Skip navigation.
New Mexico State University
Department of Health Science
College of Health & Social Services

Required Courses - MPH Program The NMSU Department of Health Science

  1. Public Health Core Courses (12 credits hours)
    • MPH 520, Biostatistical Applications in Public Health 3
    • MPH 530, Epidemiological Approaches to Disease Control and Prevention 3
    • MPH 540, Public Health Services Design and Operation 3
    • MPH 550, Environmental Public Health Issues 3
  2. Community Health Education Core Courses (15 credits hours)
    • MPH 570, Foundations of Public Health Education 3
    • MPH 572, Techniques of Health Communication/Education 3
    • MPH 573, Community Organization in Public Health 3
    • MPH 574, Health Program Planning, Evaluation, and Research 3
    • MPH 579, Research and Resources in Community Health 3
  3. Cultural Foundation Course (3 credits hours)

      4. Select one of the following:

    • MPH 561, Health Communication with Hispanic Clients 3
    • MPH 562, Hispanic Health Issues 3
    • MPH 563, Interdisciplinary Seminar 3
    • MPH 564, Cross-Cultural Aspects of Health 3
    • MPH 565, International Health Problems 3
    • MPH 566, International Health Practicum 3
    • MPH 567, Rural Health Issues 3
    • MPH 568, Coping with Loss and Grief: A Cross-Cultural Perspective 3
  4. Additional Requirements (10 credits hours)
    • MPH 596, Field Experience 3
    • Graduate Elective 6
    • MPH 597, Graduate Public Health Seminar 1
  5. Thesis and Nonthesis Options

      6. Choose one of the following options in consultation with your graduate adviser.

    • Thesis Option (Total 44-46 credit hours)
      • MPH 599, Master's Thesis 4-6 credit hours
    • Nonthesis Option (Total 49 credit hours)

      • Note: Elective courses may include other MPH courses or 500-level courses from other departments.

      • Elective 3 credits hours
      • Elective 3 credits hours
      • Elective 3 credits hours

The thesis option requires a total of 44-46 credit hours, while the nonthesis option requires 49 credit hours. Final examination for the nonthesis option includes both oral and written questions pertaining to the student's graduate coursework. Final examination for the thesis option consists of an oral defense of the thesis and related coursework.

Recommended course sequencing and program of study (PDF)

Selected elective and option courses may also be available during summer sessions. Those MPH students who can document to the satisfaction of their graduate committee that they have completed the equivalent of one year's full-time, either paid or volunteer work in a public health or closely related health agency setting may petition the committee, Graduate Program Coordinator, and Department Head to waive 2 of the 3 credits of the MPH 596 Field Experience.

Click here for current MPH course syllabi.


For more information on this program, please contact:

Department of Health Science
New Mexico State University
Room 102, Health & Social Services Building
1335 International Mall
P.O. Box 30001, MSC 3HLS
Las Cruces, NM 88003
Telephone 575-646-4300
Fax 575-646-4343