Grand Valley State University's Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) 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. The M.P.H. provides graduate and community-based education and research grounded in social justice to help meet these goals.

The M.P.H. program is offered in two formats:

• Traditional (in-seat)
• Online/Hybrid (remote; meets in-person one weekend per semester)

Learn More. Attend an M.P.H. Information Event

Listen to the MPH Podcast

Source: EMSI, 2020

PUBLIC HEALTH CAREER OUTLOOK AND OPPORTUNITIES

According to 2020 EMSI research, job opportunities are expected to grow 11% in West Michigan, 7% in Michigan, and 10% in the U.S. by 2024. The median annual wage for public health professionals varies per job title but was reported to be between $58,884 and $94,913. M.P.H. graduates often hold the following job titles:

• Health Educator
• Epidemiologist
• Food Inspector
• Infectious Disease Specialist
• Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
• Policy Analyst
• Advocacy Director
• Grant Writer
• Health Department Director
• Environmental Health Inspector

Source: EMSI, 2020

The Skills Employers Want

The Master of Public Health degree at GVSU will develop the skills you need to land the job you want. Whether the skills are advanced or general, you will build a resume of qualifications that are sure to attract employers. The following skills correlate with those pulled from actual job postings.

• Strategic Planning
• Performance Improvement
• Health Administration
• Program Development
• Budgeting
• Behavioral Health
• Quality Management
• Managed Care
• Management
• Leadership
• Operations
• Coordinating
• Communications
• Problem Solving
• Innovation
• Presentations
• Research

​​​​​​​Source: EMSI, 2020

Why Study Public Health 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.
• 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 public health-related organizations ensure more effective student learning.
• Convenient. Traditional format students attend class at the Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, near the Medical Mile in downtown Grand Rapids, MI. Paired courses in the Traditional program = fewer days per week in the classroom. Hybrid format students have only 1 in-seat meeting per semester.
• Available online. Students in our Hybrid format program complete their courses primarily online, meeting on location (Grand Rapids) one Saturday per semester. This format accommodates students with jobs, families, and other commitments, as well as those in distant locations. Click here to learn more about our MPH Online Hybrid Program.
• Tuition savings. GVSU graduate school tuition is not based on residency - we do not charge out-of-state or international tuition rates.

Courses Offered

The Public Health M.P.H. program is a minimum of 48 credits. Upon completion of the 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 in the Traditional and Hybrid programs choose one of two emphasis areas:

• Epidemiology
• Health promotion

See the full M.P.H. course list

Cost

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.

M.P.H. students regularly hold graduate assistantships with various GVSU departments and centers. GA position openings are posted on The Graduate School's GA job openings webpage. Public Health typically employs 1 second-year M.P.H. student as a full-time graduate assistant.

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. 

Admissions

The Public Health M.P.H. Application deadline is March 1. Secure your seat early by applying before the Priority Admission application deadline. November 1 for Fall semester. Applications received after March 1 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

Coming Soon!

Check back to see the complete report on our Summer 2020 study: The Dimensions of Wellness and the Impact of COVID-19 among GVSU Students