Achieving health equity in Flint and beyond
University of Michigan-Flint’s Master of Public Health program is designed to cultivate responsible public health leaders who can promote and protect the health of populations. The MPH degree program empowers students with the knowledge and specialized skills to ignite viable solutions to solve public health challenges with an evidence-based approach.
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At UM-Flint, we are committed to serving the community throughout the Flint area and beyond. The Master of Public Health program is grounded in our foundational partnerships in the City of Flint and the application of these principles of authentic partnerships globally. With esteemed faculty and the resources of the entire University of Michigan system, UM-Flint is a top choice for those pursuing an advanced degree in public health. The program is ranked among the nation’s best public health programs by U.S. News & World Report.
This flexible program is designed to fit your life. It can be completed completely online using Hyperflex technology. You also have the option to take classes part-time or full-time.
Why Choose UM-Flint’s MPH Program?
Real-Life Rigor on Your Resume
To help students build practical skills that can be applied to their careers, UM-Flint’s Master of Public Health program provides ample opportunities for students to gain real-world experiences.
You can have at least two resume-worthy experiences in the community through an internship and a capstone where you develop health-related projects to be used by agencies to accomplish their mission.
Along with the guidance from our experienced faculty, these real-world projects allow you to acquire skills to address current public health challenges and prepare for a career as a public health professional.
Flexible MPH Program With 100% Online Option
Designed to accommodate student needs, the MPH program at UM-Flint can be completed 100% online if you choose and on a part-time or a full-time basis. Some classes can be completed online asynchronously and others using Hyperflex technology, which allows students to choose from week to week to attend in-person or online synchronously.
UM Research Resource
UM-Flint’s MPH students have the opportunity to be involved in meaningful public health research projects. As a part of the world-renowned University of Michigan system, UM-Flint also enables students to tap into additional resources at the Dearborn and Ann Arbor campuses.
The nationally-ranked MPH program is committed to serving the community in Flint and beyond, while training students to do the same. The program is made up of students from many backgrounds, and prepares them to thrive in a wide range of careers. Students and graduates say that the flexible, hands-on curriculum and support from faculty and staff set them up to succeed. To read what students and recent graduates said about their time in the program, visit the UM-Flint NOW.
Master of Public Health Program Curriculum
The robust Master of Public Health program curriculum consists of a minimum of 42 credit hours of in-depth study that can help students establish a solid knowledge foundation in public health and strengthen skills in leadership, systems thinking, and communication. Providing an Applied Practice Experience and an Integrative Learning Experience, the curriculum enables students to demonstrate their synthesis of competencies through hands-on health projects.
In addition, the flexible curriculum allows students to customize individualized degree completion plans to fit their unique learning pace. Students select a program concentration in Health Education or Health Administration, depending on their career aspirations.
The Master of Public Health program can be completed 100% online utilizing Hyperflex technology.
Review the detailed Master of Public Health program curriculum.
MPH Core Courses
- HCR 500 – Epidemiology
- HED 540 – Health Behavior Theory for Public Health
- HED 547 – Biostatistics for Health Professionals
- PHS 500 – Social Determinants of Health
- PHS 501 – Public Health Administration and Policy
- PHS 503 – Welcome to Public Health
- PHS 520 – Environmental Health
- PHS 550 – Interprofessional Education in Public Health
- PHS 562 – Cultural Competence for Public Health Practice
Concentration Options
- MPH in Health Education
The Health Education concentration option is ideal for MPH students who are committed to improving the well-being of individuals and communities. The concentration courses focus on establishing students’ specialized skills in health program evaluation, design, and execution. - MPH in Health Administration
The Health Administration concentration is designed for those who aspire to take on managerial roles in health care organizations. It puts an emphasis on financial management, strategic planning, and leadership.
Master of Public Health /Master of Business Administration Dual Degree option
The Master of Public Health/Master of Business Administration option is designed for students who want to work in public health sectors and also gain management knowledge and skills. The MPH/MBA curriculum allows students to apply up to 12 specified credits toward both degrees.
The degrees are independent. The MBA program courses are offered in a variety of formats; online, hybrid online courses or on-campus class/online class from week to week with hyperflex courses.
Brittany Jones-Carter
Master of Public Health 2023
“After finishing my bachelor’s in health care administration, I pursued a MPH because there is so much you can do in the field – from administration to health education to research. I had a newborn when I started the program and it was very convenient for me to take classes online. I was lucky to work as a research assistant with Dr. Lisa Lapeyrouse on her work on racism and how it impacts health outcomes in Flint. I saw how impactful her work is in the community and fell in love with research. Research is how we understand people’s behavior and learn how to make positive changes. I completed an internship with the U-M Prevention Research Center and was hired to work there after graduation. I am grateful for what the program gave me. The faculty and staff make the program a very supportive community. You know that they care about you and want you to succeed.”
MPH Degree Career Outcomes
Graduates of the MPH program possess the knowledge and skills necessary to develop broad-based, collaborative strategies for creating successful resolutions to public health challenges. In fact, 91% of our graduates responding to the alumni survey indicated they successfully gained employment within one year after graduation. MPH alumni are employed at agencies such as Wayne County Health Authority, Genesee County Health Department, Great Lakes Bay Health Centers, Altarum, and Underground Railroad with titles of:
- Population Health Project Specialist
- Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
- HIV Prevention Manager
- Public Health Analyst
- Sexual Assault Prevention Educator
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with sufficient preparation in algebra to succeed in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- For students who seek admission to the BS/MPH joint degree program, please see the details on our BS/MPH catalog page.
Applying to the MPH Program
To be considered for admission to the Master of Public Health program, submit an online application below. Other materials can be emailed to FlintGradOffice@umich.edu or delivered to the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library.
- Application for Graduate Admission
- $55 application fee (non-refundable)
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Please read our full transcript policy for more information.
- For any degree completed at a non-US institution, transcripts must be submitted for an internal credential review. Read the following for instructions on how to submit your transcripts for review.
- If English is not your native language, and you are not from an exempt country, you must demonstrate English proficiency.
- Three letters of recommendation that can speak to your past academic performance and/or your potential for successfully completing the MPH program. At least one letter must be an academic reference.
- Statement of Purpose should be a typewritten document of 500 words or less that includes:
- What is your concentration of interest (health education or health administration) and how would completion of the MPH program allow you to live your purpose?
- Describe how your coursework, work/volunteer, and life experiences have prepared you to be successful in the MPH program.
- Describe your experiences with facing and overcoming adversity.
- Describe how your characteristics and goals are congruent with the Program’s mission and values (see below)
- Describe how your personal or academic background and experiences will bring a unique perspective to the program and positively contribute to the Public Health community.
- Any special circumstances applicable to your application
- Students from abroad must submit additional documentation.
- International students on a student visa (F-1 or J-1) may begin the MPH program in the fall semester only. To comply with the immigration regulations requirements, international students on a student visa must enroll in at least 6 credits of in-person classes during their fall and winter semesters.
This program can be completed 100% online or on-campus with in-person courses. Admitted students can apply for a student (F-1) visa with the requirement of attending in-person courses. Students living abroad may also complete this program online in their home country. Other nonimmigrant visa holders currently in the United States please contact the Center for Global Engagement at globalflint@umich.edu.
Interview: an interview may be required at the discretion of the faculty admissions committee.
Kim S.
Educational Background: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition from Marygrove College
What are some of the best qualities of your program? This program has been instrumental for my career outlook and educational experience. The best qualities for me are the faculty, and opportunities to impact our communities. The faculty are very involved and educated in their field and instill confidence and a sense of purpose into their students by allowing them to be involved in many different aspects of public health. Additionally, having the opportunity to travel and attend professional conferences with faculty has provided a pivotal and ever-evolving understanding of my future career field. The population health opportunities have allowed me to be involved in many distinct aspects of public health, which can help one determine where they would like to direct their career path. The projects I have been involved in and around the Flint area have provided an enormous amount of passion, enrichment, and enjoyment throughout my experience at the university.
Application Deadlines
The Master of Public Health program has rolling admissions and reviews completed applications each month. Application deadlines are as follows:
- Fall (early deadline; only term of admission for F-1 students) – May 1*
- Fall (final deadline; domestic students only) – Aug. 1
- Winter – Dec. 1
- Summer – April 1
*You must have a complete application by the early deadline to guarantee application eligibility for scholarships, grants, and research assistantships.
Students from abroad, seeking an F-1 visa, are only admissible for the fall semester. The final deadline for international students is May 1 for the fall semester. Those students from abroad who are not seeking a student visa may follow the application deadlines noted above.
Accreditation
The Public Health Programs at the University of Michigan-Flint received accreditation from the Board of Councilors of the Council on Education for Public Health in June 2021.
The five-year span is the maximum term the programs could have achieved as a first-time applicant. The accreditation term extends until July 1, 2026. Our initial accreditation status is recorded as November 2018.
The final self-study and reviewer’s report are available by request at PHHS-Info@umich.edu.
Mission
Our mission is to improve health in the community through collaborative research and community service. We aim to produce future practitioners who promote healthy populations by providing experiential learning opportunities through community engagement.
Values
- Social Justice: Our students and faculty engage in professional activities to reduce social disparities and health inequities in our communities.
- Ethical Practice: Uphold high standards of honesty, integrity, and fairness in public health research, teaching, and service.
- Professionalism: Model the duties and responsibilities of public health consistent with the code of conduct for the field.
- Community and Partnerships: Engage in mutually beneficial community collaborations built on respect, trust, and personal commitment to improve the public health status of local and global communities.
- Local-Global Synergy: Create an educational synergy among domestic and international students, faculty, and communities that foster learning and practice opportunities that improve public health across cultures.
MPH Program Academic Advising
At UM-Flint, we proudly provide dedicated advisors to help students navigate their unique educational journeys. For academic advising, please contact your program/department of interest.
Improve Health in Your Community with an MPH degree from UM-Flint
The University of Michigan-Flint’s Master of Public Health program empowers you to make a positive impact on population health locally and globally. Start your application today, or request information to learn more about the MPH program.
