Area Descriptions

The MSPH is an academic, research-oriented degree (in contrast to the MPH, which is geared toward practice). Individuals interested in pursuing further education often earn an MSPH to build the skills necessary to conduct independent research at the doctoral level. It is ideal for individuals who intend to remain in academic research settings.

All MSPH degree programs at UAB begin with a brief overview of the profession and science of public health and factors related to human health. The majority of the coursework focuses on the application of biostatistics, epidemiology, and other research methods to public health issues; specific coursework varies by concentration. All MSPH students engage in mentored research resulting in the development and presentation of a Master’s thesis or project, which may take the form of a publishable scientific manuscript.

Following completion of the MSPH degree, many individuals continue working in academic research settings as research assistants/associates, analysts, program coordinators, etc. Career paths outside academia include epidemiologists with health departments, research analysts with managed care organizations, coordinators of clinical trials in the pharmaceutical industry, and data analysts in a wide range of settings.

The MS degree in the UAB School of Public Health is offered through the Department of Biostatistics. This rigorous, research-based degree requires strong preparation in mathematics, including three semesters of calculus and a course in linear algebra. Students in the MS program are exposed to both theory and application in biostatistics, as well as advanced statistical computing. Students sit for a two-part qualifying examination covering both theory and applied statistics; they also complete a mentored research project which must be presented both orally to the Department and in writing.

Some students pursue additional training in a Biostatistics doctoral program following completion of the MS degree, while others begin careers as research-oriented scientists performing high-level data management and statistical analysis in academic, governmental, or industry settings.

The UAB School of Public Health offers the PhD in a range of disciplines to help prepare students for high-level careers in academia, government, and industry. For students without a public health background, all degree program begins with a brief overview of the profession and science of public health and factors related to human health. Students take advanced coursework in their chosen discipline, along with additional training in research methods. Students also sit for comprehensive exams to demonstrate their mastery of the discipline. The culmination of the degree is the preparation and defense of a dissertation reflecting independent research of publishable quality.

The MPH is the most well-known Public Health degree. It is considered a “terminal” or “professional” degree, as it fully prepares individuals for lifelong careers in public health practice without the need for additional education. This is in contrast to the Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH), a research-oriented degree ideal for individuals planning to work in academic settings or pursue doctoral-level training.

At UAB, all MPH degree programs begin with a shared MPH Core based on the Evidence-Based Public Health framework, which provides all students with the practice-based skills they need to be effective in the public health workforce. Students further enhance their training through one of many departmental concentrations; these concentrations are designed to deepen students’ knowledge in specific areas of public health. Regardless of concentration, all MPH students engage in an Applied Practice Experience (Internship) in the community and conclude their coursework with an Integrative Learning Experience (Capstone) in which they pull together skills and perspectives learned in both the Core and the concentration courses to produce a high-quality written product, demonstrating their readiness to enter the workforce.

Common career settings for individuals holding the MPH degree include state and local health departments; community-based organizations and non-profits; healthcare consulting firms; international, state, and federal agencies (e.g., WHO, CMS, CDC); managed care organizations; and various clinical settings. Because of the broad training in public health management included in the MPH degree, individuals often pursue the degree when looking to advance into leadership roles in these settings.

Like the MPH, the DrPH is an applied degree that focuses on the profession and practice of public health. The DrPH is designed for individuals intending to become leaders and innovators in their chosen concentration. The curriculum focuses on building strong skills in data and analysis; leadership, management, and governance; policy and programs; and education and workforce development through both didactic and co-curricular experiential learning opportunities. Students then pursue additional advanced coursework and/or independent study in their focal area.

All DrPH students engage in an intensive Applied Practice Experience (practicum) and sit for comprehensive exams to demonstrate their mastery of their focal area. Students prepare and defend a practice-oriented dissertation which illustrates their ability to propose, conduct, and synthesize independent research to transform public health practice.