General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

Grand Valley State University's Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree, offered by the School of Interdisciplinary Health, prepares students by enhancing career opportunities through the acquisition of quantitative and qualitative problem-solving research skills, service, and experiential learning. The program focuses on promoting good health, preventing disease within communities, and is grounded in social justice.

Key program features include:

• A relevant curriculum designed to impart skills vital for today's public health professional.

• Experience-based learning, including field experience in public health practice, optional global learning opportunities, practicum placements within the community, and didactic learning paired with community-based experiences.

• Focus on an in-demand field, with public health employment expected to grow significantly.

• A strategic location on GVSU's Health Campus in downtown Grand Rapids, near the Medical Mile, providing proximity to various public health-related organizations.

The M.P.H. program at GVSU is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) .

Delivery Modes

The program is offered in two formats to accommodate diverse student needs:

• Traditional (in-seat/Face-to-Face): Classes are held on GVSU's Health Campus. Paired courses in the Traditional program aim to reduce the number of days per week students need to be in the classroom.

• Online/Hybrid (Low Residency): Students complete their courses primarily online, meeting on location in Grand Rapids only one weekend per semester. This format is designed to accommodate students with jobs, families, other commitments, or those in distant locations.

Curriculum Overview

The M.P.H. program requires a minimum of 48-51 credits and is typically completed in five semesters. Students choose one of two emphasis areas:

• Epidemiology

• Health Promotion

Elective courses are offered in areas such as policy, environmental health, and health disparities. The curriculum integrates didactic learning with community-based experiences, including field experience in public health practice and practicum placements. Upon completion, graduates are qualified to earn voluntary professional certification by taking the National Board of Public Health Examiners Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam and/or the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must meet the general requirements for graduate admission at Grand Valley State University, as well as specific M.P.H. program requirements. Key application deadlines are November 1 for Priority Admission and March 1 for Regular Admission. Applications received after March 1 are considered on a rolling basis until all seats are filled. A $30 nonrefundable application fee is required, though it is waived if the applicant has previously applied to GVSU.

Combined degree program options are available for GVSU undergraduate students, such as the Allied Health Sciences (B.S.) + Public Health (M.P.H.) and the Exercise Science (B.S.) + Public Health (M.P.H.) programs.

Cost & Financial Aid

Grand Valley State University's graduate school tuition is not based on residency, meaning out-of-state or international students are not charged higher rates. For detailed information on current tuition and fees, prospective students are directed to the GVSU Financial Aid website. Information regarding financial support, scholarship searches, and filing for FAFSA can also be found on the GVSU Financial Support website. M.P.H. students may also find opportunities for graduate assistantships, which are posted on The Graduate School's GA job openings webpage.

Career & Practical Experience

The M.P.H. program prepares graduates for a variety of roles in the public health sector. According to 2020 EMSI research, job opportunities in public health are expected to grow 11% in West Michigan and 13% in the U.S. by 2024. The median annual wage for public health professionals was reported to be between $58,884 and $94,913.

M.P.H. graduates often hold job titles such as:

• Health Educator

• Epidemiologist

• Food Inspector

• Infectious Disease Specialist

• Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

• Policy Analyst

• Advocacy Director

• Grant Writer

• Health Department Director

• Environmental Health Inspector

The program emphasizes practical experience through field work and practicum placements within the community, leveraging GVSU's location on the Health Campus near Grand Rapids' Medical Mile.