits and organizational influence, including sources of leader power, decision making, servant leadership, and transformational change.

An introduction to the specific management concepts in context of healthcare organizations and the external environment; planning and goal setting; decision making and problem-solving; personnel selection; performance appraisal; and risk management.

An overview of public health, its history and significance over time, and context to facilitate real-world application of the public health concepts. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH or instructor approval.

An overview of social scientific research and theory addressing the nature and influence of social and cultural norms influencing health disparities and social determinants of health. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH or instructor approval.

Examining the art and methodology of informing, influencing, and motivating audiences about important health issues. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH or instructor approval.

Study of the distribution and determinants of health and disease in the human population. Epidemiological research design will also be introduced. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH or instructor approval.

An exploration of the moral dimensions of public health including: priority setting, allocation of scarce medical resources, public health research, and specific policies and interventions designed to protect and promote the public health. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH or instructor approval.

An introduction to concepts and methods of biostatistical data analysis that are used in health sciences and public health.

An internship/practicum/preceptor experience in a variety of placements in the student’s community. Students will work 70 hours in a hands-on environment. Prerequisite: Final year of MPH program and approval by MPH program director.

An enrichment in select public health topics. Hours and credits to be determined by the MPH program director. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH or instructor approval.

A study of behavioral, psychological, and structural factors that contribute to individuals’ health including social, economic, and environmental factors. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH or instructor approval.

MPH Elective Courses

Explores the relationship between gender and communication, particularly in the context of our media-saturated culture. Examines how gender is created through communication by analyzing verbal and nonverbal gendered patterns and media constructions of gender.

Provides an overview of the business of health; emphasis on evaluating the challenges facing healthcare organizations using competitive analysis, identifying past responses, and exploring current strategies used to manage these and emerging challenges.

A study of the human, environmental, and pathogen that causes infectious diseases to emerge. A survey of the emerging infectious diseases of current concern to humans. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH or instructor approval.

A survey course exploring relationships between humans and the environment, risk management decisions, and resulting associations affecting multilevel health and well-being. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH or instructor approval.

A study of the unique health care needs of women and the public health impact of gender inequities across multiple domains that create barriers to care. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH or instructor approval.

An introduction to understanding global health, the burden of disease, healthcare, health disparities, ethics, human rights, the environment, disasters, and complex humanitarian emergencies. Prerequisites: Enrollment in MPH or instructor approval.

Examining the art and methodology of informing, influencing, and motivating audiences about important health issues. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH or instructor approval.

An analysis of structural and systematic inequalities in culturally pluralistic societies, and the manners in which forms and processes of communication are influenced by and vary according to these inequalities.

An examination of global health by providing substantive knowledge and developing analytical competencies with attention to key political, social, economic, and cross-sectional determinants of health.

Explores the effect of social and cultural norms and expectations on affect, behavior, and cognition. Coursework examines the intersection of culture, mental health, social behavior, and human development on mental and physical health.

Introduction to the psychological literature on gender, including the biological, psychological, and social factors associated with gender differences and similarities in affect, behavior, and cognition. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH or instructor Approval.

Examining justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion; exploring the ways in which social justice, privilege, and diversity influence, and are influenced by, our daily experiences, personally and professionally.

A sociological examination of medicine and its practices, associated systems and professionals, and the relationship of individuals with all of these. Focus on contemporary literature.

Seminar focusing on gender from sociological perspectives. Examines gender as embedded in social structures and individuals. Interrogates foundational and contemporary literature.

Expert Faculty

Our faculty are experts in their respective fields and dedicated to the success of our students. Through the course of your online learning, they’ll be there to give you support, answer your questions, provide mentorship, and impart valuable guidance to put you ahead of the competition as you embark upon your professional career. 

Learn more about our Financial Aid process and policies, including FAFSA and work study programs, here.

To see how credits you are currently taking at any college/university may transfer to Spring Hill College, you can email a copy of your transcripts to admit@shc.edu. We will send you an evaluation of credits and can help plan future coursework at your current college/university.

Apply

Apply for FREE today to one of the most affordable and accessible private colleges in the country!

Center for Online Learning

Learn more about our Center for Online Learning, our invigorating online programs and how we support our students, even when they aren’t on campus.

© Copyright 2024 Spring Hill College. All rights reserved.