MPH Academic Curriculum

Curriculum Overview

The Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health (MCAH) program encompasses an epidemiology curriculum designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to conduct quantitative research in MCAH topics. The program provides a broad public health perspective with a particular focus on MCAH epidemiology and leadership skills. UC Berkeley is an accredited school of public health - you may review the schoolwide and MCAH specific competencies on the BPH website

11-Month MPH

The 11-month MPH is designed for public health professionals who already hold an advanced degree (typically health professionals with experience in health services for MCAH populations including—but not limited to—physicians, nurses, dentists, social workers, and psychologists) or are current medical students. Successful applicants typically have had significant responsibility for developing and implementing programs, policies, and/or initiatives addressing MCAH needs. Applicants must be engaged in or demonstrate a commitment to a population-based approach to health and an interest in applying a public health approach to programs, policies, and systems of health care.

The 11-month MPH is an intensive, full-time course of study that runs from July to May. The program requires completion of at least 16-18 units of coursework in the fall and spring semesters. Furthermore, a capstone research project is conducted during the year and presented in the Spring. Please visit the MCAH student handbook to view the 11-month MCAH curriculum and recommended course sequence.4+1 MPH

The 4+1 program is an accelerated Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program offered to UC Berkeley Public Health undergraduate majors and alumni who graduated in 2017 or later and have completed all prerequisites before August of the application year. Please visit the MCAH student handbook to view the 4+1 MCAH curriculum and recommended course sequence.

2-YEAR MPH

The two-year MPH program is designed for students with a Bachelor’s degree who demonstrate excellent leadership potential and have a keen interest in research, including quantitative data collection and analysis. Preference is given to individuals with paid or voluntary experience in MCAH at the local, state, or federal level and to those who are dedicated to the concerns and needs of diverse and underrepresented communities. Students accepted into this program typically have experience conducting MCAH-related research; designing, evaluating, or implementing an MCAH program, policy, or initiative; and/or advocating for MCAH issues.

The 2-year curriculum is a full-time course of study, requiring a minimum of 48 units over four academic semesters, completion of a capstone research project, and an internship. Please visit the MCAH student handbook to view the 2-year MCAH curriculum and recommended course sequence.

3-year MPH/MSW

The 3-year concurrent MPH/MSW program is offered through the School of Public Health and the School of Social Welfare at UC Berkeley.  The concurrent degree program aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote health, prevent disease, and enhance the delivery of health and social services in the community. 

The MSW/MPH Concurrent Degree Program is a full-time program, and students are required to complete a total of at least 90 units over six academic semesters and one intervening summer. Please visit the School of Social Welfare's webpage to learn more about the course sequence and admissions information: https://socialwelfare.berkeley.edu/msw-mph.


Visit the following pages to learn more about our academic curriculum components: