Realigning the Master of Public Health (MPH) to Meet the Evolving Needs of the Workforce

Graduate public health education is evolving rapidly as a function of complex and interrelated factors including rising student debt, a changing economy and job market, varied perceptions of the value of higher education, and new educational technologies affecting how courses and programs are delivered. At the same time, employers are seeking more highly trained public health professionals across a broader range of industries including, but not limited to, government, health care, pharmaceutical, consulting, and education. We redesigned the Boston University Master of Public Health (BU MPH) curriculum to provide students with integrated foundational knowledge; specialized skills and training in key areas sought after by employers across industries and functions; and activities to build student’s professional capabilities and confidence. The BU MPH, detailed in this article, provides an illustration of an MPH that is interdisciplinary, flexible, and adaptable to meet the changing needs of the workforce