Master of Public Health – MPH full form, MPH Eligibility Criteria, MPH degree Details, and MPH Course Fees

The MPH degree is a two-year postgraduate program that is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address public health issues at local, national, and global levels. It emphasizes population health and disease prevention. MPH full form is Master of Public Health.

MPH degrees often involve interdisciplinary learning, integrating knowledge from fields like medicine, sociology, economics, anthropology, and others to address complex public health challenges. Master of Public Health courses offer specializations such as –

• Epidemiology

• Biostatics

• Global Health

• Environmental Health

• Health policy and management

• Behavioral sciences

• Emergency management

• Health Services Administration

• Health Educator

• Community Health

• Health administrator

• Health promotion

• Generalist mph track

• Nutrition

• Contemporary public health issues

• General public health

• Health equity Manager

• Infectious disease specialist

• International Public Health Management

• Maternal child health promotion track

• Occupational safety and health

• Public Health Analyst

To pursue a Master of Public Health course, the candidate must fulfill the MPH eligibility requirements. In general, MPH eligibility requires a candidate to complete a BPH degree or any other relevant degree in health science or related fields. There are many top colleges offering Master of Public Health courses in India, some of which are JIPMER Puducherry, AIIMS Rishikesh, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, and AIIMS Jodhpur.

Various entrance exams are conducted for admission to the MPH course. The most popular entrance tests for admission to the MPH degree are NEET PG, CUET PG, MKAUT CET, SRMJEEE (PG), and JIPMER PG. Graduates of MPH courses pursue careers in various sectors, including government health agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare systems, academia, research institutions, and international health organizations.

Table of Content

MPH Course Highlights

MPH Eligibility Criteria

In India, Master of Public Health (MPH) eligibility criteria can vary slightly between institutions, but here are the typical requirements one should fulfill to pursue the MPH degree –

• Educational Qualifications: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized university or institution. The degree can be in any relevant discipline with a background in health sciences, life sciences, social sciences, or related fields.

• Minimum Marks/GPA: Many MPH courses in India require applicants to have a minimum percentage or GPA in their undergraduate studies. This requirement can vary but is often around 50% or a CGPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

• Entrance Exams: Some MPH programs may require applicants to take specific entrance exams. For example, the AIIMS MPH degree requires candidates to appear for the Entrance Exam.

• Work Experience: While not always mandatory, some MPH courses may prefer applicants with relevant work experience in public health, healthcare, research, or related fields. This could be in the form of internships, volunteer work, or professional experience.

• Interviews: Some institutions may conduct interviews as part of the selection process to assess applicant's suitability for the program.

MPH Entrance Examinations

In India, several institutions offering Master of Public Health (MPH) courses conduct entrance examinations as part of their admission process. These entrance exams assess candidates' aptitude, knowledge, and suitability for pursuing an MPH degree. Here are some of the key MPH entrance exams –

• Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) MPH Entrance Exam: MAHE, a prominent private university, offers an MPH program and conducts its own entrance exam for admission. The exam assesses candidates' knowledge in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, and related areas.

• Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) MPH Entrance Exam: JIPMER, located in Puducherry, offers an MPH program and conducts an entrance exam for admission. The exam evaluates candidates' understanding of public health principles, epidemiology, biostatistics, and healthcare management.

• National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET): The NEET is a national-level entrance examination in India for admission to undergraduate medical (MBBS), dental (BDS), AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy), and other health science related courses in government and private medical colleges across India. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) annually.

• Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate (CUET PG): CUET PG is a national-level examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to postgraduate programs (such as MA, MSc, MCom, MPH, etc.) in central universities across India. It aims to streamline the admission process and ensure uniformity in selection criteria for these programs.

• Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited Common Entrance Test (MKAUT CET): MKAUT CET is a state-level examination conducted in Maharashtra, India, for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various disciplines, including engineering, management, pharmacy, and other professional programs offered by institutions affiliated with Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL).

• SRM Joint Entrance Examination for Postgraduate courses (SRMJEEE (PG)): SRMJEEE (PG) is conducted by SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) for admission to various postgraduate programs such as M.Tech, MBA, M.Sc, etc., offered by the university.

• Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research Postgraduate (JIPMER PG): JIPMER PG is a national-level entrance exam conducted by JIPMER for admission to MD (Doctor of Medicine) and MS (Master of Surgery) courses offered at JIPMER, Puducherry, and JIPMER, Karaikal campuses. The exam assesses medical graduates' knowledge and skills and is an important criterion for selection into these prestigious postgraduate medical programs.

MPH Admission Procedure

The admission procedure for a Master of Public Health (MPH) course generally involves several steps, which may vary slightly depending on the institution. Here's a typical outline of the MPH admission procedure –

• Research and Program Selection: Research various MPH programs to find one that aligns with your career goals, interests, and academic background. Consider factors such as specialization options, faculty expertise, accreditation, and program structure.

• Check MPH Eligibility Requirements: Review the MPH eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications, minimum GPA requirements, work experience (if required), and any specific entrance exam requirements.

• Prepare Application Materials: Gather necessary documents such as transcripts of previous academic records (undergraduate degree) and any required entrance exam scores (if applicable).

• Register and Apply: Register for the MPH program's application process through the institution's official website or admission portal. Complete the online application form and upload all required documents within the specified deadlines.

• Entrance Exam (if applicable): If the MPH degree requires an entrance exam, prepare and take the exam according to the guidelines provided by the institution.

• Interview (if applicable): Some MPH courses may require applicants to participate in an interview as part of the selection process. Prepare for the interview by familiarizing yourself with the program, articulating your goals clearly, and demonstrating your suitability for the program.

• Application Review and Selection: The institution's admissions committee will review all completed applications, considering academic performance, test scores (if applicable), and interview performance (if conducted).

• Admission Decision: If admitted, you will typically receive an offer letter detailing the terms of admission, including deadlines for acceptance and enrollment.

• Acceptance and Enrollment: If admitted, accept the offer by the specified deadline and complete any additional enrollment requirements, such as submitting financial documentation (for international students), paying tuition fees, and registering for classes.

• Orientation and Start of Classes: Attend any orientation sessions organized by the institution for new students. Start your MPH program classes according to the academic calendar.

Top Colleges/ Universities offering MPH Course

The top colleges offering Master of Public Health courses in India are mentioned below –

1. JIPMER Puducherry

2. DMIHER

3. University of Lucknow, Lucknow     

4. NIMHANS Bangalore

5. Panjab University, Chandigarh         

6. University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad           

7. National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences

8. KIIT University

9. Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College

10. Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhi Nagar      

11. AIIMS Rishikesh

12. JSS Medical College, Mysore

13. BLDE University, Bijapur     

14. NITTE University, Mangalore          

15. AIIMS Jodhpur  

16. Shri Jagdishprasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala University, Jhunjhunu

17. Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi     

18. Amity University, Noida       

19. Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University)

20. Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar

21. SCTIMST Trivandrum

22. Paravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Ahmednagar          

23. Noida International University, Gautam Budh Nagar          

24. AIIMS Raipur

25. Career Point University, Kota

26. Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phoole University, Jaipur         

27. Kerala University of Health Sciences

28. TISS Mumbai

29. O.P Jindal Global University, Sonepat         

30. Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University

31. Vinayaka Missions University

32. National Centre for Diseases Control, New Delhi

33. Manipal University, Manipal

34. KLE University, Belgaum

35. AISECT University, Bhopal  

MPH Syllabus

The syllabus for a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree can vary between institutions, but here is a general outline of topics typically covered in an MPH degree, organized by semesters –

First Semester:

• Introduction to Public Health

  • History of public health

  • Concepts and principles of public health

  • Public health ethics and professionalism

• Epidemiology

  • Basic epidemiological concepts

  • Measures of disease occurrence and association

  • Study designs in epidemiology

• Biostatistics

  • Descriptive statistics

  • Probability and distributions

  • Statistical inference

• Health Systems and Policy

  • Health systems organization

  • Health policy development and analysis

  • Health economics

Second Semester:

• Environmental Health Sciences

  • Environmental health hazards

  • Environmental epidemiology

  • Environmental health policies and regulations

• Social and Behavioral Sciences

  • Social determinants of health

  • Health behavior theories

  • Health promotion and communication

• Research Methods in Public Health

  • Qualitative and quantitative research methods

  • Data collection and analysis techniques

  • Research ethics and protocol development

• Occupational Health

  • Occupational hazards and diseases

  • Occupational health regulations and interventions

  • Workplace health promotion

Third Semester:

• Public Health Nutrition

  • Nutritional epidemiology

  • Nutritional assessment and interventions

  • Food safety and security

• Global Health

  • Global health disparities

  • International health organizations and policies

  • Emerging global health issues

• Healthcare Management

  • Health services management

  • Quality improvement in healthcare

  • Leadership and strategic management

• Electives and Specializations

  • Depending on the program, students may choose electives or specialize in areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, or specific public health topics.

Fourth Semester:

• Capstone Project or Thesis

  • Many MPH courses require students to complete a capstone project or thesis, where they apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world public health issue. This often involves conducting research, analyzing data, and making recommendations based on findings.

• Internship or Field Practice

  • Some programs include a supervised internship or field practice component, where students gain hands-on experience in public health settings. This allows them to apply classroom learning to practical situations and develop professional skills.

MPH Course Fees

Master of Public Health course fees in some top private and government colleges in India are mentioned below –

MPH Career Prospects

Master of Public Health (MPH) graduates are qualified for a wide range of job profiles across various sectors within public health and related fields. Here are some common job profiles for MPH graduates –

1. Epidemiologist: Study patterns and causes of diseases, injuries, and other health-related states in populations. They design and implement studies, analyze data, and report findings to inform public health interventions.

2. Biostatistician: Apply statistical methods to public health and biomedical research. They analyze data to understand health trends, evaluate interventions, and contribute to evidence-based decision-making.

3. Health Policy Analyst/Advisor: Analyze healthcare policies and their impact on public health outcomes. They work with government agencies, NGOs, or advocacy groups to develop, evaluate, and implement health policies.

4. Health Educator/Community Health Specialist: Develop and implement educational programs and initiatives to promote healthy behaviors and prevent diseases in communities. They collaborate with stakeholders to address health disparities and improve community health outcomes.

5. Public Health Program Manager/Coordinator: Plan, coordinate, and oversee public health programs and initiatives. They manage budgets, evaluate program effectiveness, and ensure compliance with regulations and objectives.

6. Global Health Specialist: Work on international health issues, often with NGOs, international organizations, or government agencies. They may focus on disease prevention, health systems strengthening, or humanitarian aid in global contexts.

7. Environmental Health Specialist: Assess and address environmental factors that affect public health, such as air and water quality, hazardous substances, and occupational health hazards. They develop policies and programs to mitigate risks and promote environmental health.

8. Healthcare Administrator/Manager: Oversee the operations of healthcare facilities or departments. They manage budgets, personnel, and resources to ensure efficient delivery of healthcare services and adherence to regulatory standards.

9. Research Analyst/Associate: Conduct research studies in public health, epidemiology, health policy, or related fields. They collect and analyze data, write reports, and contribute to research publications to advance knowledge in public health.

10. Consultant in Public Health: Provide expertise and advice to organizations on public health strategies, policies, and programs. They may work independently or with consulting firms to address specific public health challenges and improve health outcomes.

These job profiles illustrate the diverse opportunities available to MPH graduates, spanning public health practice, policy, research, education, and management. Graduates can pursue careers in government agencies, healthcare organizations, the non-profit sector, academia, research institutions, and international organizations, contributing to improving population health and well-being.

MPH Graduates Salary in India

The table below gives an approximate overview of the average salaries for Master of Public Health (MPH) graduates in various job profiles in India.

These salary ranges are indicative and can vary based on factors such as the specific employer, geographic location (e.g., metropolitan cities typically offer higher salaries), years of experience, and additional qualifications or certifications.

MPH Top Recruiters

Here are some top recruiters for Master of Public Health (MPH) graduates in India –

These organizations actively recruit MPH graduates for various roles in public health research, program management, health policy analysis, epidemiology, health education, and community health development across India.

FAQs about MPH Course

Ques – What is an MPH course?

Answer – An MPH (Master of Public Health) course is a postgraduate-level program focused on public health practices, policies, and research. It prepares individuals to address health challenges through leadership, prevention strategies, and evidence-based solutions.

Ques – What is MPH full form?

Answer – MPH full form is the Master of Public Health.

Ques – What are MPH eligibility criteria?

Answer – MPH eligibility criteria is a bachelor’s degree in public health or related fields.

Ques – Which entrance examinations are conducted for admission to the Master of Public Health course?

Answer – NEET PG, CUET PG, MKAUT CET, SRMJEEE (PG), and JIPMER PG are the few popular entrance examinations conducted for Master of Public Health course admission.

Ques – What is the duration of the Master of Public Health course?

Answer – The duration of the Master of Public Health course is two years.

Ques – Which are the top colleges offering MPH degrees in India?

Answer – The top colleges offering MPH degree in India are JIPMER Puducherry, University of Lucknow, NIMHANS Bangalore, Punjab University, University of Hyderabad, KIIT University, Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhi Nagar, AIIMS Rishikesh, AIIMS Jodhpur, JSS Medical College Mysore, Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi, and Amity University Noida.

Ques – Which are the various subjects covered in the MPH syllabus?

Answer – The various subjects covered in MPH syllabus are Epidemiology, History of public health, Biostatistics, Health Systems & Policy, Environmental Health Sciences, Social & Behavioral Sciences, Research Methods in Public Health, Occupational Health, Public Health Nutrition, Global Health, Healthcare Management, etc.

Ques – What is the average fee for an MPH course in India?

Answer – The average fee of an MPH course in India is INR 1 LPA to INR 2 LPA.

Ques – What are various career prospects for MPH graduates?

Answer – The various career prospects for MPH graduates are Epidemiologist, Biostatistician, Health Policy Analyst, Health Educator, Public Health Program Coordinator, Global Health Specialist, Environmental Health Specialist, Healthcare Administrator, Research Analyst, Consultant in Public Health.

Ques – Which are the top recruiters of MPH graduates?

Answer – The top recruiters of MPH graduates are National Health Mission (NHM), Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Apollo Hospitals, Max Healthcare, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), CARE India, Jhpiego India, Population Services International (PSI) India, UNICEF India, and PATH India.

Ques – Which is better, MPH or MSc?

Answer – An MPH degree is better for those interested in public health, healthcare management, or policy work, while an MSc degree is suited for those who want to specialize in a particular scientific or technical field. MPH course focuses on community health, while MSc offers deeper academic or research-based knowledge in a chosen discipline.