Public Health, Community Health Concentration, M.P.H.

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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).

MTSU’s Community and Public Health program is accredited through the Council on Education for Public Health.

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.

Careers
Requirements
Faculty
Information
Careers
Requirements
Faculty
Information

News Briefs

Phamily dinner 2024 promo

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 ]

From left, Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee, MTSU health and human performance professor Angie Bowman, MTSU graduate public health students Gabrielle Chesak and Sherry Jernigan, MTSU doctoral health and human performance student Jennifer Sanchez and MTSU Provost Mark Byrnes smiled for a photo after the three students’ earned the top prizes for their research at the university’s annual “Scholars Week” research expo on March 25, 2022, in the Student Union Building ballroom on campus. (MTSU photo by Andrew Owusu)

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

Phamily dinner 2024 promo

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 ]

From left, Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee, MTSU health and human performance professor Angie Bowman, MTSU graduate public health students Gabrielle Chesak and Sherry Jernigan, MTSU doctoral health and human performance student Jennifer Sanchez and MTSU Provost Mark Byrnes smiled for a photo after the three students’ earned the top prizes for their research at the university’s annual “Scholars Week” research expo on March 25, 2022, in the Student Union Building ballroom on campus. (MTSU photo by Andrew Owusu)

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 ]

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CAREERS

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 Career Development Center

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. 

REQUIREMENTS

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Resume/CV: Applicants should submit an updated resume/CV that highlights academic and or professional experience.
  4. 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.
    1. How has your background (personal or educational or professional) influenced your decision to pursue an MPH degree?
    2. Why do you wish to pursue an MPH degree at MTSU?
    3. How would an MPH degree help your career in public health practice?
    4. 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

  1. 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.
  2. submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
  3. submit an updated resume or CV;
  4. provide three letters of recommendation from persons who can address their academic qualifications and potential for success in graduate study;
  5. 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.

Applied Practical Experience (6 hours)

Thesis (3-6 hours)

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.

Applied Practical Experience (6 hours)

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FACULTY

INFORMATION

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.

Student Testimonies

master of public health Taiya

“I believe it is important for everyone to have some basic understanding of public health to protect themselves, their families, and the communities they live in from several health-related problems. At first, I did not want to pursue my MPH at all. Now that I am almost finished with my MPH, I am grateful that I applied and that I have been a part of an amazing research opportunity throughout this time! There are so many things changing and happening in the world around us now that are incorporated in the MPH program that give you access to skills you can apply when you’re ready to begin your career!”
- Taiya Mitchell, Current Student

 

master of public health Kristina

“My MPH has had a profound impact on my career by providing me with the knowledge and skills to address complex health issues. For two years I worked as an infectious disease epidemiologist focusing on outbreak response and healthcare-associated infection surveillance and have now transitioned into the role of a maternal and child health epidemiologist. I am passionate about my work, and obtaining my MPH has opened up numerous opportunities for me to explore different fields within public health.  It’s a fulfilling path that not only elevates your career prospects, but also empowers you to contribute to meaningful change in the community.”
- Kristina McClanahan, Class of 2022

 

master of public health chipper“I was initially captivated by public health because I wanted to make a positive impact on a community scale, rather than achieving change one by one through individual interventions. Through my time in the MPH program, I was equipped with the tools necessary to see health through a population lens and thus identify solutions through population level interventions. Since graduating, I have had the opportunity to manage CDC federal grants, evaluate state level grants, and administer local grant funds within Middle Tennessee addressing a variety of public health topics. I am passionate about seeing healthy equity be achieved right here in Middle Tennessee, and the skills I obtained from my MPH have enabled me to make large strides in the right direction.”
- Chipper Smith, Class of 2022

 

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