What to Expect in an MPH Program: Insights From Faculty and Alumni
Are you passionate about improving health equity, community well-being, and social justice? Earning a Master of Public Health degree equips you with comprehensive skills to tackle some of the most pressing public health challenges in the U.S. and around the world.
As you consider embarking on this meaningful journey, you might wonder, “What should I expect in an MPH program?” Take insights from Silas Pearman, DrPH, an experienced public health educator, and recent MPH graduate from Tufts University, Rosa Ximena Montes, to learn more about the student experience, courses, program settings, and career opportunities in the field.
What Is an MPH: Understanding the Master of Public Health Degree
The MPH intends to improve population health through education in epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, advocacy, and community health interventions. Unlike other healthcare degrees that focus on treating individual patients, public health centers around “the big systems that influence people's health,” Pearman explains.
“The MPH degree is about improving population health in whatever setting the student may be interested in or passionate about.” — Silas Pearman, DrPH, Clinical Associate Professor, Public Health and Community Medicine
The Tufts MPH program stands out for its integrated curriculum that not only covers foundational subjects but also emphasizes real-world applications, preparing students for their future careers. The diverse concentration options allow students to develop expertise in an area that interests them the most. This holistic and interdisciplinary approach ensures graduates are well-equipped to influence and lead transformative health improvement efforts.
Learn about the Tufts online and on-campus MPH program.
What You Will Learn in an MPH Program
Although every Master of Public Health program has its own specific course of study, you can expect to learn how to assess population health and understand the impact of programming and policy advocacy. MPH core courses typically include:
- Epidemiology
- Biostatistics
- Public health action (programs, policy, & advocacy)
- Evaluation of public health programs
- Health advocacy
As a CEPH-accredited program, the Tufts MPH program offers concentrations, electives, and the Applied Practical Experience (APE) in addition to the common cores.
Depending on your educational background, skills, and experiences, you might find some courses more challenging than others. For example, Rosa Ximena Montes shares that “as a person who has never been good with numbers, Biostatistics was the hardest one for me.” Taking a challenging course on a topic she wasn’t familiar with online also added another layer of complexity. However, she recognizes that some people are more used to online learning than she was. Therefore, she recommends incoming MPH students evaluate their own strengths and preferences when registering for classes.
“I received a lot of support from the faculty at Tufts. Even though it was a steep learning curve at the beginning, it got better as I got through the program,” Ximena says. Pearman also emphasizes that faculty at Tufts provide tailored support to students, helping them grow as public health professionals with comprehensive quantitative and qualitative skills.
Explore the Tufts MPH program curriculum.
Real-World and Practical Learning Experiences
Students starting their MPH degree program can expect to bridge the theoretical and hands-on practice. Experiential learning is a cornerstone of MPH education. It empowers students to make a real impact on population health. At Tufts, public health graduate students must complete Applied Practice Experiences (APE) and Integrated Learning Experiences (ILE).
Ximena leveraged her APE and ILE to advance her healthcare initiative in Peru, directly applying classroom learning to real-world health promotion projects. She notes, "The program equipped me with skills needed to scale my community projects nationally."
Pearman highlights that Tufts’ resources and industry connections help MPH students secure relevant internships. In addition, because of Tufts University’s unique emphasis on social justice and equity, the MPH program encourages students to get involved and support underserved communities locally and globally, such as the Chinatown community in Boston.
“The Applied Practice Experiences give you a real taste of the working world. It can help you find a job and develop professional connections. So it definitely opens new doors for you in every sense.” — Rosa Ximena Montes, MPH25
MPH Program Formats and Specialized Concentrations
Not every university offers flexible learning options for its public health program. However, at Tufts University, students can earn their public health master’s degree online, in person, or in a hybrid format, depending on their preferred learning style and personal commitments.
Master’s in public health programs at different universities may provide different pathways with various focuses. For example, Tufts offers six concentrations:
- Epidemiology & Biostatistics
- Global Health Science & Practice
- Health Management & Policy
- Individualized
- Nutrition
- Population Health Promotion
Ximena chose Tufts specifically for its tailored concentration in Population Health Promotion, aligning with her career aspiration for community-based initiatives.
“The Tufts MPH program allowed me to orient [my] education towards what I wanted to do. Because I already knew that I was drawn to a certain area of public health, I was inclined to go to Tufts for its concentration system.” — Rosa Ximena Montes, MPH25
In addition, the Tufts MPH degree program encourages exploration and collaboration. You may adjust your concentration as your interests evolve. As Pearman points out, this flexibility is crucial for students discovering unforeseen passions within the expansive field of public health.
The Importance of Faculty Mentorship and Community Support
When entering an MPH program, you need to seek out effective mentorships and develop a strong support system. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of public health, you should expect to encounter challenging coursework, unfamiliar topics, and new concepts. Being in an uplifting environment with abundant resources would be particularly helpful to your academic growth.
Pearman describes the Tufts faculty approach as "intentional and personalized," underscoring consistent mentorship and strong faculty-student relationships. Faculty actively involve students in research, community projects, career exploration, and much more.
“I haven't met a single MPH faculty member who was not open to talking to students or listening to them. So I would say that [incoming] MPH students can expect a very welcoming [community] at Tufts and faculty that is very empathetic towards the situations or backgrounds where students might come from.” — Rosa Ximena Montes, MPH 25
Careers With an MPH Degree: Opportunities and Essential Skills
MPH graduates pursue diverse careers in public health roles, utilizing skills such as budgeting, negotiation, advocacy, data analysis, and policy analysis. “Students will graduate with the skill and ability to read critiques and understand scientific research, regardless of their concentration. They will understand why and how we do population health program interventions and the importance of policies in shaping health. They graduate ready to advocate for their program or their policy,”Pearman explains.
With an MPH degree, students commonly find employment in influential positions across governmental, private, and non-profit sectors. According to Pearman, certain career paths, particularly roles in federal and state-level public health programming and agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), explicitly require an MPH degree, making it essential for pursuing specific professional opportunities.
Many MPH graduates also work in pharmaceuticals, healthcare consulting, medical research, and other fields. Ximena, for example, is launching her career as an orthodontist while aiming to expand her health initiatives in Peru.
Explore what you can do with an MPH degree.
How to Choose an MPH Program That Is Right For You
Every university’s public health master’s degree program has its own characteristics and emphasis. Pearman and Ximena recommend choosing one that aligns with your learning style, career aspirations, and research interests. Here are four tips:
1. Evaluate Your Learning Style
Ximena suggests evaluating your preferred learning style to determine whether you would get the most out of big lectures or smaller, more interactive classes. For students who enjoy intellectual discussions, Tufts would be a fit: “Tufts is not a place where you only learn from the PowerPoints. You learn from the views and perspectives of your faculty, of your classmates, of guest lecturers, of the people around you.”
You should also consider which learning modality—online, in person, or hybrid—is best for you. In addition, Tufts offers an accelerated pathway for those who want to complete their MPH degree in one year.
2. Consider Your Access to Faculty
Pearman points out that faculty support should be a factor when making an enrollment decision. “Students need to look at the program's commitment to supporting their applied experiences. We have a really solid system at Tufts. Our faculty and Career Services Office work hard to help students gain the types of experiences that they want in the MPH.”
3. Reflect on Your Areas of Interest in Public Health
Do you have a specific public health topic in mind? If so, Pearman encourages you to find an MPH program with an established concentration that matches your area of interest. However, you should also consider the flexibility of the program curriculum. As you learn more about public health, your views and career goals might change. Therefore, choosing a program that allows exploration would be ideal.
4. Learn About the Institutional Opportunities
Pearman suggests asking yourself a very important question when choosing the best MPH program: “Are there any opportunities outside of the public health department that may enhance my education, and do I want those opportunities?”
Ximena recommends talking to the program’s faculty and asking current or previous students about their experiences, which will help you better understand the realistic expectations.
“One of the things that we are proud of at Tufts is that we have access to the medical school and the Friedman Nutrition School, right next door. We are also part of a consortium where students can take classes from Boston University, Boston College, or Brandeis University. So students have options to expand their learning in and outside of Tufts.” — Silas Pearman, DrPH, Clinical Associate Professor, Public Health and Community Medicine
Preparing for Your MPH Journey at Tufts: What Should You Know Before You Start?
If you are planning to apply to the MPH program at Tufts University, you should prepare yourself with:
- An Open Mind for Interdisciplinary Learning: Be ready to embrace diverse topics from quantitative analysis and biostatistics to health advocacy and global policy.
- Acceptance of Challenges: Prepare for rigorous coursework and proactively seek support from your mentors and peers.
- Flexibility and Comfort With Ambiguity: Anticipate shifting interests and be open to exploring new areas within public health.
- Strong Interpersonal Skills: Develop essential communication and advocacy skills critical to public health.
- Readiness for Practical Engagement: Expect extensive hands-on experience through internships, research, and fieldwork.
Ximena found that there’s no perfect recipe for success in the MPH program. “Just enjoy your time during the program, and if you feel like you're not prepared, or you need extra help, never hesitate to ask for it. There's always somebody willing to help out.”
Join Tufts: Get Ready to Make Waves in Public Health
An MPH degree represents a transformative journey toward impactful careers in healthcare and community wellness. Tufts University's MPH program uniquely prepares graduates through personalized mentorship, specialized concentrations, robust experiential learning, and a steadfast commitment to community service and social justice.
As Ximena concludes, “Public health is not just everywhere, it’s everything. It’s a wonderful profession, where there's so much room for personal and professional growth in so many different areas that you would never imagine.”
Want to learn more about the Tufts Master of Public Health program? Contact us today!
FAQs
Do I need a health-related bachelor’s degree to apply to an MPH program?
Tufts welcomes students from different backgrounds to apply to the program. Whether you have an undergraduate degree in sciences, humanities, education, or social sciences, you’ll be able to connect public health to your previous experiences. Read the admission requirements.
How long does it typically take to complete an MPH program?
Most MPH programs take approximately two years of full-time study. Accelerated programs, such as the one at Tufts University, can be completed in as little as 12 months, while part-time options might extend up to five years.
Is an MPH degree worth it?
Yes, an MPH degree is valuable for those interested in making a meaningful impact on public health. The degree offers diverse career opportunities, marketable skills, and the ability to contribute significantly to community well-being and health equity.