The Master’s Degree in Public Health in Public Health Practice

Graduation Requirements

To graduate with an MPH in PHP, learners need to:

• take the required number of credits (42)
• receive a passing grade in every course
• maintain a B (3.0) average during their graduate study at the UMass SPHHS, and
• demonstrate exit competency by successfully passing the Capstone Experience

Learners are eligible to take the Capstone Experience (see below) once they have completed all other coursework. The Capstone Experience will be graded “pass” or “fail.”

The statute of limitations (total time in which to earn the Master’s in Public Health degree) is four years from the date of acceptance into the program. Applicants must remain actively employed in the health care field during their graduate studies in the Public Health Practice program.

Capstone Experience

The accrediting committee of the schools of public health require that students complete a capstone, or culminating experience, prior to graduation. A capstone experience is defined as one that "requires a student to synthesize and integrate knowledge acquired in course work and to his/her learning experiences and to apply theory and principles in a situation that approximates some aspect of professional practice." This course provides an opportunity to study a practical and current public health problem selected by the student. Students will apply critical thinking, analytical abilities, and communication skills that integrate the core academic areas of public health including biostatistics, epidemiology, health education, health policy, and environmental health. The final course report acts as the official written comprehensive examination, the fulfillment of the culminating experience requirement and is expected to meet specific publishing guidelines.

Continuous Enrollment Requirement

Degree students must be continuously enrolled in the Master’s Degree in Public Health in Public Health Practice program during Fall and Spring semesters (not summer sessions) until their degree is awarded. Please be aware that the grade of “incomplete” from a previous semester does not maintain your enrollment status. To remain enrolled in the program while not taking classes for the next semester, a program fee of $275.00* must be paid and a complete Program Fee card must be submitted by the class registration deadline and sent to:

The Graduate School
Goodell Building
University of Massachusetts
140 Hicks Way
Amherst, MA 01003-9333

*Failure to do so will result in withdrawal from the University. Readmission may be requested in writing to the Graduate School, but is not guaranteed. There is a readmission fee of $75.00 in addition to outstanding program fees. Please call (413) 545-0024 with any questions.