What if you really could change the world for a living?

Public health. What it is, what it does, how it works is changing daily. And Boston University School of Public Health (SPH)—ranked in the top ten schools of public health in the US—is at the frontier of that evolution, propelling public health into one of the most consequential careers of our times. As SPH defines it, public health encompasses all crucial human challenges, including the obesity epidemic, gun violence, poverty, infant mortality, LGBTQ rights, and human trafficking. If you want your own efforts to advance the world, public health is an exhilarating opportunity to do just that.

If you think boundaries get in the way of solutions, then we’re on the same page. At SPH, we are harnessing the integrated power of research, education and practice to improve the human condition in every way we can. Our departments, our curriculum, our degree and certificate programs—all reach generously and creatively across borders, boundaries, and disciplines in the quest for solutions.

Master of Public Health (MPH), Interdisciplinary Certificates 

      Executive MPH

Dual Degree Programs

Management and Public Health MBA/MPH

Law and Public Health JD/MPH

Medicine and Public Health MD/MPH

Medical Sciences and Public Health MS/MPH

Social Work and Public Health MSW/MPH

Undergraduate 4+1 Programs: BA/MPH, BS/MPH

Research-Focused Master's Degrees 

MS, Applied Biostatistics

MS, Environmental Health Data Analytics 

MS, Epidemiology 

MS, Health Services and Systems Research 

MS, Public Health Nutrition  

MA, Biostatistics 

Research-Focused Doctoral Degrees 

PhD, Biostatistics 

PhD, Environmental Health 

PhD, Epidemiology 

PhD, Health Services Research 

Leadership- and Teaching-Focused Doctoral Degree 

DrPH, Leadership, Management, and Policy—interdepartmental and practice-oriented 

Graduate Certificates 

Public Health—Core Concepts 

Biostatistics—Clinical Trials 

Biostatistics—Statistical Genetics 

• Biostatistics
• Community Health Sciences
• Environmental Health
• Epidemiology
• Global Health
• Health Law, Policy & Management—MPH Program in Healthcare Management holds CAHME accreditation

Global Public Health Practice Opportunities
BUSPH students in all areas of study have access to field practicum opportunities hosted by the department of Global Health. These opportunities allow students to fulfill the field practice requirement while gaining substantial international experience.
→bu.edu/sph/academics/departments/global-health/global-field-practice/

Master of Arts (MA)

Biostatistics

The MA Program in Biostatistics is jointly administered by the Department of Biostatistics of the School of Public Health and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. The MA program is aimed primarily at students who have at least the equivalent of Bachelor of Arts or Sciences degree and wish to pursue advanced study in the theory and methods of biostatistics. The program prepares students to function as collaborators on research projects in academia, industry or government, and prepares students for doctoral programs. 

Students who complete the MA program will gain knowledge in probability, statistical inference and hypothesis testing, the design and conduct of experimental and epidemiological studies, statistical computation and data analysis. Research interest of the faculty include multivariate analysis, survival analysis, medical statistics, clinical trials methodology, statistical genetics, robust statistics, longitudinal data analysis, time series, regression, estimation theory, and the design of experiments.

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Our MPH degree gives students an integrated, problem-based foundation in the values, history, methods and functions of public health and prepares them to apply ethical principles and systemic approaches to policies, programs and services. In addition to completing our integrated core curriculum, students must specialize in at least one functional certificate area. They can then add a second functional certificate or a context-related certificate. Certificates are interdisciplinary in nature and enable students to develop expertise in areas of greatest need and interest. 

Executive MPH

The Executive MPH prepares highly motivated mid-career professionals to become the successful public health leaders needed in today’s market. The program builds on educational and work experience while providing an interdisciplinary understanding of the challenges facing populations locally, nationally, and globally. Students are encouraged to think critically and collaborate to develop effective solutions to real-world problems; particularly those affecting the disadvantaged, undeserved, and vulnerable. The program components are tailored to meet the needs of mid-career professionals through individualized curricula and course selection as well as intimate advising within a cohort model. This 42 credit program can be completed in 12 months full-time or on a part-time basis. 

Master of Science (MS)

Applied Biostatistics

Biostatistics is the branch of statistics used in biomedical research, biology and public health. Our work is compelling because it helps to distinguish real patterns from randomness and ultimately leads to sound decisions that promote better health and higher quality of life around the world. Job prospects for biostatisticians are robust and track the projected growth of health care. Our innovative one-year MS program will provide you with comprehensive training in biostatistical methods, real-world experience through rotations and internships, and the opportunity to start building your professional network in Boston and beyond. 

Environmental Health Data Analytics

Environmental exposures are among the leading contributors to health problems globally. But, what should we do about these exposures? How do we prioritize clean-up or protective legislation? How do we make decisions when the science is uncertain? To answer these challenging questions, you need a strong foundation in environmental health sciences and in the analytical approaches used to inform environmental policy decisions, working on real problems and designing meaningful solutions. With this combination of skills, you can work across traditional disciplines and position yourself as an agent of change. Our one-year MS in Environmental Health Data Analytics will give you the tools you need to investigate environmental health problems and propose solutions based on data analyses. 

Epidemiology
Identifying the ways in which such factors affect public health is the central challenge of epidemiology. As epidemiologists, we measure how social, behavioral, environmental, infectious, and genetic factors relate to a wide range of conditions from conception through old age. The answers that we uncover form the basis of policies and interventions that will protect and improve the health of people around the globe. Our one-year MS in Epidemiology will give you all the tools and knowledge you need to drive meaningful change in population health.

Health Services and Systems Research
In our one-year MS in Health Services and Systems Research degree program, you will examine all aspects of the healthcare sector, from individual patient experiences of healthcare delivery to the wider economics of our healthcare systems. You will learn to conduct primary and secondary research on organizational and economic issues, policy implementation, and other factors influencing the delivery of health services. And you will develop advanced skills in qualitative or quantitative research methods as well as the ability to communicate those findings to other researchers, government bodies, public policy makers, and the general public.

Public Health Nutrition

Public health nutrition challenges—such as food insecurity, obesity, and diabetes—are largely preventable, yet they continue to pose significant threats to the health of populations. Highly industrialized, unsustainable food systems and policies are major contributors to these challenges. Our one-year MS in Public Health Nutrition provides you with in-depth training in the research, understanding, and promotion of public health nutrition through individual, community, population, food systems, and policy approaches.

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree program is an interdepartmental offering intended for experienced public health professionals who seek advanced training for leadership positions in public health. The DrPH is the highest professional degree in public health. This practice-oriented degree program will train public health professionals to develop, implement, and evaluate public health programs and policies nationally and internationally.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Services Research
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs provide students with advanced, comprehensive training in a specific discipline. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with senior faculty in rigorous, innovative, and socially engaged research crucial to advancing public health knowledge. Graduates are known for their excellent methodological skills and substantive knowledge; skills that enable students to translate research findings into practical applications. Graduates hold leadership positions in research, teaching, and administration.

Accreditation and Application Process 
BUSPH is accredited by CEPH and also holds the additional CAHME accreditation for our MPH program in Healthcare Management.

We accept applications primarily through SOPHAS but also SOPHAS Express for Graduate Certificates and HAMPCAS for Healthcare Management.