Starting in fall 2026, the School of Public Health will introduce a revamped master’s program designed for greater flexibility and real-world application. This new curriculum aims to equip students with valuable skills that employers are seeking, according to Scott Rivkees, the Associate Director of the Accelerated Master of Public Health Program.
The changes won’t affect current students or those in the online MPH program. The Accelerated MPH for Clinicians will also maintain its existing curriculum.
The updated curriculum is structured around four key components: a core curriculum, methods-based concentrations, electives, and applied practice. Students will complete 12 courses, including hands-on experience through local organizations or a thesis project.
Rivkees noted that the core curriculum will retain six required courses, four of which are unchanged. The two new courses will focus on public health law and communication strategies. He emphasized the need for better communication in public health, a lesson learned during the pandemic.
The program will now offer five concentration tracks, each requiring three core courses, down from previous requirements. This allows students greater freedom to select electives tailored to their interests and career goals. Rivkees stated that this flexibility is one of the unique aspects of Brown University, where students can craft their own learning path.
Karen Andes, director of the Master of Public Health Program, highlighted the significance of having a quarter of the curriculum available for electives, which is uncommon in other programs. Most colleges require students to choose a concentration right away, but Brown allows for a more exploratory approach.
“We’ve been working to enhance curriculum flexibility for a couple of years,” Andes explained. The new focus on methodologies within concentrations is a notable change.
Ateev Mehrotra, chair of the Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, anticipates that adapting the program to student feedback will be the biggest challenge. The program’s announcement coincided with the admissions season, so informing prospective students has become a priority.
Rivkees added that current students played a key role in driving these changes. “Public health is evolving, and so are the skills needed for the workforce,” he said. In recent surveys, 75% of public health professionals expressed the need for a more adaptive curriculum in light of rapid changes in health challenges.
As public health continues to adapt to new demands, this innovative curriculum reflects a commitment to preparing students for the future. You can learn more about these changes on the SPH website.
