Address Public Health Challenges

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Focus on improving community health and wellness.

100% Online

Complete your degree online and asynchronously.

1 Year

Finish your master's degree in one year.

Cost Effective

The most affordable Master of Public Health in Virginia.

Master of Public Health (MPH)

The University of Lynchburg’s Master of Public Health program gives you the knowledge and skills you need to improve the health and well-being of diverse populations around the world — and to lead others along the way.

Through evidence-based practice, you’ll develop a well-rounded, advanced understanding
of public health. You’ll learn to assess population needs and design and evaluate interventions. You’ll delve into policies influencing population health programs.

You’ll gain data collection and analysis skills and learn to apply these skills in real-world situations. You’ll also explore epidemiological research models, strengthen biostatistical methods, such as survey and surveillance design and delivery, build management and leadership skills, and explore how health policies and systems impact different communities from an equity perspective.

Plus, you’ll discover community health analysis tools that will equip you for success and learn how to apply your knowledge ethically.

In addition to the core public health courses, you’ll complete an experiential learning component either through an internship, a community-based project, or by conducting research. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible for certification as Certified Health Education Specialists by passing the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing exam.

Why choose the University of Lynchburg public health graduate program?

An innovative student-centered MPH program.

Choosing Lynchburg’s Master of Public Health means being part of an innovative, student-centered environment that emphasizes collaboration with faculty, students, and the community while promoting creativity, critical thinking, independent research, and problem-solving — essential tools to effect positive change in our communities.

What makes the Master of Public Health at Lynchburg unique?

One-year Master of Public Health Program

MPH students complete their degree requirements in 12 months. Our online MPH program offers exceptional flexibility through its eight-week course structure, which is an efficient and adaptable approach that fits your education into your lifestyle.

CHES Prep

The Certified Health Education Specialist exam is an important step for public health graduates. It’s widely recognized by employers as a benchmark for excellence in health education and assures them that you’re competent in conceptualizing, planning, and implementing health education programs.

Our MPH prepares you for the exam, and Lynchburg graduates have a 100% pass rate.

Core Areas of Public Health

Learning the core areas of public health equips you with an array of skills you need to be successful. Our Master of Public Health program prepares you with the essentials, including:

Data analytics and assessment
Needs assessment, program planning, and evaluation
Communication
Health equity
Community partnerships
Environmental health sciences
Management and administration
Leadership and systems thinking
Biostatistical and epidemiological analysis

Community Health Focus

At Lynchburg, we believe specialized training in health promotion and education methods is an important component of creating a healthier society. Our community health-focused training encompasses the study of health communication, program planning and evaluation, and program administration, all of which focus on creating a comprehensive understanding of the physical, social, and environmental needs of communities

Grant Writing

Learning to write grants is a critical aspect of the Master of Public Health. At Lynchburg, you’ll learn how to craft compelling proposals that help you stand out from the competition and get community funding for health-related programs. You’ll gain an understanding of preparation, research, the grant process, and the criteria used to evaluate applications.

Service Learning

Our MPH students are making a positive impact in their communities. They have volunteered their time and energy to assist with various initiatives, such as organizing vaccination drives, collecting supplies for retirement homes, running food banks, and doing tick surveillance in local parks.

Project-based Learning

In collaboration with the University Research Center, MPH students learn about current challenges faced by different communities and determine how to best serve those in need. Whether working with organizations in Central Virginia or their community, students apply what they’re learning to solve real-world problems.

International Opportunities

Lynchburg offers unique international study abroad opportunities for MPH students. Even as an online student, the program provides the chance to learn about global health issues while exploring other cultures. In recent years, students have traveled to India, Costa Rica, Uganda, and Rwanda.

These culturally enriching experiences focus on community health initiatives like improving water quality. After traveling abroad, participants have a greater appreciation for how health issues can be addressed in different communities around the world.

Community Health Administration

Students gain an understanding of the complex structure and functions of the U.S. health care system. They learn about public health practices and the legal and regulatory frameworks for public health. Additionally, students develop skills in key managerial tasks and styles, as well as organizational and community assessment techniques. Moreover, they’re able to analyze trends in the U.S. health care system and identify areas of improvement.

Program-wide Student Learning Outcomes

Program-wide Student Learning Outcomes:

Apply advanced and specialized medical and public health knowledge by training within population and public health, including:
- Medical knowledge in environmental health
- Principles and practice of epidemiology and biostatistics
- Professionalism and ethics
- Diversity and equity in public health
- Community-level health needs assessment and implementation
- Data analytics and assessments
Analyze skills needed to provide leadership at local and global public healthcare institutions.
Design, develop, and execute projects that improve patient and community health-related outcomes.

Curriculum and Resources

2024-25 Academic Year Information

Master of Public Health

MPH 605: Public Health Needs Assessment and Planning (3 credits)

This course will assist students in identifying and gaining proficiency in the application of a variety of skills utilized by health professionals in planning and designing health promotion programs. Students will learn to utilize theoretical models to conduct a needs assessment, write program objectives, and design model-driven intervention strategies for various public health settings.

MPH 610: Biostatistics (3 credits)

This course prepares the student in the development and application of statistical reasoning and methods used to gather, analyze, and interpret health data in public health; health care; biomedical, clinical, and population-based research. Fundamentals will include descriptive statistics, estimation, hypothesis testing, precision, sample size, correlation, problems with categorization for continuous variables, multiple comparison problems, and interpreting statistical results.

MPH 615: Environmental Health (3 credits)

An introduction to the chemical, physical, and biological factors affecting human health and disease, and how monitoring and control techniques can reduce the impact of the environment on global health.

MPH 620: Social Aspects of Public Health (3 credits)

An overarching goal of the Healthy People Initiative is to “achieve health equity, eliminate disparities, and improve the health of all groups”. From a social-ecological perspective, this course examines factors contributing to health disparities and explores how to address determinants of health so that health equity may be achieved through the promotion of health and the prevention of disease among all groups.

MPH 625: Public Health Implementation and Evaluation (3 credits)

The second of a two-course sequence (MPH 605, MPH 625) that provides students with a comprehensive overview of the practical and theoretical principles and skills needed to plan, implement, and evaluate health promotion programs in public health settings. Emphasis is placed on specific methods and models used, public health data, an understanding and evaluation of health promotion theories, and applications made to the design to change the determinants of behavior.

MPH 630: Epidemiology (3 credits)

An introduction to epidemiology as a body of knowledge and a method for analyzing public health issues. Emphasis is on how to measure and describe the health of populations the natural history of diseases in population groups, standardization of rates, sources of data, study designs, measurements of risk, evaluation of screening tests, causal inferences, and outbreak investigation.

MPH 635: Community Health Administration (3 credits)

An introduction to the structure and functions of the American healthcare system, public health practice in the United States, and basic managerial responsibilities. Emphasis is on management tasks and styles, structure and trends of the healthcare system, the legal and regulatory framework for public health, organizational and community assessment, and public health settings and services.

MPH 640: Ethical Issues in Public Health (3 credits)

This course examines ethical theories and explores health-related ethical issues, preparing students to uphold professional ethics, identify and evaluate ethical dilemmas, and make ethical decisions within the context of the health profession.

MPH 653: Public Health Practicum I (3 credits)

Apply public health core competencies and skills working in a public health setting under the supervision of a preceptor or completing a research project under the guidance of a faculty sponsor.

MPH 655: Public Health Capstone Seminar (3 credits)

Demonstration of the synthesis and integration of knowledge gained through the coursework and other learning experiences with the application of theory and principle to various public health issues. Students will write a prospectus paper building upon their internship experience to demonstrate how they will continue that work, and what outcomes they will accomplish in the coming 5-10 years.

MPH 656: Public Health Practicum II (3 credits)

Apply public health core competencies and skills working in a public health setting under the supervision of a preceptor or completing a research project under the guidance of a faculty sponsor.

MPH 657: Public Health Practicum III (3 credits)

Apply public health core competencies and skills working in a public health setting under the supervision of a preceptor or completing a research project under the guidance of a faculty sponsor.

Total credit hours: 36

Academic Resources

Additional Resources

Interested in applying to the MPH program?

We’re committed to providing the best possible learning environment so our graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of a career in public health.

Priority deadlines: June 15, 2025 and January 1, 2026

How to Apply

Complete the online application.
Submit an official transcript from the college or university where your bachelor’s degree was awarded.
Submit a statement of purpose on the following topic:
- Why do you want to pursue the Master of Public Health, and/or how will this degree assist you in achieving your career goals?
Submit a recent résumé/CV.

Learn more about the application process if you are one of the following: