Master of Public Health Frequently Asked Questions
We've created your go-to resource for any questions you may have about the Master of Public Health (MPH) program and the application process. If you don't find an answer to your question on this page, please don't hesitate to contact us at 989-774-3899 or mph@cmich.edu.
General questions
What is public health?
The World Health Organization defines it as, "The art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organized efforts of society" (Acheson, 1988; WHO).
Is the Master of Public Health program for me?
This program is best suited for someone who wishes to affect change on the population level. This program will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to, not only provide education, but promote wellness and prevent disease in your community or internationally. Another unique aspect of the MPH program at CMU is the focus on rural and underserved areas.
What type of positions will I qualify for after completing an MPH degree?
An MPH degree will prepare you to enter the following fields: epidemiologists, biostatistician, researcher, public health educator, healthcare administration, policy advisor, governmental position, and many more.
How long will it take to finish the program?
The MPH program is designed to be completed in two years. However, the program is flexible, and classes can also be taken at a pace that suits your needs.
I'm employed full-time. Is it OK to take only one class per semester?
If you are employed full-time, it is OK to take only one class per semester. However, if you are not employed full-time, you must be taking a minimum of two classes per semester to maintain financial aid.
How much will the MPH program cost?
Current CMU tuition rates can be found on the cost of attendance page. It is estimated the total cost of the degree will be approximately $40,800. Graduate assistantships are available to MPH students. The assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis (5:1) ratio, and are offered in several formats (full, half, and quarter).
Am I eligible for a tuition adjustment if I am in the military?
If you are active duty military, reservist, and guard members (and their spouses or qualified dependents) you qualify for tuition adjustments. Military rates can be found on the cost of attendance page.
Am I eligible for a tuition adjustment if I am a federal employee?
All civil service Federal government employees, their spouses, and their dependents are eligible for tuition adjustments, through the Federal Employee Discount. Federal Employee Discounts can be found on the cost of attendance page.
Am I eligible for a tuition adjustment if I am a State of Michigan employee?
All state employees, contractors, their spouses, and their dependents younger than 26 are eligible for tuition savings. State Employee Discounts can be found on the cost of attendance page.
Are scholarships available if I am an international student?
Graduate assistantships are available to MPH students. The assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis (5:1) ratio, and can be offered in several formats (full, half, or quarter).
Are teaching, research, or graduate assistantship positions available?
Graduate assistantships are available to MPH students. The assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis (5:1) ratio, and can be offered in several formats (full, half, and quarter).
Is the MPH program accredited?
The MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. The accreditation review will address the Public Health Program with a Master in Public Health degree in the Public Health Practice Concentration and the BA, BAA, and BS degrees in Public Health Education.
What classes are transferable for credit toward my MPH degree?
The only classes that are transferable for credit towards your MPH degree are graduate-level classes (500-level designators or above).
How many credit hours are required to complete the MPH program?
To earn an MPH degree, you must complete a minimum of 48 credit hours.
What is the typical class size?
The typical class size depends on the size of the cohort you enter. Typically, you can expect a class size of 18-25 students.
How are exams administered?
For students completing the degree on campus, exams are administered by professors in the classroom according to the exam schedule for each semester. The exam schedule can be found through the Registrar's Office. Online exams may be proctored by using a lockdown browser.
Am I guaranteed to get in the classes I want each semester?
You are guaranteed to get into the classes you want if you are following the MPH schedule as a full-time student. However, if you are taking the MPH program as a part-time student, you will need to work with an advisor to find an alternative schedule for classes.
Will I have to do an internship in the MPH program?
You will need to complete at least two different internship experiences encompassed in the applied practice experience, which is required for the MPH program.
Who can I contact to discuss what is required for the applied practice experience?
You can contact the MPH office or the Applied Practice Experience Coordinator to discuss what is required for the applied practice experience.
Will I be required to do a thesis in the MPH program?
You have two options to satisfy degree requirements: a thesis or an integrative learning experience.
How long will it take to complete an integrative learning experience or thesis?
The integrative learning experience can include a program evaluation, a research paper, a systematic review, or a grant proposal; its duration will be determined in coordination with individual faculty.
Do I have to visit campus to complete the program?
You can choose to complete an MPH degree either on the main campus in Mt. Pleasant or online.
What are MPH graduates pursuing after their degree?
MPH graduates are pursuing a Ph.D., attending medical school, or entering the workforce with organizations such as the Michigan Department of Community Health and the Michigan Health Improvement Alliance.
What is the difference between a Masters of Health Administration and a Masters of Public Health?
MHA is a degree for students who want to start a career in managing a healthcare organization. The MPH degree also focuses on management, but shifts its focus to disease prevention and promotion, opening a wide range of job opportunities at many different sites.
Application process
What qualifications do I need?
A bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited institution of higher learning is required with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
How can I raise my GPA if I do not meet the 3.0 minimum required for admission?
If you have a GPA that falls below 3.0, you will be considered for admission if for the last 60 hours of their previous degree you maintained a GPA of 3.0 or above. If you have no work experience, you must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher or an overall GPA of 3.25 for the last 60 hours, provided the overall GPA is at least 2.7. If you have at least three years of professional work experience, you must have an overall GPA of 2.9 or higher. If you have at least five years of professional work experience, you must have an overall GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 hours, provided the overall GPA is at least 2.7.
If you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement, you will be admitted as a non-degree student and be required to complete three (3) graduate-level courses in one (1) semester and attain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in each course. Graduate courses you might consider taking: HSC 544 Biostatistics, HSC 547 Health Risk Identification and Management, and HSC 538 Development of Proposals and Reports in Health Administration.
Can I enroll in classes as a non-degree student?
Yes, under the permission of the program director. Please note that credits earned during non-degree status will not count towards an MPH degree.
Is the GRE required?
GRE scores are a part of the admissions process, however, the requirement will be waived if you meet one of the following conditions: applicants with a Doctorate degree, Master's degree, or Undergraduate degree obtained from U.S. universities or foreign universities listed in the International Association of Universities' World High Education Database (IAU WHED). Should you not qualify for a waiver and have not taken the GRE exam, you have up to one year to complete the requirement after being conditionally accepted.
Can I still apply after the deadline?
While we encourage you to apply before the deadline, April 1 on campus and June 30 online, under extenuating circumstances you are permitted to apply after the deadline.
What is the application process like?
All application materials for the MPH program can be submitted online.
From whom should I request a letter of recommendation?
A faculty member or someone who is familiar with your academic work.
As an international student, are there any additional admission requirements?
You are required to complete an additional English-language test such as the TOEFL or IELTS unless you are applying from an exempt country.
As an international student, can I apply for entrance in the spring or summer semester?
We encourage you to apply for admission during the Fall semester; however, under extenuating circumstances you can request an extension to enter the program in the spring. Students are not accepted in the summer semester.
Can I join the MPH program at any time?
The program uses a cohort model, so you are strongly encouraged to apply for entrance in the Fall semester.
As an international student, am I required to submit evaluated transcripts?
You are required to submit original transcripts to the Admission Processing Office. You are required to request your institution to submit them in English directly to Admission processing. However, if your transcripts have been evaluated by a third party, such as WES or ECE, you can request the third party to submit your evaluation directly to admission processing.
Is the Test of English as a Foreign Language required?
The TOEFL test is required if you are applying from non-English speaking countries.