Expand Your Impact
Earn Your Master's in Public Health Degree
The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program at Grand Valley State University prepares students to improve population health through policy, research, education, and community-based practice. Designed for professionals and changemakers, this low residency (hybrid) program emphasizes social justice, experiential learning, and collaborative partnerships.
Who is it for?
- Alumni working in healthcare, education, nonprofit, government, or advocacy spaces
- Professionals seeking a leadership role in public health systems
- Advocates for health policy, prevention, and population-level change
- Career-changers looking to transition into public health
Application Guidelines
- Completed graduate application for admission
- $30 nonrefundable application fee (unless you have previously applied to GVSU or attended an Info Session)
- Official transcript from the undergraduate degree-granting institution of higher education
- Grade point average of 3.0 (B)
- Recommendations: two recommendations received
- Resume
- Written statement
(students only travel to campus once)
(choose Health Promotion or Epidemiology)
(by the Council on Education for Public Health)
Now available in Northern Michigan
As public health needs continue to grow across Michigan, particularly in Northern Michigan, there is an increasing demand for trained public health professionals. Expanding the Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program to this region helps address workforce shortages by preparing graduates to support local health departments, community organizations, and regional health systems through flexible, accessible program options.
- 48 credits
- Online/Low Residency
- Traverse City or Grand Rapids
- Emphases: Health Promotion or Epidemiology
- Electives are available in policy, environmental health, and health disparities
- Graduates are eligible to take the National Board of Public Health Examiners Certified in Public Health (CPH) and/or the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exams
- Gain field experience in practicum placements in your community
- Issac Clark, Public Health student
Why study M.P.H. at Grand Valley?
Accredited. The M.P.H. program is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (www.ceph.org).
Relevant. A Master of Public Health degree from GVSU means acquired experience and skills vital for today's public health professional.
Experience-based. Includes field experience in public health practice, optional global learning in public health, and practicum placements within the community. Didactic learning is paired with community-based experiences throughout the curriculum.
Convenient and Online. Students complete their courses online, meeting on campus (Grand Rapids or Traverse City) only once, for a two-day summer intensive at the midpoint of their program. This format accommodates students with jobs, families, and other commitments, as well as those in distant locations.
Tuition savings. GVSU graduate school tuition is not based on residency - we do not charge out-of-state tuition rates.
Career Outcomes
Public health professionals can hold a wide variety of positions, including:
- Health Program Officer
- Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
- Public Health Director
- Data and Evaluation Analyst
- Epidemiologist
