A Master of Public Health degree is now available from the School of Health Professions at St. Bonaventure University. The new graduate-level program prepares students for rewarding careers in the rapidly expanding public health field.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic raised the global awareness of the importance of efforts to ensure public health and safety, and the demand for skilled public health professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15 percent growth in healthcare jobs in the 10-year period ending in 2029, resulting in the creation of approximately 2.4 million new healthcare jobs.

 

St. Bonaventure’s MPH program provides students with the opportunity to explore the history and principles of public health, international health, public health leadership, health promotion, marketing, diverse populations, environmental health and health policy within a rigorous curriculum.

 

The new MPH program takes advantage of the unique characteristics associated with St. Bonaventure’s rural campus setting, its Franciscan heritage, and its mission to serve the needs of all citizens, particularly those on the margins of society.

 

“As a small, private, Catholic institution in Western New York’s Southern Tier, we offer students the opportunity to earn the MPH in a program that focuses on the specific health concerns of those living in rural environments,” said Dr. Claire Watson, assistant professor and program director. “These lessons are highly adaptable and will serve our graduates well wherever they choose to work, throughout the country or globally.”  

 

Courses are delivered through classroom-based and online instruction. Students also complete public health internship hours coordinated by the School of Health Professions.

 

Students who complete the program will be prepared to succeed and lead in a public health environment, from providing health education and working to improve health outcomes to advocating for healthcare policy and monitoring disease. Public health professionals perform a wide variety of functions that have large and lasting impacts on entire populations.

 

To be eligible for the program, students must have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a Bachelor of Science degree program, as well as completed courses in biology, statistics, sociology and psychology.

 

The Master of Public Health is one of three graduate programs offered by St. Bonaventure’s School of Health Professions. Other graduate degree offerings include the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy.

 

Four undergraduate School of Health Professions programs are available as well: RN to B.S. in Nursing; Dual Degree in Nursing, in conjunction with Jamestown Community College; Bachelor of Science in Public Health; Bachelor of Science in Health Science. The bachelor’s degree programs in public health and health science are perfect first steps for someone interested in acquiring the MPH degree.

 

Applications for the Master of Public Health program, expected to start in fall semester of 2022, are now being accepted. To learn more about the program or to apply, visit www.sbu.edu/mph.

 

 

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure University is a community committed to transforming the lives of our students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a lifelong commitment to service and citizenship. In 2020, St. Bonaventure was named the #2 regional university value in New York and #3 in the North by U.S. News and World Report.