Online MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) with an emphasis in Public Health Practice and Leadership (PHPL) at West Virginia University dives deep into the social and political systems that shape population health. The program focuses on designing, implementing, and managing broad, system-level strategies to improve health outcomes. It has a dual emphasis on acquiring both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, making it ideal for recent graduates or early- and mid-career public health professionals seeking to advance their careers in various health care settings. Accreditation information for this specific program is not explicitly mentioned in the provided context.

Delivery Modes

The program is offered in an online asynchronous format, providing flexibility for students.

Curriculum Overview

The M.P.H. program requires a total of 44 credit hours. Students must earn a minimum grade of "C-" in all PUBH and emphasis coursework and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. The curriculum includes core public health courses, an area of emphasis in Public Health Practice and Leadership (15 credit hours), and a general elective.

Key components include an MPH Capstone (1 credit hour) and an MPH Field Practicum (3 credit hours), designed to provide practical experience.

Public Health Practice and Leadership Area of Emphasis Competencies:

• Develop skills to influence the effective production and implementation of health policy.

• Assess structures and processes for effective health services management.

• Employ processes and applications that positively effect both individuals and group goals.

• Develop analytic and statistical skills for application to health service issues.

• Appraise theory and skills in policy, management, and leadership to examine and influence real world health issues.

Required Courses (Total 44 Credit Hours):

• PUBH 610: Contemporary Foundations of Public Health Practice, 2 credit hours

• PUBH 611: Epidemiology for Public Health Practice, 2 credit hours

• PUBH 612: Research Translation and Evaluation in Public Health Practice, 4 credit hours

• PUBH 613: Public Health Program Evaluation, 3 credit hours

• PUBH 620: Building and Sustaining Public Health Capacity, 2 credit hours

• PUBH 621: Public Health Prevention and Intervention, 3 credit hours

• PUBH 629: MPH Capstone, 1 credit hour

• PUBH 630: MPH Field Practicum, 3 credit hours

• PUBH 640: Health Systems Leadership, 3 credit hours

• PUBH 641: Systems Thinking in Public Health Practice, 2 credit hours

• PUBH 696: Graduate Seminar, 1 credit hour

• General Elective: Fraud: Criminology/Legal Issues, 3 credit hours (Approved electives available from MPH Director/Advisor)

• Required Area of Emphasis: Public Health Practice and Leadership, 15 credit hours

Admissions Requirements

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 (preferred).

• For international students, English proficiency scores are required. Minimum scores:

  • Academic IELTS: 6.5

  • TOEFL iBT: 79 (WVU accepts MyBest scores)

  • PTE Academic: 53

  • Duolingo English Test: 105

Applicants must apply via the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS) . Key deadlines are June 15 for Fall admission (April 15 for international applicants) and November 20 for Spring admission (October 15 for international applicants). Upon acceptance from SOPHAS, students complete the WVU Graduate application. There are both SOPHAS and WVU application fees.

For the SOPHAS application, applicants must submit:

• A statement of purpose and objectives

• Two letters of reference

• A current resume/curriculum vitae

• All university transcripts (SOPHAS requires original transcripts from ALL U.S. institutions attended, even study abroad)

• International students must submit English language proficiency test score(s).

The GRE requirement has been removed for the current application cycle. However, should you choose to submit your official GRE test scores, use WVU School of Public Health SOPHAS GRE code: 0157.

Cost & Financial Aid

The cost per credit hour is $894. Based on 44 credit hours, the estimated total program tuition is $40,230. Please note, tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change at the start of each academic year.

The University provides a comprehensive approach to helping finance your education. Learn more on the WVU Financial Aid Website . Other potential costs include books, supplies, and living expenses. Visit the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage to plan for these.

Students are encouraged to:

• File the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the June deadline to determine eligibility for funding and scholarships.

• Inquire with your employer about potential financial support for continuing your education.

• Learn More about Tuition and Financial Aid

• Explore All WVU System Tuition and Fees

• Understand Restrictions on University Tuition Waivers

Career & Practical Experience

Upon completion, graduates are prepared for careers as leaders, managers, public health professionals, policy analysts, program evaluators, advocates, or health program managers in public health, government, health care, or other professional settings. The program's professional practice component places students in public health settings to apply their knowledge to real-world problems. Graduates may also pursue doctoral education.

Emerging areas of public health include global health, health equity and social justice, digital health, and environmental health.

Career Paths:

• Epidemiologist: Studies causes and patterns of disease, designs studies, analyzes data, and communicates findings.

• Health Educator: Develops and implements programs promoting healthy behaviors and preventing disease.

• Public Health Consultant: Works with organizations to develop and implement public health policies and programs.

• Biostatistician: Uses statistical methods to analyze public health data.

• Health Policy Analyst: Studies and analyzes health policies and programs for effectiveness.

• Environmental Health Specialist: Investigates environmental factors impacting human health.

• Global Health Specialist: Addresses health issues affecting populations around the world.