Online MPH
Three concentration options lead to lucrative public health careers.
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Request InfoPublic Health, M.P.H. Overview
The University of West Florida’s Master of Public Health is an affordable online program accredited by the CEPH. This competency-based, military-friendly curriculum caters to world-class students from diverse backgrounds and career goals in population health. Graduates can enjoy lucrative careers in high demand. Working professionals can even balance their educational goals with work and family life through our asynchronous online coursework. You can also expect to work one-on-one with expert faculty by participating in their research and presenting findings at national conferences.
The MPH is grounded in foundational core courses in environmental health, epidemiology, social and behavioral sciences, biostatistics and public health policy. These core courses provide you with concepts related to the history, structure, principles, theories and practice of public health. Graduates with an MPH degree are prepared to develop, implement and evaluate effective public health programs for disease prevention and wellness promotion within the communities they serve, with an understanding of their cultural, social, economic, ethical and legal impacts.
Students enrolled in the MPH program are required to complete a two-semester, 6 credit hour practicum in the field of public health under the guidance of a qualified mentor and MPH Faculty Internship Advisor. This practicum gives you the real-world experience you need to advance in your public health career. The MPH program accepts new admissions for Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.
The Department of Public Health offers three MPH concentrations: Generalist MPH; Health Promotion, Education and Behavior or Global Health.
Generalist MPH
The Generalist MPH concentration is intended for students and working professionals who desire a broad and general training in public health and population health science practice, including translational research. Our students include experienced clinicians from a broad range of health fields, including medicine, dentistry, nursing, social work and other related fields. We train students to assume leadership roles as members of multidisciplinary public health teams. Graduates of the Generalist MPH concentration have gone on to pursue careers at local, state and federal health agencies, including the CDC, NIH, military medical corps and international agencies. Graduates have also gone on to become public health consultants, outreach specialists and disease prevention and health promotion specialists.
Health Promotion, Education and Behavior
The Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior concentration is geared towards students interested in health promotion and behavior change. The curriculum prepares students for the Certified Health Education Specialist credential. Students are exposed to current and emerging theories in social determinants of health and behavior, working with diverse populations in a variety of chronic disease issues at nonprofit organizations as well as government agencies. Graduates of the Health Promotion, Education and Behavior concentration can take on positions such as public health consultants, disease education educators and outreach specialists.
Global Health
The Global Health concentration is intended for students and professionals seeking a career in the vibrant field of global health practice. They work to monitor and evaluate global health, and build capacities for sustainable health and development, including translational research. Graduates are trained to be effective adaptive practitioners with leadership on multidisciplinary public health teams. Graduates of the MPH in Global Health concentration go on to pursue careers at local, state, government and non-governmental agencies as public health consultants, program monitoring and evaluation specialists, epidemiologists and disease prevention and health promotion specialists.
Candidates for This Program Include:
- Students of all backgrounds who desire a career path in broad public health fields at the governmental, state, local and international levels
- Working public health professionals pursuing career advancement
You Will Be Able To:
- Advance your career in public health
- Understand and influence public health policy
- Identify issues and problems in the public health of various communities
- Gain hands-on experience in a public health internship or practicum
Courses and Requirements
The Master of Public Health requires a foundational core of 15 credit hours, including courses in social and behavioral sciences, epidemiology, environmental health and public health. Then, you will complete the required courses and electives in one of three concentrations: Generalist MPH, Global Health or Health Education, Promotion and Behavior. Complete your degree with an internship/practicum experience.
- PHC 5410 - Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health
3 Credit Hours
Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health
Covers behavioral and social science contributions to science disciplines, including psychology, sociology, and anthropology, will be reviewed and integrated with public health objectives and outcomes. Using a biopsychosocial framework, the role of social, psychological, and behavioral factors in health and illness are emphasized.
- PHC 6000 - Epidemiology for Public Health Professionals
3.0 Credit Hours
Epidemiology for Public Health Professionals
This foundational course covers the application of epidemiologic procedures to the understanding of the occurrence and control of conditions such as infections and chronic diseases, mental disorders, community, and environmental health hazards, accidents, and geriatric problems in human populations. The course is critical to developing student competency in the foundational and practical utilities of epidemiology as a tool for disease surveillance and outbreak investigations, disease prevention and treatment. Part of the Master of Public Health degree program.
- PHC 6300 - Environmental Health
3.0 Credit Hours
Environmental Health
This foundational pubic health course provides a broad overview of the relationship between humans and their environment, and of the efforts to prevent or mitigate environmental threats. Students will be given an overview of the chemical, physical, and biological hazards present in our living and working environment and their effects on human health. The course is designed to acquaint students with the scientific and technical foundations of population health and examines both the practice of environmental health and problems addressed public health practitioners.
- PHC 5050 - Biostatistics for Public Health
3.0 Credit Hours
Biostatistics for Public Health
This is a second course in biostatistics for students in the graduate Public Health program. The topics include descriptive statistics, probability, standard probability distributions, sampling distributions, point and confidence interval estimation, hypothesis testing, power and same size estimation, one and two-sample parametric and non-parametric methods for analyzing continuous or discrete data, simple linear regression, logistic regression and other multivariate methods. Students will use a statistical software package for data management and statistical analyses. This is a fully online course with its own office hours and discussions. STA 2023 or equivalent is a pre-requisite for this course (see UWF Catalog). It is important to have a good understanding of inferential statistics, such as confidence intervals and test of hypotheses (for two samples). Students must have completed STA 2023 or equivalent in college.
- PHC 6150 - Public Health Policy
3.0 Credit Hours
Public Health Policy
The course explores general principles of planning, management, and evaluation of health care programs, policies and interventions implemented by public and private organizations. The goal of the course is to ensure a broad understanding of critical issues concerning the organization, delivery, and financing of public health and health care in the United States and examines the role of private, community-based organizations, federal, state, and local governments in ensuring healthy communities. The basic conceptual frameworks underlying healthcare decision making and assessment of the financing, organization, outcomes and delivery of healthcare services are presented.
- PHC 5410 - Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health
General practice concentration courses (15 credit hours)
- PHC 5102 - Principles of Public Health
3.0 Credit Hours
Principles of Public Health
This course introduces students to the history of public health, the structure of the public health system and the various sectors of public health practice, in order to gain an understanding of the complex factors that determine the health status of a community. Lectures will draw from the public health field, but also related disciplines such as behavioral sciences, healthcare management, medical ethics, and social work. National state, and local level practices will be analyzed, as well as the role that law and government play in the public's health. The course is also intended to stimulate student interest in other public health courses and program offerings.
- PHC 5123 - Biological Basis of Public Health
3.0 Credit Hours
Biological Basis of Public Health
An overview of scientific principles of public health and their application to public health problems with significant state, national and international impact. It is recommended that students have at least one semester of a college science such as, biology or a comparable course before enrolling.
- PHC 6251 - Disease Surveillance and Monitoring
3.0 Credit Hours
Disease Surveillance and Monitoring
Disease surveillance and monitoring is the systematic collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of data for use in prioritizing, planning, implementing, and evaluating health programs, activities and practices in the United States as well as in other developed and developing countries. We will focus on these fundamental processes and procedures which are utilized to investigate and track infectious and communicable diseases as well as non-infectious chronic diseases. The course will highlight the importance of designing and reporting quantitative and qualitative contents in disease surveillance.
- PHC 6015 - Epidemiological Research Designs and Methods
3.0 Credit Hours
Epidemiological Research Designs and Methods
The course covers research design and methods commonly used in epidemiology and public health research. The course covers both quantitative and qualitative research designs, including, observational, quasi-experimental, and experimental designs used in epidemiological investigations. Methods for reliable and valid data collection and analysis will be covered. Common statistical methods for the analysis of public health data are discussed.
- PHC 6196 - Applied Data Analysis in Public Health
3.0 Credit Hours
Applied Data Analysis in Public Health
This course provides an overview of computer applications software for public health and health-related data. Fundamentals of data collection, data mining, statistical analysis, interpretation, and reporting of results are covered. Students gain hands on experience in data management and analysis using real-world public health and health-related data. Enrollment in this course assumes a basic understanding of statistical reasoning and epidemiological experience.
Electives (6 credit hours)
Choose 6 credit hours of coursework from the following in consultation with your academic advisor
- PHC 6005 - Urbanization and Population Health
3.0 Credit Hours
Urbanization and Population Health
The course focuses on the impact of urbanization and the transmission of disease-causing organisms, as well as the interaction between human behavior and environmental changes on population health. Factors such as overcrowding, access to quality housing, modernized urban amenities, lifestyle choices and sanitation(WASH) contribute to the spread of disease in urban areas in developed and low-to-middle income countries.
- PHC 6194 - GIS Applications in Public Health
3.0 Credit Hours
GIS Applications in Public Health
An online course providing hands-on training in the use of geographic information systems for public health-related data. Students will complete projects covering the collection, analysis, and visualization of spatial data using both public domain and commercial software tools supporting geospatial data. Through a set of focused case studies, students will learn the basic features and limits of each tool, as well as interoperability with other GIS software products (both public domain and commercial packages). Part of the Master of Public Health degree program.
- PHC 5442 - Global Health
3.0 Credit Hours
Global Health
The course will introduce students to the main concepts of the public health field and the critical links between global health and social and economic development. Students will get an overview of the determinants of health, and how health status is measured. Students will also review the burden of disease, risk factors, and key measures to address the burden of disease in cost-effective ways. The course will review specific topics related to the most important communicable and non-communicable diseases as well as issues related to food distribution, reproductive health and other global major health concerns with an important focus on low- and middle-income countries and on the health of the poor. We will also discuss cross-cutting global health issues such as poverty and equity, human rights and ethical issues in public health; globalization and health and complex emergencies.
- BSC 5459 - Bioinformatics and Data Science
3.0 Credit Hours
Bioinformatics and Data Science
This project-based course explores concepts and practical applications in bioinformatics. It covers essential topics such as data organization, representing and reasoning about sequence data, simple data mining strategies, and ethical protocols for data collection. Students will learn how to apply data science principles to biological, clinical, and public health problems to effectively work with large data sets, format data, and design applications to help visualize, analyze, interpret, and communicate the resulting insights in ways that advance science. Students will further examine current events demonstrating how collaborative, cross-disciplinary teams use bioinformatic technologies and tools with big data analytics to support translational research. Open to students from any discipline.
- HSC 6528 - Prevention of Infectious Diseases
3.0 Credit Hours
Prevention of Infectious Diseases
An overview graduate level course of the methods and strategies for the prevention and control of infectious diseases within a population setting and the application of these tools in public health programs to achieve an epidemiologic impact on disease reduction, elimination or eradication. Methods covered in the course are those applied to population settings and address both vaccine and non-vaccine preventable diseases of public health significance.
- HSC 5205 - Public Health Preparedness
3.0 Credit Hours
Public Health Preparedness
This course introduces types of disasters, the National Incident Management System, the Incident Command System, and the five steps of emergency management - prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Students will learn about the structure and organization of medical disaster response, exercises, emergency communication, rapid health assessment, surveillance, and triage. Additionally, students will be introduced to the public health role in responding to chemical, biological, disease, radiological, nuclear, and explosive incidents. Students will also examine social/mental health, environmental services, ethical, and legal issues in disasters. Finally, this course introduces evaluation methods for assessing medical and public health responses.
- BSC 5856 - Bioterrorism
3.0 Credit Hours
Bioterrorism
Biological weapons employed against man (emphasis), animals and plants will be discussed during the semester. The major biological agents targeted for use as weapons against humans will be dealt with in detail including the various clinical forms induced by exposure to the agents, prophylaxis and treatment for the resulting diseases and the primary routes of dissemination of the agents studied. The class will cover the potential for biowarfare / bioterrorist acts, how destruction is produced, and what countries / groups have access to sufficient bioagent or the capacity for producing large quantities of biological agents for use as a weapon. Wargames in which bioagents are employed, including casualty estimates and socioeconomic impact, will be discussed and played out. Government preparedness to deal with biowarfare / bioterrorism will be addressed with emphasis on plans for surveillance and response. Offered concurrently with BSC 4854; graduate students will be assigned additional work.
- MCB 5273 - Epidemiology of Infectious Disease
3.0 Credit Hours
Epidemiology of Infectious Disease
The basic principles of epidemiology as they apply to infectious disease and the impact of infectious disease on human civilization will be addressed. The causes and distribution of current epidemics of infectious disease, including newly emerging and reemerging diseases, and the approaches being applied to defeat these diseases will be discussed. Offered concurrently with MCB 4276; graduate students will be assigned additional work.
Choose one of the following:
- PHC 6310 - Environmental Toxicology
3.0 Credit Hours
Environmental Toxicology
Environmental toxicology is the study of the effects of toxic substances on health and the environment. The student will recognize that human survival depends upon the well-being of other species and upon the availability of clean air, water, and food; and anthropogenic, as well as naturally occurring, chemicals can have detrimental effects on living organisms and ecological processes. Concepts to be covered include occurrence of toxicants, damage process and action of toxicants, factors affecting zenobiotic action, defense responses to toxicants, and others. Will also examine chemicals of environmental interest and how they are tested and regulated. Case studies and special topics will be examined.
- PHC 5356 - Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene
3.0 Credit Hours
Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene
An on-line multidisciplinary approach to the study of industrial hygiene intended for a wide range of health related professionals. Recognition, evaluation and control of environmental or occupational hazards. Insight into the management of occupational health hazards and diseases that can be leveraged in a professional practice. Offered concurrently with PHC 4340; graduate students will be assigned additional work.
- PHC 5351 - Occupational Safety and Health in the Health Care Environment
3.0 Credit Hours
Occupational Safety and Health in the Health Care Environment
A multidisciplinary approach to the study of occupational safety and health in health care with researcher and practitioner perspectives. Programs and applications to health care. Common worker safety hazards and controls are reviewed and safety improvement strategies are presented. Teaches recognition of safety and hazards in healthcare, relevant safety and health standards requirements, and identification and implementation of safety improvement initiatives. Offered concurrently with PHC 4363; graduate students will be assigned additional work.
- PHC 5355 - Fundamentals of Occupational Safety and Health
3.0 Credit Hours
Fundamentals of Occupational Safety and Health
Concerns worker protection and serves as a prerequisite for advanced study of hazards and work settings. Development and management of occupational safety and health programs, resolution of safety and health issues, and improvement of safety performance. Introduction to safety and health fields, overview of loss control information and analysis, specific safety and health programs, and program implementation and maintenance. Offered concurrently with PHC 4341; graduate students will be assigned additional work.
- PHC 5102 - Principles of Public Health
- PHC 5442 - Global Health
3.0 Credit Hours
Global Health
The course will introduce students to the main concepts of the public health field and the critical links between global health and social and economic development. Students will get an overview of the determinants of health, and how health status is measured. Students will also review the burden of disease, risk factors, and key measures to address the burden of disease in cost-effective ways. The course will review specific topics related to the most important communicable and non-communicable diseases as well as issues related to food distribution, reproductive health and other global major health concerns with an important focus on low- and middle-income countries and on the health of the poor. We will also discuss cross-cutting global health issues such as poverty and equity, human rights and ethical issues in public health; globalization and health and complex emergencies.
- PHC 5102 - Principles of Public Health
3.0 Credit Hours
Principles of Public Health
This course introduces students to the history of public health, the structure of the public health system and the various sectors of public health practice, in order to gain an understanding of the complex factors that determine the health status of a community. Lectures will draw from the public health field, but also related disciplines such as behavioral sciences, healthcare management, medical ethics, and social work. National state, and local level practices will be analyzed, as well as the role that law and government play in the public's health. The course is also intended to stimulate student interest in other public health courses and program offerings.
- PHC 6110 - Comparative Health Systems
3 Credit Hours
Comparative Health Systems
This course will cover the major models for provision and financing of healthcare used around the world today. The historical development of these models will be traced, and the societal values and other factors underlying countries' choice of healthcare systems and policies will be examined. Students will learn to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of various ways of organizing and financing healthcare and to evaluate health policies according to a range of criteria for cost, quality, and equity.
- PHC 6670 - Ethical Issues in Global Health
3 Credit Hours
Ethical Issues in Global Health
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of major ethical principles and theories applied to global health, and how culture influences ethical decision-making in health resource allocation. Students will examine some of the primary theories and principles in global health practice and research ethics including virtue, deontology, utilitarian, autonomy, justice, beneficence, and nonmaleficence. The course explores prominent global health issues to build greater knowledge and understanding of global health ethics as a vital tenant of effective decision-making to promote optimal health. Topics will address broad ethical issues related to pandemic preparedness, ethical human subject research in developing countries, human rights, gender based violence, resource allocation, and the effects of globalization on health and quality of life within countries.
- PHC 5108 - Monitoring and Evaluation in Global Health
3 Credit Hours
Monitoring and Evaluation in Global Health
The course provides students with fundamental frameworks for monitoring and evaluation in global health practice. The course provides an overview of different types of program evaluation, including needs assessment, formative research, process evaluation, monitoring of outputs and outcomes, and impact assessment. Students gain practical experience through a series of case-studies involving the use of a conceptual framework in the design of an evaluation plan, that includes development of indicators, analysis of computerized service statistics, and impact measurement. The course addresses experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental study designs, including the strengths and limitations of these designs in population and global health practice.
- PHC 6196 - Applied Data Analysis in Public Health
3.0 Credit Hours
Applied Data Analysis in Public Health
This course provides an overview of computer applications software for public health and health-related data. Fundamentals of data collection, data mining, statistical analysis, interpretation, and reporting of results are covered. Students gain hands on experience in data management and analysis using real-world public health and health-related data. Enrollment in this course assumes a basic understanding of statistical reasoning and epidemiological experience.
- PHC 6676 - Public Health Response in Humanitarian Emergencies
3 Credit Hours
Public Health Response in Humanitarian Emergencies
This course provides an overview of the types of humanitarian emergencies and their public health significance. Students explore the public health impact of emergencies and disasters in low-to-middle income countries. Students are introduced to population health needs assessment during emergencies and key indicators needed for timely response and mitigation. Emphasis is placed on the coordination among local, regional, national, governmental, and non-governmental organizations in the delivery of public health services.
- PHC 5442 - Global Health
Health Education, Promotion and Behavior concentration courses (18 credit hours)
- PHC 5102 - Principles of Public Health
3.0 Credit Hours
Principles of Public Health
This course introduces students to the history of public health, the structure of the public health system and the various sectors of public health practice, in order to gain an understanding of the complex factors that determine the health status of a community. Lectures will draw from the public health field, but also related disciplines such as behavioral sciences, healthcare management, medical ethics, and social work. National state, and local level practices will be analyzed, as well as the role that law and government play in the public's health. The course is also intended to stimulate student interest in other public health courses and program offerings.
- PHC 6015 - Epidemiological Research Designs and Methods
3.0 Credit Hours
Epidemiological Research Designs and Methods
The course covers research design and methods commonly used in epidemiology and public health research. The course covers both quantitative and qualitative research designs, including, observational, quasi-experimental, and experimental designs used in epidemiological investigations. Methods for reliable and valid data collection and analysis will be covered. Common statistical methods for the analysis of public health data are discussed.
- HSC 6037 - Philosophical Foundations of Health Education
3 Credit Hours
Philosophical Foundations of Health Education
High-order philosophical, ethical, and theoretical foundations of the professional practice of health education are explored. Students will be expected to develop their own philosophical, ethical and theoretical approach(es) to the field after becoming familiar with the peer-reviewed literature related to the health education.
- HSC 6587 - Health Education Program Planning and Evaluation
3 Credit Hours
Health Education Program Planning and Evaluation
This course is designed to prepare the graduate student with the theoretical and practical perspectives of health program planning and evaluation. Emphasis will be placed on the major components of program planning models; needs assessment; priority setting; program goals and objectives; program implementation and evaluation; and budgeting. Additional topics include: ethical issues related to health program planning; multicultural literacy; and grant writing. Graduate standing or permission from Health Education faculty for non-graduate students is required.
- HSC 6135 - Health Literacy and Cultural Competency
3 Credit Hours
Health Literacy and Cultural Competency
The course examines the roles of health educators, public health professionals, health administrators, and other health professionals in providing culturally competent guidance and programming to consumers of health services. The course provides insight into the history of healthcare, examination of the role of culture in health and healing, health literacy, current issues, and challenges facing healthcare in contemporary society. Students will be challenged to integrate research and theory of health literacy principles as they apply concepts related to health communications and cultural competency.
- HSC 6667 - Social Marketing in Health Education
3 Credit Hours
Social Marketing in Health Education
Provides students with an understanding of social marketing definitions, theory, and techniques. Social marketing systematically applies consumer marketing tools to achieve a consumer oriented approach to health promotion programming. Students will learn how to segment, reach, and influence target audiences while examining issues such as product planning, pricing, communication, distribution, and market research. As part of this course, students will apply marketing principles to design program messages and materials for behavior change initiatives.
Elective (3 credit hours)
Choose 3 credit hours of coursework from the following in consultation with your academic advisor
- PHC 5123 - Biological Basis of Public Health
3.0 Credit Hours
Biological Basis of Public Health
An overview of scientific principles of public health and their application to public health problems with significant state, national and international impact. It is recommended that students have at least one semester of a college science such as, biology or a comparable course before enrolling.
- HSC 6226 - Current Issues in Worksite Wellness
3 Credit Hours
Current Issues in Worksite Wellness
Foundational course for developing, implementing, and evaluating Worksite Health Promotion (WHP) programs. Current issues related to worksite wellness and health promotion will be discussed and reviewed in detail. Topics include: history of WHP; the health/productivity/cost link; and WHP program framework. Worksite employee issues will be explored including: employee health needs, employee health interests, employee health interests, and accessing employee data. Worksite program goals, policy, implementation, participation generation, and evaluation will be analyzed. Management hierarchy and organizational values will be assessed in relation to building a healthy worksite environment. Funding and resource considerations will be evaluated.
- HSC 6528 - Prevention of Infectious Diseases
3.0 Credit Hours
Prevention of Infectious Diseases
An overview graduate level course of the methods and strategies for the prevention and control of infectious diseases within a population setting and the application of these tools in public health programs to achieve an epidemiologic impact on disease reduction, elimination or eradication. Methods covered in the course are those applied to population settings and address both vaccine and non-vaccine preventable diseases of public health significance.
- PHC 5102 - Principles of Public Health
- PHC 6945 - Applied Public Health Practice
3.0 Credit Hours
Applied Public Health Practice
This Applied Public Health Practice Experience provides students with an applied, scholarly, and mutually beneficial experience in a public health practice setting. It is completed under the supervision of an approved preceptor and a faculty member teaching in the UWF MPH program. The student will work on a problem related to management, development, or administration of a program in public health or related to research in public health. This experience must reinforce academic course work, meet community or agency needs, and provide the student with an opportunity to integrate and apply relevant MPH program competencies consistent with current accreditation standards. All students must produce a minimum of two practice artifacts approved by the Department of Public Health, as well as an ePortfolio showcasing these deliverables. The course is graded on a Satisfactory / Unsatisfactory scale. Permission is required. Students are expected to complete MPH foundational coursework prior to enrollment.
- PHC 6946 - Public Health Integrative Learning Experience
3.0 Credit Hours
Public Health Integrative Learning Experience
The Public Health Integrative Learning Experience course is the culminating experience of the MPH Program that demonstrates synthesis of foundational and concentration competencies consistent with current accreditation standards. It is completed under the supervision of a faculty member teaching in the UWF MPH program. The student produces a high-quality written product that is appropriate for the student’s educational and professional objectives and approved by the Department of Public Health. Written products might include the following: research study design and implementation, program evaluation report, training manual, policy statement, legislative testimony with accompanying supporting research, etc. The written product is developed and presented orally to program faculty and relevant stakeholders. The course is graded on a Satisfactory / Unsatisfactory scale. Permission is required. Students are expected to complete MPH foundational coursework prior to enrollment and register for this course at or near their final semester in the program.
- PHC 6945 - Applied Public Health Practice
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the University of West Florida’s online MPH program, you must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Other criteria for successful admission include:
- An institutional undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last 60 hours of coursework in the baccalaureate degree.
- A minimum Graduate Record Examination verbal and quantitative score of 150 and 146, respectively*
Applicants with terminal degrees (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) or advanced professional degrees (M.D., D.D.S., D.V.M., J.D., D.O., M.S., M.A., etc.) from accredited programs and licensed in the United States may request to waive the graduate admission test requirement but must complete the other admission requirements.
* To be eligible for a GRE waiver, applicants with an MBBS or equivalent foreign medical degree must submit a course-by-course evaluation report from an acceptable credential evaluation agency.
GRE waived for applicants with a 3.0 and above for Fall 2023 – Summer 2024.
How to Apply
To apply for admission to this program, you first need to submit an application for graduate admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission to the University of West Florida. Review application deadlines. In addition, you must:
- Submit official transcripts confirming a bachelor’s degree from an institution whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies
- Submit GRE scores; GRE waived with undergraduate GPA of 3.20 or higher
- Submit two letters of recommendation
- Submit a statement of purpose that conveys the applicant’s reasons for pursuing graduate study in public health and how admission into the program relates to the applicant’s professional aspirations. The statement of purpose must answer the following questions:
- What personal and professional goals do you hope to meet through earning a master’s degree in public health, and why do you think the UWF MPH concentration you have chosen is a good fit for your goals?
- What special knowledge, skills, and experiences would you bring to the chosen concentration, and how are these aligned with the mission of the Master of Public Health program as a whole? If you have had experiences that may have affected your academic performance, please provide an explanatory context.
- Be careful to clearly articulate how your skillset and experiences align with the goals of the selected MPH concentration and show how these will impact your career trajectory in public health.
Note: Responses to these questions should be one and a half, but no more than two double-spaced pages, 12-font size in Times New Roman, and use completing sentences.
Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Contact our graduate admissions team at gradadmissions@uwf.edu.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition | $384.60 per credit hour | $16,153.20 |
| In-State Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 9) | $384.60 per credit hour | $12,691.80 |
| Full Out-of-State Tuition | $1,044.24 per credit hour | $43,858.08 |
| 90% Out-of-State Tuition Waiver | $478.83 per credit hour | $20,110.86 |
Tuition waivers cover up to 90% of the non-resident portion of your tuition and are available to non-Florida residents (including international students) admitted to online campus programs and registered for online courses in active pursuit of that degree or certificate. You must pay all other assessed tuition and fees. Review Tuition Waiver Information to learn more.
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes up to 30 months to complete, depending on transfer credits.
Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition
Residents of Alabama are eligible for Alabama Differential Tuition, a reduced out-of-state tuition rate. For more information and to verify residency status for tuition purposes, new undergraduate students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and new graduate students should contact the Graduate School. Current enrolled students should contact the Office of the Registrar.
Active Duty Military
All active-duty members of the U.S. military who are residing or are stationed outside the state of Florida shall have all (100%) out-of-state fees waived by the university. Contact the Military & Veterans Resource Center to apply for the Active Duty Military Out-of-State Waiver.
UWF Short-Term Financial Assistance
The University of West Florida provides eligible students with an alternative to paying the full amount of tuition at the beginning of each term in the form of an installment payment plan or a short-term loan.
Military Students
UWF is a Military FriendlyⓇ School proudly serving active-duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.
See How We Can Serve YouFinancial Aid
Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.
Learn More About Financial AidCareer Outcomes
Upon completion of our Master of Public Health, you can pursue a variety of careers within the field.
* Salary and job outlook information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Epidemiologists
These public health professionals address disease and injury in the human population by directing studies, collecting data, communicating findings, managing programs and supervising personnel. Epidemiologists often specialize in fields including chronic disease, infectious disease, maternal and children’s health, environmental health, occupational health or mental health. They make a median annual salary of $78,830, and 26 percent job growth is expected through 2031.
Health Educators and Community Health Workers
As a community health worker and educator, you would actively educate your community about wellness strategies and behaviors to improve their health. In this role, you may collect data and analyze the conditions of the community and population you serve. You’ll be able to apply an informed, science and data-backed public health framework that ultimately benefits community health. Health educators and community health workers earned an average salary of $48,860 in 2021, and positions in the field are expected to increase by 12% from 2021 to 2031.
Emergency Management Directors
Emergency management directors prepare plans and procedures for responding to natural disasters or other emergencies. They also help lead the response during and after emergencies. They might work in government, for organizations or nonprofits. In 2021, emergency management directors made a median annual salary of $76,730. Jobs are expected to grow 3 percent through 2031.