Master of Public Health

Partnering with local non-profits, health care agencies, corporations and more, you will have the opportunity to determine community needs and develop initiatives that make a positive impact while engaging in public health practices, including needs assessment; program planning, implementation, and evaluation; health policy formation; and health literacy campaigns.

Curricular Requirements can be found in the graduate catalog.

For a copy of the MPH Student Handbook, please email Caress Dean.

No matter where you are on your path to earning a master's degree, OU’s MPH program has an option that’s right for you. Choose from three flexible tracks to complete the 44-credit program. Students should estimate 10-12 hours of work per week for every 4-credit course.

Option 1: 2-year plan (8-12 credits per semester)
This option is ideal for individuals interested in completing the degree at an accelerated pace, and is not recommended for anyone working more than 20 hours per week.

Option 2: 3-year plan (4-8 credits per semester)
Geared toward individuals who want to pursue the degree part-time, this option allows for flexibility based on personal circumstances.

Option 3: 5-year plan (4 credits per semester)
Designed to fit into your busy schedule, this option enables students to balance work and family life, while pursuing the degree at a slower pace.

Option 4: 6-year plan (4 credits per semester)
Designed to fit into your busy schedule, this option enables students to balance work and family life, while pursuing the degree at a slower pace.

For a breakdown of specific coursework by semester in each option, please email Caress Dean.

Application deadlines:

• Fall semester:
  • February 15 (early), April 15 (regular), July 15 (late)
  • International student application deadline: May 1 
• Winter semester:
  • October 1 (early) and November 15 (regular)
  • International student application deadline: September 1
• Summer semester:
  • March 1 (regular)
  • International student application deadline: January 1

Learn more about OU's Master of Public Health Program

We invite you to attend one of our scheduled MPH Info Sessions. These sessions provide an opportunity to learn about OU's Master of Public Health program and hear more from a faculty member as well as a current student.

Click here to register

Admission Requirements

• The Graduate School application (additional details can be found on the Graduate School's website)
• Goal statement of no more than 1000 words describing:
  • Reason(s) for seeking an MPH degree
  • Interest in pursuing a master's degree at Oakland University's Master of Public Health program
  • Public health experiences through work, volunteer, or courses
  • Long-term public health professional goals
  • Explanation of life experiences and the circumstances of a low GPA (if applicable)
• Official transcripts indicating a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited undergraduate institution
  • Transcripts for any graduate certificates or post-baccalaureate courses in progress or completed should be submitted and will be taken into consideration during the review process. 
• Undergraduate overall grade point average of at least 3.0
  • A minimum grade of at least a B- in an undergraduate statistics course and an undergraduate writing or writing-intensive course is recommended.
• Three (3) recommendation forms and supporting letters from faculty members, supervisors, or professional mentors
  • Recommendations from faculty members are encouraged but not required.
• A current resume
• International applicants will additionally have to meet the University's standards established in the International Student Supplemental Application Packet - additional details on the packet can be found on the Graduate School's website.

Qualifications

• Admitted or enrolled in OU’s Master of Public Health or public health combined program
• Completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• United States citizen, national or permanent resident

Award Criteria

• Economic need (determined by applicant’s family income reported in the Federal Student Aid Family application, in accordance with the Health and Human Services’ Federal Poverty Guidelines)
• Educational background (first-generation college student - i.e. neither parent completed a four-year degree)
• Environmental background (history of foster care or rural residence)

How to Apply

1. Email program director Dr. Caress Dean at [email protected] 
2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
3. Additional verification will be required

Scholarship Recipient Requirements

• Attend mandatory orientation in August
• Sign the PHS commitment form confirming understanding of all program qualifications/requirements
• Maintain a GPA of 2.7 or higher
• Expectation of a minimum two-course load per academic semester
• Complete three months of practicum addressing health disparities and health inequities in medically underserved communities
• Attend at least one job fair or networking event
• Seek employment in medically underserved areas
• Report on program experience and post-graduation employment
• Maintain active connection as an alum

Additionally, new applicants will be preferred over past Public Health Scholarship awardees.

With an increasing concern for public health needs around the world, the career outlook for individuals with an MPH degree is positive and expected to grow in coming years. Professional opportunities are varied in both the public and private sector, including:

• International health organizations (e.g., World Health Organization, Doctors Without Borders)
• Federal government agencies (e.g., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health)
• State and local health departments (e.g., Michigan Department of Community Health and Oakland County Health Division)
• Voluntary and philanthropic organizations (e.g., American Red Cross, Kresge Foundation, Skillman Foundation)
• Corporations and worksite wellness sites
• Local hospitals (e.g., Beaumont Health, Henry Ford Health System)
• Non-profit community-based organizations (e.g., Migrant Health Promotion, Alternatives For Girls)

Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (April 2022), employment of health educators and community health workers is projected to grow 12% from 2021 to 2031. As of May 2023, the average annual pay for MPH jobs category in the U.S. is $116,386 (ZipRecruiter).

Examples of where our alumni work:

• Oakland County Health Division
• Monroe County Health
• Genesee County Health Department
• Ascension Health
• Greater Flint Health Coalition
• MedNetOne Health Solutions
• Meridian
• University of Michigan School of Nursing
• Karmanos Cancer Institute
• National Kidney Foundation of Michigan
• Southeastern Michigan Health Association
• Spectrum Health
• Henry Ford Health System
• Gleaners Community Food Bank
• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

Comprised of dedicated public health professionals across Southeast Michigan, the OU Public Health Advisory Board (PHAB) plays an integral role in providing counsel on program strategies and objectives, public health priorities, and trends in public health practice. Promoting the program in the community, and advancing professional development and networking opportunities are central to the board’s mission.

Dr. Caress Dean
Associate Professor and Director
Public Health
3156 Human Health Building
[email protected]

Dean's Office
Human Health Building
(248) 370-3562
[email protected]