Grand Valley State University's Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree, offered by the School of Interdisciplinary 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)

Listen to the MPH Podcast

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

All prospective applicants are encouraged to participate in an M.P.H. Information Event

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 13% 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

Where can an M.P.H. from GVSU take you? 

Our M.P.H. alumni are impacting public health locally, across the country, and globally. Take a peek at our Alumni Directory to see some of the many ways our graduates are using their degree.

View our MPH Alumni Directory

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 2024, public health employment is expected to grow 13 percent nationally and by 11 percent in west 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 on GVSU's Health Campus, near the Medical Mile in downtown Grand Rapids, MI. Paired courses in the Traditional program = fewer days per week in the classroom. Classes for Hybrid format students meet in-person one weekend per semester.
• Available online. Students in our Hybrid format program complete their courses primarily online, meeting on location (Grand Rapids) only one weekend 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.