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Published Research Article

An Immediate but Fleeting Interest in MPH Programs After the Onset of COVID-19

October 22, 2024

A new Public Health Reports research article, An Immediate but Fleeting Interest in MPH Programs After the Onset of COVID-19: An Interrupted Time-Series Analysis, explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on interest in Master of Public Health (MPH) programs.

Using data from SOPHAS, the Centralized Application Service for Schools and Programs of Public Health, the report analyzes trends in MPH application rates from 2015-2023 across 31 concentrations, with a focus on epidemiology and applicant diversity.

Key Findings

  • Initial Surge: The onset of the pandemic led to an immediate rise in MPH application rates across all racial and ethnic groups, with notable increases among American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (91%), Hispanic (60%), and Black (42%) applicants.
  • Decline Over Time: This interest was short-lived, with application rates falling significantly during the ongoing pandemic.
  • Non-US Citizen Applications: Application rates for non-US citizens in all MPH concentrations, particularly epidemiology, remained higher throughout the pandemic.

Implications


The findings highlight the urgent need for strategic approaches to maintaining consistent interest in public health education and ensuring a diverse pipeline of MPH students. Innovative outreach and sustained engagement efforts are essential to attract and retain diverse talent in public health.

Access the Full Report


To read the complete analysis and explore the data, download the full report.