Public Health Degrees Offered at University of North Texas Health Science Center
University of North Texas Health Science Center appears in our ranking of the 10 Most Affordable MPH Online Degrees in the West.
The School of Public Health at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) offers graduate degrees that prepare students for work as community educators, governmental leaders, academic researchers, field workers, health professionals, and statisticians among others. All programs feature small class sizes, practical experience, and flexible scheduling options, and there are over 30 faculty members who hold doctoral degrees. Campus-based students are encouraged to participate in service-learning opportunities, research studies, and community projects, adhering to the school’s motto, “Serve others first.” There are three degree options in public health at the UNT Health Science Center consisting of the Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Public Health, and Ph.D. in Public Health Sciences.
The on-campus MPH program requires attendance Monday through Friday, hands-on projects, and guest speakers/panels covering professional development and interprofessional training with students in other programs. Since the MPH requires 48 credit hours and 600 hours of practicum and is completed in 5 semesters, the program is intensive, so outside employment is typically prohibited. Students complete the program as a cohort meaning that the same group follows a specific track of courses together until graduation. The two currently available tracks are Epidemiology which prepares students to study causes of diseases in a population and Maternal & Child Health which teaches students to design programs and educate the public, both locally and worldwide.
In some cases, coursework overlaps as all MPH students complete classes like Introduction to Data Management and Statistical Computing, Introduction to Health Management and Policy, and Environmental Determinants of Health. Classes in the final two semesters vary between tracks and are more specialized. To graduate, all students must pass a comprehensive examination and complete an in-depth project for a community organization. In 2020, the UNT Health Science Center will begin offering an additional MPH track in Public Health Leadership.
While the full-time MPH program is rigorous, the MPH Professional Option is available for individuals currently working in the field. The program can be completed entirely online or as a hybrid between online and on-campus classes. Students with at least 3 years of relevant work experience can waive up to 6 credit hours and only need 42 hours to graduate. There are five start dates per year, and each class lasts eight weeks. Part-time students are encouraged to take one course at a time and typically graduate in 3 years, and this schedule is accelerated for full-time students who can take 2 classes at a time. In 2020, the curriculum will line up with the Public Health Leadership on-campus track.
Another option for graduate study is the Master of Science in Public Health degree (MPH) offered on campus and geared toward students who aim to work in academia or research. Like the MPH, it also requires daily 8-hour attendance on campus Monday through Friday and prohibits other employment. During their two years in the program, students are expected to publish regularly, participate in departmental research, and complete a thesis. The three available concentrations are Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Health Behavior Research which each include 36 credit hours. Students in the latter two concentrations can apply to continue their research and education in the doctoral program.
About the University of North Texas Health Science Center
The UNT Health Science Center is located in Fort Worth, Texas, and opened in 1970 as the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, the only D.O. program in the state. The school became part of North Texas State University in 1975 and then began expanding in the 1990s starting with the DNA Identity Laboratory in 1990. The School of Public Health did not open until 1999. The current population is around 2200 students who are enrolled in a variety of graduate and professional programs. The common thread throughout all programs is a commitment to service. The U.S. News and World Report has ranked UNTHSC’s public health programs among the top 50% in the nation, and their physician assistant program is ranked in the top 20% nationally.
University of North Texas Health Science Center Accreditation Details
The UNT Health Science Center has been continuously accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) since 1995 and is due for its next recertification in 2020. This means that the school has passed a comprehensive review and met all quality standards including in areas like faculty expertise, campus experience, administrative structure, financial responsibility, and student outcomes. While the SACSCOC evaluates the university as a whole, the Council on Education for Public Health has provided accreditation to the degrees offered by the School of Public Health signifying that the programs adequately prepare students to enter the profession.
University of North Texas Health Science Center Application Requirements
Admission to UNTHSC is fairly competitive, so individuals are encouraged to apply early. For admission to any of the master’s programs, students need to apply via the SOPHAS portal and send transcripts from all previous colleges and universities including documentation of a completed bachelor’s degree. In addition, graduate entrance exam scores, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and a complete resume must be submitted. There are no minimum scores or specific undergraduate coursework required for admission. Students can enter the Ph.D. program with either a master’s or bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.25. The application materials are as listed above with the addition of a writing sample.
Tuition and Financial Aid
At the UNT Health Science Center, total tuition and fees for the on-campus MPH program are $14,500 for in-state students and $38,500 for non-residents which are the same costs for students in the 42-hour online version. For the 48-hour online program, rates rise to $16,000 and $39,000, while the MSPH track is less expensive at $10,950 and $28,750 for Texas residents and non-residents respectively. Students accepted into the Ph.D. program have their tuition and fees waived and also receive a living stipend. Full funding is also available for extremely qualified MPH students. The University of North Texas Health Science Center has a variety of scholarships available for students, both at the departmental and university levels as well as part-time teaching and graduate assistant positions.