Program Requirements
Pathways to Success in the UBC MPH
The MPH program is a 2-year, full-time non-thesis degree which includes a capstone project and a practicum. Considering the curriculum below, the program is not intended for students who are working full-time. There are also program requirements such as professional development and related seminars which first-year students are expected to attend.
The UBC Master of Public Health degree integrates learning in:
You’ll find that the MPH curriculum paves the way to a diversity of career paths.
MPH Curriculum Change
On May 14, 2025, UBC Senate approved a new 48-credit MPH curriculum that takes effect September 1, 2026. All new students joining the MPH program in September 2026 will follow this curriculum and must complete its requirements: 30 credits of required courses (covering 8 themes), a 6-credit practicum, a 3-credit capstone course, and 9 credits of electives. Students admitted in 2025 can choose between the old and new curricula but must fulfill all requirements of their chosen program..
MPH Curriculum (48 credits)
The new MPH curriculum will begin on September 1, 2026. Students admitted in 2025 are recommended to follow this curriculum if they plan to complete their MPH program after September 1, 2026.
Program Requirements
Students starting in September 2026 must complete 48 credits to graduate.
The 48 credits are distributed as follows:
- 30 credits of required courses covering 8 program themes
- 6 credit practicum
- 3 credit capstone project course
- 9 credits of electives
This curriculum will equip graduates with the depth and breadth of competencies now required to be at the cutting edge of public health.
- As we reduce the rates of many other chronic and infectious diseases
- As we fight the climate crisis, the opioid crisis, housing unaffordability, and poverty
- As we contribute to movements to advance equality like Truth & Reconciliation and Black Lives Matter
- And so much more
MPH Curriculum Requirements (48-credits)
| Core Themes and Components | Courses | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Colonization & Public Health (3 credits) | SPPH 536 Aboriginal People & Public Health: Ethics, Policy and Practice | Recommended in Year 1 |
| 2. Statistics for Public Health Practice (6 credits; two mandatory courses) | SPPH 521 Statistics for Health Research AND SPPH 500 Analytical Methods in Epidemiological Research | Both courses are required in Year 1 |
| 3. Epidemiological Methods (6 credits; two mandatory) | SPPH 502 Epidemiological Methods 1 AND SPPH 503 Epidemiological Methods 2 | Both courses are required in Year 1 |
| 4. Qualitative Data for Public Health Practice (3 credits; choose one) | SPPH 581H Qualitative Research for Public Health Practice | Recommended in Year 1 |
| 5. Social Determinants of Health (3 credits) | SPPH 527 Social Determinants of Health | The course is required in Year 1 |
| 6. Policy (3 credits; choose one) | SPPH 542 Canadian Health Care Policy OR SPPH 581Y Population Health Policy | |
| 7. Economics and Evaluation (3 credits; choose one) | SPPH 546 Intro to Health Economics OR SPPH 547 Health Care Priority Setting OR SPPH 540 Program Planning & Evaluation OR SPPH 541 Economic Evaluation | |
| 8. Knowledge Translation (3 credits, choose one) | SPPH 548 Knowledge to Action in Population Health OR SPPH 552 Risk & Communication in Public Health | |
| MPH Practicum (6 credits) | SPPH 508 MPH Practicum | Full- or part-time |
| MPH Capstone Project (3 credits) | SPPH 590 MPH Capstone | Can only be taken after completing all core courses |
| Electives (9 credits) | Any courses that align with the program requirements. | Non-SPPH courses require approval from the Program Director. |
See a list of courses to review options for electives here.