Public Health, M.P.H.

Saint Louis University's College for Public Health and Social Justice is committed to social justice and the Jesuit mission as the only accredited Catholic, Jesuit school of public health in the nation. 

Program Highlights

Graduate-level public health classes are taught by faculty members who are internationally recognized as leaders in public health research and practice and have diverse research interests. Staff, faculty and students accumulate over 10,000 hours per year partnering with local public health agencies on everything from training staff to providing policy guidance to civic leaders.

In addition to traditional classroom-based learning, students gain experience through applied learning opportunities with community partners.  

STEM OPT-Eligible Options

Behavioral science and health equity, biostatistics and epidemiology concentrations are designated as STEM OPT-3 eligible programs for international students.

Choose From Five Concentrations

• Behavioral science and health equity
• Biostatistics
• Epidemiology
• Health management and policy
• Public health practice

Admission Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in a biomedical or social science is preferred, but other majors will certainly be considered. Professional experience in a health-related field is highly valued.

Application Deadline

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until classes are full. Apply using the centralized application service SOPHAS. 

Review Process

All applicants are considered using a holistic application review process, including an in-person, phone or Zoom interview with the graduate admissions director.

Application Requirements

• Application form and fee
• Transcript(s)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Résumé/curriculum vitae
• Professional goal statement

Apply using the centralized application service SOPHAS.

All Saint Louis University admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students applying to SLU must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Demonstrate English language proficiency
• Academic records must include an English translation. Unofficial copies may be accepted in some cases for initial admission review, however official copies must be received prior to enrollment. Course-by-course transcript evaluations are accepted. 

Students must submit financial documents to be issued an I-20 for their F-1 visa application. Proof of financial support must include:

• A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
• A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The College for Public Health and Social Justice offers several ways to help finance graduate education.  Opportunities include a limited number of merit-based scholarships and graduate research assistantships.  Awards are made to applicants with the highest combinations of GPAs and test scores who complete their applications by the priority deadlines.

For more information, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

Accreditation

Saint Louis University's College for Public Health and Social Justice is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). To see our most recent accreditation documentation, please visit the College for Public Health and Social Justice website.

Evidence-based Approaches to Public Health

1. Apply epidemiological methods to the breadth of settings and situations in public health practice.
2. Select quantitative and qualitative data collection methods appropriate for a given public health context.
3. Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using biostatistics, informatics, computer-based programming and software, as appropriate.
4. Interpret results of data analysis for public health research, policy or practice.

Public Health and Health Care Systems

1. Compare the organization, structure and function of health care, public health and regulatory systems across national and international settings.
2. Discuss the means by which structural bias, social inequities and racism undermine health and create challenges to achieving health equity at organizational, community and societal levels.

Planning and Management to Promote Health

1. Assess population needs, assets and capacities that affect communities’ health.
2. Apply awareness of cultural values and practices to the design or implementation of public health policies or programs.
3. Design a population-based policy, program, project or intervention.
4. Explain basic principles and tools of budget and resource management.
5. Select methods to evaluate public health programs.

Policy in Public Health

1. Discuss multiple dimensions of the policy-making process, including the roles of ethics and evidence.
2. Propose strategies to identify stakeholders and build coalitions and partnerships for influencing public health outcomes.
3. Advocate for political, social or economic policies and programs that will improve health in diverse populations.
4. Evaluate policies for their impact on public health and health equity.

Leadership

1. Apply principles of leadership, governance and management, which include creating a vision, empowering others, fostering collaboration and guiding decision-making.
2.  Apply negotiation and mediation skills to address organizations or the community.

Communication

1. Select communication strategies for different audiences and sectors.
2. Communicate audience-appropriate public health content, both in writing and through oral presentation.
3. Describe the importance of cultural competence in communicating public health content.

Interprofessional Practice

1. Perform effectively on interprofessional teams.

Systems Thinking

1. Apply systems thinking tools to a public health issue.

Students must earn a B- or better in all required courses. Elective courses may be passed with a C or better.  

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Behavioral Science and Health Equity Concentration

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses. Students must earn a B- or better in all required courses. Elective courses may be passed with a C or better. Students may not take the same course more than two times.

Biostatistics Concentration

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses. Students must earn a B- or better in all required courses. Elective courses may be passed with a C or better. Students may not take the same course more than two times.

Epidemiology Concentration

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses. Students must earn a B- or better in all required courses. Elective courses may be passed with a C or better. Students may not take the same course more than two times.

Health Management and Policy Concentration

Public Health Practice Concentration

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses. Students must earn a B- or better in all required courses. Elective courses may be passed with a C or better. Students may not take the same course more than two times.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Behavioral Science and Health Equity Concentration

Biostatistics Concentration

Epidemiology Concentration

Health Management and Policy Concentration

Public Health Practice Concentration

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions, please contact:
Bernie Backer
Director of graduate recruitment and admissions 
bernard.backer@slu.edu 
314-977-8144