MSU Program in Public Health

Academic Requirements

Master of Public Health (MPH) Degree 

Core disciplines contributing to public health include biostatistics, epidemiology, health policy and management, social and behavioral sciences, and environmental health sciences. To obtain the MPH degree, the student must complete a minimum of 42 semester hours of course work and practicum. The requirements for the MPH degree are as follows:  

1. Complete all of the following courses (18 credits):           

  • HM 801 Introduction to Public Health (3)
  • HM 802 Biostatistics for Public Health (3)
  • HM 803 Epidemiology for Public Health (3)
  • HM 804 Public Health Administration (3)
  • HM 805 Social and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health (3)
  • HM 806 Environmental Factors of Health (3) 

2. Both of the following courses (6 credits):

  • HM 891 Introduction to Public Health Practicum (1)
  • HM 892 Public Health Practicum (5) 

3. Complete 18 credits of elective course work from a list of approved courses available from the program office or approved by the student’s academic advisor.
 
4. Successfully complete a final evaluation or examination.

 
Practicum Experience

The practicum experience is a 240-hour commitment. The Introduction to Public Health Practicum course is a pre-requisite for the Public Health Practicum credit. Before registering for HM 891, students should contact the Public Health Liaison to discuss ideas and options for the practical experience. Student wishes will be accommodated as possible within the constraints of available practicum placements, projects, and mentors. Students may choose to enroll in the 5-credit practicum during one semester or over multiple semesters depending on the agreed upon project and the availability of the mentor. 
 

Students are required to provide evidence of personal health insurance coverage for the duration of the practicum. Student health insurance may be obtained from the university through human resources at http://www.hr.msu.edu/HRsite/Benefits/Students/HealthCov/. 

 

Graduate Specialization in Public Health

The Graduate Specialization in Public Health is administered by the College of Human Medicine and is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in master’s or doctoral degree programs at Michigan State University. The requirements for the graduate specialization in public health are as follows:

1. Complete all of the following courses (18 credits):           

  • HM 801 Introduction to Public Health (3)
  • HM 802 Biostatistics for Public Health (3)
  • HM 803 Epidemiology for Public Health (3)
  • HM 804 Public Health Administration (3)
  • HM 805 Social and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health (3)
  • HM 806 Environmental Factors of Health (3)

 
Certificate in Public Health

The Certificate in Public Health is designed for individuals who are not interested in pursuing a graduate degree but are interested in an overview of the core disciplines for personal or professional reasons. Individuals may enroll in the certificate option through MSU Lifelong Learning. The requirements for the certificate in public health are as follows:  

1. Complete all of the following courses (18 credits):           

  • HM 801 Introduction to Public Health (3)
  • HM 802 Biostatistics for Public Health (3)
  • HM 803 Epidemiology for Public Health (3)
  • HM 804 Public Health Administration (3)
  • HM 805 Social and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health (3)
  • HM 806 Environmental Factors of Health (3)