Dual BS AHS/MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Combined Degree program at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) allows qualified undergraduate students to earn both a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Allied Health Sciences and a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) in an accelerated timeframe. This program prepares professionals to work in healthcare teams, promote community health, prevent disease, and address complex public health challenges.

Key features of the M.P.H. component include:

• Significant field experience in public health practice, with optional service and global learning opportunities.

• Practicum placements within the community, integrating didactic learning with community-based experiences.

• Classes, faculty offices, and public health labs are located at the new Raleigh J. Finklestein Hall on GVSU's Health Campus in downtown Grand Rapids.

• Opportunities to accelerate career trajectory and meet the growing national need for master's-trained employees.

• Valuable internship and career opportunities through partnerships in the West Michigan area.

The Master of Public Health program at GVSU is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). More information can be found on the GVSU accreditation page and the CEPH website .

Delivery Modes

The M.P.H. program components are offered in multiple formats:

• Face-to-Face (In-seat): Traditional on-campus instruction.

• Hybrid: A combination of online and in-seat classes.

Classes are held on the GVSU Health Campus , near the Grand Rapids Medical Mile. The combined degree program is designed to be completed in an accelerated timeframe.

Curriculum Overview

The combined B.S. in Allied Health Sciences and M.P.H. program requires a total of 156-159 credits. Students accepted into this program will pursue the AHS general emphasis and can substitute up to 12 M.P.H. credits for the required minor.

Key M.P.H. courses to be completed during the senior year include:

• PH 500 - Introduction to Public Health

• PH 505 - Social and Behavioral Public Health

• PH 510 - Public Health Epidemiology

• PH 530 - Qualitative Research Methods in Public Health

• PH 602 - Chronic Disease Epidemiology OR PH 622 - Health Behavior and Promotion

• STA 610 - Applied Statistics for Health Professions

Students choose an M.P.H. emphasis in either Health Promotion or Epidemiology. The curriculum emphasizes practical application through field experiences and practicum placements. For detailed course descriptions and program structure, please visit the online catalog .

Admissions Requirements

Undergraduate students can apply to the M.P.H. portion of the combined degree program as early as the beginning of their junior year. Key admission criteria for the M.P.H. component include:

• Junior level standing.

• A minimum GPA of 3.0.

• Two completed letters of recommendation.

• A current resume.

• A written two-part essay as required by the M.P.H. program.

For comprehensive admission requirements for the combined B.S. in Allied Health Science and M.P.H. program, refer to the online catalog .

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates of the combined B.S. AHS and M.P.H. program are prepared for diverse roles in the public health field. They work on healthcare teams to provide services that promote good health, prevent disease within communities, and address multifaceted public health issues.

The program strongly emphasizes practical experience:

• Field Experience: Students gain hands-on experience in public health practice.

• Practicum Placements: Opportunities for community-based learning and application of skills.

• Service and Global Learning: Optional engagement in service and global public health initiatives.

GVSU's partnerships in the West Michigan area provide valuable internship and career opportunities. The university also provides a career insights tool on its website offering an overview of potential career opportunities related to this program (Note: actual outcomes may vary).