Master of Public Health
Graduate Degree
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
3 Semesters
Overview
In-Depth Learning with Personalized Flexibility
Master theory and practice with a public health education that’s complemented by real-world learning experiences. Here, our faculty invest in your success with teaching that’s focused on one-on-one discussions, hands-on coursework and personal mentoring. And to provide worker-friendly schedule options, our program is paced over 1 year with weekend and evening courses.
Who It's For
If you’re ready to expand your interests and passions in the public health realm, we’ll connect you to meaningful research, practical experiences, and professional opportunities.
The Master of Public Health program is designed for working healthcare professionals who have a commitment to acquire the knowledge and skills that will help them advance to leadership positions. Students come from a variety of careers such as health departments, hospitals, integrated health delivery systems, HMOs, group practices, government agencies, and nongovernmental organizations.
Key Benefits
- Attend a highly respected public health program while continuing to work
- Class sizes limited to 20 students allow you to get the most value from your education
- Gain skills through a hands-on customized practicum experience based on career interests
- Opportunities to engage in real-time program planning or research, working alongside faculty to address prevalent public health challenges on a local, national, and global level
- Unique, rigorous coursework and class formats
- Supportive faculty who are continuously available and committed to assisting you at each step of the program
- Development of skills that will prepare you to promote and protect public health and safety through education, service, and evidence-based science
How Long It Takes
The Master of Public Health program is 3 semesters, and generally takes 1 year to complete.
Accreditation Employers Trust
The Master’s of Public Health program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Graduates of CEPH-accredited schools and programs of public health are equipped with the population health skills to address the world’s most pressing health issues.
"I teach a Disaster and Public Health class where we address issues like Ebola, earthquakes, disease outbreak, flu, influenza, vaccinations. Teaching and mentoring has changed my life; as a young man there weren't opportunities that I wish I could have and I want to give students those opportunities."
About the Program
Find Your Calling
We’ll help you answer it. Not only does our faculty invest extensive time into each student’s education, but we also offer experiences out in the world that equip you to pursue a career that matters. Get connected to meaningful research projects and practice settings tailored to your passions, whether you’re designing research programs or studying global health issues.
Professors work one-on-one with students to ensure each individual grasps the material and concepts, ensuring no student ever falls behind.
What You'll Learn
Graduates of the MPH program will be prepared to:- Assess, monitor, and review the health status of populations and their related determinants of health and illness
- Demonstrate the ability to utilize the proper statistical and epidemiologic tools to assess community needs and program outcomes
- Interpret quantitative and qualitative data
- Use methods and instruments for collecting valid and reliable quantitative and qualitative data
- Identify and prioritize the key dimensions of a public health problem by critically assessing public health literature—both quantitative and qualitative sources
- Describe the direct and indirect human, ecological, and safety effects of major environmental and occupational agents
- Determine approaches for assessing, preventing, and controlling environmental hazards that pose risks to human health and safety
- Identify the causes of social and behavioral factors that affect the health of individuals and populations
- Apply theoretical constructs of social and health behavior in planning community interventions
- Articulate the relationship between health care delivery and financing, public health systems, and public policy
- Apply program planning, development, budgeting, management, and evaluation principles in public health organizations and initiatives
- Function as collaborators on public health projects with the ability to assume leadership roles effectively
- Identify and apply ethical, moral, and legal principles in all aspects of public health practice
- Develop public health programs and strategies responsive to the diverse cultural values and traditions serving communities
- Apply evidence-based principles and the scientific knowledge base to develop evaluation methods and critically evaluate public health program outcomes
- Effectively communicate public health messages to a variety of audiences, from professionals to the general public
Want to learn more about the Master of Public Health program?
A dedicated admissions counselor will reach out to you with personalized information to help with your search for the right program.
Request More InfoCareer Opportunities
Our practical, hands-on courses are designed to help you smoothly step from classroom to workforce. In fact, Westminster graduates are frequently requested by state and local agencies recruiting new employees.
This degree is internationally recognized, so you can take your skills just about anywhere. You put in the hard work to learn, and we’ll do our share to foster connections between students and hiring organizations.
Our faculty use their connections at local, national, and international organizations to make introductions between graduates and public health professionals.
Student Success
Graduates have found jobs in state and local agencies, as well as federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United Nations, the National Institute of Health, and other international agencies.
"After I pursued my master’s degree, I became an environmental health scientist, ensuring that food, water, and air are safe. Because of the breadth of topics we studied, I have knowledge of every health profession and can use that to my advantage—which makes me an asset to my employers. My degree gives me the flexibility to be well-versed in a wide range of health topics. I can literally be anything I want in the health field."
“Learning how to plan a program, apply for a grant to fund the program, implement the program, and then evaluate it was one of the most impactful and applicable things I’ve learned."
Related Programs
Westminster also offers a Certificate in Public Health, which is designed to begin the process of formal and on-the-job training in public health.
There's No Better Investment Than You
Tuition and Fees
At Westminster, we are committed to making your education affordable.
Financial Aid
Westminster works with all students to determine the financial aid opportunities available to them. Federal financial aid is available and will be awarded on an individual basis to students who have filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Some federal financial aid programs require students to maintain the equivalent of full- or part-time enrollment. Westminster also offers scholarships for graduate students.
Scholarships
Students who completed an undergraduate degree at Westminster are eligible to receive the Westminster Alumni Scholarship.
Loans
Graduate students are eligible for Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct (grad) PLUS loans through the U.S. Department of Education’s federal student loan program.
Federal Work Study
Federal Work Study is a federally funded program that provides job opportunities for students to earn money to help pay for college. Westminster employs hundreds of students each year in different areas.
Important Dates
Application Deadline
Complete applications are reviewed on a rolling admissions basis. Early submission is strongly encouraged.
Priority Deadline
Feb. 1, 2021
Entry Term
Fall