Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: CONTENT MAY NOT BE CURRENT. USE THE DROP DOWN ABOVE TO ACCESS THE CURRENT CATALOG.

Master of Public Health


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: UNLV Graduate Programs

This program is accredited by: CEPH. More information can be found at: unlv.edu/provost/vpaa/accreditation

Plan Description


The Master of Public Health (MPH) Degree Program is designed to prepare students to be Public Health professionals in the private and public sectors with the overall goal of promoting and protecting the health of individuals in our society.

The Master of Public Health (MPH) Degree Program also offers a fully online option, detailed below.

Educational Objectives:

The purpose of the MPH Program is to prepare individuals to become effective health care practitioners, researchers and teachers who will competently identify public health problems and needs, develop effective strategies to address those needs, and promote appropriate services to be available for the protection of human health.

At a minimum, the following criteria should be met to assure each student:

  • develops an understanding of the areas of knowledge that are basic to public health,
  • acquires skills and experience in the application of basic public health concepts and of specialty knowledge to the solution of community health problems, and
  • demonstrates integration of knowledge through a capstone experience.

For more information about your program, including your graduate program handbook and learning outcomes please visit the Degree Directory.

Plan Admission Requirements


Application deadlines

Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.

To be considered for admission to the MPH, an applicant must:

  1. Hold a bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from a regionally accredited institution and have adequate preparation in the biological, physical, or social sciences.
  2. A criterion for admission is at least a B (3.0) grade-point average or the equivalent in work completed after the first two years of a bachelor’s degree program and in all post-baccalaureate course work.
  3. Complete the school’s application process.
  4. Submit a resume and a personal essay describing what you perceive to be pressing public health issues, why a career in the field appeals to you, and how it will use your strengths and commitment.
  5. Submit three letters of recommendation.
  6. Submission of Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores (or equivalent e.g., MCAT, LSAT) is optional. Applicants are encouraged to submit GRE scores if they have deficiencies in some areas (e.g., GPA), apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships, and/or have plan to apply to the PhD degree after earning their MPH degrees.
  7. All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.


Dental MPH Program:

The Doctorate of Dental Medicine-Masters of Public Health program is designed for those who seek a deeper understanding of disease prevention, health promotion, and health care administration and policy at both an individual and population level within the field of dentistry.

The program enables students who graduate with both the Masters of Public Health and the Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) to become leaders in oral health research, education, and community dental health promotion.

After completing the program, graduates will be eligible to apply for a position within a dental public health residency program.

Students interested in applying for the DMD-MPH program should begin by applying for admissions to the UNLV School of Dental Medicine.

  • Please see the School of Dental Medicine (SDM) website for specific requirements and deadlines.
  • Current dental students interested in the DMD-MPH program are encouraged to submit an application for permission to enter the program to the UNLV School of Dental Medicine Assistant Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs.
  • This request form must accompany the Graduate College application for admissions into the MPH program.
  • Completed packets will be submitted to the Graduate College for admissions to the Masters of Public Health program.
  • Students must indicate on their Graduate College application form that they are registering for the DMD-MPH program and present evidence of being a current dental student in good standing by submitting a signed SDM application for permission to enter the program.
  • While a dental student may apply for the program at any time, they may not register for classes within the School of Public Health until the Fall semester of their sophomore year.
  • Students will also be limited in the number of MPH classes they are allowed to pursue during their sophomore year of dental school.
  • A cap of one MPH class a semester will be enforced.
  • The junior and senior year of dental school, students in the program will be allowed to take heavier course loads unless specifically stated otherwise by the Assistant Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs at the School of Dental Medicine.


Students are accepted into a degree program as described in the Graduate Catalog. The faculty and corresponding sub-disciplines and sub-plans within the described programs are subject to change at any time.

Subplan 1 Requirements: Social and Behavioral Health


Total Credits Required: 47

Course Requirements


Social and Behavioral Health Courses – Credits: 6


Complete 6 credits by completing all of the following courses:

Methods Courses – Credits: 3


Complete one of the following courses or other advisor approved course:

Social Health Courses – Credits: 3


Complete one of the following courses:

Internship – Credits: 3


Elective Courses – Credits: 6-9


Students completing a thesis must complete six credits of elective coursework, and students completing a professional paper must complete nine credits of elective coursework. Select from the following list or other advisor approved courses:

Culminating Experience – Credits: 3-6


Complete one of the following:

Degree Requirements


Completion of a minimum of 47 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00. In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.

Graduation Requirements


The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College as well as apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. Successfully complete and defend the graduate project or successfully complete and defend a thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public. If a thesis is completed, the student must submit their approved, properly formatted document to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.

Subplan 2 Requirements: Environmental and Occupational Health


Total Required Credits: 47

Course Requirements


Environmental and Occupational Health Course – Credits: 3


Health and Safety Courses – Credits: 6


Complete 6 credits by completing all of the following courses:

Skill Development Courses – Credits: 6


Complete 6 credits by completing all of the following courses:

Internship – Credits: 3


Culminating Experience – 3-6


Complete one of the following:

Degree Requirements


Completion of a minimum of 47 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00. In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.

Graduation Requirements


The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College as well as apply for graduation from up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. Successfully complete and defend the professional paper or successfully complete and defend a thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public. If a thesis is completed, the student must submit their approved, properly formatted document to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.

Subplan 3 Requirements: Health Care Administration and Policy


Total Required Credits: 47

Course Requirements


Internship – Credits: 3


Elective Courses – Credits: 3-6


Students completing a thesis must complete three credits of elective coursework, and students completing a professional paper must complete six credits of elective coursework. Select from the following list or choose from other advisor approved courses from the pool of university approved graduate level courses:

Culminating Experience – Credits: 3-6


Complete one of the following:

Degree Requirements


Completion of a minimum of 47 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00. In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a thesis committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.

Graduation Requirements


The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College as well as apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. Students must receive prior approval from their committee before registering for any capstone experience. Successfully complete and defend a thesis or professional paper by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public. If a thesis is completed, the student must submit their approved, properly formatted document to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.

Subplan 4 Requirements: Biostatistics and Epidemiology


Total Required Credits: 47

Course Requirements


Biostatistics and Epidemiology Courses – Credits: 12


Complete 12 credits by completing all of the following courses:

Internship – Credits: 3


Culminating Experience – Credits: 3-6


Complete one of the following:

Degree Requirements


Completion of a minimum of 47 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00. In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.

Graduation Requirements


The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College as well as apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. Students must receive prior approval from their committee before registering for any capstone experience. Successfully complete and defend the professional paper or successfully complete and defend a thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public. If a thesis is completed, the student must submit their approved, properly formatted document to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.

Subplan 5 Requirements: Generalist - Online


Total Required Credits: 47

Course Requirements


Methods Courses - Credits: 6


Complete 6 credits by completing all of the following courses, choosing either EAB 700 or HCA 715.

Generalist Concentration Courses - Credits: 12


Complete 12 credits by completing all of the following courses:

Elective Courses – Credits: 0-3


Students completing a professional paper must complete three credits of elective coursework. Complete any EAB, EOH, HED, or HCA course numbered 600 or above with advisor approval.

Internship – Credits: 3


Culminating Experience – Credits: 3-6


Complete either 3 credits of EOH 794, or 6 credits of EOH 798, with approval of advisor.

Degree Requirements


Completion of a minimum of 47 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00. In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.

Graduation Requirements


The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College as well as apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. Students must receive prior approval from their committee before registering for any capstone experience. Successfully complete and defend the professional paper or successfully complete and defend a thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public. If a thesis is completed, the student must submit their approved, properly formatted document to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.

Subplan 6 Requirements: Dental-MPH - Social and Behavioral Health


Total Credits Required: 47

Course Requirements


Social and Behavioral Health Courses – Credits: 6


Complete 6 credits by completing all of the following courses:

Social Health Courses – Credits: 3


Complete one of the following courses:

Internship – Credits: 3


Elective Courses – Credits: 6-9


Students completing a thesis must complete six credits of elective coursework, and students completing a project must complete nine credits of elective coursework. Select from the following list: Den 7151 – Healthcare Finance and Public Health (1 credit) Den 7154 – Healthcare Delivery: Patient Record and HIPAA Regulations (1.5 credits) Den 7160 – Research and Professional Development I (1 credit) Den 7161 – Research and Professional Development II (1.5 credits) Den 7162 – Biochemical Basis of Clinical Nutrition (3 credits) Den 7252 – Community Outreach/Geriatric Population ( 3 credits) Den 7253 – Research and Analysis Methodology (1.5 credits)

Culminating Experience – Credits: 3-6


Complete one of the following:

Degree Requirements


Completion of a minimum of 47 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Students enrolled in the DMD-MPH subplan program must remain in good academic/ethical standing in both the individual DMD and MPH programs or may be subject to dismissal. Students in the DMD-MPH subplan program are subject to the same rules and regulations that apply to all students at the School of Dental Medicine and the School of Public Health. Upon date of entry into the MPH program, students will be given a maximum time frame of five years in which they must satisfy the degree requirements for the Masters in Public Health degree. In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.

Graduation Requirements


The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College as well as apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. Successfully complete and defend the graduate project or successfully complete and defend a thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public. If a thesis is completed, the student must submit their approved, properly formatted document to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.

Subplan 7 Requirements: Dental-MPH - Environmental and Occupational Health


Total Required Credits: 47

Course Requirements


Environmental and Occupational Health Course – Credits: 3


Health and Safety Course – Credits: 3


Complete one of the following courses:

Environmental Course – Credits: 3


Complete 3 credits by completing one of the following courses:

Skill Development Course – Credits: 3


Complete 3 credits by completing one of the following courses:

Internship – Credits: 3


Elective Courses – Credits: 6-9


Students completing a thesis must complete six credits of elective coursework, and students completing a project must complete nine credits of elective coursework. Select from the following list: Den 7151 – Healthcare Finance and Public Health (1 credit) Den 7154 – Healthcare Delivery: Patient Record and HIPAA Regulations (1.5 credits) Den 7160 – Research and Professional Development I (1 credit) Den 7161 – Research and Professional Development II (1.5 credits) Den 7162 – Biochemical Basis of Clinical Nutrition (3 credits) Den 7253 – Research and Analysis Methodology (1.5 credits)

Culminating Experience – Credits: 3-6


Complete one of the following:

Degree Requirements


Completion of a minimum of 47 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Students enrolled in the DMD-MPH subplan program must remain in good academic/ethical standing in both the individual DMD and MPH programs or may be subject to dismissal. Students in the DMD-MPH subplan program are subject to the same rules and regulations that apply to all students at the School of Dental Medicine and the School of Public Health. Upon date of entry into the MPH program, students will be given a maximum time frame of five years in which they must satisfy the degree requirements for the Masters in Public Health degree. In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.

Graduation Requirements


The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College as well as apply for graduation from up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. Successfully complete and defend the professional paper or successfully complete and defend a thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public. If a thesis is completed, the student must submit their approved, properly formatted document to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.

Subplan 8 Requirements: Dental-MPH - Health Care Administration and Policy


Total Required Credits: 47

Course Requirements


Internship – Credits: 3


Elective Courses – Credits: 3-6


Students completing a thesis must complete three credits of elective coursework, and students completing a project must complete six credits of elective coursework. Select from the following list: Den 7151 – Healthcare Finance and Public Health (1 credit) Den 7154 – Healthcare Delivery: Patient Record and HIPAA Regulations (1.5 credits) Den 7160 – Research and Professional Development I (1 credit) Den 7161 – Research and Professional Development II (1.5 credits) Den 7162 – Biochemical Basis of Clinical Nutrition (3 credits) Den 7253 – Research and Analysis Methodology (1.5 credits)

Culminating Experience – Credits: 3-6


Complete one of the following:

Degree Requirements


Completion of a minimum of 47 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Students enrolled in the DMD-MPH subplan program must remain in good academic/ethical standing in both the individual DMD and MPH programs or may be subject to dismissal. Students in the DMD-MPH subplan program are subject to the same rules and regulations that apply to all students at the School of Dental Medicine and the School of Public Health. Upon date of entry into the MPH program, students will be given a maximum time frame of five years in which they must satisfy the degree requirements for the Masters in Public Health degree. If the thesis option is chosen, in consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a thesis committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines. Students choosing to do the capstone course do not need to complete advisor or culminating experience forms.

Graduation Requirements


The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College as well as apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. Students must receive prior approval from their committee before registering for any capstone experience. Successfully complete and defend a thesis or professional paper by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public. If a thesis is completed, the student must submit their approved, properly formatted document to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.

Subplan 9 Requirements: Dental-MPH - Biostatistics and Epidemiology


Total Required Credits: 47

Course Requirements


Biostatistics and Epidemiology Courses – Credits: 12


Complete 12 credits by completing all of the following courses:

Internship – Credits: 3


Elective Courses – Credits: 6-9


Students completing a thesis must complete six credits of elective coursework, and students completing a project must complete nine credits of elective coursework. Select from the following list: Den 7151 – Healthcare Finance and Public Health (1 credit) Den 7154 – Healthcare Delivery: Patient Record and HIPAA Regulations (1.5 credits) Den 7160 – Research and Professional Development I (1 credit) Den 7161 – Research and Professional Development II (1.5 credits) Den 7162 – Biochemical Basis of Clinical Nutrition (3 credits) Den 7253 – Research and Analysis Methodology (1.5 credits)

Culminating Experience – Credits: 3-6


Complete one of the following:

Degree Requirements


Completion of a minimum of 47 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Students enrolled in the DMD-MPH subplan program must remain in good academic/ethical standing in both the individual DMD and MPH programs or may be subject to dismissal. Students in the DMD-MPH subplan program are subject to the same rules and regulations that apply to all students at the School of Dental Medicine and the School of Public Health. Upon date of entry into the MPH program, students will be given a maximum time frame of five years in which they must satisfy the degree requirements for the Masters in Public Health degree. In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.

Graduation Requirements


The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College as well as apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. Students must receive prior approval from their committee before registering for any capstone experience. Successfully complete and defend the professional paper or successfully complete and defend a thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public. If a thesis is completed, the student must submit their approved, properly formatted document to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.

Subplan 10 Requirements: Dental-MPH - Generalist


Total Required Credits: 47

Course Requirements


Methods Courses - Credits: 6


Complete 6 credits by completing all of the following courses, choosing either EAB 700 or HCA 715.

Generalist Concentration Courses - Credits: 12


Complete 12 credits by completing all of the following courses:

Elective Courses - Credits: 0-3


Students completing a professional paper must complete three credits of elective coursework.

Students must select one of the options below:

Option 1: Complete any EAB, EOH, HED, or HCA course numbered 600 or above with advisor approval.

Option 2: Select from the following list: Den 7151 – Healthcare Finance and Public Health (1 credit) Den 7154 – Healthcare Delivery: Patient Record and HIPAA Regulations (1.5 credits) Den 7160 – Research and Professional Development I (1 credit) Den 7161 – Research and Professional Development II (1.5 credits) Den 7162 – Biochemical Basis of Clinical Nutrition (3 credits) Den 7252 – Community Outreach/Geriatric Population ( 3 credits) Den 7253 – Research and Analysis Methodology (1.5 credits)

Internship – Credits: 3


Culminating Experience – Credits: 3-6


Complete either 3 credits of EOH 794, or 6 credits of EOH 798, with approval of advisor.

Degree Requirements


Completion of a minimum of 47 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Students enrolled in the DMD-MPH subplan program must remain in good academic/ethical standing in both the individual DMD and MPH programs or may be subject to dismissal. Students in the DMD-MPH subplan program are subject to the same rules and regulations that apply to all students at the School of Dental Medicine and the School of Public Health. Upon date of entry into the MPH program, students will be given a maximum time frame of five years in which they must satisfy the degree requirements for the Masters in Public Health degree. In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.

Graduation Requirements


The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College as well as apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. Successfully complete and defend the graduate project or successfully complete and defend a thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public. If a thesis is completed, the student must submit their approved, properly formatted document to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.​​​​​​​

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: UNLV Graduate Programs