Master of Public Health

MPH Program

Masters

Degree Granted

2 years/4 Semesters

Length of Program

Fall

Term

Hybrid

Format

Master of Public Health

MPH Program

Masters

Degree Granted

2 years/4 Semesters

Length of Program

Fall

Term

Hybrid

Format

With more than a 50-year legacy of excellence, the Master of Public Health is a thriving program recognized for its dedication to training the next generation of diverse public health leaders, health equity champions, practitioners, and researchers. Join the ranks of over 300 graduates who have gone on to lead in academia, public health, and the private sector. Your journey to becoming a public health leader starts here at Meharry Medical College! 

  • Curriculum
  • Degree Tracks
  • Admissions
  • Scholarships
  • Contact
  • Key Commitments
  • Tuition & Financial Aid

Curriculum

Our Public Health program is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) and offers a dynamic curriculum that includes 45 credit hours of coursework. This includes an Applied Practice Experience, and an Integrative Learning Experience designed to give you hands-on expertise. With 30 core credit hours and 15 electives, you can tailor your education to your career goals by choosing a track that excites you. 

Our full-time degree is available in two modalities, in-person at our Nashville main campus or fully online. Most of our courses are offered during the evenings on weekdays to accommodate for working professionals. Students can select one of two available tracks: 

Public Health Practice  

Epidemiology 

Public Health Practice Track Overview 

Credit hours – 45 

Length – 2 years 

A Master of Public Health (MPH) in Public Health Practice focuses on developing practical skills to address health issues in communities through program planning, policy advocacy, and health promotion. It prepares students to lead public health initiatives that improve population health, reduce disparities, and enhance healthcare systems. 

Download our course offerings here* 

*All course offerings are subject to change. 

Epidemiology Track Overview

Credit hours – 45 

Length – 2 years 

A Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology focuses on the study of disease distribution and determinants in populations to identify patterns and causes of health issues. It equips students with the skills to conduct research, analyze data, and design interventions to prevent and control disease outbreaks and improve public health outcomes. 

Download our course offerings here* 

*All course offerings are subject to change. 

Admissions

Two easy ways to apply:
  1. Complete your free SGH application here (no application fee required):

https://go.mmc.edu/apply

or
  1. Complete your SOPHAS application here: https://sophas.org/
A complete application will include:
  • A resume or CV
  • A personal statement highlighting your career aspiration related to Public Health
  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools
  • Three academic or professional letters of recommendation. We require at least 2 from previous professors and 1 from an individual who is qualified to certify the applicant’s abilities and/or character (i.e. mentor, academic advisor, employment supervisor)
  • We are a test-optional program. Applicants may submit a GRE score if desired.

MPH Interview

After the completed application is reviewed by the MPH admissions committee, all qualified applicants will be invited to participate in an interview.

Admitted Students

  • Accept your admission decision by submitting your seat deposit. This will be sent via e-mail.
  • Complete your FAFSA and make sure to send information to Meharry Medical College.
  • Our central Office of Admissions and Recruitment at Meharry Medical College will contact you to begin your journey as a Meharrian.

Scholarships

The School of Global Health will award a limited number of partial merit-based scholarships for Fall 2026.  

To be considered, applicants must submit a completed application with all application materials no later than Friday, February 27, 2026.

General deadline to apply to SGH is May 1.

The Scholarship Committee will consider the applicants application and materials, commitment to becoming a Meharrian, and overall competency to be successful in our programs. 

Scholarship awards will be announced to recipients through a formal admissions scholarship decision letter. 

Have questions about the PhD in Global Health Equity or need help with the application process? We’re here to support you every step of the way. 

For inquiries related to admissions, enrollment requirements, or program details, please contact: 

Mahia Valle, MBA
Enrollment Manager
Director, Communications
School of Global Health
Meharry Medical College 

Mvalle@mmc.edu
 

We look forward to connecting with you and helping you take the next step toward becoming a Meharrian. 

A Meharry MPH will:

  • Provide a quality public health education experience that equips diverse students with the competence to address the public health needs of all populations, especially the underserved. 
  • Provide opportunities for faculty and students to engage in scholarly activities that enhance the public health evidence base for the elimination of health disparities. 
  • Provide opportunities for the professional development of students, faculty, community, and the public health workforce. 
  • Provide opportunities for students to engage in collaborative and transformative public health practice activities. 
  • Strengthen and sustain partnerships and collaborations with local and national academic, community, and public health practice organizations. 

Vision 

Diversifying the field of public health leaders, practitioners, and researchers to advance health equity locally, nationally, and beyond. 

Mission 

The mission of the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Meharry Medical College is to improve the health and well-being of people of color and underserved communities. We strive to eradicate health disparities, through educational excellence, evidence-based research, and culturally competent service. 

Goals 

There are 4 goals that address the primary functions of the program: 

  • To provide a quality public health education experience that equips diverse students with the competence to address the public health needs of all populations, especially the underserved. 
  • To provide opportunities for faculty and students to engage in scholarly activities that enhance the public health evidence base for the elimination of health disparities. 
  • To provide opportunities for the professional development of students, faculty, community, and the public health workforce. 
  • To strengthen and sustain partnerships and collaborations with local and national academic, community, and public health practice organizations. 

Values 

  • Excellence — Consistently achieving outstanding levels of performance while upholding the highest standards of ethical behavior, intellectual honesty, and professional conduct. 
  • Service — Establishing and maintaining a nurturing community-based service-oriented culture and environment that exceeds expectations. 
  • Accountability — Accepting individual and collective responsibility for preserving and effectively managing the resources of the Program. 
  • Teamwork — Encouraging, supporting and valuing the collaborative efforts of faculty, staff and students to advance the quality of education, research, and service. 
  • Innovation — Promoting creativity and the development of ideas that stimulate improvements in our intellectual and operational endeavors. 
  • Diversity — Fostering an inclusive environment that includes ethnic, intellectual, social, and cultural, and gender diversity. 
  • Advocacy — Advocating for local, state and national health and public policies and training directed at improving the status of health of all individuals with an understanding of the health care needs of underserved populations. 
  • Health Equity — Insisting that everyone has equal chance to reach their full potential without undue influence from social circumstances, health disparities and systems that limit access to opportunities and resources. 
  • Critical Thinking — Cultivating a disciplined, systematic process for evidenced-based decision making to solve public health problems. 

For questions about CEPH accreditation and to obtain copies of the final CEPH self-study, please contact us at SGH@mmc.edu. 

CEPH logo

Cost per Credit Hour for the 2025–2026 Academic Year

The estimated cost per credit hour for the 2025–2026 academic year is $1,626. Based on a typical course load, the estimated annual tuition is $29,278. 

Please note that tuition rates are reviewed annually and are subject to change. 

This tuition rate does not include student fees, for a full breakdown, please contact us at SGH@mmc.edu to set up your one-on-one appointment. 

Investing in Your Future

We understand that pursuing a PhD is a significant financial commitment, and Meharry Medical College is committed to helping students explore all available funding options. Our Office of Financial Aid provides guidance on federal and institutional aid, scholarships, fellowships, and other resources that may help support your academic journey. 

For more information on financing your education, visit:
Financial Aid at Meharry Medical College