Best Online MPH Programs in Michigan for 2024: Online & On-Campus
When looking for the best programs for the Master of Public Health degree, Michigan offers many excellent options. There are actually so many good options in the state that it can be tough to narrow them down. Read on to learn which criteria for an MPH program might matter most for you.
People who want to enter the public health profession, and especially want to affect policy and lead others in the quest for better health, will be well-served by earning aMaster of Public Health (MPH). Michigan is home to many MPH programs, both online and on-campus, that meet the requirements of the Council of Education for Public Health.
In fact, the biggest challenge aspiring students might face is narrowing down all those options to best suit their needs. With so many top MPH programs vying for your attention, we want to give you the information you need as you start to research the right universities for you.
Let’s dive into the wide variety of public health master’s degree programs Michigan has to offer, whether they offer you the traditional classroom setting or the online flexibility that can make life easier for working students in the Great Lakes State.
Best Colleges to Earn MPH Degree in Michigan: Campus-based
Though some love the freedom offered by online classes, others prefer to have the face-to-face interaction from being with their peers and professors in a traditional classroom. We took a look at the variety of on-campus or hybrid programs available in Michigan and considered their affordability, student support, accreditation, essential skills taught throughout the courses, and other points that matter to incoming students.
Keep in mind that this is a sampling of the public health master’s programs Michigan has to offer in 2024; a longer and more comprehensive ranking list will be released on this website later this year.
Central Michigan University
The Master of Public Health degree from the College of Health Professions at Central Michigan University prepares students to work in local, national, and international settings. This rigorous program is designed to be completed in two years; however, students who need more time can take it without penalty. Employed full-time students can take one class per semester, while those who are employed part-time or not at all must take at least two classes per semester.
Though the estimated cost of the degree is $40,800, keep in mind that there is tuition assistance available. Military service members and their dependents, federal workers, and state employees also have the opportunity to receive tuition adjustments.
All admissions occur in the fall and follow the traditional semester model. To get into the program, you must have a bachelor’s degree and an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0, a statement of purpose and letters of reference. You will also need a resume that shows volunteer work, employment, or activities that prove you are an excellent candidate for the MPH program.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Online
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Public Health
Specialization Options:
- Public Health Practice
Wayne State University
Wayne State University offers its Master of Public Health Programthrough the School of Medicine – specifically, the Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Services. The accredited program requires 42 credit hours that can be taken full-time, part-time, and even on evenings and weekends. Though this program is primarily on campus, the wide variety of class meeting times will fit into many students’ busy schedules. Students have three-to-four years to complete the program, though most can complete it in two years of full-time study.
Students can choose to pursue the MPH or combine it with another program. These programs include the Doctor of Medicine, Master in Social Work, or Master in Nutrition and Food Science. Some who are highly qualified at the bachelor level can move seamlessly into the master program through accelerated graduate enrollment.
People who need foundational knowledge before moving into the master’s degree program can opt for the Bridge Graduate Certificate. This 15-credit certificate takes one year to complete.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Online
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Public Health/Doctor of Medicine
- Master of Public Health/Master of Social Work
- Master of Public Health/Master in Nutrition and Food Science
Specialization Options:
- Public Health Practice
- Population Health Analytics
Oakland University
The Department of Public Health and Environmental Awareness at Oakland University is home to a Master of Public Health program that offers a hands-on approach through service opportunities. The courses are offered in the evenings in a hybrid format, meaning that some courses are in person while others are taken online. This accredited program allows for financial aid based on need, so it’s possible that the already low tuition could be even lower when you factor in scholarships and other financial assistance.
There are three concentrations: Epidemiological Research, Global and Population Health Services, and Health Equity. Though these can be pursued outside of the MPH degree, many students choose to use them as specializations.
Applications are accepted throughout the year and must include a goal statement, official transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree earned with a 3.0 GPA or higher, three recommendation letters, and a current resume.
Delivery:
- Online
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Public Health
Specialization Options:
- Epidemiological Research
- Global and Population Health Services
- Health Equity
Top Online MPH Programs in Michigan
If you are interested in earning your online Master of Public Health in Michigan, you might already be working in the field on the strength of your bachelor’s degree. But, that means you might not have much time to juggle your work obligations, which makes the idea of going back to school to get your master’s degree seen like a daunting prospect.
Fortunately, online master of public health programs in Michigan make this 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.
It’s important to note that many master’s degree programs for public health are designed with working professionals in mind, and thus will often be entirely online. However, if you still want some of the face-to-face interaction offered by classroom learning, you can opt for a hybrid approach, taking some courses online and others on campus.
Just as with the on-campus programs listed above, the online MPH programs offered in Michigan were chosen on factors such as affordability, accreditation, and student services. Read on to discover some of the best online or hybrid options for 2024.
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan School of Public Health is home to the fully online Master of Public Health in Population and Health Sciences. Offered entirely through the Coursera system, this is considered a generalist degree that opens up a wide variety of job opportunities for graduates. The degree requires 42 credit hours, which includes 23 hours of core courses and several elective series options. In most cases, students will choose two electives to complete the degree in a way that promotes their interests in a future public health career.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have a bachelor’s degree in any field, at least one year of work experience in any field, and volunteer or work experience in a field that is strongly tied to public health. The application is quite thorough, requiring letters of recommendation, an essay and statement, resume, a statement of purpose, and the usual official transcripts. Entry into this school or program does not require GRE scores.
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Public Health in Population and Health Sciences
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fully-Online
Specializations Offered:
- Environmental Health Sciences
- Epidemiology
- Health Behavior and Health Education
- Health Management and Policy
Saginaw Valley State University
Students can enjoy the lowest tuition in the state for the Master of Public Health program at Saginaw Valley State University. In addition to low tuition, students can also qualify for financial aid and payment plans.
This 30-credit, fully online program can be completed in two years. The generalist program allows students to choose a capstone project that reflects their specific interest in a field under the public health umbrella.
The program is open to those who have a bachelor’s degree they earned with a C average or better. They must provide a statement of intent and letters of recommendation, making this an easier admissions process than many other schools.
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Public Health
Program Options:
- Full-Time
- Fully-Online
Michigan State University
At Michigan State University, aspiring students can choose among three Master of Public Health programs: Generalist, Rural Public Health, and Public Health Data Management and Analytics. The latter two are new for students beginning in fall 2024.
This is a fully online program that allows students to work and handle family obligations while pursuing their degree. They can choose to attend full-time or part-time. Thirty-four credits go to the core courses while nine credits allow for concentration development.
Students don’t have to present GRE scores during the admissions process. Once they are in, they have a mentor who follows them throughout their master’s degree pursuit and helps ensure they stay on track. As a bonus, every student receives in-state tuition no matter where they are from when they enroll. Students are also automatically enrolled in the American Public Health Association.
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Public Health – Generalist
- Master of Public Health – Rural Public Health
- Master of Public Health – Public Health Data Management and Analytics
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fully-Online
Financial Aid for MPH Students 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 are the most advantageous because they do not have to be paid back.
But, there could also be other types of financial aid available. This guide to Public Health scholarships and other services is a must-read for students who are aspiring for an MPH degree, as is this financial aid guide that gives all the information you might need to make an informed decision on loans, grants, and other assistance from Michigan schools.
Career Outlook for MPH Graduates in Michigan
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.
Though the jobs open to someone with an MPH degree in hospital leadership tend to pay more than others in the field, growth is anticipated among all health care careers in Michigan, with the exception of health informatics specialists.
The earning potential is also good, with most jobs in the public health sector making more than the current national average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Though there are some outliers, most graduates with an MPH degree can expect good job security and suitable pay to make their investment in their degree worthwhile.
| Career | Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) | Average Annual Openings (2022-2032) | Annual Mean Wage (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epidemiologist | 27% | 800 | $81,390 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 28% | 54,700 | $110,680 |
| Health Educators | 7% | 6,600 | $62,860 |
| Health Information Technologists and Registrars | 16% | 3,100 | $62,990 |
| Environmental Health Specialists | 6% | 6,900 | $78,980 |
Sources: Projections Central; Bureau of Labor Statistics
Michigan Public Health Professional and Student Resources
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.
- 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 non-profit 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
This is the state chapter of the American Public Health Association, which promotes public health throughout the state. Research is conducted here, as are urgent missives and communications on health issues that affect people in Michigan and the surrounding areas. - Michigan Public Health Institute
This non-profit 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.
