Public Health

National exposure

We're focused on your professional development, which includes presenting at state and national conferences
Pandemic prepared

Public health experts are in the spotlight as communities, states and nations try to control the pandemic.
International exposure

Our faculty will literally take you places with their international experience and amazing study abroad opportunities.

Become a leader in a growing field

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health and the Master of Public Health at Western Michigan University will expose you to a breadth of competencies and complex issues related to the field of public health. From biostatistics and environmental health sciences to epidemiology and social and behavioral sciences, you'll be exposed to a public health sensibility that can shape your career after graduation.

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What is public health?

Public health has been defined as "the science and art of preventing disease,” prolonging life and improving quality of life through organized efforts and informed choices . Most public health workers specialize in a certain area such as behavioral science and health education, biostatistics, international global health or epidemiology.

Career info Our programs

Top 25

The WMU Bachelor of Science in Public Health has recently been identified by bachelorsdegreecenter.org as being one of the top 25 undergraduate public health programs in the country, and only one of two Michigan-based universities being recognized on the list.

Alumni spotlight

Holly Young earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health in 2020. She is now a health educator at Van Buren/Cass District Health Department. Learn more about her journey.

Bachelor of Science in Public Health

The BSPH program is based on competencies you need to master to become a Certified Health Education Specialist. The program integrates classroom study with hands-on practical experiences to provide comprehensive academic preparation.

Master of Public Health

In Western Michigan University’s Master of Public Health program, you will gain the interdisciplinary public health knowledge and expertise needed to develop and lead efforts to improve health.

It is a hybrid program, featuring online classes with only two face-to-face meetings (Friday evening and all day Saturday) each semester in downtown Grand Rapids.