General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

Lenoir-Rhyne University's Master of Public Health (MPH) program is distinguished as one of only five CEPH-accredited MPH programs in North Carolina and is the sole private university in the state with this full accreditation. The program emphasizes hands-on experiences and developing competencies for professional success.

Key highlights include:

• 100% online delivery for flexibility.

• Focus on community health.

• Extensive field experience opportunities.

• Nationally-accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) .

• GRE/MAT waiver possibilities and quick admission decisions.

The curriculum focuses on health assessment with local, regional, and global comparisons; health policy and programs for improving health status; and change leadership for better health and wellness. Students engage in courses covering biostatistics, epidemiology, health-program planning, health administration, policy implementation and evaluation, environmental health, health communication, informatics, diversity, and research methodologies.

Delivery Modes

The MPH program at Lenoir-Rhyne University is offered entirely online, providing maximum flexibility for students.

Students can choose to pursue their studies on a full-time or part-time basis, allowing them to learn at their own pace and balance their education with other commitments.

Curriculum Overview

The Master of Public Health program requires the completion of 42 credit hours. The curriculum is designed to align with CEPH accreditation standards and covers five core areas of public health knowledge: Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental Health Science, Health Services Administration, and Social and Behavioral Science.

The program structure includes:

• Core Courses (15 credit hours): Covering foundational public health principles, epidemiology, leadership and management, policy, and program planning.

• Community Health Concentration (12 credit hours): Specialized courses in quantitative and qualitative analysis, community engagement, program evaluation and measurement, and health communication.

• Capstone Experiences (6 credit hours): Including a public health seminar, applied practice experiences (practicum), and an integrative learning experience (capstone project).

• Electives (9 credit hours): Students can choose electives approved by their MPH advisor, with options from business, counseling, and specialized public health topics.

Students in the Dietetic Internship program at Lenoir-Rhyne University may receive 9 elective credit hours towards the MPH degree.

Admissions Requirements

Candidates seeking admission to the MPH program must meet the following criteria:

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7. Official transcripts from all colleges attended are required.

2. Official scores from either the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Minimum MAT score is 390; minimum GRE scores are Verbal 147, Quantitative 147, and Analytical Writing 3.5. Standardized test scores may be waived under certain conditions (e.g., Career Admission Track).

3. If applying for a test waiver or via the Career Admission Track, one letter of professional recommendation submitted through the online application.

4. A writing sample articulating goals and life experiences relevant to pursuing a graduate degree in Public Health.

5. A current CV or Resume.

6. Availability for an interview upon request by the admissions committee.

Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of the application.

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates of Lenoir-Rhyne's MPH program are prepared for leadership roles in various public health settings. Common career paths include public health research, policy development or practice, health education, clinical medicine, and academia.

The program emphasizes practical application of knowledge through extensive field experience opportunities. The curriculum incorporates capstone experiences such as Applied Practice Experience I and Applied Practice Experience II, providing hands-on learning.

Public health professionals work to protect and improve community health through education, promoting healthy lifestyles, and sustainable environmental changes. They may work in diverse fields such as education, journalism, research, business, environmental science, nursing, social work, and law.