Master of Public Health

The Indiana Wesleyan University Master of Public Health (MPH) is a 46-credit-hour generalist degree designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of each of the five core areas of public health including Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental Health, Health Services Administration, and Social and Behavioral Health. The MPH program is designed to prepare students for a career where they can influence public health on a local, state, national and/or global level. Provided from a distinctly faith-based foundation through an online learning model, students will value, understand, and apply the interrelated social-behavioral theories and contextual factors needed to address the complex health problems of 21st-century households, communities, and organizations.

Upon satisfactory completion of the Master of Public Health program, students should be able to:

• Apply evidence-based knowledge of social, biological, and environmental determinants to disease and health conditions.

• Employ appropriate methods of design, analysis, and synthesis to address population-based health problems in urban, rural and global environments.

• Synthesize the interrelationships among the organization, delivery, and financing of health services.

• Communicate public health principles and concepts through various strategies across multiple sectors of the community.

• Promote diversity and cultural understanding in public health education, research, and practice.

• Demonstrate public health knowledge and skills in practice settings.

• Demonstrate effective leadership competencies for building partnerships in advocating for public health programs and policies.

• Articulate a Christian worldview toward various public health issues.

Accreditation

This degree program offered through Indiana Wesleyan University is seeking national accreditation with the Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH). Candidacy awarded on September 2014.

Mission

We are committed to prepare students to improve the health of populations locally and globally through strengthening health systems, building stronger communities, and facilitating healthy behavior from a faith-based foundation.

*The Master of Public Health courses are offered in an online learning model.  All courses are eight weeks in length.

Admission Requirements

Admission to this degree program is based on qualifications and space availability. This is a competitive program and application alone does not guarantee admittance. Admission is awarded without regard to sex, race, color, age, religion, national origin, or handicap.

• Applicants to the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program must have a baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university. The minimum grade point average (GPA) is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. If the minimum GPA is less than 3.0, the GRE is required.

• If required, a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score of 146 on the verbal and 146 on the quantitative sections is the minimum standard. For GRE exams taken prior to August 1, 2011, a minimum score of 1000 on the combined verbal and quantitative sections, with a verbal score of at least 400 and a quantitative score of at least 550. Exception to the GRE minimum score may be granted under extenuating circumstances.

• Application Form and Fee: Submit a completed School of Health Sciences graduate application form with a $50.00 non-refundable application fee. Checks should be made out to Indiana Wesleyan University.

• Official Transcript: Submit official transcripts from all universities and/or colleges attended. Official transcripts from all post-high school educational experiences are to be included. Transfer students from a college or university abroad are also responsible for having their transcripts evaluated by a credential evaluation service such as World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) for an official course-by-course credential evaluation (document-by-document evaluations will not suffice). Transcripts from international programs will be individually reviewed.

• Criminal History: A company certified criminal history background check will be conducted at the applicant’s expense. Clinical sites may have additional requirements, e.g., immunizations, a second background check and/or drug screen at progression in the program may depend on your compliance and/or the results of these checks.

• International/Non-English Speaking Students: A student who is living in the United States but is not a United States citizen must submit a copy of a visa or permanent resident status during the process of application. Students who do not speak English as their first and primary language must submit satisfactory scores from one of the following prior to admission to the university:
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). For graduate students, a score of at least 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), or 100 (Internet-based) is required for regular academic admission.
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS). For graduate students, a score of at least 6.5 is required for regular academic admission.

• References: Using the recommendation form, have three references submitted. At least one of the references should be from a health care provider and one from a previous faculty member who can speak to your capacity to do graduate-level work.

• Writing Sample: In a double-spaced typed essay of 500 to 750 words, explain your interest in the program, what you hope to achieve by completing the program, and how your personal or professional background relates to your interests or goals. The essay’s content and the clarity of writing will be assessed as part of the admissions process.

• Prerequisite Courses: Students are required to have a grade of "B" or better in a course in mathematics of at least three semester credits or the equivalent, at the college level, as a foundation for success in professional-level graduate work in the MPH program.

• Resume: Other aspects of an applicant’s record, such as educational achievement, professional experience and clarity of career goals should be reflected in a resume. Admissions decisions are based on an overall assessment of the adequacy of an applicant’s preparation and desire for the successful completion of a graduate course of study in Public Health.

• Deadline for Application: We have decision deadlines of November 1 and July 1 for all application materials including the interview with the faculty. Those applying after November 1 or July 1 will be considered on a seat available basis. Decisions regarding the acceptability of applicants for the MPH program will be made by the admissions committee after evaluation of all pertinent application materials. Applications cannot be accurately reviewed until all application materials are received and requirements have been met. New or updated applications are required for those who defer a year or re-apply after refusal.

Graduation Requirements

To fulfill graduation requirements students must have completed all of the following:

• All credits required in the course of studies with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.

• Minimum grade of "B-" or higher in each core course (MPH 510, MPH 530, MPH 570, MPH 620, and IPE 545) and minimum grade of "C" in all other courses.  No more than two "C" grades will be allowed.
• Completion of supervised Public Health Practicum at a public health department or related agency approved by the program.
• Completion and successful written and oral presentation of the Capstone Project.
• Payment of tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.