Public Health
Take a leadership role in Public Health with the two-year Master of Public Health program. Learn more today.
Public Health, Community Health Concentration, M.P.H.
The Community Health concentration in the Master of Public Health program offered by the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences at MTSU offers preparation for a wide range of roles and settings within the public health arena. These settings include non-governmental and governmental agencies at international, national, state, and local levels. The Master of Public Health degree is a two-year program through the Department of Health and Human Performance.
This option offers students an invaluable breadth of public health-related knowledge, training, and skill set needed to optimize career opportunities at the local, state, regional, national, and global levels. The program, via in-built flexibility, accommodates both traditional and non-traditional students while ensuring that all graduates demonstrate the core competencies of public health. Students typically enroll in the program from a variety of backgrounds and may choose the thesis or non-thesis track. However, all students, regardless of track, must complete 6 hours of Applied Practical Experience (APE).
Middle Tennessee State University’s (MTSU) Master of Public Health (MPH) program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH); the nationally recognized accrediting body for public health (https://ceph.org/).
You may request a copy of the program’s CEPH Accreditation Report and the Final Self-Study Report by sending a request to public.health@mtsu.edu.
If you live in one of these states: KY; you may be able to attend MTSU at in-state rates under the Academic Common Market program.
News Briefs
MTSU Public Health ‘PHamily Dinner’ celebrates career achievements of alumni
Over 60 Middle Tennessee State University Public Health Program alumni and students attended the second annual “PHamily Dinner Reception” and awards ceremony held Oct. 9 at the MT Center on campus.[ Read More ]
Public health graduate students sweep CBHS awards at MTSU’s annual research expo
Research conducted by graduate students in MTSU’s Public Health program within the Department of Health and Human Performance swept the top prizes at the university’s annual research and creative activity “Scholars Week” event in the graduate-level College of Behavioral and Health Sciences category. Public health students presented 10 projects total at the event, consistent with [ Read More ]
News Briefs
MTSU Public Health ‘PHamily Dinner’ celebrates career achievements of alumni
Over 60 Middle Tennessee State University Public Health Program alumni and students attended the second annual “PHamily Dinner Reception” and awards ceremony held Oct. 9 at the MT Center on campus.[ Read More ]
Public health graduate students sweep CBHS awards at MTSU’s annual research expo
Research conducted by graduate students in MTSU’s Public Health program within the Department of Health and Human Performance swept the top prizes at the university’s annual research and creative activity “Scholars Week” event in the graduate-level College of Behavioral and Health Sciences category. Public health students presented 10 projects total at the event, consistent with [ Read More ]
Related Media
Public Health, Community Health Concentration, M.P.H.
A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is considered the calling card for practicing public health professionals. According to the Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH), an estimated 250,000 more public health workers were needed by 2020. The MPH degree is the ideal route to gain the necessary knowledge, training and skills set for employment in public health. Our graduates are well-poised and prepared for careers in public health in a variety of settings at the local, state, national and international levels; whether within public or private sectors. In general, occupational options for MPH graduates include, but not limited to:
- Public Health Program Director
- Public Health Officer
- Epidemiologist
- Biostatistician
- Public Health Policy Advisor
- Public Health Program Analyst
- Public Health Program Evaluator
- Health Services Manager
- Public Health Project Coordinator
- Health Education Specialist
- Health Promotion Specialist
- Wellness Coordinator
- Lifestyle Coach
- Behavioral Scientist
- Environmental Scientist
- Public Health Project Coordinator
- Health Education Specialist
- Health Promotion Specialist
- Wellness Coordinator
- Lifestyle Coach
- Behavioral Scientist
- Environmental Scientist
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake .
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
Public Health, Community Health Concentration, M.P.H.
Angie Bowman, Program Director
(615) 898-5241
Angie.Bowman@mtsu.edu
The Public Health program with a concentration in Community Health offers preparation for a wide range of roles and settings within the public health arena, including non-governmental and governmental agencies at international, national, state, and local levels.
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission decisions will be made after reviewing all materials and determining the applicant's capacity, suitability, and preparation for graduate study. Admission decisions are based upon consideration of a number of criteria which are believed to indicate a high potential in the graduate program.
Admission to the Master of Public Health (MPH) program requires
- Academic Background and GPA: An earned bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college. Candidates must have a GPA or 3.0 or better.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three (3) letters of recommendation from academic advisors, professors, supervisors, mentors, or any other persons who can address academic qualifications and potential for success in graduate study.
- Resume/CV: Applicants should submit an updated resume/CV that highlights academic and or professional experience.
- Personal Statement of Purpose and Objectives*: Applicants are required to submit a written personal statement that focuses on, but is not limited to, their background, education and, professional career objectives. Personal statements should endeavor to address the following.
- How has your background (personal or educational or professional) influenced your decision to pursue an MPH degree?
- Why do you wish to pursue an MPH degree at MTSU?
- How would an MPH degree help your career in public health practice?
- How do any of the MPH program's Core Values listed below relate to your current or future public health practice goals?
*Though there is no set limit, most personal statements are 1-2 pages, single-spaced.
MPH Program Values
- Health Equity: Commitment to address disparities that contribute to health inequity.
- Collaboration: Commitment to educate and practice public health through collaboration.
- Evidence-based: Commitment to use an evidence-based approach in public education and practice.
- Right-To-Health: Commitment to the concept that good health is a fundamental right.
Application Procedures
All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.
MPH Application Due Dates
Fall Application Due Date Options for Spring Entry
- Option 1 (early): September 20*
- Option 2 (late): November 20
Spring Application Due Date Options for Summer/Fall Entry
- Option 1 (early): January 20 *
- Option 2: April 15 [deadline for summer enrollment]
- Option 3 (late): June 20
Note: Admission decisions are sent out about 2-3 weeks after the application deadline.
* For prospective international students, it may take 2-3 months after acceptance into the MPH program for a student to satisfy additional immigration requirements for an I-20, and to secure a visa interview date in their home country.
NOTE: To be considered for funding support, i.e., graduate teaching assistantship (GTA), prospective students must also complete a separate GTA application process by the priority (early) deadlines of September 20 for Spring admissions and January 20 for Fall admissions. Information about the GTA application process is available at www.mtsu.edu/hhp/gta.php.
Applicants must
- submit application with appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
- submit an updated resume or CV;
- provide three letters of recommendation from persons who can address their academic qualifications and potential for success in graduate study;
- provide a personal statement of purpose and objectives.
Curriculum: Public Health, Community Health
The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements. In addition, a maximum of 6 hours of thesis research may be required to fulfill degree.
Thesis Option (42-45 hours)
Public Health Core Requirements (18 hours)
Community Health Concentration (9 hours)
Substitutions must be approved by advisor.
Guided Electives (6 hours)
Chosen in consultation with advisor.
- HHP 6610 - Research Methods in Health and Human Performance
- HLTH 5270 - Bioethical Issues in Health Education
- HLTH 5450 - Technology Applications
- HLTH 5451 - Technology Applications Lab
- HLTH 6320 - Global Health
- HLTH 6350 - Spatial Epidemiology
- HLTH 6851 - Advanced Methods in Epidemiology
- HLTH 6855 - Field Epidemiology
- MGMT 6780 - Health Care Management
- NFS 6100 - Advanced Studies in Food and Culture
- NFS 6600 - Nutrition and Obesity
- PSY 5630 - Death and Dying
Applied Practical Experience (6 hours)
- HLTH 6880 - Internship and Special Projects (6 credit hours required)
Thesis (3-6 hours)
- HLTH 6640 - Thesis Research (3 credit hours required; 6 credit hours maximum)
Non-thesis Option (42 hours)
Public Health Core Requirements (18 hours)
Community Health Concentration (9 hours)
Substitutions approved by advisor
Guided Electives (9 hours)
Chosen in consultation with advisor.
- HHP 6610 - Research Methods in Health and Human Performance
- HLTH 5270 - Bioethical Issues in Health Education
- HLTH 5450 - Technology Applications
- HLTH 5451 - Technology Applications Lab
- HLTH 6320 - Global Health
- HLTH 6350 - Spatial Epidemiology
- HLTH 6851 - Advanced Methods in Epidemiology
- HLTH 6855 - Field Epidemiology
- MGMT 6780 - Health Care Management
- NFS 6100 - Advanced Studies in Food and Culture
- NFS 6600 - Nutrition and Obesity
- PSY 5630 - Death and Dying
Applied Practical Experience (6 hours)
- HLTH 6880 - Internship and Special Projects (6 credit hours required)
Application Due Dates
Summer Entry:
- Priority Deadline: January 20
- Applications submitted by this date will be given priority.
- Summer Rolling Admissions Deadline: April 15
- Applications submitted by this date will be considered on a rolling basis if space remains.
Fall Entry:
- Priority Deadline: January 20
- Applications submitted by this date will be given priority.
- Fall Rolling Admissions Deadline: June 20
- Applications submitted by this date will be reviewed on a rolling basis if space remains.
Spring Entry:
- Priority Deadline: September 20
- Applications submitted by this date will be given priority.
- Spring Rolling Admissions Deadline: November 20
- Applications submitted by this date will be reviewed on a rolling basis if space remains.
Note: Admission decisions are typically sent out 2 to 3 weeks after the application deadline.
International Applicants: Please allow an additional 2 to 3 months after acceptance into the MPH program to complete immigration requirements for an I-20 and secure a visa interview date in your home country.
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