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MPH Program for Experienced Professionals

The Master of Public Health (MPH) is the standard professional degree recognized throughout the world for public health practice, both in the public sector and in emerging private sector careers related to population health. At Ohio State, the MPH is offered in two formats: a full-time weekday format and a more flexible part-time format for experienced professionals who want to advance in the field of public health. The MPH Program for Experienced Professionals (MPH-PEP) is the oldest MPH program in the state of Ohio, and has graduates in many leadership positions in the state and beyond.

The combination of on-campus and distance learning components reduces traditional class time without losing the essential interactions between faculty and students.

On campus -- one three-day weekend each month during the academic year and classes during a few weekends in the summer.

Distance learning -- course websites that allow you to access course materials, communicate with the instructor and other students, take quizzes, and submit assignments.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

The MPH-PEP curriculum can be completed in two years. The program is designed to begin in the summer with one introductory course. You will then take two courses per quarter during the regular academic year (mid-September to mid-June). The second summer is left open for a practicum experience (and you may also take electives at that time). In the second academic year you will again take two courses per quarter, including completion of your culminating project.

Download/Print the 2009-2010 PEP calendar.

The curriculum for the MPH-PEP is similar to that for the full-time MPH, requiring the same total of 60 credit hours. However, PEP students do not specialize, other than through their use of electives and their choices for practicum and culminating experience.

The specific PEP course requirements recognize the needs and interests of more experienced students, with emphasis on general preparation for positions of leadership in public health. The division of time in the curriculum is as follows:

Required courses (40 credit hours)
Practicum (4 credit hours)
Culminating project (4-8 credit hours)
Electives (8-12 credit hours)

Required Courses (40 hrs)

PUB HLTH 741 Public Health Organization, 4 hrs
PUBH-BIO 601 Statistical Methods for Public Health Practice I, 4 hrs
PUBH-BIO 602 Statistical Methods for Public Health Practice II, 4 hrs
PUBH-EHS 731 Principles of Environmental Health, 4 hrs
PUBH-EPI 700 Epidemiology for Experienced Health Professionals, 4 hrs
PUBH-HBP 720 Preventing Disease and Promoting Health through Behavioral Science, 4 hrs
PUBH-HBP 824 Program Evaluation in Public Health, 4 hrs
HSMP 800 Health Care Organization I, 4 hrs
HSMP 805 Introduction to Health Policy, 4 hrs
HSMP 823 Financial Mgmt of PH Programs, 4 hrs

Practice Placement (4 hrs)

PUB HLTH 685 Field Experience in Public Health 4 hrs

Culminating Project (4-8 hrs)

PUB HLTH 793 Individual Studies 4-8 hrs

Electives (8-12 hrs)

Eight to 12 credit hours of electives may be applied toward the 60 required for the degree (naturally, students may take more if they wish). Some electives will be offered within the College of Public Health in formats to make them more accessible to PEP students (e.g., evening, weekend, distance education).

Students may also take approved courses in other departments at Ohio State, or at other universities. Elective courses taken in other departments or other universities must have prior approval. A listing of currently approved electives is available through the Office of Academic Programs, and will periodically be updated.

Download/Print the current listing approved elective courses.

The student who wishes to take an elective that is not already on the approved list must submit an elective course approval form (included in the CPH Student Handbook) together with supporting documentation. In order to receive approval, the course must be at the graduate level, relevant to public health, and contribute to your career goals and objectives. It is essential to obtain advance approval for electives in order to avoid any possibility of a very expensive disappointment.