M.S. in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The CMHC program at Missouri State University leads to a Master of Science (M.S.) degre...
Masters of Public Health
Springfield, Missouri
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The MPH program at Missouri State is a 42-credit-hour generalist degree, emphasizing the core disciplines of public health. It aims to develop professionals capable of assessing community health needs, planning and evaluating health intervention programs, and conducting public health research. The program is non-thesis, with a significant practical component: a field experience internship (200 or 400 clock-hours) with a public health agency, or a combination of a 160-hour field experience and a capstone project. An accelerated master's option is available for eligible Missouri State and Drury University undergraduates, allowing them to count up to 12 graduate credit hours towards both their bachelor's and master's degrees.
STEM-designated: Yes, the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Missouri State University is a STEM-designated program. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students, as it typically allows for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the United States after graduation. The STEM OPT extension provides international graduates with more opportunities for practical work experience in their field, enhancing their post-graduation career flexibility and marketability in public health and related scientific sectors.
CEPH Accredited: Yes, the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Missouri State University is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). CEPH is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools of public health and graduate public health programs outside schools of public health. This accreditation is crucial as it signifies that the program meets rigorous national standards for public health education, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the public health workforce and eligible to sit for the national certification exam. Missouri State's MPH program was re-accredited by CEPH until 2025 (as of their last published re-accreditation).
Curriculum: The MPH curriculum is structured around the five core disciplines of public health: biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health sciences, public health administration, and social and behavioral sciences. Key courses include "Epidemiology," "Statistics for the Health Professions," "Health Behavior," "Environmental Health," and "Principles and Skills of Public Health Administration." The program also includes a course on "Software Applications and Data Sources in Public Health," emphasizing practical data skills. In addition to core courses, students select graduate-level electives in consultation with their advisor. The program culminates in a comprehensive field experience and/or a capstone project, providing hands-on application of learned competencies.
Research Focus: The MPH program at Missouri State integrates research and evidence-based practice throughout its curriculum. Students gain knowledge in assessing community health needs and conducting public health research. The program's mission explicitly includes "research," aiming to advance public health knowledge and community practice. Students have opportunities to participate in research activities, and the culminating capstone project (if chosen) involves a scholarly endeavor under the mentorship of an MPH faculty member. Faculty research areas within the School of Health Sciences and the Department of Public Health often include topics such as substance abuse, disaster preparedness, and mental health, providing diverse avenues for student engagement in impactful public health research.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a fundamental aspect of the MPH program, primarily through its required field experience internship. Students gain practical experience by working with public health agencies, non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, medical facilities, or private agencies. This immersive experience allows them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world public health challenges, develop professional networks, and understand the day-to-day operations of public health organizations. The program's connections with the Ozarks Public Health Institute (OPHI), housed within Missouri State University, further enhance engagement by providing opportunities for graduate assistantships and involvement in community health projects, bridging academia with practical public health service.
Global Perspective: The Master of Public Health program at Missouri State University cultivates a global perspective by addressing public health issues that transcend geographical boundaries. The program's mission to "prevent disease, promote health, and protect the well-being of the public" extends to global populations. While the curriculum focuses on foundational public health principles applicable everywhere, it implicitly prepares graduates to work with diverse populations and address international health challenges like disease outbreaks, health disparities, and humanitarian crises. Graduates may find themselves working for international organizations or providing essential health services for displaced populations. The university's overall public affairs mission, emphasizing cultural competence and community engagement, further supports a global mindset in addressing health disparities and promoting well-being in an interconnected world.
Location
Springfield, Missouri
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 15914
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $72
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Missouri State University offers several scholarship opportunities designed specifically to support international students in pursuing their higher education goals. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to campus life, helping reduce the financial burden for international learners.
International Excellence Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship awards to outstanding first-time international freshmen. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years. Eligibility is based on strong academic records, and recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the award.
International Leadership Scholarship: Targeting international freshmen who demonstrate exceptional leadership and academic achievement. It is renewable for up to four years. Applicants are required to submit an essay highlighting their leadership experiences and vision. The scholarship is competitive, with only about 10 awards granted each year.
Additional Scholarships and Grants: Besides the primary scholarships, Missouri State University provides various other financial awards through departmental scholarships, honors programs, and special initiatives. Some scholarships may require separate applications or nominations based on the student's major or area of study.
A Master of Public Health (MPH) from Missouri State University prepares graduates to become vital contributors to community well-being, focusing on preventing disease and promoting health at a population level. The program's CEPH accreditation and STEM designation underscore its quality and relevance, equipping graduates with the interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills needed to address complex health challenges in diverse settings. The significant hands-on field experience ensures graduates are ready to make an immediate impact upon entering the workforce.
Epidemiologist: Often called "disease detectives," epidemiologists investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in populations. They work for local, state, and federal health departments, research institutions, and even private companies to track outbreaks, identify risk factors, and inform public health interventions. The demand for epidemiologists has significantly increased, particularly in recent years.
Public Health Administrator/Manager: These professionals plan, direct, and coordinate public health programs and services within government agencies, non-profit organizations, or healthcare systems. They manage budgets, personnel, and operations, ensuring effective delivery of public health initiatives.
Community Health Educator: Community health educators design and implement programs to promote healthy behaviors and prevent diseases within specific populations. They work in various settings, including health departments, community organizations, schools, and hospitals, focusing on health literacy and wellness.
Environmental Health Specialist: These specialists identify, assess, and control environmental factors that can affect human health. They work on issues such as air and water quality, food safety, waste management, and occupational health, often for government agencies or environmental consulting firms.
Biostatistician: With a strong foundation in statistics for health professions, MPH graduates can pursue roles as biostatisticians. They apply statistical methods to public health research, clinical trials, and epidemiological studies, analyzing data to understand health trends and evaluate interventions.
Health Policy Analyst: Health policy analysts research and evaluate policies related to healthcare and public health. They work for government bodies, think tanks, advocacy organizations, or consulting firms, contributing to the development and improvement of health policies and regulations.
Public Health Program Coordinator/Manager: These roles involve the development, implementation, and evaluation of specific public health programs, such as those focusing on chronic disease prevention, maternal and child health, or substance abuse. They often work for non-profits, healthcare systems, or government agencies.
Global Health Specialist: With an understanding of global health issues, graduates can work with international organizations, NGOs, or government agencies on health initiatives in developing countries or across borders. This can involve infectious disease control, maternal health, or humanitarian aid.
Emergency Management Specialist (Public Health Preparedness): These professionals focus on planning for and responding to public health emergencies, including natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and bioterrorism. They work for emergency management agencies, health departments, or hospitals to ensure community preparedness and resilience.
Informatics Specialist/Data Analyst (Public Health): Combining public health knowledge with data skills, these professionals manage and analyze large public health datasets. They use technology to track health trends, monitor disease surveillance systems, and inform public health decision-making, often in health departments or research institutions.
