If you are wanting to pursue a master of public health (MPH) degree in New Mexico, you have two options: (1) University of New Mexico (UNM) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, or (2) New Mexico State University (NMSU) located in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Both universities have accredited MPH programs. If you are interested in pursuing a dual degree in Latin American Studies or Medicine, then UNM is your best option. NMSU is a better choice if you are seeking a dual MPH and social work degree. NMSU has online course options and has a more flexible course schedule for working professionals.
| University Name | Bachelor’s Degree? | Master’s Degree? | Doctoral Degree? | Certificate Programs? | CEPH Accredited? |
| University of New Mexico, College of Population Health | Bachelor of Science in Population Health | MPH | No | No | Accredited as a public health program |
| New Mexico State, College of Health and Social Services, Department of Public Health Sciences | Bachelor in Public Health, Community Health Education | MPH | No | Yes, Public Health | Accredited as a public health program |
The University of New Mexico, College of Population Health
The University of New Mexico (UNM), College of Public Health offers a Master of Public Health degree. Three concentrations are available: (1) community health, (2) epidemiology, and (3) Health Systems, Services and Policy. A different curriculum policy is applicable to each concentration. Both core and elective courses must be taken.
UNM is known as “New Mexico’s Flagship University” and is located in beautiful Albuquerque, New Mexico. The MPH program began in the Fall of 1994. It was originally housed within the School of Medicine. The program was moved to the College of Population Health in 2017.
The MPH program also allows for dual degrees. Students can study toward a dual MPH and Master of Arts in Latin American Studies or an MPH and Doctor of Medicine. The program also promotes individuality by allowing students to pursue their MPH and an individual degree program of their creation.
Students who are already enrolled in a master’s program at UNM have the option of pursuing a minor in public health. The minor degree plan requires students to take three core and six elective courses.
UNM is a leader in graduate and community-based public health education. Our students and alumni are social justice champions. We are dedicated to diversity, inclusion and unwavering commitment to improving the health of New Mexicans and people around the world.
University of New Mexico, College of Public Health. (n.d.). Master of Public Health. https://hsc.unm.edu/population-health/programs/graduate-programs/masters/.
If you aren’t ready or at the point of entering graduate school, UNM also offers a bachelor of science in population health or a minor in population health.
Accreditation
The UNM MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) as a public health program.
To become accredited, a public health school, program, or standalone baccalaureate degree program must undergo a rigorous evaluation. CEPH accreditation standards establish minimum levels of educational quality and provide assurances that students will be educated in a manner consistent with the best standards in public health education.
To maintain accreditation, schools must complete the re-accreditation process every seven years. [XX] was initially accredited in 1993. It will undergo its next re-accreditation process in 2024.
For more information about the CEPH accreditation process and to understand the importance of accreditation when choosing a public health program, click here.
To learn more about CEPH accreditation and the benefits of attending an accredited program, click here.
New Mexico State University, College of Health and Social Services, Department of Public Health Sciences
Another option for obtaining a Master’s of Public Health degree is the Department of Public Health Sciences at New Mexico State University (NMSU), College of Health and Social Services.
The Department’s mission is to prepare public health practitioners to work in community settings across the state of New Mexico, as well as other areas within the United States. The department is located in the College of Health and Social Services (CHSS) and recognizes its critical role in fulfilling NMSU’s land-grant mission of service and community engagement to improve the health and well-being of the diverse rural, border, and tribal communities around the state.
New Mexico State University, Department of Public Health Sciences. (n.d.). Department of Public Health Sciences. https://publichealth.nmsu.edu/.
New Mexico State University is located in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The University offers an undergraduate degree in community health education (CHE) and a Master in Public Health (MPH).
Students pursuing the MPH degree have a choice of two concentrations: (1) health behavior and promotion (HBHP) or (2) health management, administration, and policy (HMAP). The HBHP option is available on-campus or online. The HMAP concentration is only available in an online format.
The school offers a dual MPH and Master of Social Work (MPH/MSW) degree with a concentration in health behavior and promotion.
These two programs complement each other. Public Health focuses on populations of people and is highly analytical and Social work focuses on individuals, groups, and communities within the social environment. Additionally, both programs emphasize cross-cultural content in classes and have an emphasis on social justice.
New Mexico State University, Department of Health Sciences. (n.d.). Dual MPH/MSW Degree. https://publichealth.nmsu.edu/graduate-programs/dual-mphmsw-degree/.
NMSU accommodates working professionals by flexing to their work schedules. Some courses are offered online, some are offered in a face-to-face on-campus setting. On-campus courses are scheduled during the evening hours, typically starting at 5:00 p.m. Online courses are asynchronous and, thus, will fit any schedule.
NMSU’s Bachelor in Public Health program has existed since the 1970s. This program is aimed at students pursuing a career in community and public health.
NMSU also offers a graduate public health certificate. The certificate program is offered in two formats: online or on-campus. It is a 15-hour program requiring 4 core courses and one elective. Graduate minors in gerontology or US-Mexico Border Health are also available.
Accreditation
The Department of Public Health Sciences at NMSU is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) as a public health program.
To become accredited, a public health school, program, or standalone baccalaureate degree program must undergo a rigorous evaluation. CEPH accreditation standards establish minimum levels of educational quality and provide assurances that students will be educated in a manner consistent with the best standards in public health education.
To maintain accreditation, schools must complete the re-accreditation process every seven years. The Department was initially accredited in 2000. It was more recently awarded accreditation in 2011. It will undergo its next re-accreditation process in 2025.
For more information about the CEPH accreditation process and to understand the importance of accreditation when choosing a public health program, click here.