Master of Science

CephWelcome to the Master of Science in Public Health Sciences, where you can begin your career into meaningful inquiry and expert analysis of challenges facing the public health field. The MS degree is the first step toward a career in research and higher academics, with the goal to grow future research faculty in the field of Public Health.

Specialize in Epidemiology to bring your logic and analysis skills to bear on research opportunities. Through advanced epidemiological studies, gain intensive research, writing and publishing experience, starting the road toward your PhD in Epidemiology.

Focus on Health Behavior Research to achieve insights into the psychological, social and cultural factors that affect human health and health behavior. Develop research that advances policy, improves program planning and delivers improved outcomes.

 

About the Program

Program Purpose. Candidates aspire to be research-focused professors in schools and colleges of public health. The MS degree is the first step in that career pathway. Successful completion of the degree program prepares students for applying to the PhD degree program in Public Health Sciences. The MS program is not a terminal degree. Candidates who do not plan to pursue the PhD immediately after completing master’s degree requirements should apply to the MPH degree program instead.

MS to PhD Pathway. The MS degree is the appropriate pathway for candidates who have completed a bachelor’s degree and not yet studied at the masters level. Students admitted to the MS track are expected to apply to UNTHSC’s PhD program in their second year and progress to the doctoral track immediately following completion of the MS program.

Discovery-Based Paper. MS students will complete significant research, writing, and publishing activities during their 2 years of study at the UNTHSC School of Public Health. The summer semester will be dedicated to developing their paper proposal with a final discovery-based paper completed by May of the second year. The paper will meet journal standards and be submitted for publication.

Full-time. Students take 9 hours each semester. This program carries a heavy research and publication expectation as well as professional development hours. Therefore, employment outside the university is prohibited during classes.

On-campus. Students will complete their courses on-campus at the UNT Health Science Center in Fort Worth, Texas

2 Years. Students complete the program in 5 semesters, including the summer.

Fall entrance. New students begin the program each Fall semester. There are no Spring or Summer start options.

Small class size. Core classes range from 15-30 enrolled. Concentration classes range from 6-12 students.

Cohort Format. Students complete the program in a pre-determined sequence and pace. This is shown to improve student success and completion rates, offer strong networking opportunities between students, and develop quality relationships with program faculty.

SPH Professional Development & IPE programs. Students participate in weekly interlude meetings which consist of additional career and field prep programs. Programs range from alumni panels to networking, coaching, and guest speakers specific to concentration studies. IPE (Interprofessional Education) activities bring students from across university schools together for cross-disciplinary training. Students gain experience in collaborative work with medical professionals in real-life scenarios.

Cost, Scholarship & Financial Aid

Total program tuition and fees cost estimates are available via the Office of Student Finance. Note the available pre-calculated charts by college and degree plan.

Scholarship opportunities are available for cohort applicants. All applications complete and verified in SOPHAS or HAMPCAS by March 15 (priority deadline) will be considered, no additional application is required.   We suggest submitting your application by February 15 to allow time for SOPHAS verification.

Students with outstanding academic achievements may qualify for the Dean, President or Chancellor’s awards of $2,000 or more awarded over the 2 year program. This award may qualify non-resident students for in-state tuition.

UNTHSC has limited GA, RA & TA positions. MPH, MHA & MS students may apply for positions following admission. Work hours are capped at 19 hours a week. Available positions do not carry tuition/fee waivers.

Financial Aid is available to support tuition, fees and living expenses. Average loans taken for UNTHSC School of Public Health students are shared by the Financial Aid office. Loans taken may extend beyond the actual cost of the program to include living expense assistance. Contact Financial Aid for specific questions and counseling.

International students are automatically billed for student insurance coverage. Full insurance details and requirements.

If you have specific questions, please contact the UNT Health Science Center Financial Aid Office via:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

We’re glad you have questions. Graduate school is a big step and requires careful consideration. You’re always welcome to email or call us for answers, but for your convenience, we’ve curated our responses to the most common questions from our applicants. You may view our “Frequently Asked Questions” page by following this link: www.unthsc.edu/school-of-public-health/faq.