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:
-
Foundation
-
Core
-
Electives
-
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 emphasise theoretical papers, while others emphasise fieldwork. Internship programs, projects, and field visits are common in the MPH courses.
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 broad field to study, which is why there are many specialisations within it. Diet and nutrition, occupational therapy, and healthcare management are common in MPH courses at colleges in India. The syllabi for these specialisations may vary across universities.
|
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. |
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News & Updates
Feb 22, 2026
Student Forum
Answered 5 days ago
For MPH course of Long Island Uni, GRE score requirement has been suspended. The students can apply to this course online. A few of the documents that are required to MPH course of this university are-
- A Bachelor's degree
- Personal statement
- Two current letters of reference
- the latest resume
- TOEFL score
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
At LIU Brooklyn, MPH is a STEM course. The graduates of this course are hired by the top public health agencies like CDC and NY Board of Public Health, Fortune 500 companies. To apply for MPH course of LIU, students should have a Bachelor's degree.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The total tuition fee of MPH course at NSHM Institute of Health Science, Kolkata is INR 3.1 lakhs. This number can change as it is taken from college's website.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The duration of MPH programme at NSHM Institute of Health Science, Kolkata is two-year. The entire course is divided into four semesters. The candidates applying to this course should have scored at least 50% marks in graduation.
R
Contributor-Level 10
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