�� the Public Health Program

Program overview

The Master of Public Health (MPH) Program at �� is an MPH generalist program consisting of 42 graduate-level hours and takes 2 years of full-time, in-person study to complete (including one summer).

The emphasis of the generalist designation is teaching critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The MPH generalist provides various employment opportunities (e.g. healthcare, community health, global health, government, private industry, faith community, and education) and is ideal for undergraduates from a variety of degrees (e.g. biology, psychology, education, communication, health and wellness, etc.). Upon graduation, some students enter the professional workforce, while others continue to do other advanced training, such as physician assistant, doctoral studies or medical school.

The advantage of a complete in-person program is direct instruction from experienced faculty, faculty mentoring, participation in faculty lead community-based research, student interaction, and facilitated field trips and job shadowing.

Being on the ground in Nebraska's capital city provides a dynamic backdrop to learn about public health. Lincoln is home to the State of Nebraska's public health agency, the Lincoln-Lancaster County health department, two local health care systems including hospitals and clinics, and many elementary, middle and high schools. There is a mix of city, county and state government, faith-based groups, philanthropic organizations, and a variety of community-based agencies serving the diverse people of this refugee resettlement community. This extensive collection of partners opens innumerable opportunities for networking, job shadowing, practicums, and field trips.

Union MPH Graduates currently have a 100% graduation rate (as of May, 2025)

Our mission

By providing a wide variety of hands-on and experiential learning, the Public Health program empowers students to grow and position themselves to aid both local and global communities in achieving and maintaining good community health.

Our vision

Students empower and lead thriving and healthy communities

Our values

Equity – We follow a Christian viewpoint, and are inspired and humbled to love your neighbor.

Balance – We are committed to teaching excellence, balanced with practical learning opportunities.

Grit – We have passion and perseverance for our students and community engagement.

Applied Practice Experience (APE)

All MPH students complete an Applied Practice Experience (APE) which is a minimum of 160 hours that may be in government, healthcare, non-profit, for-profit, university, or other organization that is primarily focused on community engagement. Students must demonstrate at least five competencies, of which at least three must be foundational. The remaining two (or more) could be foundational or concentration-specific competencies. The APE must demonstrate at least two practical, non-academic work products and on validating that the work shows attainment of the designated competencies.

APE examples include project plans, grant proposals, training manuals, lesson plans, presentations, etc. The APE can be used to build resume and work experience in public health.

Integrative Learning Experience (ILE)

All MPH students will complete an Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) at the end of their studies that demonstrates synthesis of foundational and concentration competencies. Students in consultation with faculty select foundational competencies appropriate to the students educational and professional goals.

The ILE represents a culminating experience and may take many forms, such as a practice-based project, essay-based comprehensive exam, capstone course, etc. The student produces a high-quality written project, such as program evaluation report, training manual, policy statement, legislative testimony with accompanying supporting research, etc.

The ILE can be used to build resume and work experience in public health practice.

Master of Public Health

Lead the change to healthier communities.

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Apply

Everything you need to know to be accepted to the Master of Public Health Program.

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Costs

See a breakdown of tuition and fees.