Prospective Students The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at Mercer University School of Medicine offers students an opportunity to improve the quality of life for families and communities. As disease patterns and demographic trends change, public health professionals must be responsive to changing environments and recognize the potential effects on the health of communities. Many public health jobs require a graduate degree in public health.  MPH graduates gain a competitive edge and are knowledgeable of the factors that influence local, national and global legislative and social policies.  Mercer's MPH students apply broad-based quantitative and qualitative skills needed for problem solving. MPH students also learn strategies for developing multidisciplinary collaborations for solving health-related problems and students learn to enhance their communication skills by working with diverse populations. The Mercer MPH program is practice-based, teaching  practical skills essential for facing current and future public health challenges. Evening classes can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. The MPH Program’s hands-on learning techniques prepare students for real world experiences. MPH students graduate prepared for rewarding careers in health promotion and are positioned for leadership roles in disease prevention. Mercer MPH Program Strengths: The Master of Public Health Program at Mercer University is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health which is a programmatic accreditation, seperate & above the university's SACS accreditation.   Our faculty is derived from a variety of public health backgrounds. Our diverse faculty includes full-time and adjunct who are practitioners in the field.   The curriculum of the Mercer MPH program uses practical knowledge and is competency based. Students complete a 240 hour internship in addition to a capstone project with an agency.   MPH students may choose electives to broaden any area of public health, and support any academic or professional goals. Elective options include Epidemiology II, Intermediate Biostatistics, Chronic Dieseases, Infectious Disease and Bioterrorism, Maternal and Child Health; in addition to elective options in Rural or Minority Health.   While our program is considered a 2 year program, if taken as prescribed, our degree can be completed within 5 semesters. We also offer a 1 year fast-track program for qualified applicants.   Today is a wonderful time to become a public health professional, as there are many new directions being taken in the field. It is an expanding field with major advancements in health improvement, which helps to keep health costs down, improve the overall health of our populations, and to prevent disease. The demand is growing for public health professionals. Our degree is a practitioner degree and will prepare you to work in the field right after graduation.    The Mercer MPH program is community oriented. As a part of your requirements at Mercer, you will complete 40 hours of community based service in rural or underserved populations.   The Mercer MPH program provides research opportunities for students. Graduate Assistantship positions are available for students to participate in faculty research projects. For more information: MPH Program Brochure Graduate School Preview Day Annual Course Outline (Suggested sequence of courses to complete the program in 2 years) MPH Course Catalog 2011-2012 Contact: MPH Graduate Program Specialist 478-301-5478 or mph@mercer.edu