MPH with Health Promotion Emphasis/Concentration

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) aims to prepare culturally competent, skilled public health practitioners engaged in community-focused service and public health scholarship. The program's mission is to prepare professionals for broad-based practice in public health, grounded in foundational public health knowledge and foundational competencies with specialized knowledge and expertise in a selected public health discipline. Graduates are prepared to take on leadership roles to address public health issues and emergencies at local, state, and national levels.

EKU’s public health program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) and the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC).

Key program benefits include:

• Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart.

• No application fee (as per program page benefit).

• Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses.

• No GRE required for admission.

• Complete an applied practicum experience to network with professionals in the field.

• Access to free tutoring and career services assistance.

Delivery Modes

The MPH program is offered 100% online, providing flexibility for working professionals and students from various locations. The typical time to complete the degree is as little as 24 months.

Features of the online delivery include:

• Accelerated 8-week terms.

• Courses begin 6 times per year.

• No campus visits are required.

• Personal advisors support students from application to graduation.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH program requires a minimum of 42 credit hours for graduation. Core public health areas of knowledge include behavioral sciences, biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health science, and public health administration, as well as crosscutting and emerging public health areas.

Core Courses (21 credit hours):

• MPH 810 Human Behavior Change (3 hours)

• MPH 816 Public Health Org and Admin (3 hours)

• MPH 825 Public Health Planning (3 hours)

• MPH 830 Biostatistics in Health Sci (3 hours)

• MPH 840 Rsrch Mthds in Public Health (3 hours)

• MPH 850 Intro to Envir. Health Science (3 hours)

• MPH 855 Principles of Epidemiology (3 hours)

Students specialize in a concentration (21 credit hours). The Health Promotion concentration includes required courses (HEA 805 Public Health Communication, HEA 820 Global Health, HEA 826 Public Health Program Evaluation, HEA 856 Applied Epidemiology), 3 hours of approved electives, an Applied Practice Experience (HEA 890 Practicum in Community Health - 3 hours), and an Integrative Learning Experience/Exit Requirement (HEA 880 Scholarship in Community Health - 3 hours).

Up to 12 semester hours of graduate credits from an accredited institution may be considered for transfer, subject to approval and a 7-year time limit.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.

For full admission consideration, a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, or a 3.25 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work, is required. Provisional admission may be considered for applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher who do not meet full admission criteria; provisional students must maintain a 3.0 graduate GPA for their first two academic terms.

Application materials to be submitted online to the Graduate School include:

• Graduate School application and fee.

• Official transcripts.

• Statement of personal and professional objectives (1.5 - 2 pages).

• List of 3 professional or academic references with current contact information.

International applicants require a TOEFL score of at least 550 (paper-based), 79 (internet-based), or 213 (computerized).

Satisfying minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. No GRE is required. Application deadlines vary by term; refer to the Graduate School for specific dates.

Cost & Financial Aid

The online tuition rate for the MPH program is $649 per credit hour (USD). With 42 credit hours required, the estimated total program cost is $27,258. EKU offers free textbooks for all students through the EKU BookSmart program. Reduced tuition is available for active-duty military members and their spouses. Students are encouraged to explore financial aid options by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). For detailed information on tuition, fees, and financial aid, prospective students should consult the university's official financial aid resources.

Career & Practical Experience

The MPH program prepares graduates for leadership roles as culturally competent, skilled public health practitioners. Common job titles include Health Education Specialist, Epidemiologist, Social and Community Service Manager, and Medical and Health Services Manager. EKU graduates have found employment in various settings, including local health departments, universities, and healthcare organizations.

The program includes an applied practicum experience (HEA 890 Practicum in Community Health), allowing students to gain hands-on experience and network with professionals. EKU’s Office of Academic and Career Services offers support for resume and cover letter development, interviewing skills, career document reviews, and job searching.