Master of Public Health
Request Information
Master of Public Health
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.
What's New
Latest News and Blogs
Feb 24, 2026
The Growing Need for Mental Health Counselors
Learn why the need for mental health counselors is growing, how high the demand is, and the types of valuable services they provide to clients.
Feb 18, 2026
PTA Alumni Spotlight: Veteran Leads Home Health Agency
See how South University helped US military veteran Waddie Freeman grow his career in healthcare, from becoming a PTA to running a home health agency.
Feb 17, 2026
The Future of Home Care: Trends and Predictions
Learn what home care trends are driving growth in home health care, including an aging population, new technology, and evolving payment models.
Feb 10, 2026
Popular Degrees for Veterans
Learn what degrees are a common choice for veterans as they set out to achieve their goals and transition smoothly from military member to civilian.
Feb 10, 2026
Assistant Dean Helps Patient Receive Treatment
Karen M. Wilcox, the Assistant Dean of the graduate programs, used her expertise to help one of her patients detect and receive treatment for cancer.
Feb 04, 2026
MSN Alumni Spotlight: From CNA to FNP
Meet South University graduate Charlene Coates and learn how she went from being a certified nursing assistant to becoming a family nurse practitioner.
Fill out the form and a representative will contact you today to better understand your academic goals plus answer any questions you may have.
Campuses offer flexible learning formats* including: on-campus, virtual instructions, and online courses.
*Clinical, practicum, and externship requirements exist in certain programs and require field experiences. Learning formats may not be flexible.
Success! Your request was submitted. We'll be in touch soon!
In the meantime, you can view some of our FAQs.
If you want to talk to an admissions representative ASAP, please contact us at (888) 444-3404.
Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers
We're committed to helping our graduates make impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our nursing alumni and the difference they make. Check out what some of our graduates have to say.
