Program Director's Message

We are delighted by your interest in the Master of Public Health (MPH) Program at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine (FSM).

The past several years clearly demonstrated the disparate role public health plays in the lives of everyone. Both communicable diseases (e.g., COVID) and non-communicable diseases (e.g., Alzheimer Disease and related dementias, violence, and addiction) reshape society. Information is everywhere, begging for our thoughtful attention. The world desperately needs more people to lead and improve the health of all of us in addition to those who help us one at a time.

The MPH program incorporates substantial flexibility. The degree can be completed in one year for full-time students, or in up to five years for part-time students (e.g., fellows, working professionals). There are specific tracks for students concurrently enrolled in the MD, DPT, or PhD degree programs, or combining the MPH with an undergraduate degree from Northwestern (Accelerated Public Health Program).

All MPH students complete a core curriculum that incorporates foundational knowledge in biostatistics, epidemiology, behavioral science, environmental health science, and health care delivery. All students complete an applied practice experience with a vetted community partner, an experience that has changed careers, passions, and forged relationships.   A culminating experience brings the curriculum and the student’s passion together, and frequently provides the structure for a student-led research project and peer-reviewed publication, particularly valuable for students seeking further graduate or medical training. The MPH program provides the methodological and research-focused rigor befitting one of the US’s highest-ranked Schools of Medicine.

Each of our concentrations (community health research and evaluation, data science, epidemiology, e, generalist, and global health) provides additional depth. You’ll find each concentration incorporates specific courses that deepen your knowledge, providing the competencies needed to achieve your goals. Details are available on the curriculum pages.

The challenges, expectations, and potential benefits of public health are as great as they have ever been. Regardless of where you are on your journey, this program can help you meet your goals. We look forward to learning more about you!

Thank you for visiting our site. Please contact us with any questions, comments or suggestions.

Andrew M Naidech, MD, MSPH
MPH Program Director

Professor of Neurology, Preventive Medicine (Health and Biomedical Informatics), Neurosurgery, Anesthesiology, and Medical Social Sciences