Combined Degree: Exercise Science B.S. and Public Health M.P.H.
Grand Valley State University combined degree programs offer current
qualified undergraduate students the opportunity to complete both an
undergraduate and graduate degree, meeting their unique personal,
academic, and career goals. Pursuing a combined degree can reduce the
cost and total time required to complete both.
Visit the program website for more information.
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Program Overview
Professionals in the exercise science/public health field work on health care teams to provide a range of services to promote good health, prevent disease within communities, and address multiple complex public health problems.
Qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the program and obtain a B.S. in exercise science with an emphasis in health fitness instruction and M.P.H. in public health within the accelerated time frame. Application requirements:
- Junior level standing.
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
- Two completed and received letters of recommendation.
- Resume.
- A written statement addressing questions determined by the MPH program.
- Choice of emphasis: health promotion or epidemiology.
Why Pursue Combined Degrees at Grand Valley?
- Students receive field experience in public health practice, along with optional service and global learning in public health and practicum placements in the community. Didactic learning is paired with community-based experiences throughout the curriculum.
- Classes, faculty offices, and public health labs are all offered at the new Raleigh J. Finklestein Hall building in downtown Grand Rapids on GVSU's health campus.
- Accelerate your career trajectory and complete your degrees one step ahead of the competition.
- Respond to emerging job markets.
- Meet the growing national need for more master's trained employees.
- Gain valuable internship and career opportunities through partnerships in the West Michigan area.
Career Insights
This tool shows an overview of potential career opportunities for this major. Actual salaries, employment opportunities, and job titles may change over time.
Accreditation
The Public Health program at GVSU is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. Visit CEPH's website to learn more: https://ceph.org
Location & Format
All undergraduate students begin their academic career at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus; classes for graduate students in this major meet downtown on the GVSU Health Campus, near the Grand Rapids Medical Mile. Graduate students have the option of choosing between traditional in-seat or weekend hybrid format.
Formats:- Face To Face
- Hybrid
Coursework
Students may dual-count up to 12 credits of courses toward the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Master of Public Health degrees at the undergraduate tuition rate during senior year. Students are strongly encouraged to work with their faculty advisor to ensure all undergraduate and graduate requirements are met. Students will choose one of two available emphasis options - health promotion or epidemiology - to complete their public health graduate curriculum.
Fore more information on the individual programs:
- Exercise Science: gvsu.edu/exercisescience
- Public Health: gvsu.edu/sph
Admission Requirements
Students apply to the combined degree program at the end of the fall semester during their third academic year and will be admitted for the winter semester. Visit the online catalog for more information about admission requirements for the combined bachelor of science in exercise science and master of public health.
Helpful Links
For More Information
Exercise Science and Public Health Combined Degree Program500 Lafayette Ave. NE, Suite 204
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 331-5570
Ranelle Brew, Ed.D.
(616) 331-5570