If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact on public health in Michigan, earning your Master of Public Health (MPH) online could be your next step toward leadership and career growth. Michigan’s healthcare landscape is evolving rapidly, with a growing demand for professionals skilled at addressing the unique health challenges facing Great Lakes communities. Whether you’re juggling work and family commitments or considering a shift to public health, an online MPH program provides the flexibility and quality you need to succeed. STEPS will help you discover Michigan’s best online MPH programs, clearly presented and compared by factors like specialization, affordability, and learning formats — ultimately helping you confidently choose the right program to meet your goals.Best Online MPH Degree Programs in Michigan (MI)
Online MPH Programs in Michigan: A Comparison
If you want to earn your online MPH in Michigan, you might already be working in the field. But that means you might not have much time to juggle your work obligations alongside going back to school to get your master’s degree in person.
Fortunately, online master’s degrees in public health programs make it a little easier. Online learning offers flexibility you simply can’t get in a traditional classroom, allowing you to attend class anytime and anywhere, as long as you have a good internet connection. However, if you still want the face-to-face interaction offered by classroom learning, some programs offer hybrid approach, allowing you to take some courses online and others on campus. To help you find a program that fits your needs—and to offer insights into what you can expect—we’ve profiled three high-quality Michigan online MPH programs.
Michigan State University
Michigan State University’s Master of Public Health program is completely online, and you can pick from three concentrations to further finetune your degree: generalist public health, rural public health, or public health data management and analytics. Whichever option you choose, the program places a high emphasis on leadership, health equity, and effective public health communication. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and an application. The 43-credit program consists of 34 credits of core coursework, plus concentration curriculum and electives.
Duration: 19 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $24,650
Core Curriculum:
- Introduction to Public Health, Biostatistics for Public Health, and Epidemiology for Public Health
- Public Health Policy and Administration
- Social and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health
- Environmental Factors of Health
- Principles of Public Health Leadership
- Community Engagement in Public Health
- Public Health Research Methods
- Health Equity Framework for Public Health Practice
- Applied Practice and Integrative Learning Experiences
- Chosen Concentration Courses
- Electives
Ferris State University
Ferris State University’s Masters of Public Health program is entirely online, and beyond the asynchronous classroom learning that the program encompasses, students also enjoy a 180-hour capstone experience at a rural or suburban practice. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree with at least minimum GPA of 2.5, admission to or completion of a terminal professional degree, a personal statement of interest, three professional references, and prerequisite courses related to statistics, mathematics, and the natural sciences. While the program is intended to be completed in three years, a fast-track option is available as well, allowing students to complete the program in two years.
Duration: 2-3 years
Mode: Online
Cost: $32,340
Curriculum:
- Public Health Concepts
- Biostatistics in Public Health
- Health Behavior & Heath Promo in Public Health
- Environmental Health Sciences
- Cultural Diversity & Competency in Public Health
- Health Communications and Mass Media
- Epidemiology in Public Health
- Health Services Administration and Management
- Chronic Disease Epidemiology
- Grant and Research Proposal Writing
Saginaw Valley State University
Saginaw Valley State University’s Master of Public Health program touts that it’s the most affordable of its kind in the state. The program can be completed in just two years and requires 30 credit hours to graduate. Admission requirements include completing the program’s application, submitting a statement of intent, and submitting a letter of recommendation from an employer or educator. You must also have achieved a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA when pursuing your bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. The generalist program incorporates current public health concerns and trends to ensure students graduate equipped to take on a variety of public health roles in the modern landscape.
Duration: 2 years
Mode: Online
Cost: $22,950
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Public Health
- Public Health Grant & Proposal Writing
- Health Behavior & Health Promotion
- Quantitative Applications in Public Health
- Environmental Health
- Cultural Competency in Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Public Health Services
- Health Program Planning and Evaluation
- Public Health Communication
- Introduction to Biostatistics
Quick Guide FAQs for MPH Students
What is the Michigan job market like for those with an MPH?
The job market for residents with an MPH is strong in Michigan, where community health workers rank as the sixth-fastest growing occupation in the health field, according to the Michigan Health Council. The state ranks 16th in highest wages and 21st in shortages in the field, which explains why MPH graduates are in high demand.
Is getting an MPH worth it in Michigan?
Whether a degree is worth it or not is highly dependent on personal goals and variables. However, growth is anticipated among almost all health care careers in Michigan, including for those with a public health degree. Additionally, those with an MPH earn considerable salaries. For example, epidemiologists in Michigan earn an average annual salary of $80,960 to $96,210. Though there are some outliers, most Michigan graduates with an MPH degree can expect good job security and suitable pay.
What kind of financial aid can I get for an online MPH program in Michigan?
Financial aid is a strong consideration for anyone seeking an online master’s degree in public health. Michigan schools provide a wide variety of scholarships, fellowships, and other financial assistance to people who are seeking their MPH. Of course, scholarships, particularly industry-specific public health scholarships, are the most advantageous because they do not have to be paid back.
How much is an MPH program in Michigan?
While it entirely depends on your MPH program of choice, you can expect to pay anywhere from roughly $23,000 (available at Saginaw Valley State University) to $50,000-plus for top-ranked schools.
What GPA do you need for a Michigan MPH program?
Many Michigan MPH programs require that you achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0 during your undergraduate studies. This is the case, for example, at Saginaw Valley State University as well as at the University of Michigan.
MPH Career Outlook in Michigan
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Epidemiologists | $54,950 | $132,230 | $81,390 |
| Michigan | Epidemiologists | $61,210 | $106,200 | $86,160 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | Epidemiologists | $50,010 | $109,370 | $61,210 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | Epidemiologists | $72,980 | $117,270 | $90,810 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | Epidemiologists | $64,110 | $103,790 | $90,810 |
Source: Epidemiologists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Epidemiologists | 10,000 | 12,700 | 2,700 | 27.00% |
| Michigan | Epidemiologists | 240 | 300 | 60 | 25.00% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Michigan Resources for MPH Students & Professionals
People entering the public health field need all the support they can get, and these resources deliver. Keep in mind that some of these groups are open to seasoned professionals as well as students, but all should help you navigate the public health industry, network with other professionals, and gain the foundation that may help you bolster your career.
Henry Ford Health System: The largest healthcare system in the state, this organization has five hospitals under its purview (and counting), providing a wealth of research opportunities, public assistance, grants, and projects.
Michigan Association for Local Public Health: This is a private nonprofit organization tasked with assisting Michigan’s city, county, and district health departments. Much of their work is devoted to working with federal and executive branches of the legislature, effecting change from the top down.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services: This is where residents can go to get public health information and guidance, including details on children and family services, environmental health, and public safety. State programs are often headquartered here.
Michigan Public Health Association: The state chapter of the American Public Health Association, the Michigan Public Health Association promotes public health throughout the state. The organization conducts research and issues urgent missives and communications on health issues that affect people in Michigan and the surrounding areas.
Michigan Public Health Institute: This nonprofit organization offers resources for schools, local governments, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations that work to promote the health and well-being of the general population.
Top-Rated Online MPH Programs In Michigan
Our top-ranked online MPH programs in Michigan only include programs at schools that offer proper accreditation, at least one online or partially online MPH program, and student services. After generating the list of eligible programs, the STEPS data team assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Online learning metrics receive the heaviest weightings, followed by affordability and student outcomes/academic quality metrics.
Calvin University
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Private
Madonna University
Livonia, Michigan
Private
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Public
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Public
Saginaw Valley State University
University Center, Michigan
Public
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Public
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, Michigan
Public
