Public Health

  • MPH
  • Master's Degree
A student discusses plans for a new volunteer program with a community leader.

Are you ready to make a difference in the health and well-being of communities? Montclair State University’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program prepares culturally competent leaders to advance health equity, disease prevention and community well-being. With concentrations in Health Education, Promotion and Advocacy and Health Systems Administration and Policy, this interdisciplinary program combines rigorous academics with hands-on experience, all rooted in a strong commitment to social justice. 

You will gain expertise in the core public health disciplines—biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health sciences, health policy and management and social and behavioral sciences—while tailoring your studies to specific career goals. Graduates of our program are prepared to be public health leaders in health departments, nonprofit organizations, schools, hospitals, community-based organizations and policy or advocacy groups.

Program Highlights

  • Three concentrations: Health Education, Promotion and Advocacy; Health Systems Administration and Policy; and a combined Master of Public Health - Health Systems Administration and Policy/Master of Business Administration
  • 42-credit program grounded in public health core disciplines
  • Hands-on learning through academic and community partnerships
  • Preparation for leadership roles in public, private and nonprofit sectors

With your MPH, you’ll be ready to make a difference as a public health professional anywhere dedicated professionals are needed to shape healthier futures.

Explore Your Public Health Options

The Health Education, Promotion, and Advocacy concentration in Montclair State University’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program prepares students to become leaders in disease prevention, health promotion and community health. This concentration equips public health professionals with the knowledge and skills to design, implement and evaluate programs that improve health outcomes across diverse populations. Students learn to advocate for health equity and social justice while addressing the needs of communities focusing on those that are underserved. With a strong foundation in the core disciplines of public health, graduates are prepared for impactful careers as policy advocates, program managers, community health educators, and outreach coordinators in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, schools and healthcare settings.

See the curriculum.

The Health Systems Administration and Policy concentration in Montclair State University’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program trains students to become leaders in the management and administration of healthcare systems. With a strong focus on prevention, health equity and social justice, this concentration equips public health professionals with the strategic, analytical and leadership skills needed to improve healthcare delivery and policy. Students explore the core public health disciplines—biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health sciences, health policy and management, and social and behavioral sciences—while gaining specialized expertise in health systems administration and policy development. Graduates are prepared for careers in hospitals, healthcare systems, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and policy or advocacy groups, where they can make a measurable impact on improving population health outcomes.

See the curriculum.

Dual Degree Programs

The MPH/MBA Dual Degree program prepares students to become leaders at the intersection of public health and business administration. Designed for those seeking careers in healthcare management, policy, and leadership, this program equips graduates with the skills to address today’s most pressing public health challenges while managing complex healthcare systems. Students gain expertise in health promotion, health equity and healthcare access, while also building strong business foundations in strategic management, finance and innovative problem solving.

By counting select courses toward both degrees, students accelerate their studies and graduate with two advanced degrees. With the growing demand for healthcare administrators and managers in the tri-state area and beyond, this dual degree offers a competitive edge for professionals pursuing roles in hospitals, healthcare organizations, government agencies, nonprofit sectors and global health systems.

Note: The dual degree program is only available to MPH students who choose the Health Systems Administration and Policy concentration.

See the curriculum.

Admission Requirements

  • Equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree.
  • Applicants with non-U.S. degrees: Please visit the international applicants page to review U.S. degree equivalency information.

Application Checklist

  • Application Deadline:
    • Fall admission: April 1 is priority deadline for a decision by April 15, then rolling admissions thereafter.
    • Spring admission: October 17 is the priority deadline for a decision by November 5, then rolling admissions thereafter.
  • Deposit Required: An enrollment deposit is required upon admission and will be applied to your first semester’s tuition.
  • Online Application: Submit application and $60 non-refundable fee (or waiver if applicable).
  • Transcript: One from each college attended.
  • Essays/Personal Statement: Please write one integrated essay providing a response to the following.
    • The MPH Admissions Committee seeks to admit a diverse cohort of students who are committed to the mission, vision and values of the MPH program. The mission of our program is to prepare culturally competent professionals in public health, with a strong focus on social justice. This interdisciplinary academic and experiential program trains public health practitioners with professional skills for planning, implementing, evaluating and sustaining efforts to enhance population health and eliminate health disparities. Underlying our mission and vision, and informing our competencies and goals, are the foundations of social justice, community engagement, critical thinking and cultural competency.
    • In a well-written essay of up to 1000 words, please describe how your academic, professional and/or personal experiences have led you to seek education in public health that embodies the mission, vision, and values of the Montclair State University MPH program.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two.
  • Resume: Required.
  • Standardized Test Scores: GRE Scores required, though you may apply for a waiver if you have earned a bachelor's degree with an overall GPA of a 2.75 or above or have earned a previous master's degree from an accredited United States (or equivalent) college or university.

Featured Faculty

1/

Alumni Voices

While there are many options in the tri-state area for an MPH, the program at Montclair State gives you something you can’t always find at those other institutions – a commitment to the student.

Paul Santos

Program: Master’s in Public Health

hawk icon

Questions? We're Here to Help.

For questions about this program or information about how to enroll, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Graduate Admissions Office

Get guidance on every step of the application process, from admission requirements and deadlines to transcripts, test scores and next steps toward enrollment. The Office of Graduate Admissions provides the information and resources needed to put forward a strong application.

Program Coordinator: Dr. Sze Yan Liu

Get detailed information about the program itself—from curriculum and faculty expertise to research, internships and career outcomes. The program coordinator can explain how the program connects to your academic and professional goals.