Tufts MPH Program Expands Offerings with New and Revised Concentrations, Partnerships, and Enhanced Student Support

More flexible, accessible, relevant, and career-focused options for public health professionals
Public Health building located in Boston at Tufts

Tufts University’s Public Health programs are introducing major updates for Fall 2025 and beyond, with new academic offerings, expanded partnerships, enhanced hands-on learning, and increased financial support. These changes are designed to strengthen career preparation, improve accessibility, and ensure graduates are equipped to address today’s most pressing public health challenges—especially during a time when the need for highly skilled and compassionate public health leaders is more crucial than ever.

New and Revised Concentrations

The program now offers six concentrations, allowing students to refine their expertise in a specialized area of public health. New this year is the Global Health Science and Practice (GHSP) concentration, developed in response to the growing demand for professionals with global health expertise. The concentration focuses on health equity and justice while tackling challenges such as infectious and chronic disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and policy development. Students will gain methodological training in implementation science and both quantitative and qualitative research, preparing them for careers in international organizations, non-profits, government agencies, and academia. 

The Tufts MPH program has also revised its Health Management and Policy concentration to better align with evolving industry needs, ensuring graduates are equipped with the managerial and leadership skills required for success in the field. This includes updated courses and the introduction of a new required course in leadership and management, preparing students for leadership roles from day one of their post-graduate career.

Additional Partnerships Expand Dual-Degree Offerings

Through strategic partnerships with esteemed institutions, the MPH program offers innovative dual and combined degree options for interdisciplinary study.  Tufts has launched a new JD/MPH degree with Suffolk University School of Law, complementing existing partnerships with the Boston College Law School and Northeastern University School of Law. The JD/MPH dual-degree allows students to integrate public health expertise with legal studies, broadening their career prospects in health law, policy, and advocacy.

The MPH program has also extended its combined Bachelor/MPH degree offerings, adding partnerships with Boston College and Saint Anselm College, in addition to Tufts University. These programs provide a seamless transition from undergraduate to graduate studies, allowing students to earn graduate credits and valuable public health knowledge while completing their bachelor’s degree and accelerating their path to a public health career.

More Online Options for Increased Flexibility and Accessibility

Recognizing the need for flexible learning pathways, Tufts has expanded its online MPH program, now offering four concentrations online. This expansion ensures that online students can tailor their education to their career goals and lifestyle while receiving the same high-quality instruction as taught on-campus.

Revamped Hands-On Training

To strengthen hands-on training, Tufts has restructured its practicum and thesis requirements. Students will complete an Applied Practice Experience (APE), where they work with an organization to address real-world public health challenges, and an Integrative Learning Experience (ILE), a culminating project that synthesizes classroom learning. Both the APE and ILE result in tangible, career-relevant deliverables. These updates underscore Tufts’ commitment to equipping students with the practical skills essential for success in today’s workforce.

Increased Scholarships to Improve Accessibility

To make public health education more accessible, Tufts is now offering a 25% scholarship to all admitted students in the standalone MPH program (both online and on-campus). Students in all three B/MPH pathways will receive a 15% scholarship, which is in addition to the discount received when double-counting two undergraduate courses. These scholarships reflect the university’s commitment to reducing financial barriers for future public health leaders. This builds on previous offerings and is provided alongside selective merit scholarships, for which all admitted students are considered.

Enhanced Support System for Students

In addition to academic and financial enhancements, the program launched Skills and Tools for Engaged Practice (STEP), a new student support system designed to help bridge classroom learning with public health practice. This three-course sequence focuses on leadership, management, research, and cross-sector collaboration, guiding students through career development, applied practice experiences, and the final ILE project. With structured mentorship and hands-on experiences, STEP ensures students are well-prepared to enter the workforce with confidence.

Shaping The Future of Public Health at Tufts and Beyond

The demand for skilled public health professionals has never been greater. With these program enhancements, Tufts continues to evolve its MPH offerings to meet the needs of today’s public health landscape. By expanding concentrations, increasing accessibility, providing flexible learning options, and strengthening hands-on training, Tufts is reaffirming its commitment to developing the next generation of public health leaders ready to improve health outcomes in communities worldwide.

For more information about the Tufts MPH program and to apply for Fall 2025 admission, visit Tufts MPH website.