Grand Valley State University's Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, offered by the Department of Public Health, prepares students by enhancing career opportunities through the acquisition of quantitative and qualitative problem solving research skills, service, and experiential learning. Public health professionals promote good health and prevent disease within communities. Our MPH provides graduate and community-based education and research grounded in social justice to help meet these goals. The Public Health program at GVSU is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.

The median annual wage was $115,110 for public health professionals in May 2017. The highest 10 percent earned more than $161,890. The annual mean wage in Michigan is $76,000 - $88,560. By 2022, public health employment is expected to grow 22 percent nationally and by 12 percent in Michigan. GVSU M.P.H. graduates often hold the following job titles:

• City managers
• Community developers
• Department heads
• Financial managers
• Foreign service officers
• Fundraisers
• Program or agency directors

• 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.
• In-Demand. By 2022, public health employment is expected to grow 22 percent nationally and by 12 percent in Michigan.
• Great Location. Close proximity to, and articulation agreements with, a variety of clinical settings ensure more effective student learning.
• Convenient. Courses are offered at the Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, in downtown Grand Rapids.
• Flexible. Classes are offered in late afternoon and early evening to accommodate working professionals.
• Online. Core courses are offered in an online/hybrid format allowing the student to complete a course both in-seat and online to accommodate a more flexible schedule.

Important Dates:

Applications for the Master of Public Health program are now being accepted for Fall 2019. Apply to the GVSU Master of Public Health program today! 

The application deadline has been extended! Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis, for a limited time.

The Public Health M.P.H. program is a minimum of 51-54 credits. Upon completion of the 51-54 hour, five semester M.P.H. program, graduates will be qualified to earn voluntary professional certification by taking the National Board of Public Health Examiners Certified in Public Health (CPH) Exam. Students choose one of two emphasis areas:

• Epidemiology
• Health promotion

Students may choose electives in policy, environmental health, and health disparities.

See the full M.P.H. course list.

The Public Health M.P.H. early application deadline is November 1 for Fall semester; applications received after that date will be decided for rolling admission. The $30 application fee is waived if you’ve already applied to Grand Valley.

View the Public Health Admission Requirements

For more information on tuition and fees, please visit the costs portion of the GVSU Financial Aid website. For financial support, scholarship search, and filing for FAFSA, please visit the GVSU Financial Support website.

Note: Grand Valley does not charge a higher tuition rate based on residency. Tuition is based on the program in which you chose to enroll. 

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