General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

Utah State University (USU) offers Master of Public Health (MPH) programs designed to prepare competent public health professionals. The Health Education and Promotion (HEP) MPH program, offered through the Kinesiology and Health Science Department in the College of Education and Human Services (CEHS), emphasizes the behavioral, social, and cultural factors related to individual and population health and health disparities. The College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences (CAAS) offers an MPH program with concentrations in Public Health Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, tailored for students interested in these specific areas, including dietitians, veterinarians, and other health professionals.

Key highlights include a 100% online delivery format for flexibility, a focus on applied practice experiences, and competency-based education. The mission is to prepare professionals to lead, innovate, advocate, and educate to improve the health of humans, animals, and the environment.

Accreditation: The USU MPH in Health Education and Promotion (CEHS) is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). The CAAS MPH Program (Public Health Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health concentrations) is an applicant for accreditation by CEPH. Other degrees and areas of study offered by USU are not included in these specific MPH accreditation reviews.

Delivery Modes

Both the CEHS HEP MPH and the CAAS MPH programs are offered 100% online. This format allows students to take courses from anywhere in the world and accommodates those with professional and personal responsibilities. For international students, the online format means the program can be completed from their home country but does not meet VISA requirements for in-person study in Logan for the CEHS program.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured to meet professional standards and accreditation guidelines.

Health Education and Promotion (CEHS):

• Total Credits: 45

• Minimum GPA: 3.0; Minimum Grade per course: C.

• Applied Practice Experience (APE): Hands-on professional experience, working with public health practitioners to create at least two high-quality final products.

• Integrative Learning Experience (ILE): Development of a high-quality written product (Capstone Paper) integrating foundational and concentration competencies.

Public Health Nutrition & Veterinary Public Health (CAAS):

• Total Credit Hours: 42

• Focus on application-based experiences aligned with diverse career interests.

General Policies: Up to 12 graduate credits taken prior to starting at USU may transfer with approval. Students generally have 6 calendar years to complete all degree requirements.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must be admitted to the Utah State University School of Graduate Studies. Common requirements include an undergraduate degree in good standing and strong communication skills. GRE scores are generally not required but may be submitted to strengthen an application.

Health Education and Promotion (CEHS):

• Open to students from any accredited undergraduate major.

• Admission GPA of 3.0 or above (calculated on the last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits).

• Three letters of recommendation (professional references, at least two from previous faculty/instructors).

• Current resume or CV.

• Statement of purpose (responses to four essay prompts, max 250 words each).

• Transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities (unofficial accepted during application, official required upon acceptance).

• International students: Proof of English Language Proficiency and certified English translations of transcripts.

Public Health Nutrition & Veterinary Public Health (CAAS):

• Public Health Nutrition: Students from any related undergraduate major; undergraduate courses in statistics and nutrition required.

• Veterinary Public Health: Undergraduate degree with background in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, mathematics, statistics, and animal disease preferred.

• Letters of recommendation from former professors, employers, or other professional references.

Application Deadlines (CEHS MPH): Fall semester: April 15 (Early Priority), July 1 (Application Deadline). Spring semester: October 1 (Application Deadline).

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition and fees vary. For the Health Education and Promotion MPH (45 credits, CEHS), the estimated cost for a Utah resident finishing in 2 years is $20,652.10 (based on Logan area study, current year rates). For the CAAS MPH (42 credits), total tuition costs in 2024 are around $20,000 for in-state students.

Out-of-state students in online programs are charged a special tuition-only rate of $504 per credit. Students can use the USU Tuition and Fees Estimator for more detailed information. The CAAS MPH programs are part of the WICHE Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), offering potential tuition savings for non-Utah residents from participating states.

Financial aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants (via FAFSA ), and loans. Graduate assistantships may be available for students based in Logan (e.g., through the KHS Department).

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates of the MPH programs can seek diverse positions in public health organizations. Potential career opportunities for Health Education and Promotion graduates include roles in:

• Local, state, and federal health agencies

• Colleges and universities

• Health care organizations

• Community social service organizations and non-profit health organizations

• International health programs and aid agencies

• Employee wellness programs and health coaching

Practical experience is a cornerstone of the MPH programs. The CEHS HEP MPH program includes an Applied Practice Experience (APE) and an Integrative Learning Experience (ILE/Capstone). The APE involves hands-on work with public health practitioners, while the ILE culminates in a capstone paper. A study abroad practicum option in Ecuador is also available for HEP students. The CAAS MPH program also emphasizes applied practice experiences tailored to its concentrations.