

The Mental Health concentration within the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding, preventing, and treating mental disorders through a public health lens. This intensive 9-month, full-time program is designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to address mental health challenges in diverse populations. The curriculum blends epidemiology, health services research, and behavioral sciences, giving students the tools to analyze mental health systems, assess community needs, and implement evidence-based interventions. A strong emphasis is placed on both local and global mental health issues, preparing students to contribute meaningfully in academic, clinical, and policy settings.
Students enrolled in this program benefit from the expertise of faculty who are leaders in the fields of psychiatric epidemiology, prevention science, and mental health policy. The program offers hands-on opportunities through applied projects and research collaborations, empowering students to engage directly with mental health data and real-world public health initiatives. With its rigorous yet practical approach, the program is ideal for those aiming to improve mental health outcomes at the population level, whether through clinical systems, public health departments, or international health organizations.
Semester 1 – Foundations of Public Mental Health
• Principles of Mental Health Epidemiology
• Introduction to Public Health Policy
• Behavioral and Social Aspects of Mental Health
• Research Methods in Mental Health
Semester 2 – Applications and Advanced Topics
• Mental Health Services and Systems
• Global Perspectives in Mental Health
• Program Planning and Evaluation
• Capstone Project in Mental Health
Graduates of this program are well-prepared to enter a variety of roles in public health agencies, mental health organizations, academic research centers, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Typical career paths include program analysts, public health advisors, research coordinators, and policy specialists focused on mental health services. Many alumni work in government sectors, such as the CDC or state departments of health, or continue their training in doctoral programs or medical education. The program’s strong methodological training, combined with its focus on mental health, makes it especially valuable for those looking to shape mental health systems and influence mental health policy on both national and international levels.
This program offers a rare opportunity to explore mental health from a population-based, interdisciplinary perspective, rather than a solely clinical one. The 9-month structure is both efficient and comprehensive, allowing students to gain high-impact skills in a short timeframe. Students benefit from studying at one of the world’s leading schools of public health, with access to cutting-edge research, policy engagement, and community-based practice. The combination of theoretical knowledge and applied learning ensures that graduates are not only well-informed but also ready to contribute solutions to real-world mental health challenges. Whether you're seeking to enhance your existing healthcare career or pivot into mental health policy, this program offers the strategic depth and academic credibility to support your goals.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 410 516 8000
Email: admissions@jhu.edu
Address: Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA