MPH with Indigenous Health Track

Program Highlights & Accreditation

Northern Arizona University's Master of Public Health (MPH) program with a focus on Health Promotion is designed to prepare students for professional practice in public health, applied research, and further academic study. The program aims to equip public health professionals to address the health needs of Northern Arizona and beyond. Key areas of study include biostatistics, epidemiology, public health research, program planning and evaluation, health policy and management, and environmental health. The Health Promotion concentration specifically addresses chronic disease prevention and epidemiology, social and structural determinants of health, and innovative uses of technology in public health. An available Indigenous Health Emphasis prepares students to support public health initiatives relevant to tribal communities, focusing on health behavior, disease prevention, and health equity within these contexts.

The program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) . The 2023 Self Study submitted to CEPH and the CEPH Team Report are available upon request.

Delivery Modes

The MPH program offers flexible delivery modes. The Indigenous Health Emphasis is primarily offered at the Flagstaff Mountain campus. Many core courses are campus-based, typically held in the late afternoon and evening (4 PM - 9 PM). Some courses, particularly summer courses (e.g., HS 609), are available online. The Indigenous Health concentration-specific courses (HS561, HS671, HS624) are offered in a hybrid format, combining on-campus instruction with synchronous Zoom participation. Students can pursue the program on a full-time basis, completing it in as little as two years, or opt for a part-time pace.

Curriculum Overview

The Master's degree requires 48 units. This includes 36 units of Health Sciences Common Coursework and 12 units for an Emphasis or Coursework Requirement. Students choose between the Indigenous Health Emphasis Option (12 units) or the Public Health Coursework Option (12 units).

Core coursework covers essential public health domains such as biostatistics, epidemiology, social and structural determinants of health, behavior change counseling, environmental health, health policy and management, research methods, and program evaluation. The Health Promotion concentration includes topics in chronic disease epidemiology and prevention, innovations in healthcare, and intervention mapping. The Indigenous Health Emphasis includes courses on Indian health and healthcare systems, resilience, tribal governance, and community-based participatory research.

A required 3-credit Applied Practice Experience (APE - HS 608) provides hands-on experience in a public health agency or research setting. Students also complete an Integrated Learning Experience (ILE), a graduate project aligned with their concentration that benefits a public health agency and culminates in a written product and a presentation at the MPH Conference.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution (any subject) 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; this course must be completed prior to enrollment or be in progress at the time of application.

Application components include:

• Completed NAU graduate online application and $65 non-refundable application fee.

• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

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

• A personal statement or essay (1-2 pages) detailing the concentration applied for, academic interests in public health, professional goals, and how the NAU MPH program aligns with these goals.

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required. International applicants have additional admission requirements, including proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), unless waived. The priority application deadline is January 15th. Applications submitted between January 16th and April 1st may be considered if openings remain. International applicants must apply by January 15th.

Cost & Financial Aid

For up-to-date information on tuition, fees, and estimated living expenses, please consult the official NAU resources: Tuition and Expenses and Program Fee Details . Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). Students with residence in qualifying Western states may be eligible for in-state tuition rates through the WRGP Program .

Financial aid options, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans, scholarships, fellowships, and awards, may be available. Information can be found through the NAU Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies . Graduate assistantships may be available within the department or at the college level. Students in the Indigenous Health Emphasis may find scholarships through their tribal communities and external organizations like the American Indian Graduate Center .

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates are prepared for careers in public health agencies and allied health fields, focusing on planning, implementing, and evaluating health programs and policies. Those with an Indigenous Health Emphasis are equipped to manage public health programs within native communities. Career opportunities span various sectors, including health leadership and management, epidemiology, and health systems and policy. For more career ideas, see resources like 100 Things You Can Do With a Master's in Public Health .

The Applied Practice Experience (APE) offers significant practical experience. Possible APE placements include:

• Coconino County Public Health Department

• Flagstaff YMCA

• Pinnacle Prevention

• Northern Arizona Healthcare Employee Wellness

• Native Americans for Community Action

• North Country Healthcare