Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)

Public health policy plays an important role in all of our lives. Public health concerns like obesity and the health care disparity are central discussion topics in our communities.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, public health has taken center stage. As a society, we can no longer ignore how our individual health is interconnected. In our current era, public health professionals will help guide our country and communities as we respond to our most pressing challenges.

Our Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) Generalist program will train you as a health expert. In this program, you’ll learn the key causes of disease and how to address health concerns at the community and global level. Our concentrations allow you to earn an advanced certificate in areas like health education and emergency management while earning your M.P.H. You’ll learn how to apply your knowledge to a fulfilling public health career and help create a healthier, more equal society.

New York Medical College has a strong history of addressing social and environmental factors in disease. In our Master of Public Health Generalist program, we continue this tradition and prepare you to look at public health from all angles.

At a Glance

50+ Practicum Sites

6 Specialization Areas

2,305 Public Health Master's and Doctoral Alumni

Why Public Health?

Public health initiatives protect and improve the health of individuals, families and communities. Many initiatives focus on prevention of illness and work to change unhealthy environmental conditions or behavior. Some are designed to track illness, investigate why some of us may be more susceptible, and decide the most appropriate interventions.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, mask mandates and vaccination campaigns have helped us reduce viral transmission. The spread of HIV/AIDS was also curbed by robust public health efforts. Health advocates have also worked tirelessly to increase public awareness of the dangers of tobacco, opiates, and other drugs.

A strong public health foundation is necessary to keep our society healthy and stable. Those who choose this field understand the crucial role public health professionals play in the community. Public health is one of the most rewarding scientific fields and allows you to have a long-term impact on community health.

Why an M.P.H. Degree?

All public health programs—from monitoring infectious disease to drinking water quality—require the knowledge of dedicated experts. With an M.P.H. degree, you’ll have the proper training to help address some of society’s most important issues. There’s a strong need for those who can lead new discoveries and implement effective policy.

For more than 30 years, the Lyme Disease Institute at NYMC has been on the forefront of Lyme disease with special expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of persons with tick bites, early/acute Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis (Ehrlichiosis), Babesiosis, Deer Tick Virus (Powassan) and Borrelia Miyamotoi.

Master of Public Health Specializations

As part of your 42-credit Generalist M.P.H. you will take 18-21 electives. You may choose elective courses based on interest or choose a concentration to fulfill the requirements for earning an Advanced Certificate (between 12-18 credits) in areas such as Global Health, Health Administration, Health Education and Emergency Management.

Advanced Certificates:

Accelerated M.P.H. Generalist

The Accelerated M.P.H. Generalist is offered as a blended program with a combination of on-campus and online classes (residency required). It is designed to complement the education of physicians and other healthcare practitioners by providing a deeper understanding of concepts and principles of public health, community outreach, and systems management. To finish in one year, you must start in the summer semester. The curriculum consists of 14 courses (42 credits).

  • Summer – 4 courses (12 credits)
  • Fall – 5 courses (15 credits)
  • Spring – 5 courses (15 credits)
  • Comprehensive examination

Faculty

Our full-time faculty are experienced researchers and recognized experts in public health. Their work is supplemented by part-time and adjunct faculty who are themselves senior administrators at hospitals and health care organizations, practicing epidemiologists, industrial hygiene specialists, health educators, and advocates.

Public Health Careers

Public health professionals work in many areas across the public, non-profit, and private sectors. Their work includes designing educational programs and interventions, developing policies and research, and regulating health systems.

The COVID-19 crisis has brought public health front and center. The pandemic has shown just how important epidemiologists and other health experts are to maintaining a healthy society.

Even before COVID hit the U.S., there were a number of factors influencing the need for public health experts. There has been a growing awareness of disease prevention, health disparities and healthcare reform. All of these trends contribute to an increased focus on public health.

Public Health Salary Overview

Public Health salaries vary depending on the discipline. The median pay for an Epidemiologist in New York is $111,000, with faster than average job growth. (salary.com)

Medical and Health Services Managers in New York make $155,000 per year on average and can look forward to an exponential job growth rate of 32%. (bls.gov) In general, health care will be the fastest-growing field in the US economy over the next ten years.

M.P.H. Dual Degrees

Our Master of Public Health program features online, late afternoon, and on-campus evening classes to match your schedule.

At NYMC, we offer a dual degree option that brings together the Doctor of Physical Therapy and Master of Public Health program. This specialized track allows you to bring a deeper understanding of community health and policy to your physical therapy practice.

The M.D. and M.P.H. dual degree option allows you to understand the medical profession through the lens of public health. Advanced training in research, analytics and health management will make you a better professional. You’ll be a truly well-rounded physician who sees both the community and individual perspective of health care.

Accreditation

Our public health programs are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Council on Education for Public Health logo