Most courses include one or more practice- based assignment. Urban Public Health faculty have graduate degrees in 20 different disciplines, preparing them to familiarize students with diverse approaches to studying and solving public health problems. Faculty also assist students to develop the writing and computer skills needed for professional achievement. In addition, students may elect to pursue a concentration, an opportunity to take elective credits and fieldwork in a single topic area. In addition, through support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and private donors, a limited number of fellowships are available to pay tuition for qualified students.
Many students also receive tuition reimbursement from their employers.
The Program requires an undergraduate degree with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or better and a strong foundation in both social and natural sciences. Applicants to the environmental and occupational health or the public nutrition tracks are expected to have at least 18 undergraduate credits in science and mathematics. The nutrition track prefers applicants who have an undergraduate degree in nutrition or another health profession. All applicants are required to take the Aptitude section of the Graduate Record Examination and to have at least one year of work or volunteer experience in an area related to public health. Qualified students who lack specific undergraduate prerequisite courses may complete this work while pursuing their Masters.