College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Public Health (M.A.)
College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Public Health (M.A.)
Advance Public Health. Lead Change. Earn Your MPH at NMSU.
At NMSU, the Master of Public Health (MPH) prepares graduates to protect and promote health across diverse populations, addressing complex global, national, and community-based challenges. With a minimum of 42 credit hours, including core coursework, field experience, and specialized concentration study, you’ll gain advanced competencies in public health theory, research, leadership, and practice. Whether you pursue the social-behavioral track or the management-policy pathway, the program is offered online or on-campus to support working professionals and those seeking flexible options.
Admission Deadlines
There are no fixed deadlines*
- Total credits: 42
Delivery Format
In person and 100% online
Career Pathways
Graduates of NMSU’s MPH program are ready to assume key roles where public health knowledge, leadership, and strategy intersect. Possible career paths include:
- Public health program manager or director (local, state or national level)
- Community health education specialist or behavior change coordinator
- Health policy analyst or legislative affairs specialist
- Health services administrator or operations leader in hospitals, clinics, nonprofits
- Epidemiologist or data analyst supporting population health strategies
- Global health program coordinator or international health consultant
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Master of Arts in Public Health? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why choose this program?
Selecting NMSU’s MPH means you’re choosing an accredited (CEPH) program with a strong mission of health equity, cultural competence, and real-world impact. You’ll benefit from flexible formats (fully online or evening on-campus), no required public health background for admission, and faculty experienced in diverse fields such as health behavior, management, policy and border-region health. The program’s structure — from core courses and field placement to integrative learning experiences — is designed to develop professionals who can lead, innovate, and serve. With the choice of two distinct concentrations, NMSU’s MPH allows you to tailor your education to your career goals in health promotion or health systems leadership.
- Health Behavior and Health Promotion (HBHP)
This concentration focuses on understanding social, psychological, educational, and environmental factors that influence health behavior, and designing evidence-based interventions to promote wellness and prevent disease. Students may choose a thesis or non-thesis track. - Health Management, Administration and Policy (HMAP)
Designed for those aiming to assume leadership roles in health services, program administration, policy development, and organizational management. This concentration is delivered online and emphasizes skills in budgeting, marketing, law, ethics, and systems leadership. Thesis is typically not required.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
The Master of Public Health program offers two different concentrations, each with thesis and non-thesis options, all of which consist of 42 credits. For the non-thesis degree track, your final exam includes oral and written questions pertaining to your graduate coursework. With the thesis track, your final exam is an oral defense of your thesis and related coursework.
Upon completing the Health Behavior and Health Promotion concentration, you become eligible to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination and/or the Certified Public Health (CPH) examination.
With an HBHP concentration, you’ll study the social, behavioral, and educational aspects of disease prevention, along with effective strategies for evaluating local needs and involving community leaders in healthcare solutions.
Take classes like:
- PHLS 5110 - Community and Psychosocial Aspects of Public Health
- PHLS 5120 - Biostatistical Applications in Public Health
- PHLS 5130 - Epidemiological Approaches to Disease Control and Prevention
- PHLS 5210 - Foundations & Techniques of Public Health Education
- PHLS 5240 - Health Program Planning
- PHLS 5250 - Evaluative Approaches in Public Health
The HMAP concentration prepares you to assume a supervisory role in the management of health and human services programs, with essential knowledge in budgeting, marketing, and organizational structure.
Take classes like:
- PHLS 5110 - Community and Psychosocial Aspects of Public Health
- PHLS 5120 - Biostatistical Applications in Public Health
- PHLS 5130 - Epidemiological Approaches to Disease Control and Prevention
- PHLS 5310 - Principles of Health Program Management
- PHLS 5330 - Public Health Finance and Budget Management
- PHLS 5340 - Public Health Law and Ethics
Gerontology
A minor in Gerontology requires 12 credits of graduate coursework and should include four of the following classes: Aging and Public Policy, Coping with Loss and Grief: A Cross-Cultural Perspective, Introduction to Gerontology, Health Promotion for the Older Adult, Adulthood and Aging, or Special Topics (Aging in a Multicultural Society).
Integrated Behavioral Health Care
The minor in Integrated Behavioral Health Care, offered through the Counseling and Educational Psychology (CEP) department, is open to graduate students enrolled in CEP programs Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Psychology, Counseling Psychology and to graduate students who are enrolled in Social Work, Public Health, Nursing and Marriage and Family Therapy programs. It was established in the interest of meeting the needs of graduate students in the health professions who are receiving or seeking training in interdisciplinary or interprofessional collaborations with other healthcare disciplines. Students will complete nine credits of coursework specific to this program of study in order to obtain a Minor in Integrated Behavioral Health Care.
To be admitted to the New Mexico State University Master of Public Health program, you need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA, along with three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a personal statement.
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Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.