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National exposure
We're focused on your professional development, which includes presenting at state and national conferences
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Pandemic prepared
Public health experts are in the spotlight as communities, states and nations try to control the pandemic.
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International exposure
Our faculty will literally take you places with their international experience and amazing study abroad opportunities.
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We offer two program options: HyFlex and Fully Online
The Master of Public Health Program offers a HyFlex or Fully Online program, which are designed for working professionals, allowing you to complete the program completely online if you want. For the two weekend meetings each semester, you can now attend in person in Grand Rapids, or you may choose to attend virtually. This flexibility makes this program work for you, whichever way you want it.
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.
Fee waiver and Ranking
App fee waiver
Email cassie.lopez-jeng@wmich.edu to get your promo code to waive the $50 application fee.
Then start your application.
Top 25
The WMU Bachelor of Science in Public Health has been identified by bachelorsdegreecenter.org as one of the top 25 undergraduate public health programs in the country, and only one of two Michigan-based universities on the list.
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.
The MPH program is designed with working professionals in mind. Offered in a NEW HyFlex format, students can choose to register for this fully online program where the two required weekend meetings per semester can be attended, OR students can choose to attend these sessions in person in Grand Rapids.
News and Media
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Video of Success From the MPH Program
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Video of #StudentFeature with Alison Yelsma
Congratulations to second-year MPH students Magali Carrillo and Lauren Hunt-VanderPloeg for winning second place in the 2023 National Case Study Competition in Health Education.
Alumni info
Alumni updates
WMU graduates are passing the CHES and making a difference in the field locally, statewide, and nationally. Here are just a few examples of job placements for WMU MPH graduates:
- Lindsey Merling: CHES, Class of 2018, Chief of Planning Section for Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services
- Bennetta Thomas: Class of 2018: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Control
- Chad Atwood, Class of 2018: Emergency Management Specialist for FEMA
- Jake Reece, Class of 2019:Communicable Disease Investigator at Southeastern Michigan Health Association, Detroit Metro area
- Jackie Elkins, Class of 2019: Health Communications Specialist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Shelby Brueck, CHES, Class of 2020: Health Educator for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (Michigan tribe)
- Komal Razvi, MPH: Class of 2020: Director of Community Health, YWCA of Kalamazoo. Oversees Cradle Kalamazoo Infant Mortality Prevention
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.