The Master of Public Health program at Northeastern University equips students with the technical expertise to tackle critical public health issues.
Students have the opportunity to customize their academic journey to align with their interests and choose pathways that fit their schedules.
Throughout the program, they receive guidance from faculty with extensive research, practice, and teaching expertise.
Student experiences embody the core values of the program: hands-on experience, a strong sense of community, and a personalized approach to their studies.
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A Closer Look at Northeastern’s MPH Students
Three Master of Public Health (MPH) students share how Northeastern’s program has equipped them with the tools for success.
Savion Thomas, from North Carolina, discovered through his undergraduate co-op experience that hospital work wasn’t for him.
Still passionate about health sciences, he turned to Northeastern’s PlusOne program which allowed for a smooth transition to graduate studies.
Katherine O’Brien, who also followed the PlusOne track, shares a similar journey. With a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, she valued the continuity of building on her prior work.
“It allows me to expand my skills and knowledge and make a greater impact,” she says. Katherine’s MPH practicum research on leishmaniasis in East Africa ties directly into her capstone, highlighting the interconnectedness of her experiences.
“The faculty here are genuinely eager to mentor and support students,” she adds, noting how this mentorship has been integral to her success.
Meghan Ahluwalia’s path diverged slightly. After earning degrees in Psychology and Spanish from the University of North Carolina, Meghan discovered public health and added it as a minor.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she became a contact tracer and later a bilingual health educator, providing critical support to local health departments.
Eager to deepen her knowledge, Meghan joined Northeastern’s first MPH cohort in Charlotte in 2023, where she has the flexibility to work online while continuing her studies.
How Northeastern Helps MPH Students Make a Difference
1. Co-ops
Real-world, hands-on experiences define Northeastern’s programs, with co-op opportunities standing out as a hallmark of the university’s approach. “I think co-op really helps a lot. I think it puts into perspective what you are doing,” said Savion.
In the Master of Public Health (MPH) program, graduate co-ops provide a more specialized, career-focused experience that aligns directly with students’ professional goals. These opportunities allow students to:
- Engage in higher-level work
- Participate in impactful research projects
- Build stronger networks within their field
Such practical exposure is vital in refining students’ skills, testing theories learned in the classroom, and preparing them for post-graduation careers. It also enables them to learn how to apply their solutions to real-world problems, making them more competitive and confident as they transition into their chosen careers.
2. Life-long Learning Mentality
The sense of community within a program allows students to lean on each other for support, and this is especially true in Northeastern’s MPH program.
What makes it unique is its diversity—students come from all walks of life.
“Our program is such a mix of people, but a lot of them are PlusOne students,” says Meghan. “It’s really awesome to see so many smart, driven individuals who are deeply dedicated to public health.”
Whether you’re pursuing education beyond your undergraduate degree or returning to school for a career switch, the MPH program provides students with the tools they need to succeed.
With a variety of elective courses, students can continue exploring their interests while focusing on their chosen concentration.
Small class sizes also ensure that students receive personalized attention from both faculty and peers, enhancing the overall learning experience.
3. Interdisciplinary Studies
“One thing that stands out to me is how versatile the professors are,” says Savion. “None of the professors I’ve had are like, ‘Oh yeah, I became a teacher because that’s what I wanted to do.’ Instead, they’ll say, ‘Actually, I was a lawyer in DC,’ or ‘I worked as a doctor in clinics in Ohio.’”
For him, having professors with such diverse backgrounds is both inspiring and reassuring—it shows him that there isn’t just one path to success in public health.
This variety in professional experiences also mirrors the diverse career opportunities that MPH graduates can pursue.
The program opens doors to roles in government, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector, often leading to more influential positions and higher salaries.
The flexibility and breadth of the MPH program allow students to forge their own unique paths, just as their professors have done.
4. Practicum Experience
While Northeastern is renowned for its co-op program, the practicum is a key feature of the MPH curriculum. It provides students with a valuable, hands-on internship experience in community-based settings.
The 200-hour practicum allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world environments. These include hospitals, non-profits, and government agencies.
“If you don’t know how to do any research or any epidemiology or any advocacy work, it kind of throws you for the curveball, puts you in a bad spot,” says Savion.
“ But I really like this program, it really hammers on being multidimensional, continuing to be lifelong learners and adding more to your tool kit as you continue to grow and learn.”
By connecting academic theory with professional practice, the practicum helps students develop practical skills. These skills are essential for tackling real-world public health challenges.
5. Flexibility
Tailoring academic interests to align with personal goals is a crucial aspect of the MPH program for many students. It allows them to bridge the gap between what they study, what they research, and their career aspirations.
“I’ve been able to use my practicum to continue my research work, and I’ve also been able to use my elective space to take classes that I know are the most beneficial for my future career,” says Katherine.
With the program’s small cohort size, students benefit from close peer support and access to resources beyond the classroom and campus. These resources form a strong foundation for fostering growth and advancing education.
6. Open Student Feedback
Students play an active role in shaping the MPH program, driven by a passion to enhance their own experiences and those of their peers. This dedication is reflected in open dialogues aimed at advancing the program.
“We all have a lot of passion for what we do. So it definitely comes out when we have some type of conflict or anything like that,” says Meghan. “We’re not afraid to, you know, say what’s on our mind.”
The responsiveness of faculty and staff fosters a sense of community where students feel heard and valued.
7. Faculty
The faculty in the program are dedicated to supporting students and helping them achieve their career readiness goals. They actively mentor students and provide opportunities beyond the classroom.
“The professors are the highlight of the MPH program for me. I’ve always had great experiences with them, and they are incredibly supportive of their students,” says Katherine.
The strong connections between students and faculty enrich the classroom environment, creating a more personal and engaging experience.
Join the Northeastern Public Health Community
All three students bring distinct perspectives but ultimately chose the MPH program at Northeastern University.
Whether it’s the chance to build on their undergraduate research or the smooth progression offered through the PlusOne track, this program provides them with valuable opportunities to advance their expertise and career trajectories.
The program’s small class size fosters a more interconnected learning experience and enables students to build professional relationships with their peers.
The faculty bring diverse backgrounds and experiences, mirroring the real-world scenarios students will encounter. They are passionate about teaching and eager to learn alongside their students.
Whether students are in Boston or Charlotte, NC, they receive exceptional support from the program’s dedicated faculty and staff. They also have opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom and connect with peers in informal, non-academic settings.
Students hesitant about attending Northeastern for the MPH program are “not alone!” says Savion. “Professors genuinely want you to succeed,” he shares. “I’m not used to people asking about my interests or what I do outside the classroom.”
Despite differences in distance or professional goals, students feel a strong sense of connection. The program’s flexible pathways allow them to explore new opportunities and interests. Along the way, they can connect with peers who are engaged in similar work or research.
Having individuals from such diverse backgrounds empowers the University to inspire students to work toward health equity and inclusion. This core value is deeply rooted in both the faculty and the student body.
“I think one of the most important things my time at Northeastern has taught me is the value of incorporating a health equity mindset into any research or public health work,” says Katherine.
“Whatever my future plans may be, I want to ensure that health equity remains a central part of my work.”
If you’re interested in the MPH program and have some additional questions, fill out the “Ready to Learn More?” form.
