- Bachelor’s degree or higher, preferably in the sciences
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
- Personal statement
- Dual degree applicants may transfer MWU healthcare professional application to M.P.H. Program for admissions consideration
Build a Successful Career
Tailored to meet your needs, Midwestern University’s online Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program offers a flexible format designed to be completed as a dual degree paired with a healthcare professional degree. Whether your goal is to pursue a career in public health, apply population-based health concepts to your healthcare practice, or develop as a healthcare leader, Midwestern’s M.P.H. program provides you with a wide range of courses and applied public health experiences to help build your future. This program is available to students on both our Arizona and Illinois campuses as a dual degree program.
Program
Masters
Location
Online delivery, available to students of both campuses
Duration
3.5 to 4 years as dual degree
Intake
Begins in Summer Quarter
Class Size
35
The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree prepares students to tackle increasingly complex public health issues through a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health principles and practices. This interdisciplinary degree program provides opportunities to develop public health knowledge and skills as public health practitioners, or to enhance and add professional value to a healthcare professional degree. The degree is offered as a dual-degree option for students enrolled in one of Midwestern’s doctoral healthcare degree programs. Students who are enrolled in or are graduates of a doctoral healthcare degree program may receive elective credit towards the M.P.H. degree, reducing the overall tuition cost and time to completion. The M.P.H. degree will help students become more competitive applicants for careers in clinical and public health practice, global health, government service, and more.
The State of Arizona Board of Private Postsecondary Education has approved all current degree programs at Midwestern University, Glendale - Arizona Campus. All degrees are conferred under the authority granted by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education and The Higher Learning Commission, A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Midwestern University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission/A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA), 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1413; 312/263-0456; www.ncacihe.org.
The 56 quarter-credit hour program consists of online coursework, an applied public health practice experience, and a capstone project. Online coursework provides students with foundational knowledge in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, social and behavioral health, and health policy. The unique concentration in Global One Health provides students an opportunity to explore the implications and intersections of human, animal, and environmental health by taking coursework focused on each of these One Health domains. Students in the M.P.H. program will apply what they have learned in courses in a range of public health clinical and research settings, and will complete a capstone project that is a culmination of their public health training. Students pursuing a dual degree will take M.P.H. coursework primarily during the summer quarter, but some courses may be taken during other quarters concurrent with healthcare professional degree program courses.
- Bachelor's degree or higher, preferably with a major in the sciences
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
To be considered for admission to the Master of Public Health degree program, applicants must submit the following documented evidence:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree or higher, preferably with a major in the sciences, from a regionally accredited college or university.
- A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a scale of 4.00 in all coursework completed for the bachelor's or higher degree program.
- Official transcripts from each college or university attended.
- Personal Statement.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
- Passage of the Midwestern University criminal background check.
- Commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.
Current or admitted Midwestern University students may transfer their MWU healthcare professional application to the M.P.H. Program for admissions consideration.
Transfer of a limited number of graduate-level course credits from other institutions may be allowed: up to 10 quarter hours for the Master of Public Health degree. Generally, transfer credit will only be given for coursework completed in a CEPH-accredited M.P.H. program or an accredited professional healthcare degree program with a minimum letter grade of “B.”
Admissions Decisions
Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. Students are advised to complete their application files as early as possible, but no later than April 15th, to ensure timely consideration.
General Requirements
2021 Cohort Profile
- Female: 74%
- Male: 26%
- Average Age: 25
- Average Overall GPA: 3.57
- Healthcare discipline:
- D.O. 68%
- D.V.M. 24%
- D.M.D. 5%
- O.D. 3%
- Top "Home" States: Arizona, Illinois
Career Opportunities
- Clinical & public health practice
- Global healthcare teams
- Environmental health
- Food safety
- Biostatistics
- Research
- Epidemiology
- Health services management
- Occupational health and safety
- Government
- Zoonotic disease and vector control
|
Public Health Professions |
Responsibilities |
|
Biostatistician |
Uses applied statistics to provide actionable information and recommendations to public health stakeholders and communities. |
|
Emergency Management Director |
Develops plans, policies, and procedures, and leads emergency responses. Coordinates with local, state, and federal agencies, and NGOs. |
|
Epidemiologist |
Investigates and describes determinants and distribution of health outcomes. Contributes to development of best practices for prevention and control of disease. |
|
Food Safety Inspector |
Conducts inspections of agricultural operations, food manufacturing and processing facilities, and fisheries to ensure compliance with health, quality, and safety laws. |
|
Government Public Health Expert |
Addresses food safety, communicable disease control, community health, disaster preparedness and response, zoonotic disease and vector control needs in communities. |
|
Global Healthcare Team |
Works as part of an interdisciplinary team to improve well-being and health equity worldwide. Addresses diverse global health issues such as infectious and chronic disease, maternal and child health, malnutrition and healthcare needs. |
US Employment Projections
According to US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019) data, the career outlook for M.P.H. healthcare professionals indicates that:
- The demand for M.P.H. degree-trained professionals in medically underserved urban and rural populations is increasing.
- Documented shortages are forecasted for public health physicians, nurses, epidemiologists, healthcare educators, and administrators.
- Overall employment of health educators and community health workers is projected to grow 18 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
- Employment of epidemiologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2018 to 2028.
- Employment of statisticians is projected to grow 30% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than average for all occupations.
- Students also completing academic or professional programs in healthcare can expect employment opportunities and salaries consistent with each individual academic discipline or healthcare profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Application Questions
I am admitted to a professional program on the Downers Grove, IL campus. Can I apply to the M.P.H. dual degree program?
Yes! Current or admitted Midwestern University students may submit their MWU healthcare professional application (using a transfer link in the student portal) to the M.P.H. Program for admissions consideration.
How do I apply to the dual degree program?
You can apply for the dual degree after you have been accepted to your primary professional program. On your student portal, use the transfer application link, which allows you to transfer your health professions application to the M.P.H. program for admissions consideration. Additionally, you will be required to submit a personal statement on how the M.P.H. degree fits into your professional goals.
What is the application deadline?
The application window opens on November 1 st and admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply early but no later than April 15 th.
What is One Health?
One Health is the collaborative effort of multiple health science professions, together with their related disciplines and institutions-working locally, nationally, and globally-to attain optimal health for people, domestic animals, wildlife, plants, and our environment.
One Health inspires the Midwestern University faculty, staff, and students to work collaboratively as respected colleagues. Midwestern graduates understand the nature and interdependency of humans, animals, and the environment and strengthen their bonds as healthcare professionals through education and research to benefit the health, quality of life, and well-being of all species.
M.P.H. Degree Program Questions
What degree programs does Midwestern University offer in Public Health?
Midwestern University offers an M.P.H. degree. This degree prepares students to tackle increasingly complex public health issues through a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health principles and practices.
How many credits is the M.P.H. degree?
The M.P.H. degree consists of 56 quarter-credit hours which includes online coursework, a practicum, and a culminating project .
What does a typical week’s course load look like for a student?
It is estimated that, based on the credit load and online format, each course requires approximately 3 hours of student work per credit hour, per week during a 10-week quarter. This includes reading, virtual lectures, assignments, and assigned online discussion. A typical course load for students is 12-15 credits, equating to approximately 36-45 hours of course work per week during the summer quarter. Dual degree students will take most M.P.H. course work during the summer quarters when they are not taking courses in their primary professional program. Some electives, the public health practicum, and the culminating project will be completed concurrently with the third and fourth year clinical rotation schedule.
What courses in my primary program count toward the M.P.H.?
The dual degree program is designed to allow the transfer of up to 12 credits for approved courses completed in the primary program towards the M.P.H. degree. Typically, students take the M.P.H. degree requirements during two summer quarters and complete the practicum and culminating project during their third or fourth year. For a list of courses eligible for elective credit in the M.P.H. program, see the Midwestern University course catalog:
Will I have to take other M.P.H. courses during the primary program academic year?
M.P.H. coursework is generally taken during the summer quarters. Certain courses, the public health practicum and the culminating project are completed during the third and fourth years of the primary program. Refer to the Midwestern course catalog for a sample course sequence:
Will I be assigned an advisor?
The M.P.H. Program Specialist will be assigned as the academic advisor to assist them with academic concerns and program completion. Faculty and staff are available for professional advising. In addition to the faculty advisor, the Program Director, College of Graduate Studies Dean, Associate Deans, and the Dean of Students are available to assist students. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate contact with the faculty mentor for assistance. Students will be able to choose additional faculty to work with for their culminating project.
What is the public health practicum?
The public health practicum is a planned, supervised, and evaluated practice experience that students complete late in the M.P.H. program. It is an opportunity for students to participate in experiential training in public health within healthcare settings and government-sponsored organizations. Students can expect to devote approximately 160 hours to the practicum and will produce two work products, such as a written assignment, multimedia presentation, public health educational material, etc. Example practicum sites include local and state health departments in the local geographic area or other more distant sites.
What is the culminating project?
The culminating project applies knowledge attained in the program and provides students with an opportunity to synthesize public health knowledge and skills obtained during the program. It can take many forms and is completed in conjunction with the practicum or as an independent study. Examples of types of projects include developing or evaluating a public health-related program, conducting a community needs assessment, or conducting traditional hypothesis-driven research of a public health nature. Students will produce a formal written report and deliver an oral presentation of their findings to the M.P.H. program faculty and community stakeholders.
I have specific questions about the cost of attending with the dual degree option, where can I find more information?
The Office of Student Financial Services can advise on the cost of attendance, financial aid options, and other questions related to attendance. Refer to the office’s website for additional information: https://www.midwestern.edu/admissions/tuition-and-financial-aid.xml
Where can I find resources and required textbooks?
The Midwestern University Library offers a variety of resources for students including many e-books for public health. Desk copies of required textbooks are also available in the reserved section of the libraries on both the Downers Grove, IL and Glendale, AZ campuses. Many of the required textbooks are also available at the library as e-books. Some allow for unlimited users while others are limited to one user at a time. See the Midwestern library website for further details: https://library.midwestern.edu/public-health/ebooks
What are the computer requirements to do the online M.P.H. Program?
Students enrolled in online courses are expected to have consistent access to a computer that is connected to reliable internet, installed with a word processing and a presentation program (e.g., Microsoft Office, Mac Pages/Keynote), and equipped with a microphone, speakers, and webcam.
Will I need to purchase my own statistical software?
The biostatistics courses in the M.P.H. Program utilize the SAS University Edition statistical software package. This software is available for download at no charge to students.