unc online phd public health

Doctoral Programs

Doctor of philosophy (phd) in biostatistics.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics provides advanced, research-oriented training in theory and methodology of biostatistics to prepare individuals for careers in academia, government and industry.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Epidemiology

In the Doctoral of Philosophy in Epidemiology program, students develop research and teaching skills in epidemiology through coursework, doctoral research, practice opportunities and preliminary doctoral examinations.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental Sciences and Engineering

The Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Sciences and Engineering is a terminal degree intended for students with a strong background in the sciences or engineering who are interested in careers in basic and applied research, education, advanced practice and management in the field of environmental sciences and engineering.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Behavior

In the Doctor of Philosophy in Health Behavior program, students are trained to lead research that will advance understanding of health-related behaviors and their determinants at all social levels as they contribute to critical public health problems. Doctoral students gain skills and knowledge in the empirical, conceptual and theoretical foundations of the field, research methods, intervention development and evaluation and professional development topics. Graduates apply their training to research focused on domestic and global public health problems.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Policy and Management

The Doctor of Philosophy in Health Policy and Management combines rigorous training in research methodology with substantive knowledge to provide the academic foundation and research experience to become creative and independent researchers.

Executive Doctoral Program in Health Leadership (DrPH) - Online

The Executive Doctoral Program in Health Leadership is designed for working health care professionals in the U.S. or abroad with the potential and ambition to become senior leaders, and who are committed to improving the public’s health. Students must come to campus once in the fall, spring and summer for 5 days each visit.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Maternal and Child Health

The Doctoral of Philosophy in Maternal and Child Health develops research scholars capable of producing and disseminating new knowledge and methods for the public health profession in the field of maternal and child health. Each doctoral student is expected to develop and demonstrate competence in at least three areas: core maternal and child health content, research methods and a chosen area of ‘specialization.’ The specialization area is topic-specific and should be related to the area chosen for the student’s dissertation research.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nutrition

In the Doctor of Philosophy in Nutrition program, students develop research and teaching skills in nutrition through coursework, doctoral research, practice opportunities and preliminary doctoral examinations to prepare them for careers in scientific research or teaching at universities, federal or state agencies, industry or private research institutions. Students may minor in other fields, such as epidemiology.

Get situated at the Gillings School at one of our welcome and orientation events.

Chapel Hill, and the greater Triangle area, is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work. Our town is bike-friendly, walkable, eclectic, safe, affordable, diverse and green. Our students love the temperate weather and the easy access to activities in the Triangle, on the coast and in the mountains.

Each spring, Experience Gillings provides admitted students a way to connect directly with current students and members of the School’s faculty and staff.

Gillings School student transforms health care for refugees

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Gillings School of Global Public Health

Every day, Carolina's Gillings School of Global Public Health improves public health, promotes individual well-being and eliminates health inequities across North Carolina and around the world.

Tackling the toughest public health challenges

Our school is home to dedicated, innovative students who are passionate about improving public health. They work closely with faculty, peers and practitioners, forming bonds that help them grow as students and future public health professionals. The Gillings School’s curriculum balances classroom education with real-world experience, preparing our students to tackle the toughest public health challenges across North Carolina and around the world.

Program Offerings

• Bachelor of Science in Public Health
• Master's Degrees
• Doctoral Degrees
• Certificate Programs
• Gillings School of Global Public Health 135 Dauer Drive Chapel Hill 27599

Facts & Figures

• No. 1 public school of public health for NIH funding
• 100 NC counties reached by Gillings students and faculty
• No. 1 public school of public health in the United States (No. 2 overall)
• 95 % of graduates secure jobs or continue their education after earning their degrees
• 82 countries around the world have benefited from research and scholarship conducted by the school

Around Campus

Tonu Kalam retires after 36 years of beautiful music

The longtime conductor inspired and challenged the UNC Symphony Orchestra to perform brilliantly.

George Battle leaves Carolina’s IIRM office

The Division of Institutional Integrity and Risk Management will reorganize following Battle’s departure this summer.

Public policy department remembers the late ‘Pete’ Andrews

The emeritus professor, former faculty chair and leading scholar on environmental policy died at age 79.

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Applying to MPH@UNC

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Home / Admissions / Applying to MPH@UNC

UNC’s Gillings School is looking for candidates whose academic background, professional experience and leadership abilities meet the demands of our online Master of Public Health (MPH) program. Below are the requirements for admission and application submission. 

GRE scores are neither required nor typically recommended for applicants to the Master of Public Health program.

Applications are accepted and reviewed in accordance with the following deadlines:

Application Requirements

MPH@UNC utilizes a holistic review process which takes into consideration the following application materials:

Online Application

You must complete the online application and pay a nonrefundable application fee of  $95.00. Many applicants qualify for an application waiver. Reach out to an admissions counselor at 855-534-2409 or [email protected] to learn more.

Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Submit your current resume or CV, and be sure to list any relevant professional and academic experience, including volunteer work.

Transcripts

Submit unofficial transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended, including graduate studies. (Official transcripts will be required upon admission.)

You will need to upload unofficial copies of your transcripts from all institutions you have attended into your application. If you do not have unofficial transcripts, you will need to request copies be sent directly to you from the school(s). You can then upload them to your application or  email them  to [email protected].

Note: Any official transcripts uploaded through the online application can be used to render an admissions decision but will be considered unofficial.

For military applicants, military transcripts are required, including JST (Joint Service Transcript) or ACE.

If your study abroad credits and grades are included on the home institution transcript, then an additional transcript is not required. If your study abroad credits and grades are listed as transfer credit, then an official transcript from the study abroad institution is required.

Statement of Purpose

You must submit an essay that answers four key questions:

• Why are you interested in pursuing a Master of Public Health degree and how will this prepare you for your career?​
• How have your previous work, volunteer, and lived experiences led you to apply to the MPH?​
• Economic, political and social factors contribute to differences in health outcomes within and between countries. How will you apply your public health training to address these factors in order to reduce variability in health outcomes?
• Please explain why you are interested in applying to your first concentration and second concentration (if applicable).​

Optional Essay (please do not exceed 500 words):

Please provide any additional context or information that might be helpful to the admissions committee’s review of your application.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required. These letters should be sent from individuals who can attest to your ability or potential to complete graduate public health training. Approved recommenders are past and present employers, professors and approved volunteer coordinators. If you have graduated from an academic degree program within the last five years, we recommend that you have at least one letter from an academic reference. Letters of recommendation are submitted through the online application process.

Considerations for International Applicants

International applicants with degrees from institutions outside the United States are required to submit a copy of their transcripts evaluated by The World Education Services (WES). An unofficial copy of the WES evaluation is required for the application process. An official copy of the WES evaluation may be required by The Graduate School if the international applicant is admitted into the program. UNC Graduate School institution code is 5816.

TOEFL or IELTS Test Scores

All international applicants must submit official TOEFL scores (reported directly from ETS.org) or IELTS scores (reported directly from IELTS.org). We accept no other English language tests. While self-reported scores are useful for informal evaluation, the official report of your scores must arrive before final application review. 

The required minimum total score for each exam is:

Standardized test scores must be official and are reportable for a period of two years from the date of the exam.  TOEFL or IELTS exam results more than two years old will not be considered . Standardized test scores that are submitted to the institution are kept on file for one year after the term for which you are applying.

Exceptions to the English standardized exams are available for the three applicant categories listed below:

• Applicants from countries where English is the sole official language of instruction (i.e., Australia; Bahamas; Barbados; Canada, excluding Québec; England; Ghana; Ireland; India; Jamaica; Kenya; New Zealand; Nigeria; Scotland; St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Trinidad; Tobago; Uganda; and Wales).
• Applicants who have received or will receive a degree from an accredited university in the United States. (Within the online admissions application, you must upload an unofficial transcript showing the degree awarded or in progress, or a letter from the registrar or dean verifying your degree candidate status from that institution. If you are offered admission, the official transcript must be received or the English exam scores will be required for enrollment.)
• Applicants who have received or will receive a degree from an accredited university where English is the sole language of instruction. (If you are a degree candidate in a university where English is the sole language of instruction, you must submit, along with your request, an official verification from that university that English is the sole language of instruction along with your anticipated date of graduation. If the degree or an official verification is not received, the English exam scores will be required.)

To learn more about MPH@UNC, request information and an admissions counselor will contact you.

Request more information.

Master of Public Health

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Graduate Degree Programs

Below we have listed information about our graduate programs at UNC-Chapel Hill, including degrees offered, contact information, and specific admissions application requirements.

Important information about admissions application deadlines

Admissions information - alphabetical

Admissions information - by department/school.

• American Studies
• Anthropology
• Materials Science *
• Art History
• Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
• Applied Physical Sciences
• Biochemistry and Biophysics
• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
• Cell Biology and Physiology
• Chemistry *
• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Microbiology and Immunology
• Neuroscience
• Nutrition *
• Oral and Craniofacial Biomedicine *
• Pharmaceutical Sciences *
• Pharmacology
• Biomedical and Health Informatics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Business Administration
• Cell Biology and Physiology – Direct Admit MS and PhD
• City and Regional Planning
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
• Communication Studies
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Dental Hygiene Education
• Endodontics
• Operative Dentistry and Biomaterials
• Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
• Orthodontics
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Periodontology
• Prosthodontics
• Dramatic Art
• Earth and Marine Sciences
• Educational Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship
• Educational Leadership
• Master of Arts in Teaching
• School Counseling
• School Psychology
• English and Comparative Literature
• Exercise and Sport Science
• German Studies
• Global Studies
• Human Movement Science
• Digital Curation and Management
• Information Science
• Library Science
• Digital Communication
• Media and Communication
• Linguistics
• Master of Applied Professional Studies (MAPS)
• Mathematics
• Occupational Therapy
• Occupational Science
• Physics and Astronomy
• Political Science
• Trans Atlantic Masters
• Public Administration
• Biostatistics
• Environmental Sciences and Engineering
• Epidemiology
• Clinical Research
• Health Behavior
• Health Policy and Management
• Master of Public Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Public Policy
• Regulatory Science
• Religious Studies
• Romance Languages and Literatures
• Social Work
• Speech and Hearing Sciences
• Statistics and Operations Research
• Toxicology – Professional Science Masters

**There are two application paths available for certain doctoral programs. Depending on your objectives, you may apply directly to the specific program or you may apply via the Biological and Biomedical Sciences application umbrella. Please visit program websites to determine the best fit for your objectives.

View degrees offered by other schools

• Online MSN to DNP
• Online BSN to DNP Health Care Leadership Administration
• Executive Doctoral Program in Health Leadership
• Ed.D. in Organizational Learning and Leadership
• Master in Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Applied Data Science (MADS)
• Master of Professional Science (MPS) in Biomedical and Health Informatics (BMHI)
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Professional Science Master’s (PSM) degree in Digital Curation and Management
• Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Master of Professional Science (MPS) in Regulatory Science
• Master of Accounting
• Master in Digital Communication
• Master’s in Radiologic Science
• Master in Clinical Laboratory Science
• Master of Healthcare Administration
• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• MSN Health Care Leadership & Administration
• UNDERGRADUATE
• Certificate in Data Analytics & Decision Making
• Certificate in Entrepreneurship & Strategy
• Certificate in Finance
• Certificate in Leadership Development
• Paralegal Certificate
• Public Health Leadership Certificate
• Coding Boot Camp
• Data Analytics Boot Camp
• Digital Marketing Boot Camp
• Product Management Bootcamp
• Emergency Management Certificate
• Global Health Certificate
• Epidemiology Certificate

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Unc-chapel hill online, online programs and courses from the university of north carolina at chapel hill, expanding access and propelling careers.

UNC-Chapel Hill’s online programs and courses bring the advantages of a Carolina public education to engaged citizens, professionals and leaders all over the world. Our goal is to provide everyone with equal access to academic and career success — regardless of your location, race, experience, worldview, abilities or identity.

Offered through several professional schools, centers and institutes, UNC-Chapel Hill’s online programs and curricula help you turn your academic and professional interests into enriching experiences at any stage of your career.

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

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DOCTORAL DEGREES

Earn a terminal degree in your field with UNC’s online doctoral programs.

FIND YOUR DOCTORAL PROGRAM

MASTER’S DEGREES

Reach the next level of your career with UNC’s online master’s programs.

FIND YOUR MASTER’S PROGRAM

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

Earn credit toward your undergraduate degree with online courses.

FIND YOUR UNDERGRAD COURSE

Develop new skills with unc’s online non-degree offerings, certificates and boot camps.

UNC’s online certificates and boot camps provide a path to career advancement for those who need a specific set of skills in a short amount of time. These offerings feature:

• Coaching from experienced, skilled instructors.
• Project-based assignments.
• 100% online instruction.
• A completion certificate.

FIND YOUR SPECIALTY

UNC-Chapel Hill offers a variety of online continuing education programs for professionals who need to maintain their licensure with continuing education units or simply want to take the next step in their careers. Our online offerings include:

• On-demand modules and courses.
• Self-paced courses with live sessions.
• Live and on-demand webinars.
• Asynchronous materials and resources.

EXPLORE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Why choose unc-chapel hill online.

UNC-Chapel Hill is a global leader known for its innovative teaching and groundbreaking research. As the oldest public university in the United States, Carolina has played a pivotal role in building a stronger, more diversified economy for the people of North Carolina and beyond.

UNC’s online learning experiences are designed so that regardless of where you live, you can expect unmatched educational opportunities and the culture of interdisciplinary collaboration that unites the Tar Heel community .

“Online and distance education are constantly evolving, but they are always ultimately about the students. We’re working to extend Carolina learning opportunities to those who might not otherwise have access, removing barriers to a great education. Along the way, we’re bringing the best of current standards and emerging trends to our online offerings. We hope you’ll join us.”

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Let’s Plan for What’s Next

At UNC-Chapel Hill, we’re invested in cultivating a community that empowers all members to discover their talents and challenge their limits. Our mission is to teach a diverse network of undergraduate, graduate and professional students to become the next generation of leaders. 

Wherever you’re located, whatever your goals are, you can be a part of the University’s legacy of inquiry and innovation that began in 1795. Join us.

Find the UNC-Chapel Hill online program that fits your needs:

DOCTORATES | MASTER’S | UNDERGRADUATE | CERTIFICATE & BOOT CAMPS | PROFESSIONAL ED

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PhD in Public Health Sciences

The focus of the PhD in Public Health Sciences is to train researchers and professionals with skills essential to address contemporary public health problems at the individual, community and population levels.

Drawing on the social-ecological framework, public health is an interdisciplinary field encompassing public health practice in the community; scientific research utilizing theoretical perspectives from disciplines such as anthropology, economics, geography, gerontology, medicine, nursing, psychology, and sociology; and 5 core areas of endeavor: environmental and occupational health, biostatistics, epidemiology, social and behavioral health factors, and health policy and administration.

Additionally, students train to be well-rounded public health professionals: partnering with community agencies and stakeholders, learning how to disseminate research to diverse audiences, publishing in peer-reviewed formats, teaching in an academic environment, and conducting themselves with high ethical standards in all venues. Graduates are prepared to work in academia, conduct large-scale public health research projects, or work in government or health-related venues. The UNC Charlotte Public Health Sciences PhD Program strives to uphold the Department of Public Health Science’s vision of “ Healthy communities partnered with responsive population health systems ” by preparing public health professionals to realize our mission of “ Advancing health equity and well-being in an urbanizing world”. The Public Health Sciences PhD program values collaboration, community engagement, diversity, innovation, professionalism, health equity, and social justice.

The Concentration in Behavioral Science

The concentration in Behavioral Sciences emphasizes investigation of health determinants related to the prevention and management of disease and disability among diverse and vulnerable populations. Working with the community in multidisciplinary teams to understand and develop programs that address the broad social-ecological factors that influence health behavior and thus health outcomes is the primary emphasis of this concentration.

Coursework for the PhD in Public Health Sciences with a concentration in behavioral sciences has a dual emphasis on qualitative and quantitative methods, and the development, application, and measurement of theory to understand the social and cultural factors that influence health behavior.

The PhD in Public Health Sciences with a concentration in Behavioral Sciences will:

• prepare graduates with analytical skills to conduct research on social and behavioral factors in a variety of public health and community settings;
• prepare graduates to design, conduct, and analyze behavioral science research relating to public health using advanced quantitative and qualitative methods;
• prepare independent scientists and scholars with focused writing skills to obtain appropriate research funding and to write for publication;
• prepare independent scientists and scholars with communication and methodological skills necessary to advance and disseminate behavioral science knowledge to community/lay, practitioner, academic, and scientific audiences; and
• instill graduates with enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration and solid principles necessary to engage in culturally competent and ethically sound research practices with all participants and colleagues.

The PhD program in Public Health Sciences is offered in person only.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ahmed A. Arif, PhD Professor, Director of PhD Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences Department of Public Health Sciences College of Health and Human Services University of North Carolina at Charlotte 9201 University City Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28223 Phone: 704-687-8742

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Ways to Study

As part of a cutting-edge, research-intensive university with top-ranked schools of nursing, medicine, public health, pharmacy, dentistry and social work located within steps of each other and adjacent to the renowned UNC Hospitals, the School of Nursing provides a diverse, energetic and collegial environment for participating in world-class interprofessional education, scientific inquiry and practice opportunities.

Apply Now | PhD

Applications for 2025 will open in August, please check back later for more information.

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[email protected] 919.966.4260

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Pre- and Postdoctoral Fellowships at Carolina Nursing: Preventing and Managing Chronic Illness

At Carolina Nursing, our pre- and postdoctoral T32 funding will support research aimed at preventing and managing chronic illness using multilevel, theory-based interventions that target behaviors, environmental factors, and personal determinants that increase the risk of illness onset, greater burden, and poorer outcomes.

Interested in learning more? The article linked below summarizes how our T32 grant will prepare nurse scientists using community-engaged intervention mapping.

Interested in learning more about our new PhD curriculum? Please check out the new  PhD curriculum map here .

Our vision is to prepare a diverse group of graduates who are highly capable and driven to engage in a career devoted to research and scholarly scientific activities that enhance the health of individuals, families and communities; using biobehavioral, psychosocial and ecological approaches; that increase the effectiveness of health care systems; and further the translation of research into practice.

The PhD program in Nursing at UNC is one of the best in the country.  We:

• Prepare nursing scholars to conduct scientific studies consistent with the program vision: to enhance the health of individuals, families and communities; increase the effectiveness of health care systems; and further the translation of research into practice.
• Have consistently been identified as one of the top Schools of Nursing in the country. A variety of faculty research grants provides multiple opportunities for research training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional development. These opportunities provide an outstanding training context to ensure that our graduates are prepared to assume scientific leadership roles early in their research careers.

• Are part of a cutting-edge research-intensive university, with a wonderfully rich and diverse environment within which to conduct research.

• Are part of an extraordinarily strong health science division that includes public health, pharmacy, medicine, social work and dentistry – all of which are located on the main campus of the University.
• Are part of a University that is home to 121 interdisciplinary research centers, institutes, and initiatives that bring faculty together across campus to collaborative research-focused areas. SON faculty, doctoral students, and postdoctoral fellows are highly active members of many of these centers.

Among the many outstanding resources that are available to our PhD students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the following are housed within, and managed by the School of Nursing:

• The  Biobehavioral Laboratory (BBL)  assists with the development of biological and behavioral measuring techniques for the study of chronic illness and nursing intervention outcomes.
• The T32 research training grant on Prevention and Management of Chronic Illness provides extensive opportunities for doctoral and postdoctoral trainees to be involved in funded studies. Continued funding has been sought for the T32 research training grant in Health Care Quality and Patient Outcomes, which is also designed to support doctoral and postdoctoral trainees.
• The  Office of Research and Scholarship (ORS)  assists in grant development, preparation and submission.

To provide adequate mentoring, we want to assure that your planned research aligns well with the scientific expertise of one or more faculty members. This is what we refer to as a faculty-student “match”.  This match may take a number of different forms. One type of match occurs when you are studying the same problem as is the  faculty member  – say, cardiovascular disease, or cancer, or increasing access to care for diverse populations. Another type of match occurs when you are using the same methodological approach as the faculty member – this might be qualitative or quantitative, cross-sectional or longitudinal, or observational or experimental. Another kind of match occurs when you are studying similar populations, say, children or the elderly. 

We provide an opportunity for you to communicate your research interests to selected faculty before you decide to apply, so please take some time to explore our Areas of Expertise to learn about the current research taking place at Carolina Nursing.

If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to  email the Office of Student Affairs .

Associate Dean, PhD Division & Program

Cheryl Jones, PhD, RN, FAAN

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Spartan Alert

Public health education, b.s. health studies online concentration.

The Online Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a concentration in Health Studies provides students with a strong public health foundation and enhances their ability to promote health equity by teaching them to think critically about the root causes of health problems and analyze solutions using an intersectional perspective. The program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Health Studies Online concentration, is designed to prepare individuals for positions in health-related fields and provide a base for graduate study. The Health Studies Online concentration will allow time and location bound students to complete an undergraduate degree without relocating to the UNC Greensboro campus. Our graduates, like other graduates in general education programs, are competitive in the job market for careers in administration, education, health sciences, human relations, public service, and in other governmental, community-based and/or nonprofit settings. The Health Studies Online concentration is an online option available for students looking for a non-professional degree to complement their current professional or career experiences. Students requesting admission to the Health Studies Online concentration may apply to the major only after earning a prior degree (A.A., A.S., B.A., B.S., or equivalent; an A.A.S. is not an equivalent option) from an accredited college or university and completion of courses that satisfy General Education requirements.

Program Distinctions

• The Department of Public Health Education (PHE) is a community of scholars, educators, researchers, and learners who are focused on promoting health within communities and on changing lives. 
• The program is ranked #7 for Most Affordable Online Public Health Degrees by the Online U (2020). 
• The program is ranked #13 for Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Health by College Consensus (2020).
• The Department of Public Health Education houses the Institute to Promote Athlete Health & Wellness, supported by the National Football League and the NCAA Sport Science Institute.
• UNCG’s Health Coaching Program is under the Department of Public Health Education.

The Student Experience

• Students can join Public Health clubs and organizations, including the honor society local chapter of Eta Sigma Gamma, the North Carolina Society for Public Health Education, N.C. Chapter of the American Association for Health Education, the American Public Health Association, and the Health Occupations Student Association.
• Online students can take advantage of resources available through UNCG such as virtual appointments with the Career & Professional Development Center, The Writing Center, and University Speaking Center.

After Graduation

Graduates enter careers in administration, education, health sciences, human relations, and public service, and have attended graduate programs at Yale, The Bloomberg School of Health at Johns Hopkins University, UNC Chapel Hill, Indiana University Bloomington, and UNCG.

Apply to Program

The department seeks high achieving and motivated students that have a prior degree (A.A., A.S., B.A., or B.S.), minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, and completion of Public Health related courses that include:

• 1 Anatomy and Physiology Course – HEA 213 (or approved equivalent)
• 1 English Course – ENG 101 Composition l
• 1 Intro to Computing Course – ISM 110 Business Computing
• 1 Communications Course – CST 105 Public Speaking or CST 341 Workplace Communications
• 1 Math Course – MAT 115 or STA 108; Must be College Algebra or higher
• 1 Socio-behavioral Course – SOC 101 Intro to Sociology or PSY 121 Intro to Psychology

All transfer courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher. 

The Health Studies Online Program begins in the fall semester of a student’s junior year and follows a course sequence that will allow a full-time student to graduate in 2 years. The Health Studies Online Program also offers a part-time course sequence to meet the needs of students who require more time to complete the degree.

Want more information? Let’s get started!

Program details.

Degree Type: Bachelor's

College/School: School of Health and Human Sciences

Program Type: Majors & Concentrations

Class Type: Online

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Similar Degree Offerings

• Public Health Education, B.S. Community Health Education Concentration
• Community Health Education, M.P.H.
• Health and Wellness Coaching, P.B.C.
• Workplace Wellness, P.B.C.

Christina Yongue, MPH, MCHES Director of Undergraduate Studies Department of Public Health Education 336-334-5532 [email protected] [email protected]

Quick Links

• Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education Overview
• Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education
• Master of Public Health
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificates
• Health Coaching Programs

• UNC Chapel Hill

Global Health

Director:  Sylvia Becker-Dreps, MD, MPH

Assistant Director:  Heidi White, MIS

Overview and Application Process

Importance of this curriculum.

Global health is increasingly recognized as an important component of medical education. Physicians are faced with a diverse array of healthcare challenges influenced by the expanding world. There is a growing need for global knowledge related to inequities in health, globalization of care, and the interconnectedness of the world. This necessity, in combination with the increasing interest and involvement in global health from students and faculty alike, underscores the importance of incorporating and supporting global health that is ethically sound and educationally appropriate.

The purpose of the Scholarly Concentration in Global Health is to train globally-minded physicians in the practice, research, and study of health and its determinants with the goal of equipping students to improve health equity worldwide through robust integration of global health throughout their undergraduate medical training. This concentration is designed to provide students with a more thorough experience in global health, aiding in identifying and experiencing global health in various contexts in order to demonstrate the breadth of the diverse ways in which one can engage in global health practice.

Overall Goal: Train globally-minded physicians by providing integrated global health education across all stages of medical school (foundation, application and integration) and facilitating the attainment of meeting the specified competencies. Integrated into this will be global health related content through core materials, experiential learning, mentorship by a UNC faculty involved in global health, a scholarly project and the development of a student portfolio of global health engagement.

Requirements

No minimum requirements to apply, will be accepting students during the first year of foundation phase only . A maximum of five students per year will be accepted through a competitive application process in the fall of the MS1 year with Scholarly concentration activities to begin in the spring of MS1 year.

Program Structure and Highlights

Foundation phase.

• Attend at least two global health lectures or events per semester (six total in Foundation phase). A list of potential events, including the OGHE Global Health Forum, IGHID Friday AM conference series, UNC School of Public Health lectures and other local events can be found on the OGHE website under resources.
• Meet with assigned UNC SOM global health mentor at least twice in Foundation phase to discuss focus of global health interests, needed support and plans for engagement.
• Meet with global health librarian to discuss initial ideas for scholarly concentration project or paper and begin literature review.
• Participate in a global health related elective or research project between MS1 and MS2 years of at least 4 weeks duration.
• Complete Foundations of Global Health Elective (GLBE 201/401) in either Foundation or Individualization phase.
• Complete a total 20 hours of community service related to vulnerable populations and global health (list of appropriate venues will be provided, or student may request approval for a given experience).

Application Phase

• Attend at least two global health lectures or events per semester (four total during the Application phase).
• Complete three case reports during Application phase (template posted on SCP in GH sakai site).  Cases may include issues of travel health, foreign-born individuals, or spread of illnesses/disease processes due to globalization.
• Meet with fellow global health SCP students and OGHE faculty during Intensive Days as scheduled (three times during the Application phase) to review case studies and in pertinent topics from key current global health articles. Planning for scholarly projects will also be reviewed.
• Continue to meet with assigned global health mentor (at least twice) to develop plans for scholarly product
• During community based longitudinal care course, commit to using four half days of self-directed learning time in a setting related to global health. This may include (but not limited to): Occupational health Services pre-departure clinic, Campus Health Travel Clinic, Care of Migrant Farmworkers, Refugees, or through a practice serving immigrant populations.

For MD/PhD, MPH or LOA years

• Attend one global health lecture or event every 6 months
• Meet annually with SCP mentor and OGHE liaison to check in
• Provide an annual update on PhD research progress to OGHE (and assumption is that PhD research topic is related to global health)
• Complete one case report each year identifying/describing a clinical situation from longitudinal clinical experience that is connected to global health (use clinical case format on sakai)

Individualization Phase

• Attend at least two global health lectures or events per semester (four total during the Individualization phase).
• Complete a second four-week elective (clinical, research or community based) in a global situation or domestic situation related to global health (e.g. migrant farmworkers, refugee health). Refer to OGHE website for listings of courses. If Foundations in Global Health course not completed during Foundation phase, must complete during Individualization phase in conjunction with this elective.
• Continue to meet with assigned global health faculty mentor to finalize plans for final project and plans for presentation or submission of project
• Continue with community service related to vulnerable populations and global health; completing a total of 10 additional hours during the Individualization phase.
• Meet with OGHE leadership and career advisor to discuss and describe impact of completing Scholarly Concentration in Global Health in residency application process.

Final Project

Scholarly concentration participants will be required to complete a final project which will be included in their student portfolio. The end-product will be a paper, poster or oral presentation and will ideally also be submitted to local, regional, or national society for scholarly presentation as well as within UNC.

Spring Symposium

2024 Presentation Agenda

2023 Presentation Agenda

2022 Presentation Agenda

Give to the School

PharmAlliance provides global experience for Ph.D. student 

Third-year Ph.D. student Ryan Woodring had never traveled internationally until attending the PharmAlliance conference in Italy in July 2023. He grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania, and his high school graduating class was 63 people. Upon graduation he was ready to explore new opportunities.  

This desire led him to study chemical engineering and biomedical engineering at Pennsylvania State University. Through various internships and research projects, he knew that applying his passion for engineering to health sciences was his next step.   

“I’ve always been interested in the health sciences space, and I had several mentors encourage me to pursue a graduate degree,” Woodring said.   

He was accepted into the Ph.D. program at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy in the Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, where he learned about the PharmAlliance fellowship.   

PharmAlliance is a strategic, international partnership between three top-10 schools of pharmacy in the world including UCL School of Pharmacy at University College London, Monash University Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. It provides a community platform for working together on big ideas and solutions that will improve human health around the world.  

“I think collaboration in research is so important and it helps generate impactful work,” he said.   

Ultimately, Woodring received the three-year fellowship to look at immunotherapy in glioblastoma and partners with other researchers and students at UCL and Monash. This gave him the opportunity to attend the PharmAlliance conference in Italy in 2023.  

“I felt so honored to be able to go and represent Carolina—it was a huge draw for me to apply to the program,” he said. “Not many graduate students have the chance to see research on a global scale.”  

On top of research collaboration, the fellowship aims to provide each student with international experiences by having them visit each university to learn about all aspects of the research project in different cultural environments. Woodring plans to spend a month in London in April 2025 and eventually a month at Monash in Melbourne.  

“Through this experience, I was surprised to learn that, although we are different culturally, we all have a similar work ethic and passion for global science research—we are all trying to improve medicine and develop new therapies to not only help people within our communities but everywhere,” Woodring said.  

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Public health grad to focus on health policy at UNC School of Law

May 8, 2024  | Erin Bluvas,  [email protected]

Columbia, South Carolina native Hayley Mason always knew she wanted to swim in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). When USC’s swim team recruited her to join, Mason dove at the chance. Her invitation to join the South Carolina Honors College (No. 1 among public universities) confirmed her decision.

My experience at USC has been full of positives. The swim team serves as my second family, and I can ask my professors for assistance with anything I might want to do.

“My experience at USC has been full of positives,” Mason says. “The swim team serves as my second family, and I can ask my professors for assistance with anything I might want to do. The advisors and staff of the Arnold School go above and beyond, and the class size and course nature of the Honors College creates the best learning environment I could hope for.”

With an acceptance into the University of North Carolina School of Law, the May graduate plans to focus on the impact of health policy on health outcomes – eventually at the national and international level. It’s a path that began with her public health major and has been heavily influenced by her advisor, Kara Montgomery .

“Dr. Montgomery was the main reason that I chose to pursue a major in public health and impacted my education the entirety of my time at USC,” Mason says of the clinical associate professor. “She has been a constant mentor – offering advice on anything I went to her with and serving as the director for my Honors College Thesis.”

In addition to training with the USC Varsity Swim Team 23 hours/per week, Mason made time for service and professional development. She volunteered more than 70 hours of her time at the Columbia Free Medical Clinic, captained her Relay for Life team, served as an advocate/coordinator for Consent and Sexual Health in collaboration with USC Athletics’ Title IX Coordinator, and represented her swim team on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

Mason also completed a medical internship with Prisma Health and solidified her decision to attend law school by completing a one-year USC Beyond Sports Internship at a local firm. Her experiences have shown Mason why health policy is so important, particularly given the timing of her undergraduate tenure.

“If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it is that the world needs more people influencing public health and informing policy,” she says. “A degree in public health is useful in almost any field of work, and the courses themselves result in a personal paradigm shift.”

Study Public Health

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) curriculum is for students who want to apply the degree to social and behavioral sciences, while the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) is for students who are interested in a broad-based natural science. 

Meet Our Class of 2024

The Arnold School is proud of our 2024 graduates, who will go on to change the world locally and globally. Learn about some of the other outstanding individuals who completed one of our 34 programs this year.

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Help Foster a Healthier World with Your Master of Public Health Degree

Whether you're already working in the public health field or just starting out, a Master of Public Health degree can help you gain the advanced skills and knowledge you need to propel your career forward. You'll become an expert at monitoring your community's health, addressing its needs, promoting disease prevention, improving access to healthcare and public health resources, and developing policies and plans for promising public health outcomes.    WGU's Master of Public Health degree explores the core functions and essential services of public health, along with the social and behavioral determinants. You’ll dive into the challenges of obtaining financing for public health programs, as well as topics including: 

• Biostatistics and analysis
• Environmental health
• Epidemiology
• Global health
• Public health policy and advocacy
• Health education and promotion

60% of graduates finish similar programs in

WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance when you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.

*WGU Internal Data

Tuition per six-month term is

Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps students reduce the ultimate cost of their degrees. Finish faster, pay less!

Average salary increase

Leavitt School of Health graduate students report an average salary increase of $13,048 after completing their WGU degree.

Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?

Next Start Date: August 1

Start Dates the 1st of Every Month After August 1

Public Health Courses

Program consists of 12 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff. This program features scaffolded learning throughout the standard path, requiring the standard path order to be followed for optimal student success outcomes. 

WGU's Master of Public Health program is designed to meet the needs of employers in the public health field and the communities they serve. The curriculum is developed by public health experts and focuses on the skills and knowledge most in demand. 

Students who earn this degree will support their community's health by monitoring the community's health status and needs, promoting disease prevention, strengthening access to healthcare and public health resources, and creating policies, plans, and laws that positively impact the public's health.

This program prepares students to develop, implement, and evaluate public health programs. You’ll demonstrate research methods needed to address public health illness and disease and assess the impact social determinants of health have on health outcomes. 

The Master of Public Health program is an all-online program that you'll complete by studying and working independently, with instruction and support from WGU faculty. Most of your courses can be accelerated based on your prior knowledge and hard work.   

Public Health Policy and Advocacy prepares learners to approach public health in the political landscape. Policy can affect the health of groups ranging in size from individual organizations to entire nations and even the globe, making this an especially powerful and complex tool for the public health specialist. Learners in this course compare international healthcare systems, describe the policy-making process, evaluate a policy for its impact, and advocate in favor of a public health policy. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Health Education & Promotion provides learners with a thorough understanding of this multifaceted field, delving into its core concepts, philosophical underpinnings, and fundamental principles. The curriculum explores various teaching methods tailored to the dynamic landscape of health education, equipping learners with versatile tools to effectively communicate health-related information. Learners develop an appreciation for the importance of promoting well-being and preventative measures, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and social aspects of health. Through a combination of theoretical exploration and practical applications, this course aims to cultivate not only a strong foundation in health education, but also essential communication skills vital for disseminating health information in diverse contexts. Learners emerge from the course with a comprehensive skill set, ready to engage in the vital work of educating and empowering individuals and communities to make informed decisions for a healthier future. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Public Health Graduate Capstone enables students to investigate a public health issue in their local or home community and recommend new approaches to address that issue. Students practice the skills they have honed over the Master of Public Health program to design one that improves public health through education. Students control the process from research and discovery to program design, ultimately justifying their approach to potential stakeholders. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Public Health Core Functions and Essential Services builds foundational knowledge by exploring the ethical dimensions, intervention techniques, and educational strategies crucial for effective public health practice. Participants delve into the historical underpinnings, philosophy, and core values of public health, gaining insights into ethical principles guiding decision-making. The course equips students with the skills to design and implement impactful public health programs, emphasizing strategies tailored for health disparities and equity. The course navigates current issues and trends, providing a forward-looking perspective. Integrating discussions on core functions and the 10 Essential Services, the course fosters a holistic understanding of prevention science across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels in population health, including health promotion and screening. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Environmental Health provides learners with foundational knowledge, covering the relationship people have with their environment, the risk management choices that are made, and the resulting associations that affect the health and physical well-being of individuals, communities, and susceptible populations. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Global Health prepares students to identify and analyze global health as a field. Students in this course will consider how globalization has affected the health of various groups of people throughout the world. Likewise, students will also examine how economic and environmental factors have different effects on different groups globally. The course presents the student with knowledge of various global initiatives and international organizations that strive to promote health and well-being and reduce health disparities. Students will demonstrate their knowledge and skills by drafting an advocacy statement promoting the successful efforts of a global health organization. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Public Health Leadership and Administration enables students to apply leadership principles for public health leadership positions. This includes engaging, organizing, and leading diverse groups, as well as addressing ethical issues in the field of public health. Students also apply negotiation and mediation skills to address challenges they may face in the organization or community. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health provides an overview of social and behavioral determinants and their association with health behaviors, health outcomes, and health disparities. Learners examine the strategies to mitigate social determinant barriers and apply public health theories and models to elicit behavior change and to bridge the health disparity gap. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Public Health Assessment, Program Planning, Implementation and Evaluation explores the key components, concepts, and approaches for the public health assessment and planning process. In this course, students will apply evidence-based practices to conduct a community needs assessment, design a health promotion program, and develop implementation and evaluation plans. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Public Health Finance and Funding offers students a field-specific approach to acquiring the budgetary skills needed to secure funding for public health programs and manage it in prudent ways. Students learn to navigate various funding sources, such as government grants and cooperative agreements, and philanthropic organizations. Students learn to create budgets using government documentation both for managing funds and for persuading funding organizations of the value of projects. Finally, students conduct a variance analysis—the process by which budgets are evaluated for feasibility after programs have launched. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Biostatistics and Analysis introduces learners to the role that biostatistics has in public health, predicting public health outcomes and influencing decisions made with policies. Learners will examine the sources and methods of collecting public health information, analyze and interpret quantitative data in research studies, and make inferences on the effectiveness of health program interventions and policies. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Principles of Epidemiology offers an in-depth exploration of foundational principles and methodologies crucial for discerning and interpreting health and disease patterns in populations. Learners engage with core epidemiological concepts, encompassing measures of disease frequency, study designs, and principles of causation. Emphasizing practical applications, the course equips learners with analytical skills and theoretical foundations essential for conducting epidemiological research and contributing to evidence-based public health practices. Delving into a diverse range of topics, participants cultivate a robust understanding of epidemiological principles and their real-world applications, facilitating a seamless integration of knowledge into public health practices. There are no prerequisites for this course.

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

Special requirements for this program

At the end of your public health program, you will complete a practicum that represents the culmination of all your study and effort. 

“A graduate degree provided more options for employment, but more so, it provided me with context of how to innovate, create, and manage programs to serve the populations to which I am called. I’m able to work more efficiently and have more sustainability."

—Tonya N. Daniel M.S. Health Leadership

WGU vs. Traditional Universities Compare the Difference

Traditional Universities

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

Flat rate per 6-month term

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

Scheduled time

Whenever you feel ready

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options

As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in 1 year

You Aren't On Your Own

WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at WGU.

Flexibility You Need

Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.

Strong Alumni Network

When you enroll in this healthcare program at WGU, you join an impressive network of healthcare professionals. This network is key in helping boot credibility and respect for your degree from WGU.

Accredited, Respected, Recognized™

One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.

COST & TIME

An Affordable Public Health Degree

By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.

A Master of Public Health Degree is Within Reach

There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:

The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.

Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. 

Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

A Master of Public Health Degree —Designed to Fit Your Life

Online. Flexible. Student-focused. These are just some of the qualities that make our programs a great fit for today’s working students—and make WGU a different kind of university. 

Our degree programs allow you to speed up your progress— no waiting for other class members to catch up or for a new semester to start . Taking a course covering concepts you’ve been applying for years? Review the online course material, take the online assessment, and move on. Taking a course in a subject you’ve never tried? Maximize all available resources to ensure you’re comfortable with the material by the time you take the assessment.

" The WGU staff helped me to believe in myself, in general, to shine my leadership qualities. That lesson was a competency that I needed to pass to take my place as a leader in the healthcare industry. I’ve been able to pitch ideas for programs that will not only help my community, but generations to come. Thank you, WGU!”

—Tonya N. Daniel WGU Healthcare Graduate

CAREER OUTLOOK

Expand Your Career Opportunities with a Master of Public Health

This online Master of Public Health degree program is your chance to build the next phase of your career and positively influence your community. Public health professionals play a vital role in preventing disease, promoting healthy behaviors, and reducing health disparities. They also play key roles in responding to national and global public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. With your degree, you’ll be prepared to contribute to your community's health in various ways, such as:

• Promoting disease prevention
• Improving access to healthcare and public health resources
• Developing policies and plans for better public health outcomes 

Earning your Master of Public Health from WGU means you’ll be ready for a variety of career paths to help your community become healthier for everyone. You may find your calling in environmental health, infectious disease prevention, maternal health, nutrition, public policy, research, healthcare nonprofit management, or health education. Whatever path you choose, you’ll be making a positive impact.

Return on Your Investment

On average, wgu graduates see an increase in income post-graduation.

Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source:  2023 Harris Poll Survey  of 1,655 WGU graduates.

Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.

The projected growth of  epidemiologists is 27% from 2022 to 2032.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Use Your Public Health Skills to Excel Across Industries

WGU’s Master of Public Health degree program primes you for thriving careers across various industries by instilling the sought-after skills employers value. Developed in partnership with public health experts, our curriculum teaches key competencies like health equity, data analysis, communication, program evaluation, budgeting, and beyond, ensuring you're ready for success in any public health role you pursue. 

Possible Jobs

• Epidemiologist 
• Environmental health specialist 
• Community health educator 
• Health program manager
• Health policy analyst
• Biostatistician
• Global health specialist

Possible Work Settings

• Healthcare institutions
• Nonprofit organizations
• Universities and research institutions
• Government agencies
• Community health centers

WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers

Hospitals and clinics around the country know the benefit of a degree from WGU, so your healthcare degree is valuable.

Admissions Requirements Unique to This Master of Public Health Degree

To be considered for this master's degree program, you must:

• Possess a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA from an accredited university.

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