Master of Public Health (MPH)

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Virtual Information Sessions

Learn more about our Master of Public Health program in one of these virtual information sessions. There will be a brief presentation followed by a question and answer session. Attendees will receive an application fee waiver.

 Master of Public Health 

Western Michigan University’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program offers students the interdisciplinary public health knowledge and expertise needed to develop and lead efforts to improve health.

The MPH program offers broad exposure to social, cultural, physical, political as well as economic aspects of health. The curriculum provides an understanding of public health core competencies such as program planning, grant writing, health communication, education, research methods, and data analysis. Upon graduation, attained skills and a public health perspective can be applied to the professional field, or utilized to chart a new path in the field of public health.

Applications and Format

One Program, Two Formats

You can now choose to complete the entire program online or attend in person (with the flexibility of making the choice to attend virtually if something comes up that weekend). The Master of Public Health program offers two format options designed for working professionals - HyFlex or Fully Online.

  • If you enroll in the HyFlex option, for the two required weekend meetings each semester, you can choose to meet with the group in-person at our downtown Grand Rapids location or attend online (synchronously). You will complete the rest of the coursework online (asynchronously). You will pay WMU's in-state or out-of-state tuition rates depending on where you live.

  • If you enroll in the Fully Online option, you will always join your classmates and instructor online (synchronously) for the two required weekend meetings each semester. You will complete the rest of the coursework online (asynchronously). You will pay WMU's online tuition rate with this option.

  • Weekend meetings take place on Friday night and then all day Saturday. You can attend the weekend meetings in person at our Downtown Grand Rapids location or join the classes synchronously online.

Note: You must select a format (Hyflex/Grand Rapids or Fully Online) on your application to the MPH program. Your tuition rate is based on the format you choose. WMU's online tuition rate is lower than the out-of-state rate, so the fully online option may be less costly for out-of-state students.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

The Master of Public Health program applications are accepted on a rolling basis, though applicants are encouraged to submit a completed application in the spring prior to the start date of the program to assure full consideration.  

APPLY TODAY   REQUIREMENTS

Course Schedule Sample

2023 COHORT SCHEDULE

More about the program

  • Tuition

    Tuition at WMU is set by the Board of Trustees and is due the first day of the semester.

  • Curriculum

    The 42 credit-hour program is delivered across 28 months in a hyflex or fully online format.

  • Questions

    Contact us for more info or to set up an appointment to discuss the program.

Our Students

Our Current Students

These videos were created in one of our MPH courses in collaboration with the Michigan Poison and Drug Information Center and showcased during a college-wide Health Literacy Day event.

Our Alumni Spotlight

Chad Atwood WMU MPH class of 2018 is an emergency management specialist with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and in 2023 he was chosen as one of only 40 candidates for the FEMA future leaders program. 

 

Job outlook

What do individuals with an MPH do?

  • Make decisions based upon scientifically sound evidence from well-constructed research
  • Apply skills in the generation, analysis and interpretation of health data
  • Develop studies for local and state public health organization, not-for-profit organizations and the corporate sector
  • Promote public health in terms of physical, mental and social well-being
  • Interact with communities in addressing diverse health issues
  • Implement and evaluate public health programs

How much can an individual with an MPH earn?

The starting average salary is $68,000, but that absolutely depends on the type of job and on the agency where the job is located.

Where do individuals with an MPH work?

Western Michigan University's MPH degree doesn't necessarily qualify you for any particular job. However, WMU's MPH degree does guarantee that you will bring a diverse, public health perspective to any traditional health care career. And there are many job titles that fit nicely with the education you'll receive in the MPH program at WMU:

  • Public health management analyst
  • Director of programs and services
  • Health communications specialist
  • Environmental health intelligence analyst
  • Health initiatives manager

Are jobs available?

Yes! In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics identified MPH holders are expected to increase between 12-20% between 2014 and 2024.

Applying to the MPH program

For full consideration, submit your application by May 15. Applications received after May 15 will be considered if space in the student cohort is available.

WMU's online graduate application system allows you to enter all required information into one system. Before initiating your application, review the summary of program requirements from the WMU Graduate College. You may want to bookmark this information for quick reference while working through the MPH program application process.

The MPH program provides students two format options (Hyflex or Fully online). When you apply, you will need to choose a designation at that time. If you wish to have the option of coming to the Grand Rapids campus for class, you will need to apply to the Hyflex program (i.e., the Grand Rapids regional site). If you wish to be virtual for the entirety of the program, please choose the online format designation. Please email Dr. Shannon McMorrow, director, (shannon.l.mcmorrow@wmich.edu) with any questions. 

  • Application Requirements

    The minimum requirements for admission to the Master of Public Health at WMU are listed below.  

    1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
    2. An official transcript from EACH institution of higher education attended since high school, even if a degree was not conferred or credits were transferred. (WMU graduates: your WMU transcripts will be automatically uploaded)
    3. An overall grade point average of at least 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate work.
    4. Undergraduate courses in biology/anatomy & physiology, statistics, psychology/behavior change and communication are strongly recommended.
    5. Current resume or curriculum vitae.
    6. Three references – at least one from an individual who can attest to your academic potential and one from a supervisor or other professional who can attest to your work skills. Ideally, one of the references works in a public health-related field.  
    7. personal statement that includes:
    • What sparked your interest in public health
    • Evidence that your employment, academic or volunteer background is related to public health
    • A concise statement of your career goals and how WMU’s generalist MPH degree will help you achieve these goals
    • Why you chose to apply for hybrid format program
    • Why you believe you will be successful in a predominantly online educational environment

Contract and international

Interested in Learning More?

Our team would love the opportunity to discuss and provide more details on the things going on in the MPH program. Let us know how we can connect with you!

International Applicants

Due to the MPH program’s hyflex format, WMU is unable to issue Forms I-20 for prospective F-1 students. 

Student Resources