By Annette Pinder 

Public health touches nearly every aspect of our lives, from preventing disease and addressing health disparities to improving access to care and building healthier communities. Daemen University’s newly revised Master of Public Health (MPH) program prepares professionals to meet these challenges through a flexible, practical, and student-focused approach. 

The program requires 33 credits and can be completed in as little as 12 months, though students can customize their schedules and progress at their own pace. No specific undergraduate major or prerequisite coursework is required, making the program accessible to individuals across many academic and professional backgrounds.  

Flexibility expanded significantly in 2026 with the approval of a HyFlex format. Students can attend classes on campus or participate remotely via Zoom, making the program accessible to students regardless of where they live. Classes begin no earlier than 4:30 p.m. to accommodate working professionals, and students may enter the program in either fall or spring. 

“Our goal is to make graduate public health education accessible while preparing students to understand the many factors that shape the health of individuals and communities,” says Lisa Rafalson, PhD, Founding Dean of Daemen’s College of Health, Human Sciences, and Business. “That means looking beyond disease to understand cultural and socioeconomic differences, health equity, social justice, policy, and the barriers that can prevent people and communities from achieving better health.” 

The curriculum covers the five core domains of public health and integrates classroom learning with hands-on experience. Students complete a practicum and a capstone research project, developing skills they can apply directly in the workplace. Practicum placements have included Horizon Health, Endeavor Health, PUSH Buffalo, HEALTHeLINK, Catholic Medical Partners, and other community organizations. Graduates now work at organizations such as the Erie County Department of Health and Evergreen Health, as well as on hospital-based research teams.  

Opportunities also extend beyond Western New York. Daemen students have participated in international public health experiences and partnerships in the Philippines, Uganda, the Dominican Republic, and Portugal, addressing issues ranging from water sanitation and environmental health to HIV, vaccination, and disease-data research. 

Current MSW/MPH student Sarah Goehle is applying her education at UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. A co-author of research on trauma patients, Goehle has helped examine connections among social determinants of health, unmet social needs, and intimate partner violence—illustrating how public health research can directly influence patient care. 

Career opportunities include health program management, community outreach, health data analysis, research, hospital settings, managed care, government health departments, academic institutions, and global health organizations. 

Cost is another advantage. Eligible graduate students can receive a 30% tuition scholarship, which further reduces the cost of the streamlined 33-credit program. Daemen’s Fall Open House is Saturday, October 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a virtual MPH information event on November 12. For students seeking a career that makes a difference, Daemen’s MPH offers flexibility, affordability, real-world experience, and a commitment to building healthier communities—both at home and around the world. Learn more about the program at https://www.daemen.edu/academics/college-health-human-sciences-business/health-promotion/master-public-health-mph.