Master's in Public Health

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) has a rich history of academic excellence and a strong commitment to community engagement. VCU offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, humanities, health, and technology. With a diverse student body and a dedicated faculty known for their expertise and innovation, VCU provides a vibrant and intellectually stimulating learning environment. The university is recognized for its robust research initiatives and contributions to the fields of health, art, and design, among others. VCU's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and experiential learning allows students to engage in practical, hands-on experiences that prepare them for successful careers and meaningful contributions to society. With state-of-the-art facilities, a strong network of partnerships, and a focus on fostering creativity and critical thinking, VCU continues to be a driving force in higher education and a catalyst for positive change in the local community and beyond.

The mission of the VCU M.P.H. program is to engage students in an experiential, learner-centered environment, collaborate with public health partners in Central Virginia to promote health equity and community wellness, and foster life-long inquiry and discovery in interdisciplinary, translational research that improves human health. The program provides a rigorous generalist curriculum to help students develop analytic and critical reasoning skills necessary to improve population health. The VCU M.P.H. program is closely linked with local, state and national public health organizations and professionals and features two required practical experiences to enhance the student's appreciation of the application of public health principles to practice. VCU public health departments and the program’s professional public health partners offer opportunities for part-time student employment. The majority of graduates are employed by state and local health departments, university research teams, nonprofit organizations and private companies, while some pursue further graduate or clinical study.