Master of Public Health (MPH)
Earn your Master of Public Health at the University of South Carolina, online or in person, and gain real-world experience improving health across communities.
One Journey. Five Pathways.
Choose and apply to your MPH program of interest.
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MPH in Environmental Health Sciences
Connect environment to health. Learn to spot risks, read the evidence and design solutions that protect communities from threats in air, water, climate, workplaces and beyond.
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MPH in Epidemiology
Learn to follow the clues behind disease patterns, uncover what puts communities at risk and translate data into critical decisions that prevent illness and improve health. Online program available.
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MPH in Health Services Policy and Management
Learn how to lead teams, manage programs, improve services and shape policies that make health care and public health systems more effective, equitable and responsive. Online program available.
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MPH in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior
Learn how to design messages, programs and interventions that help people make healthier choices and help communities create the conditions for health. Online program available.
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MPH in Physical Activity and Public Health
Learn how to use physical activity to prevent disease, support mental and physical well-being and design programs that help people move more in the places they live, work and play.
Which Program is Right for Me?
Compare MPH programs and find the one that best fits your interests.
Environmental Health Sciences
Choose the MPH in Environmental Health Sciences if you want an academic experience that connects the classroom, the lab, the field, and community engagement.
Epidemiology
Choose the MPH in Epidemiology if you want to collect, analyze, and interpret data
to generate public health evidence for disease and risk factor surveillance, public
health program planning and evaluation and public health policy development.
Health Promotion, Education and Behavior
Choose the MPH in Health Promotion, Education and Behavior if you want to work directly with communities, promote healthy lifestyles, understand and change health behaviors, create, implement, and evaluate health promotion programs and make a meaningful impact on public health.
Health Services Policy and Management
Choose the MPH in Health Services Policy and Management if you want to be actively involved in improving quality, safety, efficiency and effectiveness of health services and health systems locally and globally.
Physical Activity and Public Health
Choose the MPH in Physical Activity and Public Health if you enjoy being physically active and want to build skills to help communities be more active through evidence-based programs, policies and environmental changes.
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USC's MPH students engage in a unique field experience at Hobcaw Barony, a 16,000 acre private research reserve on the South Carolina coast, where they learn to apply systems approaches to solve complex public health issues.
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I’m interested in applying public health principles in practice to populations within their communities, cultures and values, making public health both accessible and understandable.
I wanted to take advantage of the strong public health program in my home state, making it possible to develop my expertise while remaining connected to the local community. I was impressed with the Arnold’s school ranking in South Carolina and nationally as a research institution.
Why Choose USC?
Build in-demand skills in a program accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health, which assures quality in public health education.
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Real-World Purpose
Built to teach you practical skills for leading in public health agencies, health systems, community organizations, research settings and policy environments.
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Flexible program options
Choose from five concentrations and 3 online options for added flexibility.
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Career Placement
Our MPH graduates are sought after by federal health agencies, state and local health departments, health systems, private industry and universities.
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Applied Experience
Gain hands-on experience through fieldwork, applied projects and mentorship that connect classroom learning to real-world public health challenges.
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Faculty Expertise
Learn from faculty who are advancing public health through research, community partnerships, policy work and applied practice.
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Smart Value
A strong degree at a smart value- you'll earn a respected MPH at a competitive cost.
The engagement of the faculty and staff at the Arnold School has made me feel no different from the students taking the traditional face-to-face/in-person program. The asynchronous structure to the classes adds a great amount of flexibility to the coursework, which means I could do my assignments and absorb the lectures after work or on the weekends.
Explore the MPH Core
Our MPH programs include a 16-credit hour multidisciplinary, integrated core curriculum based on CEPH’s 12 foundational knowledge learning objectives and 22 foundational competencies. The core curriculum is comprised of the courses below.
PUBH 724 is the first of two courses that will provide students with an introduction to epidemiology, biostatistics, and environmental health concepts and their application to public health issues and practice. The course covers basic epidemiologic, biostatistical, and data management techniques used to analyze and interpret data in the field of public health. (3 credits)
This course is the second quantitative methods course and will provide students with an integrated review of quantitative methods to use in public health practice. Students will complete assessments and analyze, interpret, and present public and environmental health data. (3 credits)
PUBH 726 is an introductory qualitative methods course focusing on understanding the characteristics of qualitative methods, including data collection, organization, and analysis. Students will also learn about the role of theory and paradigms in qualitative inquiry and how to identify, work with, and communicate qualitative analysis results with different types of community stakeholders. (3 credits)
PUBH 730 is designed to prepare future public health professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to solve public health problems using systems thinking tools, best practices in public health management, and policy development, application, and evaluation. It emphasizes identifying and enhancing the knowledge and skills needed to effectively lead public health initiatives. (3 credits)
PUBH 735 provides the opportunity for students to gain an in-depth understanding of the program planning process in public health. Students will work in teams to develop programs addressing a public health issue affecting a target population and setting, based on available epidemiological and social assessment data, and multi-level interventional strategies informed by theory and existing evidence-based interventions. (4 credits)
MPH Concentration Curriculum
Each MPH program has concentration-specific competencies. Toward the end of their programs, students will complete an Applied Practice Experience (i.e., practicum, internship, or residency) and an Integrated Learning Experience (ILE).
Students in the ENHS MPH program will complete the public health core, described above, and take an additional 27 credit hours as follows (total 43 credit hours):
Environmental Health Sciences Core (13 hours)
ENHS 660 (3) Concepts of Environmental Health Science
ENHS 761 (3) Ecotoxicology of Aquatic Systems
ENHS 770 (3) Microbial Processes and Pollution
ENHS 775 (3) Resource Management and Environmental Impact Assessment
ENHS 771 (1) Seminar in Environmental Health SciencesDepartmental Major and Cognate Courses (6 hours)
Courses specific to the student’s area/s of interest with approval of the student’s academic advisor. Electives may be chosen from ENHS or from courses in the University that support the overall educational goals of the student.Applied Practice Experience and Capstone Course (8 hours)
ENHS 750 (2) MPH Capstone Course
ENHS 798 (6) Public Health PracticeVisit other web pages for the Department of Environmental Health Sciences information on our degree programs and how to apply.
Department Core Requirements (12 hours)
BIOS 709 (1) Introduction to SAS
BIOS 719 (1) Advanced SAS Methods in Public Health
BIOS 757 (3) Intermediate Biometrics
EPID 741 (3) Intermediate Epidemiologic Methods
EPID 721 (2) Clinical and Population Research Protocol Development and Implementation
EPID 722 (2) Scientific Writing and Appraisal of Epidemiologic StudiesMajor Requirements (6 hours)
EPID 730 (3) Public Health Surveillance Systems
EPID 788 (3) Practical Methods for Secondary Data AnalysisElectives (3 hours)
Electives may be chosen from epidemiology courses or courses in the University that support the overall educational goals of the student. The Faculty Advisor must approve all elective courses.Applied Practice Experience (3 hours)
EPID 798 (3) Epidemiology Applied PracticumIntegrated Learning Experience (3 hours)
EPID 796 (3) Synthesis of Foundational and Epidemiology CompetenciesVisit other pages for the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics for information on our degree programs and how to apply.
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In addition to the CEPH competencies, students completing the MPH in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior (HPEB) will be able to:
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Apply health promotion planning frameworks and evidence-based strategies in the development and implementation of public health programs
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Articulate how multi-sectoral, collaborative engagement advances health equity, and improves health outcomes.
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Demonstrate the ability to apply social and behavioral theories and models to the development, implementation, and evaluation of public health programs.
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Demonstrate the ability to utilize multi-level approaches in understanding the importance of context in addressing public health issues.
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Develop sound and feasible methods to evaluate public health programs, interpret results, and communicate those results effectively.
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Demonstrate their understanding of research methods and their application in health promotion.
Students in the HPEB MPH program will complete the public health core, described above, and an additional 29 credit hours as follows (total 45 credit hours):
Department Core Course Requirements (12 hours)
HPEB 701 (3) Theoretical Foundations of Health Promotion
HPEB 707 (3) Health Promotion Research Methods
HPEB 710 (3) Evaluation of Heath Promotion Programs
HPEB 748 (3) Community Health DevelopmentElectives (12 hours)
Courses specific to the student’s area/s of interest with approval of the student’s academic advisor. Electives may be chosen from HPEB or from courses in the University that support the overall educational goals of the student.Applied Practice Experience (5 hours)
HPEB 797 (5) Applied Practice ExperienceVisit other web pages for the Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior for information on our degree programs and how to apply.
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Including the combination MPA/MPH and MSW/MPH.
In addition to the CEPH competencies, students completing the MPH in Health Services Policy and Management (HSPM) will be able to:-
Apply operations management concepts to address organizational performance issues in health service organizations.
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Describe legal perspectives on health policy and management issues, including assessment of legal and regulatory environments in the context of public health.
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Apply economic principles for allocating and mobilizing resources for public health interventions and programs
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Apply the principles and tools of budgeting, resource management, and financial analysis to improve efficiency of public health and health care delivery organizations
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Develop policy options for the achievement of an agency’s or program’s objectives
Students in the HSPM MPH program will complete the public health core, described above, and take an additional 29 credit hours as follows (total 45 credit hours):
Public Health Management (18 hours)
HSPM 712 (3) Health Economics
HSPM 726 (3) Applied Public Health Law for Administrators
HSPM 730 (3) Financing of Health Care
HSPM 768 (3) Health Services Administration
Management Electives (6 Hours):
Two courses selected in consultation with advisor; possible courses include HSPM 706, HSPM 709, HSPM 713, HSPM 714, HSPM 716, HSPM 764, HSPM 769, HSPM 774, HSPM 776, HSPM 772, HSPM 777Public Health and Healthcare Policy (6 hours)
HSPM 727 (3) Advancing Public Health Policy
Policy Elective (3)
HSPM 711, HPEB 820, POLI774, POLI 780, POLI 721 or another course selected in consultation with advisorApplied Practice Experience and Capstone Course (5 hours)
HSPM 788 (3) Public Health Practice Experience
HSPM 796 (2) HSPM MPH Capstone CourseVisit other web pages for the Department of Health Services Policy and Management for information on our degree programs and how to apply.
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In addition to the CEPH competencies, students completing the MPH in Physical Activity and Public Health (PAPH) will be able to:
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Explain the physiological responses to an acute bout of exercise and the physiological adaptations to chronic aerobic and resistance exercise.
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Explain the health effects of physical activity and the scientific basis for current public health physical activity guidelines for persons in varying demographic groups.
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Apply evidence-based strategies to develop a physical activity intervention.
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Evaluate an evidence-based physical activity intervention.
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Differentiate among and appropriately use measurement and surveillance techniques to assess physical activity at the population level.
Students in the PAPH MPH program will complete the public health core, described above, and take an additional 29 credit hours as follows (total 45 credit hours):
Physical Activity and Public Health Core (18 hours)
EXSC 780 (3) Physiology of Exercise
EXSC 700 (3) Physical Activity & Health: Epidemiology, Research, & Practice
EXSC 710 (3) Behavioral Aspects of Physical Activity
EXSC 754 (3) Community-based Physical Activity Interventions
HPEB 710 (3) Evaluation of Health Promotion Programs
EXSC 732 (3) Measurement of Body Composition & Associated Health BehaviorsElective (3 hours)
Applied Practice Experience and Capstone Course (8 hours)
EXSC 796 MPH Capstone Course (2 hours)
EXSC 797 Public Health Practice (6 hours)Visit other web pages for the Department of Exercise Science for information on our degree programs and how to apply.
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MPH Careers & Outcomes
Our MPH graduates are prepared make a difference in all areas of public health.
The MPH degree opens the door to a rewarding career improving public health. Graduates are poised for varying careers including:
Epidemiologist
Data Analyst
Research Associate
Program Coordinator
Disease Prevention and Control
Physical Activity Program Evaluator
Policy Advocate
Health Educator
Corporate Wellness Trainer
Active Transportation Consultant
Program Director
Policy Advisor
Health Promotion Coordinator
Development Coordinator
Health and Safety Officer
Risk Assessor
Risk Manager
Outreach Coordinator
Resource Manager
Health Physicist
Wellness Specialist
Health Programs Manager
Health Consultant
Evaluation CoordinatorLocal and State Health Departments
Health Agencies
Public Health
Government
Health-Related Nonprofit Organizations
Private Sector
Hospitals
Education
Health and Wellness
Transportation and Community Design
Parks and Recreation
Chronic Disease Prevention
Policy and Environmental Change
Medicine & Insurance
State & Federal Government
Private Industries
Research
Engineering
Consulting Firms
Worksite Wellness
Meet Our MPH Alumni
Discover a few MPH alumni whose wide-ranging careers reveal the many trajectories of public health, each grounded in praxis, partnership and tangible work that advances community well-being.
The Only Accredited School of Public Health
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#1
In South Carolina
Graduate Schools of Public Health U.S. News & World Report 2026
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Over 40 Years
Accredited School of Public Health
in South Carolina
