Purdue offers new online Master of Public Health program

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue is launching an online Master of Public Health program through the College of Health and Human Sciences.

“The online MPH program complements our campus-based option by providing an opportunity for those who prefer to pursue a quality, science-based degree in public health through a venue that allows maximal time flexibility,” said Richard Mattes, director of the Public Health Graduate Program and distinguished professor of nutrition science. “It accommodates full- and part-time students who may be launching their careers as well as those seeking to expand their knowledge and skills. The coursework covers the core publich health areas, speciality concentration courses and experiental learning activities. Students will gain basic knowledge to contribute to population health locally, nationally and globally.”

The program is built around a concentration in family and community health and will be available in May 2018. The program has recently completed its site visit by the Council on Education for Public Health and is awaiting an accreditation decision. Online students have access to many of the resources available to on-campus students, such as library system access.

“We are proud that Purdue’s program is taught by faculty who all hold doctorates and who bring considerable experience from across the field of public health,” Mattes said.​

Students with a degree from this program often pursue careers in governmental settings, nonprofit organizations or private industries. They take on many roles within these organizations, such as epidemiologists, health promotion specialists, clinical research coordinators and community wellness coordinators.

The curriculum of 14 courses totals 42 credit hours. The curriculum also includes a practicum consisting of a 400-hour work experience, ensuring that students are able to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Full-time students should complete their training in just over two years.

The fully online Master of Public Health option is an expansion of the Public Health Graduate Program, which was launched in 2015. The Public Health Graduate Program is housed in the College of Health and Human Sciences.

More information about the program is available online or by calling 877-497-5851.     

Writer: Olivia Crouse, ocrouse@purdue.edu

Purdue News contact: Amy Patterson Neubert, apatterson@purdue.edu

Source: Richard Mattes, mattes@purdue.edu