M.S. in Public Health
Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
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The MSPH is designed for working professionals, recent graduates, and individuals seeking to advance or transition into public health and population health careers, strengthen leadership and analytical skills, or prepare for doctoral and other advanced professional education. The program is well suited for: • Public health and population health professionals • Healthcare practitioners and professionals • Nurses and allied health professionals • Healthcare administrators and managers • Community health and nonprofit professionals • Government, public health agency, and health policy professionals • Environmental and occupational health professionals • Military personnel and veterans • Professionals seeking a career transition into public health • Recent graduates in Public Health, Biology, Health Sciences, Nursing, Psychology, Sociology, Kinesiology, Environmental Health, Healthcare Administration, and related disciplines Applicants from other academic and professional backgrounds with interests in population health, disease prevention, healthcare delivery, community health, research, policy, leadership, or rural health are also encouraged to explore the program.
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Yes. The MSPH is offered 100% online, primarily in an asynchronous format, providing flexibility for working professionals, recent graduates, and students balancing graduate education with professional and personal responsibilities.
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No. Because the MSPH is offered 100% online, students do not need to live in Texas to enroll. The program is designed to serve students in Texas and beyond, allowing students to complete their graduate education from their home communities while engaging with Tarleton faculty and classmates online. Prospective students residing outside Texas should review any applicable university requirements for online enrollment in their state or location.
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The MSPH is designed to be completed in approximately 18 months to 2 years, depending on course load, course availability, and whether a student selects the 42-credit Capstone Track or 45-credit Thesis Track.
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Yes. The online asynchronous format is designed with working professionals in mind. Students can select an appropriate course load and develop a degree plan that balances graduate study with professional and personal commitments.
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No. Applicants with bachelor's degrees in public health or related disciplines may be considered for admission. Students from healthcare, health sciences, biological and social sciences, environmental health, healthcare administration, and other related academic or professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply, subject to MSPH and College of Graduate Studies admission requirements.
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The Rural Health Emphasis provides specialized preparation for understanding and addressing public health challenges affecting rural communities. Students explore issues related to healthcare access and delivery, population health needs, non-medical drivers of health, health technology, health systems, disease prevention, and community resilience while developing skills applicable across a broad range of public health settings.
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The 42-credit Capstone Track emphasizes applied public health practice and the integration of knowledge and skills to address real-world public health problems. The 45-credit Thesis Track provides a more intensive research experience and may be particularly appropriate for students interested in research, scholarly work, or future doctoral education.
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No. Both tracks lead to the Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) and provide advanced preparation for careers in public health, healthcare, population health, community health, government, nonprofit organizations, and related settings. Neither track restricts graduates to a particular career or educational pathway. Capstone graduates may pursue doctoral or other advanced professional education, and thesis graduates may pursue practice, management, leadership, community health, or other professional careers. Students should select the track that best aligns with their interests, preferred learning experience, and future goals.
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Yes. Eligible MSPH students may access several forms of financial support, including Tarleton's President's Guaranteed Scholarship Program for master's students, institutional and private scholarships, federal financial aid, graduate assistantships, and other funding opportunities. The President's Guaranteed Scholarship currently provides eligible master's students $750 to $3,000 annually, depending on enrollment, and may be renewable for up to four long semesters and two summer semesters. Students should complete Tarleton's General Scholarship Application and, when applicable, the FAFSA to maximize consideration for available assistance. See: https://www.tarleton.edu/scholarships/guaranteed-awards/masters-guaranteed-scholarship/?utm_source
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Graduate assistantship opportunities may be available through academic departments and other university units based on funding, departmental needs, student qualifications, and position availability. Opportunities may include teaching, research, program support, or other university responsibilities. Assistantships are competitive and are not guaranteed with admission to the MSPH.
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Yes. Students may gain experience through faculty-guided research, applied projects, data analysis, community and population health assessment, program evaluation, community engagement, and capstone or thesis work. Opportunities may vary according to student interests, faculty projects, community partnerships, and availability.
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Yes. Online students are encouraged to participate in appropriate student organizations, professional development activities, research, public health events, community engagement, service opportunities, and other university activities. These experiences can help students build professional networks and remain connected with the Tarleton community regardless of where they live.
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Students may explore study abroad, international education, and global health experiences offered through Tarleton when opportunities align with their academic and professional goals. Availability varies, and students should consult the program and appropriate university offices regarding eligibility, costs, scholarships, graduate credit, and applicability toward degree requirements.
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Yes. The MSPH develops transferable graduate-level competencies in data analysis, research, program planning and evaluation, leadership, project management, health communication, policy, population health, and evidence-based decision-making. These skills can support advancement into leadership and specialized roles or help professionals transition into public health and population health careers.
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The MSPH provides a strong foundation for continued doctoral, research, and professional education. Depending on individual goals and the admission requirements of the receiving program, graduates may pursue a DrPH or PhD in Public Health, doctoral study in related health or social sciences, healthcare administration, health informatics, nursing, physician assistant studies, medicine, or other health-professions programs. NOTE: Admission to advanced professional programs is separate from the MSPH and may require additional prerequisite coursework, clinical experience, examinations, licensure, or other requirements.
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Qualified Tarleton undergraduate students especially those in the BSPH program may be eligible to complete selected graduate coursework through the University's Accelerated Graduate Pathway, providing an opportunity to begin progress toward the MSPH before completing their bachelor's degree. Participation is subject to Graduate Studies requirements, undergraduate eligibility requirements, and program approval.
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Prospective students apply through the Tarleton State University College of Graduate Studies. Applicants should review current admission requirements, required application materials, application deadlines, and other graduate admission information before applying.
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The MSPH currently admits new students for the Fall and Spring semesters, providing two entry points each academic year. Summer coursework may be available for continuing students based on course offerings and individual degree plans