MPH Academic FAQ

After being admitted to the MPH program, when can I begin to take program courses?

Students who apply and are accepted for entrance in the usual fall admission cycle—can and are even encouraged—to consider starting their programs in the summer session if their schedules and course space permits.  Accepted students coming to Tufts should check with the Registrar’s office for summer schedule information and course availability.

Is the Tufts MPH program accredited?
Yes, it is accredited by Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH), the same accrediting body that accredits MPH programs at schools of public health as well as those programs, like ours at Tufts, which are based in academic units of universities that are distinct from schools of public health.

What if I want to attend the Tufts MPH program and I have never taken a college level biology course?
We offer a 0.5 credit course in public health biology which students with no prior course experience in college biology will be required to take during the first fall that they are enrolled as a MPH program student.

 

What are the various ways (program tracks) of study by which one can earn an MPH degree from Tufts?
Students can earn an MPH at Tufts as part of combined degrees with the Tufts School of Medicine (MD-MPH as well as MS in Biomedical Science-MPH); Cummings Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine (DVM-MPH); and the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition (MS-MPH).  There is also a dual JD-MPH program sponsored with Northeastern University School of Law.   For students pursuing their undergraduate degree at Tufts, there is a BA-MPH combined program. Finally, there is a program where students are only pursuing the MPH degree.

Do students obtaining an MPH at Tufts pursue a specialty area (concentration), or are they eligible to apply for being in the generalist track MPH program?
All students in the MD-MPH, DVM-MPH and JD-MPH obtain generalist track degrees for their MPH program at Tufts.  All other students in the stand alone or dual degree MPH programs pursue MPH degrees with a concentration in one of five specialty areas:  Global Health; Nutrition; Health Communication; Epidemiology and Biostatistics; or Health Services Management and Policy.  New, as of  Fall  2011, there is the option for all MS-MPH students from the Friedman School, as well as all students in either the MBS-MPH or the  MPH program who come to Tufts having already completed another advanced degree in health or human services to also pursue a generalist track MPH degree program.  In addition, students who lack another advanced degree but come to Tufts MPH program with 5 or more years of professional experience in health and human services may petition the program to be approved for pursuing a generalist degree MPH program.

How many credits does it take to earn a MPH degree from Tufts and what courses are required
It takes 13 credits to graduate with an MPH degree from Tufts.  Courses are either designated as  1.0 or 0.5 credits.  All students must complete 7 credits earned from taking core or required MPH program courses.   At Tufts MPH program, these include the traditional MPH core course areas (biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, health behavior and communication, and management and policy) as well as  a required course in health care organization budgeting and finance plus the capstone  Applied Learning Experience. For  MPH students who pursue a MPH degree with a specialty concentration, most have about 4 credits of specified or elective courses within their concentration; this leaves about 2 credits of free elective course opportunities.  Generalist track students have 6 credits to use to  specify a coherent set of courses that would comprise their generalist track MPH degree beyond the required 7 credits of courses.

Can you attend the program either full-time or part-time
Yes, either is acceptable and students sometimes switch from one status to the other.

What is the cost to attend the Tufts MPH program?
In 2011 the tuition cost of the entire degree for students who are not in dual degree programs in $56,706.  Dual degree program students have different tuition levels based on the requirements of their specific program.  There is an inherent cost savings in the dual or combined programs as many courses double count both for the MPH and for the other degree being pursued.

Is any scholarship money available and how do I apply for it?
Yes, there is a limited pool of scholarship money available.  Students wishing to be considered for such support should contact: Emily Keily, Director of Admissions at: Emily.keily@tufts.edu.  In addition, federal government and other student loan programs are available to Tufts MPH students.

What times of day are classes offered?
Classes generally meet once per week and are generally offered during the afternoons and evenings each week on Monday-Thursday.  There are also a few Friday classes as well as some that meet in the morning.    Students who can only take evening courses are able to complete their MPH program requirements at Tufts if they concentrate in Health Services Management and Policy, Health Communication or Epidemiology/Biostatistics.  Global Health and Nutrition concentrators will need to take some morning or afternoon courses. Advanced  schedule planning is strongly encouraged for all students.

Is a final thesis required for the MPH degree?
No formal thesis is required for graduation.

What are the requirements tied to the programs Applied Learning Experience
Generally, students are expected to complete a minimum of 160 hour agency based practicum experience related to public health that is generally conducted after most course work has been completed.   This experience satisfies both the field and practicum requirement that is essential for all students earning an MPH degree.  There are specific pre-requisites that must be completed before students enroll in the 0.5 credit ALE Planning course.   There is also a final paper and oral presentation which accompanies the ALE Implementation course.  The 160 hours of field work are either carried out as part of the ALE Implementation course, or are performed as a separate ALE field experience which comes between ALE Planning and ALE Implementation courses.

What sort of assistance will I be able to obtain with respect to finding a job after I graduate
The Office of Career Services at Tufts MPH program provides resources and opportunities to help students and alumni make vital connections, and develop practical job search skills to become competitive in the job market. Students and alumni are encouraged to take advantage of a variety of support and skills sessions.   Throughout the year, employers often post positions through our careers office or conduct on-campus information sessions.   The Career Services Office is located in Suite 142G of the Public Health and Biomedical Sciences building at 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston. To contact the office, e-mail:  PHPD-CareerServices@tufts.edu or call 617-636-3519.

Do students work while enrolled in the MPH program?
Many do.  Part time students are often working either full or part time while completing their MPH degree. Even many full time students find they are able to work part time while in their graduate program.

Can I transfer graduate course credits earned at another university to be used towards my Tufts MPH degree?
Up to 2 credits (at other universities, this may often be 8 credits under their course credit system) of relevant public health graduate work that has not been applied to a previously earned degree  may be transferred to Tufts.  Special rules apply for transfers of credits related to core MPH courses.