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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, including non-governmental and governmental agencies at international, national, state, and local levels. The Master of Public Health degree is a two-year program offered 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 are well grounded in 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. All students, regardless of track, must complete 6 hours of Applied Practical Experience (APE).

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

Champion of Change: Elevating Community Health Through Visionary Leadership in the Nonprofit Healthcare Industry

Dr. Amanda R. Cook is a standout figure in nonprofit healthcare management, boasting a robust skill set in research, program planning, grant management, and community engagement. An alumna of Middle Tennessee State University's Public Health program, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, an MS (now MPH), and a PhD in Human Performance with a Health Specialization.

During her doctoral journey, Dr. Cook took on a pivotal role as the Director of Research and Evaluation at Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System—an eminent nonprofit community mental health agency spanning 44 counties in Tennessee. After her PhD, she ascended the leadership ladder, serving as the Senior Director of Grants and later as the Senior VP of Community and Business Development. In these capacities, she steered community health programs and successfully secured millions in grant funding for critical services.

Since October 2023, Dr. Cook has assumed the role of Chief Business Development Officer, furthering her commitment to advancing healthcare access and outcomes in Tennessee. In this position, she actively contributes to strategic growth initiatives, underscoring her unwavering dedication to enhancing community health.

Applying Epidemiological Expertise to Address Community Health through Research and Practical Initiatives

Dr. Kahler Stone, DrPH, MPH, is an assistant professor at MTSU with a diverse background in applied epidemiology. Prior to academia, he worked on HIV prevention in Zambia and served as a local epidemiologist in Texas. Currently, he is leading a healthcare-associated infection surveillance project in Tennessee, actively incorporating students to provide them with hands-on experience. At MTSU, Dr. Stone has spearheaded research in disaster epidemiology and secured funded projects for rural opioid response. He serves as the Applied Practice Experience Coordinator for the MPH program and chairs the Epidemiology Section of the Tennessee Public Health Association. His expertise is widely recognized, making him a sought-after grant reviewer at local, national, and international levels.

News Briefs

Champion of Change: Elevating Community Health Through Visionary Leadership in the Nonprofit Healthcare Industry

Dr. Amanda R. Cook is a standout figure in nonprofit healthcare management, boasting a robust skill set in research, program planning, grant management, and community engagement. An alumna of Middle Tennessee State University's Public Health program, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, an MS (now MPH), and a PhD in Human Performance with a Health Specialization.

During her doctoral journey, Dr. Cook took on a pivotal role as the Director of Research and Evaluation at Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System—an eminent nonprofit community mental health agency spanning 44 counties in Tennessee. After her PhD, she ascended the leadership ladder, serving as the Senior Director of Grants and later as the Senior VP of Community and Business Development. In these capacities, she steered community health programs and successfully secured millions in grant funding for critical services.

Since October 2023, Dr. Cook has assumed the role of Chief Business Development Officer, furthering her commitment to advancing healthcare access and outcomes in Tennessee. In this position, she actively contributes to strategic growth initiatives, underscoring her unwavering dedication to enhancing community health.

Applying Epidemiological Expertise to Address Community Health through Research and Practical Initiatives

Dr. Kahler Stone, DrPH, MPH, is an assistant professor at MTSU with a diverse background in applied epidemiology. Prior to academia, he worked on HIV prevention in Zambia and served as a local epidemiologist in Texas. Currently, he is leading a healthcare-associated infection surveillance project in Tennessee, actively incorporating students to provide them with hands-on experience. At MTSU, Dr. Stone has spearheaded research in disaster epidemiology and secured funded projects for rural opioid response. He serves as the Applied Practice Experience Coordinator for the MPH program and chairs the Epidemiology Section of the Tennessee Public Health Association. His expertise is widely recognized, making him a sought-after grant reviewer at local, national, and international levels.

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CAREERS

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 

REQUIREMENTS

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FACULTY

INFORMATION

Application Due Dates


Fall Application Due Date Options for Spring Entry (U.S.-based Applicants)

  • 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 to 3 weeks after the application deadline. 

Fall Application Date for Spring (January) Entry (International Applicants)

  • Due date: September 20

Spring Application Date for Fall (August) Entry

  •  Due date: April 15

**Note: Admission decisions are sent out about 2 to 3 weeks after the application deadline. It may take 2 to 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.

Additional Information

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

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

 

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