The difference between the MPH and the MS degree is breadth versus depth. MPH students are required to take at least one introductory course in Health Policy, Social Behavior, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics thereby providing them with a broader understanding of the expanse of public health. MS students however take the majority to all of their course work within their department and become well versed in their chosen field. The MS degree is also thought of as a more research based degree when compared to the MPH degree. MS students are required to complete 48 credits plus a major research project to complete the degree, whereas MPH students are required to take 51 credit hours of classes which includes up to 12 credits of internship work instead of a final research project.