MPH Syllabus & Subjects 2025: Download Semester-wise PDF, Important Books

Parul ThapaAssistant Manager
Master of Public Health is a two-year full-time PG course. The syllabus focuses on areas related to public health and is a combination of of lectures, field visits and internships. Students also get to participate in national and international seminars on public health.
If you want to make a difference in public health, opt for this course. Upon completion, your MPH degree will open a wide range of opportunities at home and abroad.
About MPH Syllabus
Master of Public Health is a two-year programme, and the syllabus is covered in four semesters. The MPH syllabus is divided into four parts:
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Foundation
-
Core
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Electives
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Research Projects
The Master of Public Health syllabus depends on the specialisations offered. Each college has its structure. Students can check all the course details before enrolling for MPH programme. The first three semesters in PHFI include tutorials, practicals, and classroom teaching. The fourth semester consists of an internship and project work. Students also gain practical training by working with public health professionals.
List of Subjects in Master of Public Health
Here is a list of courses that are a part of MPH programme.
Typical Core Subjects for Master of Public Health
|
Subject Title |
Subject Details |
|---|---|
|
Basic Epidemiology |
Sound knowledge of basic epidemiology is important in public health practice. Students can use epidemiological methods to measure disease burden. They can design an appropriate study for any given scenario.
Some topics covered in the syllabus include:
|
|
Biostatistics |
In this course, students learn about the key biostatistical concepts. Students can use these concepts to analyse, interpret and present public health data. Statistical software is also taught as a part of the course.
Some key concepts include:
|
|
Health Management Principles and Practices |
After this course, students will understand how different healthcare systems work in India. They will have a clear understanding of the public healthcare system in India. Students will be able to implement public healthcare programs and monitor them.
The course syllabus includes topics like:
|
|
Public Health Surveillance |
This topic covers India's public health surveillance system. Students will understand the system's nuances to strengthen it in the future.
Few topics covered in this course include:
|
|
Basic Microbiology |
Basic microbiology helps students understand the evolution of infection. This will help them create an effective solution to combat infections.
Topics covered include:
|
Typical Elective Subjects for Master of Public Health
|
Subject Title |
Subject Details |
|---|---|
|
Health Economics |
This subject is a mix of economics and epidemiology. It will help you to understand the importance of economics in public health. It is important in developing countries with limited health resources. |
|
Environmental and Occupational Health |
This elective deals with environmental and occupational hazards. You will understand the health risks in different occupations and environmental conditions. It covers safety plans to avoid exposure to pollutants, toxins, and physical hazards. |
|
Advanced Epidemiology |
The methods taught in this topic allow students to impact disease control better. They can make accurate predictions and prevent the spread. |
|
Communicable Diseases |
Students learn about different communicable diseases on a global scale. They also learn about different policies and practices across countries. This knowledge will help students understand how foreign governments are tackling the disease. |
|
Non - Communicable Diseases |
Chronic and non-communicable diseases are now a major reason for human deaths. Students learn about preventive measures, lifestyle changes, and disease management in this topic. |
Detailed Syllabus for Master of Public Health
The Master of Public Health syllabus differs from one college to another. But, the topics covered under the syllabus are more or less the same. Some colleges focus on theoretical papers, while others opt for fieldwork. Internship programs, projects, and field visits are common for MPH.
Here is a detailed overview of the syllabus -
|
Semester |
Subject Title |
Subject Details |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
|
In the first semester, students learn the basic elements of public health. They learn about government policies and principles for public health programs and foreign public health programs. |
|
2 |
|
In the second semester, students learn about economics in public health. This is important in situations where public health resources are not sufficient. Students also learn about financial planning and budgeting, which is useful in resource planning, distribution, and execution of health programs. |
|
3 |
|
The third semester covers the need for continuous healthcare. Students learn about the RMNCH+A programme, which is an inclusive programme. It is aimed at providing healthcare from reproduction to adolescence. Students also learn about different public health programs and how to evaluate them. |
|
4 |
Epidemiology
Health System Management
Health programme - Policy and Planning
|
In the fourth semester, students learn about their chosen electives. They are taught in detail about the subjects they have chosen to specialise in. Students also need to finish their internship and submit their dissertation. |
Specialisations Offered in Master of Public Health
Public health is a vast topic, and many different elements influence it. Students can specialise in their area of interest to make a difference. Diet and nutrition, occupational therapy, and healthcare management are popular choices. Here are some specialisations for MPH students in Indian universities. The syllabi for these specialisations differ depending on the university.
|
Specialisation |
Specialisation Subjects |
Subject Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Public Health |
|
You will study different factors affecting public health. You will also learn about healthcare administration, implementation, data collection, analysis, and presentation. |
|
Hospital/Healthcare Management |
|
You will learn about the different policies and regulations in healthcare, healthcare economics, administration, and effective methods for disease control and management. |
|
Healthcare and Hospital |
|
You will learn about hospital administration, legal policies, QA, and hospital organisation. |
|
Occupational Therapy |
|
This is a study of rehabilitative medicine used for patients with cognitive and physical issues. It helps them to regain their lost life skills. |
|
Public Health and Management |
|
Students are taught how public health is affected by community change. You will also learn about disease transmission and control and financial planning. |
|
Dietetics and Nutrition |
|
The role of proper nutrition in improving public health is taught. |
Popular Books to Refer in MPH Programme
Master of Public Health students should strive to expand their knowledge by reading. This practice will help get a better understanding of the public health system. Reading different books on the same topic will give you a different perspective. You should also look for research papers and foreign publications to stay ahead in the game.
Here are some books recommendations for MPH students:
|
Subject |
Book Title |
Authors |
Description of Book |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Public Health Management |
Public Health Management - Principles and Practices |
Sunder Lal Vikas |
Covers all topics of Public Health Management. |
|
Public Health |
Public Health - An Introduction to the Science and Practise of Population Health |
James M Shultz Lisa M Sullivan Sandro Galea |
This book discusses the core values of health equity, disease prevention, community engagement, population health methods, and health promotion. |
|
Community Medicine |
Textbook of Community Medicine |
AM Kadri |
This book uses case studies to explain community health issues. It also presents recent data to decipher global and Indian health issues. |
|
Public Health |
A Short Book of Public Health |
VK Muthu |
The book covers drug resistance, new vaccines and emerging diseases. |
FAQs on MPH Syllabus:
Q: Which subject is best for a Master of Public Health?
A: There are many different core subjects and electives that you can learn in MPH. Popular topics include Epidemiology, Research Methods, and Infectious Diseases. All the topics in this syllabus are good, so you should choose the subject that interests you.
Q: How many subjects are there in Master of Public Health?
A: The number of MPH subjects varies from one institution to another. Most institutions offer around seven core subjects and electives.
Q: How many semesters are there in Master of Public Health?
A: The MPH course is divided into four semesters. The first two semesters are for core subjects, while the last two are for electives, internships, and dissertations.
Q: Can I choose electives for Master of Public Health?
A: Yes. You can choose your electives in the course. The electives are usually taught in the third semester.
Q: How many core subjects will I learn in Master of Public Health?
A: You will learn around seven core subjects in your MPH course. The core subjects offered by most institutions are:
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Basic Epidemiology
-
Biostatistics
-
Health Management
-
Basic Microbiology
Q: Why should I learn economics in Master of Public Health?
A: Economics and financial planning are important for MPH. These subjects will allow you to understand resource allocation better. Financial planning is important for the success of public health programmes. These topics teach the fundamentals for better implementation of the programmes.
Q: Where can I do my internship for MPH?
A: You can do your MPH internship at any government health institution or an NGO. You can also work with any private institution running a public health programme. The main aim of the internship is to gain confidence and understand how the system works.
Q: Will the institute help me to secure an internship?
A: Yes. The faculty members in your institute will guide you to secure an internship. But after that, it is up to you to take the opportunity forward.
Q: Why are field trips necessary in Master of Public Health?
A: Field trips give students a dose of reality. Some institutions conduct field trips every semester. Students get practical experience of their theoretical knowledge on such trips.
Q: Are diet and nutrition a topic in the syllabus?
A: Yes. As the community’s diet and nutrition affect their health, this topic is included in the syllabus.
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News & Updates
Student Forum
Answered 2 months ago
The University of Southern Miss MPH course admission requirements include:
A 2.7 Undergraduate GPA
Three recommendation letters
Statement of Purpose
Additionally, an English language proficiency score has to be submitted by the international applicants: TOEFL (iBT) with 71, IELTS with 6.0 score, PTE w
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, the MPH degree of USM Mississippi is accredited by the Council of Education for Public Health (CEPH). This course provides students with academic skills, practical experience and multi-disciplinary study that will allow them to meet 21st-century public health challenges. Furthermore, all the MP
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, there are about 100+ MPH colleges in India. Some of them are mentioned below along with their tuition fees:
Top MPH Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
JIPMER Puducherry | INR 2,400 |
M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences | INR 3,68 lakh |
AIIMS Jodhpur | INR 4,050 |
AIIMS Raipur | INR 11,710 |
K.S. Hegde Medical Academy | INR 2 lakh |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website/ counselling body and may vary.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, Padmashree Group of Institutions offers two-year MPH programme divided into four semesters. Candidates who have passed a bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum aggregate of 50% (45% for reserved categories) are eligible to apply for MPH programme. The selection for this course is me
N
Guide-Level 15
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What GPA is required for the University of Southern Mississippi MPH course?