Public Health
Master of Public Health (M.P.H)
Graduate Major
Grand Rapids • Face to face, Low Residency • 48 - 51 Credits
Public health is the science and practice of protecting and improving the health of communities through education, policy-making, and research for disease and injury prevention.
Overview
Grand Valley's Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program offers a comprehensive and collaborative approach to improving population health and healthcare. Accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health, the program provides both traditional in-seat and online/hybrid formats to accommodate diverse student needs. The curriculum emphasizes community-based education and research, preparing students to become leaders in public health practice and promoting social justice and excellence.
The M.P.H. covers a wide range of course topics, allowing students to choose between two emphasis areas: epidemiology and health promotion. Electives are available in policy, environmental health, and health disparities. The program spans five semesters, requiring 48-51 credit hours to complete. Graduates are eligible to take the National Board of Public Health Examiners Certified in Public Health (CPH) and/or the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exams, enhancing their professional credentials.
Students gain valuable field experience through practicum placements and optional global learning opportunities. The combination of didactic learning and community-based experiences ensures that graduates are well-prepared to address complex public health challenges. The program's flexible class schedules cater to working professionals, with both in-seat and online/hybrid options available. Additionally, Grand Valley provides the same graduate tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students, making it an accessible choice for many.
The Public Health program is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. Visit CEPH's website to learn more: ceph.org
College of Health Professions
School of Interdisciplinary Health
Public Health
gvsu.edu/sph
500 Lafayette Ave.
NE, Suite 204
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 331-5570
American Public Health Association: apha.org
Michigan Public
Health Association: mipha.org
Society of Public Health Education:
sophe.org
Council on Education for Public Health: ceph.org
Program Director
Ranelle Brew, Ed.D.
(616) 331-5570
Application Deadline
Early admission application deadline is November 1; regular admission deadline March 1; rolling admissions accepted until all seats are filled. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to GVSU.
Career Opportunities
Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May link health systems, health providers, insurers, and patients to address individual and population health needs. May serve as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.
Top skills- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Learning Strategies
- Social Perceptiveness
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 39,549.96 | 10% |
| $ 47,341.51 | 25% |
| $ 49,454.56 | 50% |
| $ 65,339.08 | 75% |
| $ 84,160.66 | 90% |
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
Top skills- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 46,052.59 | 10% |
| $ 58,199.93 | 25% |
| $ 77,740.98 | 50% |
| $ 94,516.51 | 75% |
| $115,883.60 | 90% |
Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
Top skills- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Monitoring
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 59,241.65 | 10% |
| $ 78,120.07 | 25% |
| $100,147.17 | 50% |
| $130,502.54 | 75% |
| $176,645.97 | 90% |
Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.
Top skills- Social Perceptiveness
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 34,817.07 | 10% |
| $ 37,176.12 | 25% |
| $ 45,763.64 | 50% |
| $ 53,363.30 | 75% |
| $ 69,858.97 | 90% |
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
A "Best Bang for Your Buck"
By Washington Monthly
Best Online Master's of Public Health
- The Princeton Review, 2025
Accreditation
The Public Health program at GVSU is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. Visit CEPH's website to learn more: ceph.org
Career Advising
Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.
Flexible Delivery
Classes are flexible and convenient for working professionals. Two delivery formats to meet student demand. Traditional in-seat option (with classes at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.), or an online/hybrid option (meeting one weekend per semester on campus with coursework online).
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