About the MPH Program
KU-MPH graduates serve in a wide variety of public health fields, including clinical medicine, research, health education, disease surveillance and the academic setting.
The University of Kansas Master of Public Health program (KU-MPH) is a fully accredited, 42 credit hour graduate program with three concentrations: Epidemiology, Public Health Practice, and a 100% online Generalist. The program has been accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) since 1998 and is offered through the Department of Population Health at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City and the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita. Our program is:
- The only fully accredited MPH program in the state to become a member of the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH).
- Consistently ranked among the top public health programs in the U.S. public universities by U.S. News and World Report.
- Flexible, offering part- and full-time options as well as in-person, hybrid, and fully online modalities.
- Proven. Our graduates are fully prepared for work in a wide variety of public health fields, including clinical medicine, research, health education, disease surveillance, and the academic setting.
- Full of experienced and dedicated faculty who are nationally recognized in many areas of research including maternal health, smoking cessation, Alzheimer's, and cancer.
Program Leadership
Welcome to the Master of Public Health Program at the University of Kansas! As you embark on this journey, you join a community of scholars and professionals committed to advancing the health and well-being of populations around the country. This program is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking required to address today’s most pressing public health challenges. We are excited to support you as you develop into the next generation of public health leaders, ready to make meaningful and lasting impacts in your communities and beyond. Welcome to the future of public health!
Melissa Armstrong, Ed.D., M.A.
Program Director
Education Assistant Professor, Population Health
Mission: To improve public health for all in Kansas, the Heartland, and the nation through excellence in education, discovery, and community engagement.
Vision: Healthy Communities
Program Values:
- Passion: We live our mission and vision to the fullest
- Justice & Health Equity: We champion the rights of individuals and communities, promoting inclusion to advance health equity for all
- Learning: We are lifelong learners and inspire that in our students
- Beneficence: We actively seek opportunities to do good for our students, colleagues, and communities
- Diversity: We believe a variety of cultures, experiences, expertise, and viewpoints are fundamental to our learning community
The program is designed to meet the needs of full-time students, and to the extent possible, working professionals taking courses on a part-time basis. Skills gained from MPH studies can be used to:
- Interpret results of data analysis for public health research, policy or practice
- Compare the organization, structure and function of health care, public health and regulatory systems across national and international settings
- Design a population-based policy, program, project or intervention
- Advocate for political, social or economic policies and programs that will improve health in diverse populations
- Apply negotiation and mediation skills to address organizational or community challenges
- Select communication strategies for different audiences and sectors
The KU-MPH program is a single graduate program offered through the department of Population Health at these three locations:
- The University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) in Kansas City, Kansas
- The University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita (KUSM-W) in Wichita, Kansas
- Online, in partnership with the University of Kansas Edwards Campus in Overland Park, Kansas
