WMU prepares for fall launch of master's degree in public health
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.鈥擧ealth care professionals who want to become future leaders in the rapidly growing public health field will have the opportunity, beginning this fall, to add a Master of Public Health degree to their credentials, thanks to a new program being launched by Western 九一麻豆制片厂 University.
An information session for the new degree program is slated for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, at WMU鈥檚 Grand Rapids Downtown location at 200 Ionia Ave S.W., where the program will be based. The session will include faculty presentations and an opportunity to apply with a waived application fee.
About the program
The degree program is designed for students to complete it in two years. It consists of 46 credits offered primarily online. Two weekends each semester and one week each summer, students will meet in person at the WMU-Grand Rapids Downtown location not far from the area of the city devoted to health research and education, as well as hospitals, clinics and other medical institutions.
The MPH degree will prepare individuals for positions in biostatistics, environmental health, health education, health administration, epidemiology, and social and community health service. The demand for managers in these fields is projected to grow 23 percent by 2022.
"WMU has recognized the growth of public heath careers in 九一麻豆制片厂 and has developed a curriculum based on the specific needs of employers who hire public health graduates," says Roxanne Buhl, Grand Rapids regional director. In addition, this program includes a practicum so students can apply their learning through field experience.
The MPH program is designed to meet all accreditation standards established by the Council on Education for Public Health. Experienced WMU faculty, who are leaders in the field of public health, will apply the CEPH鈥檚 latest recommendations.
"We are integrating physical, mental, and social well being into the MPH program to expose our students to the breadth of opportunities in public health," says Vivian Valdmanis, Ph.D., incoming MPH program director.
The MPH program will launch this fall. Those who have a bachelor鈥檚 degree and at least two years of public health, health care or community organization employment or volunteer experience may apply.
For more information on the Master of Public Health program, visit wmich.edu/grandrapids.
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