Western Michigan University’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program offers you the interdisciplinary public health knowledge and expertise needed to develop and lead efforts to improve health.
The MPH program offers broad exposure to social, cultural, physical, political and economic aspects of health. The curriculum provides an understanding of public health core competencies such as program planning, grant writing, health communication, education, research methods, and data analysis.
Upon graduation you'll apply these skills and a public health perspective to the professional field, or utilize them to chart a new path in the field of public health.
One Program, Two Ways
Our program:
- Is completed primarily in an Asynchronous online format.
- During the fall and spring semesters attendance is required at two Saturday sessions. These sessions may be attended in a Hyflex mode at our Grand Rapids campus or Synchronously online.
- All summer courses are Asynchronous online.
- Is a cohort model in which all students begin in the fall semester and complete the program in approximately 28 months (two years plus one semester).
- Is a generalist program intended to develop public health practitioners.
- Is designed specifically available for working professionals.
NOTE: You must select a format Hyflex (Grand Rapids campus) or Synchronously online on your application to the MPH program. Your tuition rate is based on the format you choose. WMU's online tuition rate is lower than the out-of-state rate, so the fully online option may be less costly for out-of-state students.
Application Deadline
For full consideration, submit your application by May 15. Applications received after May 15 will be considered if space in the student cohort is available.
Course Schedule Sample
Tuition
Curriculum
Questions
Our Students
Alumni Spotlight
Chad Atwood WMU MPH class of 2018 is an emergency management specialist with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and in 2023 he was chosen as one of only 40 candidates for the FEMA future leaders program.
Job outlook
Where do individuals with an MPH work? What is the job outlook for MPH graduates
Western Michigan University's MPH degree doesn't necessarily qualify you for any particular job. However, WMU's MPH degree does guarantee that you will bring a diverse, population health perspective to any public health related career, where growth is expected to be 5 – 11% in the next 10 years, or to a health care or clinical health-oriented career. There are many job titles that fit nicely with the education you'll receive in the MPH program at WMU which are expected to have higher than average growth rates in the next decade:
- Epidemiologists: 19% job growth projected by 2033; 2023 median pay - $81,390 per year
- Health services managers: 29% job growth projected by 2033; 2023 median pay - $110,680 per year
- Health education specialists: 7% job growth projected by 2032; 2023 median pay - $62,860 per year
- Occupational health and safety specialists: 13% job growth projected between 2032
- Biostatisticians: 11% job growth projected between 2033; 2023 median pay - $77,580 per year.
Applying to the MPH program
For full consideration, submit your application by May 15. Applications received after May 15 will be considered if space in the student cohort is available.
WMU's online graduate application system allows you to enter all required information into one system. Before initiating your application, review the summary of program requirements from the WMU Graduate College. You may want to bookmark this information for quick reference while working through the MPH program application process.
The MPH program provides students two format options (Hyflex or Fully online). When you apply, you will need to choose a designation at that time. If you wish to have the option of coming to the Grand Rapids campus for class, you will need to apply to the Hyflex program (i.e., the Grand Rapids regional site). If you wish to be virtual for the entirety of the program, please choose the online format designation. Please email Dr. Mark Kelley, director, (mark.kelley@wmich.edu) with any questions.
Interested in Learning More?
Our team would love the opportunity to discuss and provide more details on the things going on in the MPH program. Let us know how we can connect with you!
International Applicants
Due to the MPH program’s hyflex format, WMU is unable to issue Forms I-20 for prospective F-1 students.