Master of Public Health Degree
This flexible program is designed to fit your life. It can be completed completely online using Hyperflex technology. You can also take classes part-time or full-time.
Social:
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 equips students with the knowledge and specialized skills to develop viable solutions to public health challenges through an evidence-based approach.
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Why Earn Your Master of Public Health at UM-Flint?
Real-Life Rigor on Your Resume
To help students build practical skills applicable to their careers, UM-Flint’s Master of Public Health program provides ample opportunities for real-world experience.
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 Program With 100% Online MPH 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 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 participate in meaningful public health research projects. As part of the world-renowned University of Michigan system, UM-Flint also enables students to access additional resources at the Dearborn and Ann Arbor campuses.
What Makes Us One of the Nation’s Best Public Health Master’s Programs
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.
“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.”
Brittany Jones-Carter
Master of Public Health 2023
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.
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 emphasizes financial management, strategic planning, and leadership.
Dual Degree Option: Master of Public Health /Master of Business Administration
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 classes/online classes from week to week with hyperflex courses.
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 who responded to the alumni survey reported successfully finding employment within one year of 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 such as:
- Population Health Project Specialist
- Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
- HIV Prevention Manager
- Public Health Analyst
- Sexual Assault Prevention Educator
Graduate Program Ambassador
Kim S. | kimjohn@umich.edu
Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition from Marygrove College.
What are some of the best qualities of your program? This program has been instrumental in my career outlook and educational experience. The best qualities for me are the faculty and opportunities to impact our communities. The faculty are highly educated and engaged in their fields and instill confidence and a sense of purpose in their students by allowing them to participate in many aspects of public health.
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.
- The University of Michigan will consider a three-year degree from India equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree if the degree has been earned with a minimum of 60% marks and the awarding institution has been accredited by India’s National Assessment and Accreditation Council with a grade of “A” or better.
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-U.S. institution, transcripts must be submitted for an internal credential review. Read the International Transcript Evaluation 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 area of concentration of interest (health education or health administration), and how would the 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
This program is fully online; admitted students will not be eligible to receive a student (F-1) visa to pursue this degree. Non-U.S. citizens residing outside of the United States may not complete this program online from their home country. If you currently hold a non-immigrant visa and are residing in the United States, please contact the Center for Global Engagement at globalflint@umich.edu for guidance regarding your eligibility.
Interview: An interview may be required at the discretion of the faculty admissions committee.
Admission to the MPH program for international students is currently paused. We are unable to accept any new international applications for fall 2027.
Application Deadlines
Submit all application materials to the Office of Graduate Programs on or before the day of the application deadline. The Master of Public Health program has rolling admission and reviews completed applications each month.
To be considered for admission, all application materials must be submitted on or before:
- Fall
- Feb. 1 (early deadline for guaranteed consideration for scholarships, grants and assistantships)
- Aug. 1 (final deadline)
- Winter
- Dec. 1
- Summer
- April 1
Accreditation
The Public Health Programs at the University of Michigan–Flint were accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) Board of Councilors in June 2021. As a first-time applicant, the program received the maximum five-year accreditation term available at that time. The initial accreditation period extended through July 1, 2026, with an official accreditation start date recorded as November 2018.
The programs are currently undergoing reaccreditation review through CEPH. Upon successful completion of this review process, the accreditation term is expected to extend through 2033, demonstrating the program’s continued commitment to maintaining CEPH standards and advancing excellence in public health education.
The final self-study and reviewer’s report are available by request at PHHS-Info@umich.edu.
Mission
Our mission is to improve community health 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
- Respect & Engagement: We cultivate an environment where mutual respect and active engagement thrive. Through open communication and collaboration, we create a space where everyone is valued and empowered to contribute.
- Ethical & Civic Responsibility: Upholding the highest standards of integrity and civic duty, our faculty and students engage in ethical practice, research, teaching, service, and advocacy that benefit the public.
- 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 fosters learning and practice opportunities that improve public health across cultures.
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.