Master of Science in Community Health Sciences
UCLA Fielding School of Public Health
The MS in Community Health Sciences is a research-oriented degree emphasizing community or psychosocial public health research. Through coursework, students learn about designing and conducting research in the community, program planning and evaluation, and the fundamentals of biostatistics and epidemiology, as well as learning about topics such as health equity/health disparities, health education and promotion, reproductive and population health, global health, health across the life span, and research methodology.
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Program Requirements
The program requires the completion of a minimum of 60 quarter-credit units.
Course Requirements in Community Health Sciences (48 units)
- Biostat 406: Applied Multivariate Biostatistics
- CHS 210: Community Health Sciences
- CHS 211A, CHS 211B: Program Planning, Research, and Evaluation in Community Health Sciences
- CHS 212: Advanced Social Research Methods in Health (4 units) (or equivalent course approved by instructor of 212)
- PUB HLT 201: Fundamentals of Public Health
- 24 units of electives selected in consultation with advisor
One course of 4 units may be selected from the following:
- CHS 596: Directed Individual Study or Research
- CHS 598: Master’s Thesis Research
School of Public Health Core Requirements (12 units)
- Biostat 100A: Introduction to Biostatistics
- Biostat 100B: Introduction to Biostatistics
- Epidemiology 100: Principles of Epidemiology
Comprehensive Examination or Master’s Thesis
Students choose either to complete a comprehensive examination and in-depth written research report, or a master’s thesis.
1. Comprehensive Examination Option
If the comprehensive examination/report option is selected, a Guidance Committee of three departmental faculty members is appointed. The preparation of a major written research report is required. In addition, the student must pass the department comprehensive exam.
2. Masters Thesis Option
If the thesis option is selected, a thesis committee is established. The committee approves the thesis prospectus before the student files for advancement to candidacy. The thesis must be approved by the thesis committee.
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Time to Degree
The MS degree is typically obtained after two years of full-time study (six academic quarters).
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Department Faculty
View a list of faculty in the Department of Community Health Sciences.
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Career Outcomes
Graduates of the academic programs in the Department of Community Health Sciences generally assume teaching, research, and managerial positions in universities, government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, international health agencies, and research centers.
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Tuition & Fees
For the most up to date fees and more information on fee breakdown, visit the registrar's office.
Please see the cost and aid section of our website for information on awards, scholarships, training opportunities, employment, summer internship funding, and need-based aid. Please note that opportunities listed under 'Summer Internship Funding' are only applicable to MPH students.
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Admissions
Desired Qualifications
In addition to meeting the University’s minimum requirements, prior work experience in community health or health education is strongly considered in the evaluation of applicants for admission.
Admissions Process
Visit the application guide to learn about our admissions process.
Application Guide
Please note:
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This information is intended as an overview, and should be used as a guide only. Requirements, course offerings and other elements may change, and this overview may not list all details of the program.
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Admission requirements listed are departmental requirements, and are in addition to the University's minimum requirements. Many programs receive more applicants than can be admitted, so meeting the minimum requirements for admission does not ensure admission. Every effort is made to ensure minimum admissions requirements are up to date - for the most up-to-date information on the University's minimum requirements, please visit the UCLA Graduate Division.
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Fees are subject to change and should be used as a guide only. For the most up to date fees and more information on fee breakdown, visit the registrar's office.