Master of Science in Community Health Sciences


UCLA Fielding School of Public Health

Community Health Sciences

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.

  • 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.

  • Time to Degree

    The MS degree is typically obtained after two years of full-time study (six academic quarters).

  • Department Faculty

    View a list of faculty in the Department of Community Health Sciences.

    Faculty
  • 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.

     

  • 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.

    Cost & Aid
  • 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:
  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

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