Master of Applied Science (MAS) in Spatial Analysis for Public Health
Online | Part-Time | 2–4 years
About the MAS in Spatial Analysis for Public Health Program
The Master of Applied Science in Spatial Analysis for Public Health is a fully online degree program offered by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The curriculum prepares students to effectively collect, map and interpret geographic information to test and refine hypotheses to answer a set of questions within the public health sector.
Location information, now routinely collected with health data and also obtainable from advancing technologies, is providing a gateway for researchers and practitioners to incorporate the power of geography into public health. Maps have become a powerful and popular mechanism for public health research and practice, not only for conveying information and synthesizing data from multiple sources, but for leading to new and novel directions for analyzing and interpreting public health data.
The MAS program in Spatial Analysis for Public Health is a STEM-designated program. STEM programs are focused in science, technology, engineering and math.
MAS in Spatial Analysis for Public Health Program Highlights
Led by renowned experts
Led by renowned experts who are shaping the field through research and application
Online
Online delivery gives flexibility and accessibility to students around the world
COMPETITIVE TUITION
All students enrolled in an online Applied Science Certificate or Master's program are awarded a scholarship
TAKE YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Degree program adds to your current experience to take your career to the next level
Hear From Our Students, Alumni, and Faculty
"The MAS program served as the perfect source of inspiration for me. Despite being a distance learning course, the interaction with faculty and classmates both in asynchronous and synchronous fashion felt as if I was attending the course in person. The modules and assignments were perfectly designed for working professionals with a background knowledge in the area. Thanks to this program, I have found a role that I really love in the health policy space while continuing my work as a clinician part time. Thank you for such an amazing and fruitful experience!"
~MAS graduate, 2023
What Is Spatial Analysis and How is it Different Than GIS?
There are many definitions of spatial analysis; broadly, it is any use or interpretation of geographic information. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a component of spatial analysis, but it is more primarily focused on the mapping software as a tool for integrating, manipulating, and displaying spatial data. This program in Spatial Analysis covers a more encompassing set of skills, introducing and reinforcing the spatial science paradigm – a unifying comprehensive approach that includes components of spatial data, Geographic Information Systems and spatial statistics.
| Spatial Data | Keeping pace with advancing technologies to obtain, collect and create spatial information relevant to a specific application |
| GIS | Mapping software for integrating, manipulating and displaying spatial data, allowing simultaneous visualization of multiple layers of spatial information |
| Spatial Statistics | Tools to go beyond the map. Employing statistical techniques to describe, analyze and interpret layers of mapped data |
What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Spatial Analysis for Public Health?
Spatial analysis is an emerging field, with advancing technologies and evolving applications that are vast and paramount to addressing public health issues. The carefully sequenced courses of the MAS in Spatial Analysis for Public Health meet the increasing demand for this expertise through the comprehensive spatial science paradigm, which brings together components of spatial data, GIS and spatial statistics. Building on foundations in epidemiology and biostatistics, graduates will be able to effectively design and conduct public health-related spatial analysis by applying knowledge and tools learned in the program. Visit the Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.
Applications of spatial analysis are impacting public health both locally and globally. Some examples:
- Characterizing environmental conditions such as traffic, poverty, climate and water quality
- Characterizing accessibility to care, healthy/unhealthy food outlets, and pollution sources
- Providing tools for improved air pollution exposure assessment
- Linking characterizations of the environment to changes in health
- Identifying and evaluating suspected cancer clusters
- Mapping the risk of malaria or other infectious diseases
Sample Careers
- Environmental Health Officer/Specialist
- Geospatial Analyst/Statistician
- Information Management Officer
- Epidemiologist
- Spatial Science Manager
- Geospatial Database Administrator
Hear about Career Impact from Program Alumni
Curriculum for the MAS in Spatial Analysis for Public Health
Browse an overview of the requirements for this master's program in the JHU Academic Catalogue and explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School Course Directory.
50.5
credits
17
required courses
1
culminating project
Admissions Requirements
For the general admissions requirements see our How to Apply page. The specific program also requires:
Prior Coursework
Prior quantitative coursework or alternative evidence of quantitative ability
Standardized Test Scores
Standardized test scores are not required and not reviewed for this program. If you have taken a standardized test such as the GRE, GMAT, or MCAT and want to submit your scores, please note that they will not be used as a metric during the application review. Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all required application components.
Application Specials
Monthly Application Specials!
The application for 2024 program starts has closed. Applications for the August 2025 program start will open in mid-August in SOPHAS and SOPHAS Express.
Please email mas-office@jh.edu prior to submitting your application for further information!
Program Faculty Spotlights
Frank Curriero, PhD, works to develop and advance the use of spatial science methods (spatial data, GIS, spatial statistics) across the broad spectrum of public health
Tuition and Funding
The MAS programs have competitive price points and substantial tuition scholarships. The admission application also serves as your scholarship application. All admitted students are awarded the MAS scholarship.
Contact Us
Questions about the program? We're happy to help.
Request more information or call us at 410-955-3543 to speak with an admissions officer. You can also reach us via email at BSPH.Admissions@jhu.edu.
Elizabeth F. Topper, PhD, MEd, MPH
Research Professor, and Director, Master of Applied Science (MAS) Programs
Frank Curriero, PhD
Professor, and Director, MAS and Certificate programs in Spatial Analysis for Public Health
Tim Shields, MA
Senior Scientist, and Co-Director, MAS and Certificate programs in Spatial Analysis for Public Health
Christina Potter, MBA
Academic Program Manager, Master of Applied Science (MAS) Programs
MAS-Office@jh.edu
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