Public Health Degree Programs at Pitt
The University of Pittsburgh appears in our ranking of the 10 Best MPH Degrees in the Northeast.
The field of public health is expected to grow significantly over the next decade as the healthcare industry undergoes many changes. The University of Pittsburgh offers several degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate levels that prepare individuals for careers in public health.
Master of Public Health
The University of Pittsburgh offers a Master of Public Health program with seven concentrations. Students can choose to concentrate their studies in areas such as:
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences
- Environmental and Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Policy and Management
- Human Genetics
- Infectious Disease Pathogenesis, Eradication and Laboratory Practice
- Infectious Disease Management, Intervention and Community Practice
Students may also choose a multidisciplinary Master of Public Health. In all concentrations, students are provided an understanding of health promotion for communities, strategies and social-behavioral concepts that are designed to assess the health status of populations as well as steps to promote healthy behaviors in multiple populations.
Master of Science in Biostatistics
The Master of Science in Biostatistics prepares students for research in academia or industry. It is designed for those with a background in calculus and a strong interest in public health. Students gain an understanding of statistical theory and methods, allowing them to collaborate in interdisciplinary areas using statistical data. Students may concentrate their studies in Health Data Science or Statistical and Computational Genetics.
Master of Science in Epidemiology
The Master of Science in Epidemiology provides concentrated training in epidemiological concepts. The program includes a blend of courses in biostatistics and epidemiology. Students are able to select from a wide range of concentrations that may include Aging, Cancer, Clinical Trials, Global Health, Lifestyle Intervention, and Women’s Health. In addition, students may add a graduate certificate in areas such as LGBT health and wellness or health systems leadership to further personalize their degree program.
Ph.D. in Biostatistics
The Ph.D. in Biostatistics is designed for those with a background in mathematics and a strong interest in both biology and public health. The program emphasizes statistical theory and methods, preparing students to be effective statistical collaborators. Students are also able to design and execute studies while also developing biostatistics methodology. Students are able to demonstrate mastery of advanced statistical theory and applications while communicating the results of biostatistical analysis.
About the University of Pittsburgh
Founded in 1787 as the Pittsburgh Academy, the first classes were held in a log cabin on what was then the wild American frontier. As the town of Pittsburgh grew, it became evident that there was a need for an institution with the full powers of a university. In 1819, the Pittsburgh Academy was re-chartered by the Pennsylvania legislature as the Western University of Pittsburgh.
In 1830, a new building for the school was constructed on Third Street in downtown Pittsburg but the Great Fire of 1845 destroyed that building along with 900 others. Classes were moved to the basement of a local church until a new building could be constructed. However, the second building was also destroyed by fire in 1849, again suspending classes and destroying records. A third building was constructed downtown and classes resumed in 1854.
Fire continued to play a role in the history of the Western University of Pittsburgh when, in 1882, the Allegheny County Courthouse was destroyed by fire. The University made the decision to sell its downtown property and move to Allegheny City which is now known as Pittsburgh’s North Side. The name of the school changed to the University of Pittsburgh in 1908.
Today, there are over 34,000 students attending the University of Pittsburgh. The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings named the University rank the school highly while Kiplinger’s Personal Finance ranked the school one of the top 100 best value public colleges in the country.
University of Pittsburgh Accreditation Details
The University of Pittsburgh is accredited by the Middle States Commission. Accreditation indicates that the school has the resources to meet its stated goals and objectives. In addition to regional accreditation, programs throughout the school are accredited by the following organizations:
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
- Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
- Accrediting Commission on Education for Health Services Administration
- American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business, Accreditation Council
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Bar Association
- American Board of Medical Genetics
- American Chemical Society
- American Council on Pharmaceutical Education
- American Dental Association
- American Dietetic Association
- American Library Association
- American Nurses Association
- American Occupational Therapy Association
- American Physical Therapy Association
- American Psychological Association
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
- Council on Education for Public Health
- Council on Rehabilitation Education
- Council on Social Work Education
- Liaison Committee on Medical Education
- National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
- National Association of Schools of Theater
- National Athletic Trainers Association
- National League for Nursing
University of Pittsburgh Application Requirements
Applicants for master’s programs in public health at the University of Pittsburgh must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Applicants must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended as well as official GRE scores. They must provide three letters of recommendation, a resume and a statement of intent.
Applicants to the doctoral programs in public health must hold a master’s degree or higher to apply. All applicants must have completed Intermediate They must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended as well as official GRE scores. Three letters of recommendation, a statement of intent and a current resume are also required.
The University of Pittsburgh Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for graduate programs is $947 per credit hour. All students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify. Many University of Pittsburgh graduate students receive some type of financial aid int eh form of student loans, full or partial scholarships, fellowships, student hourly jobs, and assistantships. More than $5 million in aid is provided annually. The University provides full financial aid for approximately 55 Ph.D. students per year and the most common type of assistance is as a graduate student researcher. These students are expected to work on one of the many funded research projects maintained by the Department or their collaborators in other departments. Currently, the stipend is $2,025 per month, which includes a tuition waiver and medical benefits. There are also a limited number of Teacher Assistant positions available for graduate students with a stipend of $2238.75 per month and a tuition waiver.
From research achievements to the quality of its academic programs, the University of Pittsburgh ranks among the best in higher education.