Public Health Practice and Policy (PHPP)
Graduate Degree Program
College: Public Health
Abstract
Healthcare is the largest industry in the U.S. and employs over 11 million workers. 21st century health care professionals require cutting-edge knowledge and exemplary leadership skills to enable their organizations to rise to societal, technological, ethical, financial, and public health challenges. To meet the growing demand for skilled health care professionals, the Department of Health Services Administration, School of Public Health, at the University of Maryland offers an exceptional professional learning opportunity in Public Health Practice. The Master of Public Health in Public Health Practice and Policy (MPH-PHPP) is designed to provide working professionals with the broad range of knowledge and skill-based competencies needed to assume leadership roles in addressing important public health practice and policy issues nationally and globally. The program offer courses in the fall and spring semester (16 weeks each) and Summer Term (two 6-week sessions). The curriculum and degree has the same content, quality, and high standards as the University’s traditional on-site curriculum and reflects the broad range of knowledge and skill-based competencies germane to public health practice in the 21st century. Instruction is delivered by School of Public Health faculty and experts from prominent public health organizations. The School of Public Health is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.
Contact
Extended Studies
0132 Main Administration Building
7901 Regents Drive
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301.405.7762
Email: exst@umd.edu
Negin Fouladi
Program Director
Department of Health Policy and Management
3310 School of Public Health Building
4200 Valley Drive
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Email: fouladi@umd.edu
Website: sph.umd.edu/mph-public-health-practice-and-policy-online
Relationships: Health Administration (HLSA) Health Equity (HLEQ) Health Policy Analysis and Evaluation (HPAE)
The MPH in Public Health Practice and Policy program has a two-part application process: applicants must submit the SOPHAS application (www.sophas.org), the centralized application service for schools and programs of public health, and the UMD Supplemental application. Both applications must be submitted, complete with all required documents and verified by the scheduled deadline. Applications will be reviewed when both the SOPHAS and the UMD Supplemental applications are completed and verified.
GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- A Bachelor's degree
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- At least one undergraduate math course
- Transcripts from all previous coursework
- English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE) (international applicants)
- Statement of purpose and objectives, including career and educational goals, professional experience, and public health areas of interest
- Response to personal experiences question(s)
PROGRAM SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
- SOPHAS application & UMD Supplemental application
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Fit between applicant's goals and expectations and program degree competencies
- GRE scores are not required for this program
Note for applicants with foreign credentials:
- The SOPHAS application requires that applicants submit a WES credential evaluation
- The UMD supplemental application requires the upload of unofficial transcripts issued in the original language with a literal English translation. Visit the Graduate School website for additional information
- Evidence of English Language proficiency is required if the applicant does not hold a degree from a U.S. institution or from one of the English-speaking countries listed on the Graduate School website
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Language scores must be submitted both to SOPHAS and UMD supplemental application
For detailed instructions on how to apply, please visit the School of Public Health Website: sph.umd.edu/graduate-application-process
Application Deadlines
| Type of Applicant | Fall Deadline | Spring Deadline | Summer Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Applicants | |||
| US Citizens and Permanent Residents | April 3, 2026 | November 21, 2025 | N/A |
| The Fall priority deadline for both SOPHAS and UMD applications is December 19, 2025 | The Spring priority deadline for both SOPHAS and UMD Supplemental applications is October 10, 2025 | ||
| International Applicants | |||
| F (student) or J (exchange visitor) visas; A,E,G,H,I and L visas and immigrants | N/A | N/A | N/A |
RESOURCES AND LINKS
Office of Extended Studies (OES) Program Website: https://exst.umd.edu/professionals-post-baccalaureates/professional-graduate-programs/school-public-health-graduate-programs-online/mph-public-health-practice-and-policy
SPH Program Website: sph.umd.edu/mph-public-health-practice-and-policy-online
Application Process: sph.umd.edu/graduate-application-process
Admissions FAQ: sph.umd.edu/graduate-application-faqs
The Master of Public Health in Public Health Practice and Policy instruction is delivered in a blended learning format with stimulating on-line courses supplemented by a total of six weekends of residency. On-site weekend sessions will be held at the The university of Maryland College Park Campus. For more information, please see: