MPH with Public Health Practice Emphasis/Concentration

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Central Michigan University (CMU) is designed for students with a bachelor's degree and for working professionals seeking a graduate degree. It focuses on addressing the health challenges of populations, with a particular emphasis on rural and underserved groups.

The program explores key areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, rural health, public health leadership, program planning and evaluation, and health policy and management. Students develop competencies in understanding the social, behavioral, cultural, political, environmental, and regulatory factors affecting population health.

The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) granted the program a 5-year accreditation in September 2019.

Delivery Modes & Special Programs

The MPH program is offered on-campus. An Accelerated MPH option is available for eligible CMU undergraduate students, allowing them to earn up to twelve graduate credits during their senior year that count towards both their undergraduate and MPH degrees.

Additionally, CMU offers a dual M.D./M.P.H. degree program in conjunction with the College of Medicine, designed to be completed in five years.

Curriculum Overview

A minimum of 48 semester hours is required for graduation. The curriculum consists of 14 courses, an internship (Applied Practice Experience), and a culminating experience (Integrative Learning Experience).

Coursework includes foundational courses (19 hours), required MPH courses (14 hours), concentration courses for Public Health Practice (12 hours), and the culminating experience (3 hours). Core study areas encompass Biostatistics, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, Biological Basis of Public Health, and Environmental Health Sciences.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is generally required. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may be considered if their GPA for the last 60 hours of coursework is 3.0 or higher. Those with an overall GPA between 2.50 and 3.00 may be considered for admission with stipulations.

Required application materials include:

• Official transcripts.

• A resume detailing educational experience, professional goals, work history, and professional activities.

• A Statement of Purpose (1-2 pages).

• Two letters of reference.

• GRE, GMAT, or MCAT scores (waivers available for those with prior advanced degrees or strong undergraduate records/professional experience).

International applicants from non-English speaking countries must submit TOEFL (minimum 79 iBT) or IELTS (minimum 6.5 for regular admission) scores. International application deadlines are June 1 for Fall and October 1 for Spring.

Competency in math/statistics, biology, and written/verbal skills is recommended.

Career & Practical Experience

The program prepares graduates for careers in public health, community medicine, health policy, and academia. Potential employers include state and local health departments, federal agencies (e.g., CDC), non-profit organizations, community health centers, and health plans.

A required Applied Practice Experience (internship) and an Integrative Learning Experience provide students with practical skills and a culminating project to apply their knowledge.