Curriculum Overview
MPH Curriculum 1/9/2026
DrPH with MPH 1/9/2026
DrPH without MPH 1/9/2026
MPH CONCENTRATION: RURAL & COMMUNITY HEALTH
The Public Health Rural and Community Health concentration prepares students to provide, evaluate and communicate guidance that improves individual and population-wide health outcomes.
The Rural and Community Health concentration is designed to teach the next generation of public health professionals how to promote health equity in their communities. Students enrolled in the MPH program take a common set of foundational classes designed to give basic skills and knowledge of public health concepts, along with concentration courses designed to deepen knowledge in Rural and Community Health.
MPH CONCENTRATION: NUTRITION
The Public Health Nutrition concentration prepares students to make a real-world impact on health through food and nutrition. Students learn how diet affects chronic disease, how to assess and improve nutritional health in communities, and how social, environmental, and policy factors influence what people eat.
Students also develop skills in evaluating peer-reviewed nutrition research, analyzing nutrition policies, and communicating clearly with both professionals and the public. Graduates are ready to create and lead nutrition programs that promote health and prevent disease at local, state, and national levels.
MPH CONCENTRATION: INDIGENOUS HEALTH
The Indigenous Health concentration, students will learn how to implement, evaluate, and research interventions to improve the health and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
While this population experiences greater poverty rates, discrimination in access to care, and rates of chronic illness compared to other Americans, this concentration will afford students the opportunity to learn about the resilience and strength of American Indians and Alaska Natives.
DRPH IN LEADERSHIP FOR RURAL HEALTH AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The DrPH in Leadership for Rural Health and Sustainable Development is dedicated to preparing mid-level career professionals for leadership roles in rural health and sustainable development. By fostering an innovative, inclusive, and interdisciplinary learning environment, we aim to cultivate leaders capable of making evidence-informed decisions to address complex health challenges in rural communities. Our graduates will be equipped with advanced analytical and research skills, the ability to use data-driven approaches, and practical leadership competencies to influence rural health policies and programs, promoting optimal well-being for all.
Concentration in Rural & Community Health
The Public Health Rural and Community Health concentration prepares students to provide, evaluate and communicate guidance that improves individual and population-wide health outcomes.
The Rural and Community Health concentration is designed to teach the next generation of public health professionals how to promote health equity in their communities. Students enrolled in the MPH program take a common set of foundational classes designed to give basic skills and knowledge of public health concepts, along with concentration courses designed to deepen knowledge in Rural and Community Health.
Nutrition Concentration
Turn nutrition science into healthier communities. The Public Health Nutrition concentration prepares students to make a real-world impact on health through food and nutrition. Students learn how diet affects chronic disease, how to assess and improve nutritional health in communities, and how social, environmental, and policy factors influence what people eat.
Students also develop skills in evaluating peer-reviewed nutrition research, analyzing nutrition policies, and communicating clearly with both professionals and the public. Graduates are ready to create and lead nutrition programs that promote health and prevent disease at local, state, and national levels.
Applied Practice Experience (APEx)
The Applied Practice Experience (APEx) gives you the opportunity to apply your training in a real-world public health setting. This one-credit, 120-hour professional internship serves as a required part of the program and helps you gain hands-on experience, strengthen key public health skills, and build your résumé. You’ll work with an approved public health organization, guided by a site preceptor and supported by ACHE faculty. Throughout the experience, you’ll apply what you’ve learned in the classroom, explore career pathways, and contribute to meaningful projects that improve community health. ACHE faculty will help you choose a site that matches your interests and goals—so you can grow professionally and make a lasting impact.
Capstone
Through this comprehensive project, you will synthesize what you’ve learned throughout the program and apply your knowledge and skills to real-world public health challenges. By successfully completing the Capstone, you show your readiness to contribute as a skilled and capable public health professional in your chosen field.