Graduate Public Health Program
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Small program. Powerful impact.
The MPH program at Virginia Tech equips future public health leaders with the knowledge and practical experience needed to address complex health challenges and advance health across people, animals, and the environment. Grounded in a One Health approach, our program emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
Located in Southwest Virginia and the Appalachian region, the program offers students meaningful, hands-on experience addressing real-world public health issues in rural and global communities.
Program at a Glance
- 42-credit in-person program
- Designed for completion in 2 years (4 semesters) for full-time students
- Flexible pathways: part-time, accelerated, and simultaneous degree options
- Choose from multiple concentrations
- Opportunity to add graduate certificates with minimal additional coursework
- No specific prerequisites or majors required for admission
- GPA of 3.0 or greater (or from last 60 undergraduate credits)
- No GRE
- Holistic admissions review process
- Emphasis on applied learning and field-based practice experiences
Additional Information
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Master of Public Health
Simultaneous Degree with MPH
The MPH degree can be completed simultaneously with select degree programs across Virginia Tech. These options give students the flexibility to tailor their graduate education to a specific area of interest while earning both degrees in less time than pursuing them separately.
Master or PhD + MPH
The MPH curriculum is built upon the foundational competencies set forth by the public health accrediting organization, The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). The curriculum list below is for incoming students for Fall 2026 and beyond.
- PHS 5004 Foundations of Public Health (1 credit)
- PHS 5024 Epidemiology and Quantitative Methods Lab (1 credit)
- PHS 5025 Epidemiology and Quantitative Methods in Public Health I (3 credits)
- PHS 5026 Epidemiology and Quantitative Methods in Public Health II (3 credits)
- PHS 5034 Health Behavior and Health Education (3 credits)
- PHS 5044 Public Health Policy and Administration (3 credits)
- PHS 5054 Program Planning and Evaluation (3 credits)
- PHS 5064 Leadership and Interprofessionalism (2 credits)
- PHS 5014 Environmental Health (3 credits)
Infectious Disease Concentration
- PHS 5334 Principles of Infectious Diseases (3 credits)
- PHS 5314 Infectious Disease Epidemiology (3 credits)
- PHS 5324 Public Health Infection Control and Prevention (3 credits)
Environmental Health Concentration
- PHS 5074 Rural Environmental Health (3 credits)
- PHS 5704 Drinking Water and Health (3 credits)
- PHS 5014 Decision-Making and Policy in Environmental Health (3 credits)
Public Health Education Concentration
- PHS 5204 Principles of Community Health Education (3 credits)
- PHS 5254 Social Epidemiology (3 credits)
- PHS 5234 Methods in Community Health Engagement (3 credits)
Students may choose to complete more than one concentration.
- Preparation for Public Health Practice I (1 credit)
- Practicum (3 credits)
- Preparation for Public Health Practice II (1 credit)
- Integrated Learning Experience (3 credits)
Students may select any 4000 or 5000-level course for their elective.
"Emergency management and medical services are evolving and require a population-centered approach. The MPH program has allowed me to take a transdisciplinary approach to solving both evolving and complex health challenges in today’s world so that I can better serve my community."
Carter Bohart, MPH Candidate
Class of 2026
"When I discovered the role veterinarians play in public health, I was sold. I’m a firm believer in One Health, that humans, animals, and the earth share a symbiotic relationship that shapes all of our wellbeing. Pursuing my MPH has taught me to keep the bigger picture in mind. When I care for an animal patient, I’m also caring for their owner and their community. Public health has equipped me to be a more mindful, more complete clinician."
Jessica Vester, DVM/MPH Candidate
Class of 2027
"I grew up in a Hokie family and was so excited that they had a BSPH program. I wanted to further my education, and the PHE concentration aligned with my goal of working in the community as a health educator."
Noelle Ruesch, MPH Candidate
Class of 2026
"The Virginia Tech Master of Public Health (MPH) Program provides meaningful, real-world opportunities to apply classroom learning to public health practice. Through the Academic Public Health Corps, a practicum with the Virginia Department of Health, my role as a student ambassador, and an Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) with the Virginia Tech Public Health Program, I gained invaluable hands-on experience that I will carry with me throughout my career. The faculty and staff are deeply committed to supporting students’ goals and aspirations. Go Hokies!"