The OSU College of Public Health offers several degree programs, giving students a wide range of options based on their interests and career objectives.
The Master of Public Health (MPH) is the standard professional degree, recognized throughout the world for public health practice, both in the public sector and in emerging private sector careers related to population health. At Ohio State, the MPH is offered in two versions: (1) a full-time weekday format suitable for students from a wide variety of backgrounds and (2) a program that is designed for experienced health professionals.
The MHA is the standard professional preparation for those who will take leadership roles in the delivery and financing of health services. Career settings range from delivery organizations, such as hospitals and clinics, to related parts of the health care industry, such as consulting, insurance, and government agencies.
The Master of Science (MS) degree is intended for students interested primarily in the academic subject matter of the field rather than in professional practice. It is also a natural entry point for those who will eventually continue for their PhD. The MS focuses on building a strong foundation in a particular specialty field, including its pertinent research methods.
The PhD degree requires a significant program of study and research that qualifies the recipient to work independently and contribute to the advancement of the field of knowledge. The emphasis is on mastering the field and particularly on acquiring research skills as a basis for original work. The content of the program is individually designed for each student within a general framework designed by the Graduate Studies Committee.
Students with special interests may want to pursue more than one degree. Programs exist for combining your public health degree with a professional degree in fields such as medicine or law, or for seeking an additional graduate degree in another field, such as business or public administration.
