MPH with Health Promotion Emphasis/Concentration

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Promotion at Northern Arizona University (NAU) prepares students for professional practice in public health and applied research settings. The program emphasizes quality classroom instruction, an applied practice experience, and a public health project. The Health Promotion concentration focuses on chronic disease prevention and epidemiology, social and structural determinants of health, and innovative uses of technology in public health and health promotion. Students aim to become public health professionals equipped to address health needs, particularly in Northern Arizona and for tribal communities if choosing the Indigenous Health emphasis.

This program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) .

Delivery Modes

The program is available on-campus at the Flagstaff location and online. The Indigenous Health emphasis is offered only at the Flagstaff campus. Students can pursue the program on a full-time or part-time basis. Most courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH program requires 48 units for completion. The curriculum includes 36 units of Health Sciences Common Coursework and 12 units for an Emphasis or Coursework Requirement (either Indigenous Health Emphasis or Public Health Coursework). Core areas of study include biostatistics, epidemiology, public health research, program planning and evaluation, health policy and management, and environmental health. Students typically progress through 9 core MPH courses, 3 concentration-specific courses, and 4 elective courses.

A required fieldwork experience (Applied Practice Experience) of 120 hours (3 credits) at a public health agency is part of the program. Students also complete an Integrated Learning Experience project, which serves as a capstone and involves a written product and a conference presentation.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. A prerequisite of one semester of a college-level introductory or basic statistics course (minimum 3 units) with a grade of 'C' or better is required.

Application components include:

• Official transcripts.

• Three letters of recommendation (one from a faculty member, one from a manager/supervisor, one additional from either).

• A personal statement or essay (1-2 pages) detailing the concentration applying to, academic focus/interest areas, and professional goals.

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae.

• A $65 application processing fee.

The GRE is not required. International applicants have additional requirements, including proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS).

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates are prepared for careers managing public health programs that address health behavior, disease prevention, and health equity. Potential career areas include food, nutrition, and health; health leadership and management; epidemiologic and biostatistical methods for research; global environment sustainability and health; health systems and policy; and aging and public health.

The required 120-hour Applied Practice Experience provides hands-on experience in a public health setting. Possible placements include Coconino County Public Health Department, Flagstaff YMCA, Pinnacle Prevention, Northern Arizona Healthcare Employee Wellness, Native Americans for Community Action, and North Country Healthcare.