The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) and the Doctor of Public Health (Dr.PH.) are multi-disciplinary professional degrees awarded for studies in areas related to public health.
The MPH degree focuses on public health practice, as opposed to research or teaching. Master of Public Health programs are available throughout the world in Medical Schools, Schools of Public Health, and Schools of Public Affairs.
The traditional MPH degree is designed to expose candidates to 5 core discipline areas of public health: (http://www.asph.org/)
Biostatistics
Epidemiology
Environmental Health
Health Policy and Health Administration
Social and behavioral sciences
In adittion an integrated interdisciplinary, cross-cutting set of overall competency domains (Communication and Informatics, Diversity and Culture, Leadership, Professionalism, Program Planning, Public Health Biology, and Systems Thinking)
In the US, medical graduates can pursue MPH in public health practice major and medical students can pursue the same program as public health medicine.
In some countries the MPH program is only available for medical graduates (MBBS or equivalent), those without the medical degree can join the Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) program. The MSPH degree is an academic public health degree rather than a professional public health degree. The MSPH is more research-oriented than is the MPH. Required MSPH coursework includes most of the same classes needed for the MPH degree, but in addition the MSPH degree requires additional coursework in research methods, epidemiology, biostatistics, and similar public health studies. Also, MSPH students must complete a research thesis. The extra coursework roughly requires an additional year of study in relation to what is required for the MPH degree. In the UK the MPH is not widely available; an MSc in the field of public health (generally one year's full-time study) may be the nearest equivalent.
The DrPH degree is for those who intend to pursue or advance a professional practice career in public health and for leaders and future leaders in public health practice. They face the particular challenge of understanding and adapting scientific knowledge in order to achieve health gain and results. This degree leads to a career in high-level administration, teaching, or practice, where advanced analytical and conceptual capabilities are required. The usual requirement for entry into this program is a Masters degree in Public Health (MPH). The DrPH program develops in its candidates all competencies included in MPH programs, with increased emphasis on high level skills in problem-solving and the application of public health concepts.
Council on Education for Public Health
In the United States the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accredits schools of public health and programs of public health through a formal review process.
In addition to coursework, CEPH programs have thesis and practicum requirements that may be waived if the candidate has substantial prior experience in the field. Non-CEPH programs may have other requirements.
Certified in Public Health (CPH) Exam
In 2008, the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE), an organization established in the United States, began offering a certification exam. The exam is based on the MPH degree's core competencies, which were agreed upon by a national effort in 2004–2006 in the United States. A maintenance of certification program is in place to encourage continuing education and currency in the field.
As the NBPHE strives to raise the bar in public health through credentialing, its Board of Directors primarily represents five key collaborating organizations: the American Public Health Association, the Association of Prevention Teaching and Research, the Association of Schools of Public Health, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, and the National Association of County and City Health Officials. The board is dedicated to increasing recognition of the public health profession, raising the visibility of public health, and measuring and improving the competency of public health workers across the nation and around the world.
Council of Graduate Programs in Public Health
The Council of Graduate Programs in Public Health represents the accredited and emerging graduate programs across the U.S. that grant public health degrees and therefore prepare students for professional careers in public health. The Council encourages, promotes and supports universities, schools and colleges in developing, maintaining, and advancing graduate programs in the disciplines of preventive medicine, social medicine, community health and public health. The Council is sponsored by the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research.