Public Health
Public Health Program Overview
The online Master of Science (MS) in Public Health at Manhattanville University positions effective public health practitioners and researchers to drive positive change in community health outcomes. This 42-credit program, aligned with Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) competencies, combines rigorous academic preparation with practical skills development.
Designed for working professionals and delivered through flexible distance education, the program emphasizes health equity, evidence-based approaches, and systems thinking. Students gain expertise in program planning, health policy analysis, and public health surveillance while developing leadership abilities to address complex health challenges.
Curriculum and Requirements
The 42-credit distance-learning MS in Public Health program curriculum combines core public health foundations with specialized courses in health equity, policy, and program implementation, preparing candidates holistically for public health research careers and PhD or doctoral programs in public health. The curriculum includes:
- Core public health principles and ethics
- Research methods and analytical skills
- Health policy and economics
- Environmental health sciences
- Program planning and evaluation
- Health equity and human rights
- Public health surveillance methods
- Practical field experience
View the complete curriculum and requirements for the MS in Public Health program.
The master’s program in public health emphasizes research methodology and experience through three key experiential components:
- Public Health Practice (3 credits): Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world health challenges
- Capstone Project (2 credits): Develop and implement a significant public health initiative backed by research
- Practicum (1 credit=75 hours): Gain hands-on experience in public health settings
Across the MS in Public Health program, graduates develop expertise in:
- Evidence-based approaches to public health practice
- Policy development and advocacy
- Program planning and evaluation
- Leadership and systems thinking
- Cultural competency in health communication
- Interprofessional collaboration
- Quantitative and qualitative research methods
Through our program's focus on health equity and practical application as well as innovative research, graduates are prepared to:
- Pursue doctoral programs in public health
- Conduct research to address structural inequities in health systems
- Design and implement population-based health programs
- Analyze health policies and their impacts
- Lead public health initiatives
- Evaluate program effectiveness
- Communicate with diverse stakeholders
Graduates of the online Master of Science in Public Health degree program are prepared for diverse academic and research roles in today’s in-demand and growing industries of public health and epidemiology (disease research) as well as more traditional in-practice public health careers across many settings:
- Government Agencies
- Healthcare Organizations
- Higher Education and Research Institutions
- International Health Organizations
- Non-profit Organizations
- Public Health Departments
These high-demand roles command attractive average annual salaries. Those with a master’s degree in public health can earn more on average than those with a bachelor’s alone. Areas that require master’s degrees, like epidemiology research, can also be high-earning career paths in public health.
- Epidemiologists - $81,390
- Postsecondary Educators - $84,380
- Medical and Health Services Managers - $110,680
Apart from research, academia, and practice, the organization and management skills taught in this program set students up for success in future leadership roles such as Public Health Program Director or Community Health Director.
Our faculty experts at Manhattanville University often hold the highest degree in their field and are uniquely interested in each student’s journey and life.
Explore health and science programs at Manhattanville University:
- MS in Biomedical Sciences
MS in Computer Science
MS in Data Analytics
View all Manhattanville academic programs.
The MS in Public Health degree program at Manhattanville University welcomes applications from current working healthcare professionals, recent graduates, or career changers who are passionate about health equity and seeking new knowledge.
There are no application deadlines, so you can submit your online graduate application anytime to be reviewed before the fall or spring semesters start.
Application requirements may include:
- Completed application
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions
- Current resume/CV
- Personal statement
- Letter(s) of recommendation
Review complete graduate admissions information and contact Graduate Admissions team members with any questions.
Review up-to-date tuition and fee information. Students in the online MS in Public Health may be qualified to access the various financial aid options at Manhattanville:
- Federal Direct Loans
- Graduate PLUS Loans
- Merit-based scholarships
- If available, graduate assistantships
For complete information, review financial aid at Manhattanville and contact the Office of Financial Aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
An MS in Public Health earned in person or online opens doors to careers across healthcare, government, and research sectors. Graduates work as health program managers, policy analysts, epidemiologists, research assistants, research professors, research directors, and data analysts. These positions are in a growing industry with strong potential for increased salaries with experience.
An MS in Public Health degree typically focuses on research methodology, quantitative analysis, and scientific investigation in preparation for research-oriented careers and potential doctoral studies. In contrast, an MPH emphasizes practical application and program implementation, designed for those seeking direct public health practice roles. While both degree programs ready students for public health careers, the MS program is ideal for those interested in investigating health trends, analyzing data, and contributing to evidence-based public health solutions and policies.
A public health researcher investigates health trends of various populations, designs and conducts studies, analyzes health data, and develops recommendations to improve community health outcomes. Their work involves collecting and analyzing data about disease patterns, health behaviors, and program effectiveness and translating those findings for policymakers and health practitioners.
Manhattanville’s MS in Public Health is a 42-credit program designed for working professionals, typically completed in 24-48 months through part-time, distance education.
Apply to the MS in Public Health at Manhattanville University
Take the first step toward advancing your career in public health and public health research with Manhattanville’s Master of Science in Public Health degree program. Our flexible online format allows you to balance your education with other commitments while gaining the skills needed to make a meaningful impact on population health.
Contact Us
-
Debra Simmons, Dean, School of Nursing and Health Sciences