Frequently Asked Question
1. What career possibilities are there in public health?
Since public health is a multi-disciplinary field, the range of potential employment settings and job titles varies tremendously. Examples of settings employing public health professionals include: hospital, clinics and other service provision agencies; federal, state and local governmental agencies; insurance companies & managed care organizations; pharmaceutical companies, pharmacies, and labs; consulting firms; colleges & universities; consumer advocacy; and relief agencies. Examples of the vast array of public health job titles include: Public Health Laboratory Director, Hospital Administrator, Health Educator, Community/Public Health Nurse, Environmental Health Sanitarian, Health Planner, Epidemiologist, Data Analyst, and Public/Community Health Program Manager.
2. Obtaining my MPH degree is my starting point into a career in public health. Can I still apply to the Program given I have no direct public health work experience?
Yes, you can still apply to the Program. However, since our program is offered in the evenings we highly encourage you to investigate obtaining a paid or unpaid position to gain simultaneous direct work experience in public health. This type of experience provides a valuable context for your MPH coursework. In terms of your application to the Program, we invite students to highlight the transferable skills brought from previous paid and volunteer experiences, as well as public health career interests/aspirations.
3. I am an international student interested in applying to your Program. Am I eligible to apply?
The answer depends on the requirements of the visa you would be using to study in the U.S. Student visas (including F-1 and J-1 visas) require attendance in a full-time program. Because the UNH MPH Program is a part-time program, we would not meet this eligibility requirement. If you have questions about whether your visa allows for study in a part-time program, please contact an admissions counselor at the UNH Graduate School at 603-862-3000.
4. How do I determine if the MPH or Public Health Certificate (PHC) is appropriate for me?
This decision depends on several different factors. First and foremost, what is your goal? If your goal is to be the director of a public health agency or conduct public health research, then the MPH degree makes most sense. If your goal is to have a better base-level understanding about public health, then a PHC may be for you. Second, based on your current life/family obligations, is a two-year or one year program more feasible? Lastly, some students choose to start with the PHC program, knowing that their long-term goal is obtaining an MPH degree. For these students, having a mid-process milestone that they can put on their resume is attractive.
5. What are the career possibilities/potential with a Public Health Certificate versus an MPH?
The answer to this question depends on the position. If a position requires an MPH degree, then having a PHC does not meet the requirement. However, if the position does not require an MPH, then having a PHC may provide sufficient public health background to be considered for the position.
6. Can you give me some examples of typical assignments?
Professors use a wide range of assignments to support student learning. These include: tests, papers, presentations, essays, case studies, projects, and posters.
7. What is your policy about transferring credits?
MPH Students are allowed to transfer in up to 8 GRADUATE LEVEL credits. These credits MUST have been taken in the past five years, come from an accredited educational institution, and be approved by the MPH Program Coordinator. In addition, a grade of “B” or better must have been received. Graduate courses cannot be transferred for graduate credit if used in completing another graduate degree. Credits transfer into UNH on an equivocal basis, hence if you took a 2 credit graduate level course, it would transfer in as 2 credits.
All courses for the Public Health Certificate MUST be completed at UNH.
8. Can I "test the waters" and take a few courses before applying to the MPH or PHC Program?
Yes, you can. Students can take up to two courses before applying to the MPH Program. Those interested in the Public Health Certificate can take one course before applying. In order to register for a course, prior approval from the MPH Program Director is required. To register for a course, either register in person by going to the Student Services Suite at University Center, UNH Manchester, 400 Commercial Street, Second Floor or call the Registration Office at 603-641-4136.