Johns Hopkins University

Overview

The Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) in Population, Family, and Reproductive Health at Johns Hopkins University equips students to tackle health challenges that affect populations across the life course. With a strong emphasis on quantitative methods, program planning, and practical field experience, the program prepares graduates to make significant contributions to public health.

What you'll study

The curriculum is structured around core courses, specialized coursework, and a supervised field placement. Students will engage in a supervised practicum during the first half of their second year, culminating in an MSPH essay and presentation.

Core and area-focused coursework

• Life Course Perspectives on Health
• Population Change
• Demographic Methods for Public Health
• Epidemiologic Inference
• Epidemiologic Methods
• Statistical Methods in Public Health

Field placement (practicum)

The field placement, lasting 4 to 6 months, allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical public health experiences.

Culminating experience

• MSPH Essay and Presentation (a requirement for all professional MSPH students in the department)

Entry requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum GPA: 3.0 (undergraduate and/or graduate)
• GRE® General Test: recommended or required by the program; minimum scores typically include 150 (verbal), 150 (quantitative), and 4.5 (analytical writing)

English requirements

• TOEFL iBT: minimum 100
• Duolingo English Test: minimum 130

Other requirements

• General biology or biological science course
• Upper-level mathematics course (calculus and statistics recommended)
• Social science course
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts from all universities attended
• Work experience: encouraged but not required for the department’s MSPH or doctoral programs

Career prospects

Graduates of the MSPH in Population, Family, and Reproductive Health can pursue diverse career paths in public health agencies, non-profit organizations, research institutions, and international health organizations. They are well-prepared for roles that involve program planning, policy advocacy, and research focused on improving health outcomes for populations.