2018-2019 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Public Health (M.P.H.)


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Program Coordinator/Contact

Mary Beth Fishback, Program Coordinator
College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions
Avera Health and Science Center 249, Box 2202C
605-688-6347

Program Information

The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree program is a collaborative degree offering of South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota. The M.P.H. degree is the most widely recognized professional credential for leadership and practice in public health. As outlined by the Council on Education for Public Health, which accredits M.P.H. programs, the M.P.H. curriculum covers the five core areas of public health education:

  • Biostatistics
  • Epidemiology
  • Health Services Administration
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Environmental Health

Course Delivery Format

Coursework is provided through distance delivery (online, DDN, etc.) using lecture formats and asynchronous presentations.

Student Engagement and Support Opportunities

The program offers student engagement through research and practice opportunities. Ongoing partnerships exist with entities such as the South Dakota Area Health Education Center (AHEC), Indian Health Services, and the South Dakota Department of Health.

Facilities and Services

The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree program is an interdisciplinary graduate program of the Graduate School, involving departments and colleges across the university.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees


Master of Public Health Option C - Coursework Only 42 Credit Hours

Core Requirements


(Instruction of some courses shared between USD and SDSU campuses)

Supporting Area Coursework


Students must take at least 12 credit hours of supporting area coursework from either SDSU or USD. Credits: 12

Supporting Area Coursework offered by USD


  • ADS 754 - Public Policy and Addiction Credits: 3
  • CPHD 601 - Introduction to Bioinformatics Credits: 3
  • CPHD 610 - Experimental Design and Analysis Credits: 3
  • EDER 860 - Advanced Statistics I Credits: 3
  • EDER 861 - Advanced Statistics II Credits: 3
  • HSAD 710 - Advanced Strategic Management of Health Care Orgs Credits: 3
  • HSAD 740 - Advanced Health Care Systems Credits: 3
  • HSAD 770 - Advanced Health Care Management Credits: 3
  • HSC 575 - Process and Outcomes Evaluation Credits: 3
  • OCTH 733 - Promotion of Health and Prevention of Disability Credits: 3
  • PSYC 514 - Drugs and Behavior Credits: 3
  • PUBH 711 - Topics in Applied Biostatistics Credits: 3
  • PUBH 760 - Public Health and Native American Communities Credits: 3
  • PUBH 770 - Public Health Immunology Credits: 3
  • PUBH 792 - Public Health Topics Credits: 3
  • SOC 510 - Methods of Social Research Credits: 3
  • SOCW 640 - Diversity and Social Justice Credits: 3
  • Other graduate-level electives with advisor approval Credits: 3

Total Required Credits: 42


Additional Admission Requirements


  1. Successful completion of a baccalaureate degree or an equivalent degree from an institution with full regional accreditation for that degree.
  2. Through no specific major is required, adequate undergraduate preparation in social, health, or biological sciences is recommended.
  3. A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on conferred degree and/or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale, on all graduate coursework.  Each institution may admit students on conditional or provisional status per university policy.
  4. Complete the Graduate School application along with the $35 application fee.
  5. Statement of purpose for studying Public Health (include career plans relative to the MPH).
  6. Two letters of recommendation are required.
  7. Successfully complete a criminal background check upon acceptance.

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