Online MPH Program
Academic title: Public Health, MPH with concentrations
48 Credits
to Graduate
January 11
Next start date
*Recommended apply date is minimum 6 weeks prior to next start date.
Earn your master of public health online
Make a difference in the health of your community with a Master of Public Health (MPH) online degree. Learn how to prevent disease and improve wellness through research, education and policy.
The MPH online program consists of 14 courses with a special focus on rural health and underserved communities. Choose from one of two concentrations to customize your degree to your career goals: Health systems administration and public health practice. You'll also complete an internship and a culminating capstone to give you the practical experience you need to advance your career.
Along the way, MPH faculty will guide you. You'll have opportunities to participate in research, building your portfolio and network, while preparing you for competitive job opportunities. Graduates will be ready for leadership positions in hospitals, health departments and other community organizations.
The online MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.
Earn an accelerated master's
If you're currently an undergraduate student at CMU, you may be able to complete both your bachelor's and your master's in just five years with our accelerated programs.
Complete up to fifteen credit hours of graduate-level courses while enrolled as an undergraduate student. You'll be able to 'double-count' your credits toward both degrees.
You could save over $3,000 by taking your graduate credits at the undergraduate tuition rate.
Talk to your program advisor to start your academic planning.
Online MPH program overview
| Core credits | 36 |
|---|---|
| Concentration credits | 12 |
| Total credits to graduate | 48 |
How much does an online MPH cost?
The cost shown below is based on the current tuition and fee estimate. Your actual cost of attendance for financial aid purposes may vary based on your assigned tuition rate, the number of credits you're enrolled in and the length of your enrollment period. If you're enrolled in a single module instead of a full semester, your housing and food, transportation and personal expenses will be adjusted based on the number of weeks you're enrolled (for example, 12-week or 8-week modules). If you're enrolled less than half-time, your cost of attendance will not include housing and food, personal expenses or loan fees.
- Military tuition benefits: Active duty, veterans and military-affiliated students may qualify for reduced tuition, waived fees and need-based awards.
What can you do with an online MPH degree?
An online MPH degree will prepare you to lead health organizations, investigate and prevent disease, and design health interventions. Earning your MPH can unlock leadership positions in hospitals, government agencies, research institutions and a variety of other community health organizations.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Health Care Analyst | $67,310 |
| Health Education Specialist | $63,000 |
| Health Educator | $63,000 |
| Community Health Worker | $51,030 |
All data and statistics in this section are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Online MPH program concentrations
Health systems administration
Focus your public health studies on the administrative side of healthcare. You'll dive into topics like healthcare finance and law, risk management and human resources and prepare to lead change in health organizations.
Public health practice
Build practical expertise in today's key public health challenges. On top of the core curriculum, you'll dive deeper in to topics like aging, substance abuse and maternal and child health. This concentration will help prepare you for advanced careers as an educator, community health worker or analysts.
Admission requirements
The program reviews all applications and submitted documents in making a determination on admission and makes such recommendations to the Office of Graduate Studies.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. You must provide official documents including official transcripts of classes completed. If you have graduated from a Council for Education of Public Health (CEPH) certified program, you will have priority consideration for admission.
- A GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale as an undergraduate. If you have an overall GPA of less than 3.00, you may be considered for regular admission if you have a 3.00 GPA in the last 60 hours of coursework. If you have an overall GPA of 2.50 to 3.00, and who do not have a GPA of 3.00 for the last 60 hours taken, you may be considered for admission with stipulations following the process for admission with stipulations below.
- Résumé that includes at least the following:
- Educational experience
- Professional goals and objectives
- Work history
- Professional experiences, memberships, and participation in professional activities
- Statement of Purpose. A personal statement (1-2 pages) describing your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in public health at Central Michigan University. The statement should include information about your future career plans, or any past or current activities or achievements which are related to your proposed field of specialization including any research or teaching experience you may have had.
- Two letters of reference from person(s) that can attest to your ability and likelihood of success in a graduate program or interview with the MPH Program Director or assigned designee.
- Because of the nature of the program and academic content, it is recommended that you have competency in the following areas: math and statistics, biology, and written and verbal skills. If you have not had such courses or developed these competencies, you should ensure you develop them prior to starting the program.
- TOEFL, IELTS, or other English proficiency exam is required if you are from a non-English speaking country. You must be able to study and communicate in English, and achieve the minimum score required by the CMU Office of Graduate Studies. You may demonstrate proficiency by any one of the following methods: TOEFL (79), IELTS (6.5), PTE (53), and Duolingo (100).
If you do not meet one or more of the admission requirements, admission with stipulations may be considered by the program. In such cases, you will need to earn at least a 3.00 GPA during the first twelve credits taken in the program. If you wish to be considered for admission with stipulations, you will need to submit a rationale for granting such admission, which will then be reviewed by the program which has the final authority in making a decision.
A message from the MPH program director
Dr. Jeff Inungu, M.D., DrPH is a professor and director of the Master of Public Health program.
Prior to working at CMU, Dr. Inungu served as the Director of socio-behavioral research for the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) in Southern Africa. His research interests include the prevention of infectious diseases such as HIV, malaria and Ebola.
"I welcome you to join us on this journey and support our vision of a better world for all."
