The University at Albany School of Public Health is a dynamic and progressive place for students to advance their careers through graduate study. Nationally recognized as an innovative model for public health education, the School of Public Health offers academic and professional training in a broad range of health sciences, based on cutting edge research and practice based experience.  A joint venture of the University at Albany and the New York State Department of Health, the School of Public Health is the first collaborative venture of its kind nationwide, Our students benefit from having access to New York State Department of Health facilities, databases, internships and full-time employment opportunities. Research interests of the faculty touch on pressing national health issues including emerging infectious diseases, minority health, maternal and child health, injury control, environmental and occupational health sciences, global health health and climate, cancer prevention, and the politics and economics attendant on the fast changing health care field.

Our internship program remains the most extensive for practice-based public health education, with students completing 720 hours of internships in diverse areas of public health.  Students gain hands-on experience in community-based and non-governmental organizations, state and local county health departments, private sector businesses, as well as internationally,  The in-depth training results in a well-prepared graduate with a strong advantage in the work force.

Available Degrees by Area of Study

Students may expand their area of study by completing an advanced graduate certificate of study in global health, public health surveillance and preparedness, health disparities, or maternal and child health while enrolled in a full degree program at the School of Public Health. Students completing a certificate may double count up to 9 credits toward elective requirements in the MPH program.

Dual Degree Programs

MPH/MSW
The dual MPH/MSW program is jointly offered by the School of Public health and the School of Social Welfare at the University at Albany.  Students in the program simultaneously obtain the MPH with a concentration in Health Policy and management, and the MSW with a MACRO concentration.  This dual degree provides for a strong specialization in health and social services policy, management, and administration.  The MSW coursework includes generalist and advanced social MACRO practice that prepared students to work in health care and other related settings.  The MPH coursework exposes students to each of the core areas of public health, while providing advanced coursework in policy analysis and the management of health care organizations.  Both programs are fully accredited through the Council on Social Work Education (MSW program) and the Council on Education for Public Health (MPH program).  The total number of credits required in fulfillment of the dual MSW/MPH degree is 91 credits. 

This dual degree is targeted at medical students who are interested in acquiring knowledge and skills in public health. The marriage of medical and public health skills will enable physicians to be better practitioners and leaders in the fields of medicine and public health. The program builds on the relationship between Albany Medical College and the School of Public Health to prepare physicians who have skills to address both clinical and public health problems.  Applicants must be medical students currently enrolled at Albany Medical College. 

Fully Online Programs

MPH in Public Health Practice
Students completing the Master of Public Health in Public Health Practice receive a strong academic foundation in the core disciplines of public health and are prepared to apply new knowledge and skills in the public health field.  This fully online, part-time program provides students with the opportunity to become familiar with the development of theory- and evidence- based public health interventions and the steps of program planning and evaluation.  Students will be qualified to assess public health needs and develop prevention and disease control initiatives, and will understand the uses and principles of evaluation models and methodologies.  Graduates will have developed the skills and attributes associated with effective public health leadership and will be prepared to lead communities toward improved health status.

The MPH requires 9 credits of internship, but applicants may receive a 6 credit waiver based on previous public health experience. A hands-on 3-credit internship experience is required of all students, regardless of previous experience. Students may fulfill this requirement at their current workplace, but must complete a project beyond their normal job function or regular duties.

Applications are accepted in the fall and spring semesters. Students who enroll in two courses per semester can complete the program in 3 years. All course work is completed online; there are no required in-person classes, and there are no residency requirements. Applicants to the online MPH in Public Health Practice must be US citizens or residing in the US for the duration of the program of study.  Students on F1 visas are not eligible to apply. 

Certificate in Public Health Fundamental and Principles
The Certificate in Public Health serves as a first look at public health or to further enhance one’s knowledge and understanding of the field. The certificate is comprised of the six core courses (18 credits) required for the Master of Public Health.  Applications are accepted for fall, spring and summer, and the program may be completed in one year.

Certificate in Global Health Studies
The Certificate in Global Health Studies is designed to equip graduate students, doctoral, and other public health professionals with an in-depth understanding of the complexities and realities of public health, including the interconnectedness of the world, and increased awareness of the spread and impact of health crisis and risks worldwide.  Students of global health will acquire competencies that can be applied in both international and domestic settings, including project management, strategic analysis, and social, cultural, and political awareness.  Applicants must have basic public health knowledge, gained through undergraduate or graduate study, or professional experience.  All of the courses are available online, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Certificate in Public Health Surveillance and Preparedness
The Certificate in Public Health Surveillance and Preparedness offers formal training in public health preparedness with a focus on bioterrorism and infectious diseases. The certificate gives students an understanding of the principles and practices of emergency preparedness including a basis knowledge of Incident Command System (ICS) processes, and prepares students to work productively as a member of an emergency preparedness and response team. All of the courses are available online, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and Fees
$471 per credit or $5,625 per semester of full-time study for New York State residents; $963 per credit or $11,556 per semester of full-time study for out-of-state and international students, plus student fees.  Tuition for non-resident students enrolled in a fully online program is $565 per credit  Visit the Student Financial Center for detailed information on tuition and costs at the University at Albany.

School's History

The School opened in 1985 as a joint venture of the University, the New York State Department of Health, and later Albany Medical College. This arrangement enriches the academic life of the School and benefits our diverse student body.  Many of the faculty at the School have primary appointments at the Department of Health, working on a daily basis administering major health programs for the state of New York, or researching scientific or policy questions of national significance. Case studies discussed in the classroom frequently emerge from a faculty member’s long experience in the field. Students have regular access to these health experts as teachers, mentors and internship advisors. What’s more, students have immediate access through the School to a vast array of internship opportunities, both at the Health Department and at a wide variety of other public and private institutions throughout the world.

Over 480 students from a wide variety of academic, racial, cultural and ethnic backgrounds are enrolled in academic programs at the School of Public Health. We are always seeking to increase the diversity of our student body. Dozens of students, many of whom work full time in professional careers, take courses at the School on a part-time basis.

Our School offers opportunities for research and practical experience that are rich, varied and virtually unlimited in their scope and possibility. New York State and the counties in our region serve as a laboratory for the study of public health problems that affect our nation and our world. New York is a melting pot of ethnic and racial groups from all over the world, so the public health problems of New York reflect the world’s health.