Master of Public Health
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Master of Public Health
Note: Effective May 27, 2026, Enrollment for the Master of Public Health is available through the Online campus. The practicum may be completed in-person at a public health organization.
As part of the public health courses in the Master’s Degree in Public Health at South University, students have the opportunity to learn how to handle health-related issues like controlling infectious diseases, improving access to healthcare, and reducing environmental hazards. The Virginia Beach campus prepares you for a practicum experience in which you apply your new knowledge, skills, and abilities to a real-world public health setting, such as a government or social service agency, community or public health organization, or other approved business*.
*South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
South University, Richmond, and South University, Virginia Beach, are certified to operate in the Commonwealth of Virginia pursuant to Title 23, Chapter 21.1, §23-276.4 of the Code of Virginia by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (James Monroe Building, 101 North 14th St; Richmond, VA 23219; 804-225-2600; www.schev.edu).
Council on Education for Public Health
Master of Public Health (MPH) at South University is an applicant for accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health. The accreditation review will only address the MPH degree at South University. Other degrees and areas of study offered by South University will not be included in the unit of accreditation review. For additional information concerning the application and accreditation process, please visit CEPH’s website, ceph.org.
Admission Requirements
Procedure for Admission to the Master of Public Health
The criteria used in determining admissions to the Master of Public Health degree program include:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 2.5 (on a scale of 4.0) OR
- An earned graduate degree from an accredited institution with a CGPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Applicants must complete an undergraduate statistics course or equivalent (as approved by the Public Health Department Chair/Program Director) with a grade of "C" or better prior to admission to the Master of Public Health program.
- Submission of official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended within 5 weeks of the class start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance).
For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.
Career Outlook
These are some of the career options* you can explore when you have earned your degree:
Medical and Health Services Supervisors/Managers
Community Health Workers
Medical Administrative or Office Staff
*South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
MPH at South University is an applicant for accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health. The accreditation review will only address the MPH degree at South University. Other degrees and areas of study offered by South University will not be included in the unit of accreditation review.
Course Requirements
Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Explain the history, philosophy, and core functions of Public Health.
- Apply evidence-based approaches that utilize quantitative and qualitative methods to inform program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
- Apply evidence-based approaches that utilize quantitative and qualitative methods to inform program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
- Evaluate the organization, structure, and function of Public Health and healthcare systems both nationally and globally.
- Evaluate the organization, structure, and function of Public Health and healthcare systems both nationally and globally.
- Design culturally sensitive community-based health programs that address racism, structural bias, and social determinants of health to achieve health equity.
- Design culturally sensitive community-based health programs that address racism, structural bias, and social determinants of health to achieve health equity.
- Develop written and oral public health content that is culturally competent and audience-appropriate.
- Develop written and oral public health content that is culturally competent and audience-appropriate.
- Apply leadership skills to build partnerships or coalitions that advocate for policies and programs to address community health challenges.
- Apply leadership skills to build partnerships or coalitions that advocate for policies and programs to address community health challenges.
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