Public Health at University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts Amherst appears in the Top 10 MPH Programs with No Out-of-State Tuition Fees.
UMass Amherst offers a Master of Public Health in Public Health Practice that is available completely online. The program provides a general concentration degree designed for students who wish to work in public health or as healthcare professionals. There are no residency requirements and students are not required to visit the campus during the program. Students are able to take between one and three courses per term and classes are offered in an asynchronous format. This means that students attend class when it is convenient for them and not at any specific time. Courses required for the program include:
- Application of Social and Behavioral Theory
- Environmental Health Practices
- Introduction to Biostatistics
- Introduction to the U.S. Healthcare System
- Principles of Epidemiology
Students must also complete six electives and three research-based courses. A 200-hour practicum is required along with a final capstone project.
The degree is offered by the Department of Health Promotion and Policy and prepares students to work with diverse settings in government, non-profit, business, and communities. The program offers an aggressive but ethical approach to leadership as resources are reduced and competition grows. Students gain an understanding of how policy impacts national, local and institutional decisions. Students must complete 42 credit hours.
Students gain an understanding of how costs, quality, and access to health services are connected as well as managerial and administrative skills. Students gain an understanding of theories and models based on organizational, economic, decision and motivation theory as it applies to public health. Students are also able to identify strengths and weaknesses in programs as well as how to design, implement, evaluate and improve programs. Students gain an understanding of the social, economic, legal and political issues that guide health policies as well as the history, dynamics, and functions of delivering healthcare. Students learn to plan and implement research in order to address issues related to public health and how to apply the concepts of management to public health organizations.
Students have complete practicums at such prestigious organizations as the American Heart Association, Greater Lowell Health Alliance, Burlington Board of Health and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Students may complete the practicum at their current place of employment, but the practicum must extend beyond their regular work duties. Although there may be paid practicums available, there is no guarantee students will receive pay for their practicum experience.
About UMass Amherst
The University of Massachusetts Amherst began as a Morrill Land-Grant college with the goal to provide residents with instruction in agricultural, mechanical and military arts. Originally, the school was known as Massachusetts Agricultural College. The first class was held at the school in 1867. Women were admitted to the school in 1890.
The school became Massachusetts State College in 1931. The Great Depression presented challenges to the school as did the outbreak of World War II as enrollment dropped significantly. In 1944, the wartime draft dropped enrollment to 725. After the war, enrollment grew rapidly as soldiers returned and took advantage of the G.I. Bill. In 1947, the school became the University of Massachusetts. In 1970, the University of Massachusetts was officially created with five campuses.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is one of the top public universities in the country according to U.S. News & World Report. It is the largest public research university in New England. There are 30,340 students enrolled at the University and approximately 1,300 full-time faculty.
University of Massachusetts Amherst Accreditation Details
UMass Amherst is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. This indicates to employers, parents, and students that programs offered by the school are of the highest quality. The school agrees to periodic reviews by the agency to confirm that programs meet standards, that the university continues to have the resources necessary to meet their goals and that they will address any areas identified as needing improvement during the periodic review process.
The Master of Public Health program is also accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health, an industry-specific accrediting agency that confirms that the program meets or exceeds standards established by the accrediting agency.
University of Massachusetts Amherst Admissions Requirements
Freshmen, students who have not earned college credit after high school, must complete the Common Application and provide an official high school transcript. Students must also provide official SAT or ACT scores. A letter of recommendation is also required.
Transfer students, those who have earned college credits after high school graduation, must have a 2.7 GPA or higher and must declare a major before being admitted to the University. Students must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Priority is given to Massachusetts community college students who participate in the MassTransfer program.
Students who wish to enter the Master of Public Health degree program must submit a current resume, personal statement and two letters of recommendation. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be provided as well as official GRE scores. The admission deadline for spring is October 1 and for fall is March 1.
University of Massachusetts Amherst Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for the Master of Public Health program is $615 per credit hour whether students live in Massachusetts or in another state if they choose the online program.
Financial aid is available, and students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Before choosing loan options, students should apply for federal, state and institutional financial aid. Students may be eligible for federal direct loans, both subsidized and unsubsidized as well as grants and scholarships.
The University of Massachusetts – Amherst offers online programs that provide the flexibility working adults need to achieve their higher education goals. Students who decide to enter online programs at the University of Massachusetts Amherst pay a flat per credit hour tuition rate that is the same whether they are residents of Massachusetts or residents of another state, allowing individuals with outside obstacles to attending traditional classes to move into a new career or advance in a current career.
