University of California Berkeley Public Health Degrees
The University of California Berkeley appears in our ranking of the 10 Best MPH Degrees in the West.
The University of California Berkeley offers several public health degree options that are designed to prepare graduates for careers in global health, community health, environmental health, biostatistics, disaster management and more.
The Bachelor of Arts in Public Health is designed for those who wish to advance to graduate studies in the field. Students must complete general education courses as well as specific courses related to public health, including Environmental Health, Human Disease, Healthcare Delivery and Principles of Public Health. Students who are enrolled in the College of Letters and Science must complete lower-division requirements before applying to the College of Public Health.
The Master of Public Health offered at the University of California Berkeley is a practice-based, professional program designed for those who wish to move into leadership positions. The program is available on campus and online. Most concentrations may be completed in two years, although there are some that can be completed in 11 months if the student is currently enrolled in a doctoral program. Concentrations include:
- Biostatistics
- Environmental Health Sciences
- Epidemiology
- Epidemiology/Biostatistics
- Global Health & Environment
- Health & Social Behavior
- Health Policy & Management
- Infectious Disease & Vaccinology
- Interdisciplinary
- Maternal & Child Health
- Public Health Nutrition
The University of California Berkeley offers a Master of Arts in Public Health with a concentration in Biostatistics in conjunction with the College of Letters & Science. The two-year program includes courses such as Biostatistics, Public Health, and Biology. The program prepares students for careers in research as well as positions that use statistics and analysis. Students must successfully pass an oral comprehensive examination to complete the program.
The Master of Science in Public Health is available in four concentrations. Epidemiology is designed for those who wish to enter research into epidemiologic issues. The program requires a minimum of three months of research, a comprehensive oral examination and a master’s thesis. Environmental Health Sciences focuses on risk, exposure assessment, policies, epidemiology, and toxicology. Students must complete either a thesis or an original research project. Global Health and Environment is designed for those who wish to work in developing countries helping to stabilize populations. The program provides instruction in methods for achieving health and reaching a reasonable level of well-being. Students must complete an original research project and may also complete a field placement during their studies.
The Doctor of Public Health is an interdisciplinary degree program designed for those who wish to be research leaders, policymakers and public health practitioners. The program emphasizes the ability to initiate, organize and pursue the investigation of significant problems or interventions in public health. The program can be completed in three or four years. Students may also choose a Doctor of Philosophy program in Public Health which is designed for those who wish to enter teaching or research.
About the University of California Berkeley
After the California Gold Rush brought thousands to the state, it was determined that an institute of higher learning was necessary. In 1868, the College of California in Oakland and the Agricultural Mining and Mechanical Arts merged to form the University of California. Initially, classes were held on the former College of California’s campus in Oakland until a new campus was constructed in Berkeley.
Women were admitted in 1871 and the school moved to the new campus in 1873. Starting in 1893, Phoebe Hearst, the mother of William Randolph Hearst, endowed a number of programs to the University as did Levi Strauss. As part of the land-grant status of the school, male students were required to serve two hours per week in military training for all four years of attendance. An armory existed on campus as well. In 1904, the requirement for service was reduced to two years and, in 1917, the ROTC was established, operating similar to the way it does today.
During the Great Depression and World War II, enrollment dropped significantly and funding was cut to the University. The school remained open due to private donations. During the war, research at the University led to the development of the atomic bomb as plutonium had been discovered by Glenn Seaborg in Room 307 of Gilman Hall on the University campus. The Los Angeles Normal School, whose focus was to educate teachers, merged with the University in 1919 and a statewide university system was established.
Today, there are more than 40,000 students attending the University of California Berkeley. U.S. News & World Report ranks UC Berkeley as the number one public university and the number four global university in the country.
University of California Berkeley Accreditation Details
The University of California Berkeley is accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges. The school has held the accreditation since 1949. Accreditation indicates that the school agrees to voluntary review periodically in order to determine if degrees offered have meaning and quality. The review also determines if graduates obtain skills necessary to achieve career goals, confirms adequate graduation and retention rates as well as determining the university’s sustainability and strategic planning. In addition, programs throughout the school are accredited by the following organizations:
- ABET
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Accreditation Council on Optometric Education
- American Bar Association
- American Psychological Association
- American Society of Landscape Architects
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
- Council on Education for Public Health
- Society of American Foresters
University of California Berkeley Application Requirements
In order to apply for the College of Public Health, applicants must have a 3.0 GPA in the last two years of a bachelor’s program and in all post-bachelor’s work. Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be provided. GRE or GMAT scores are required for admission as well. A statement of purpose, letters of recommendation and current resume must also be provided. There are also work experience requirements for several concentrations as well as the doctorate degree program.
University of California Berkeley Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for the undergraduate public health degree is $5,721 per semester for California residents and $20,217 per semester for non-residents. Tuition for the College of Public Health is $13,950 per semester for California residents and $20,073 per semester for non-residents.
Master’s students may be eligible for need- or merit-based scholarships and fellowships. They may also qualify for student loans. In order to be eligible, they must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Doctoral students may be eligible for Graduate Student Researcher or Graduate Student Instructor grants which cover a fee remission along with a monthly stipend. They may also qualify for a Berkeley Fellowship or Regents Fellowship. In order to be considered, they must apply through the College of Public Health.
The University of Berkeley was born out of a vision to contribute “more than gold” to future generations. The University of California Berkeley is where the brightest minds join to explore, ask questions and improve communities at a local, regional, national and global level.