Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

What is Public Health?

Public health is the art and science of preventing disease and disability and nurturing health in communities and populations.  Some of the ways that public health fosters health is by monitoring and responding to disease epidemics, developing clinical and policy-oriented disease prevention initiatives, and promoting healthy lifestyles through education and community engagement.  Public health is practiced by inter-professional teams whose members’ training spans a broad array of academic and vocational fields.

The American Public Health Association has some great information on their website about public health practice and careers: https://www.apha.org/what-is-public-health 

Why Public Health in North Dakota?

Practitioners in our region – North Dakota and other Northern Plains states - have limited opportunities for advanced, practical public health training that focuses on the unique challenges facing this largely rural area.  There are many underserved populations living in the region that would benefit from expanded public health interventions. For example, the American Indian communities have typically been underserved and significant health disparities between this population and others have resulted.  

When can I start the MPH program?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. Students may be admitted and start in fall, spring, or summer. Application deadlines vary for each term. 

Is the GRE required for admission?

The GRE or other standardized test score is optional, not required, for admission consideration into the MPH program.  The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test, Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), Dental Admission Test (DAT), Law School Admission Test (LSAT), Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), and United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) are all accepted. More information about admission requirements can be found: https://www.ndsu.edu/publichealth/degrees_and_programs/admission/

How long will it take to complete the MPH program?

The MPH degree can be earned through full-time or part-time study.  Full-time students can complete the 42-credit program in two years.  Part-time students can complete the program in three to five years.

When are MPH courses offered?

Many MPH foundational courses are offered in the evening to accommodate students who work.  Summer offerings include PH 794 and PH 741. See the curriculum page for information on course offerings and schedules. Current students are encouraged to talk with their faculty advisor for the most up-to-date information on course offerings. 

Does the MPH program accommodate distance learners?

MPH students can take their courses on campus or off-campus through live broadcast. Zoom technology is used for students to connect live to classes.  

How much will the MPH degree cost?

Information regarding tuition can be found on the One Stop Tuition Page.

Are there assistantships or scholarships available?

As assistantships and scholarships become available, they will be communicated to students through the department student listserv as well as found on our webpages https://www.ndsu.edu/publichealth/students/graduate_assistantships/ and https://www.ndsu.edu/publichealth/students/scholarships/ .

I am a current Graduate Student (PhD or Master’s) and would like to enroll in the MPH program as well. How will my tuition be charged if I am pursuing two graduate degrees?

You have one graduate school academic record and so all tuition will be charged at one rate. To adjust the differential tuition on non-public health coursework, complete the MPH Request for Differential Waiver on Non-MPH credits form so that you will only be charged the public health differential tuition on courses toward your public health degree

I am a current Graduate Student (PhD and Master’s) and would like to add on a public health certificate. How will my tuition be charged if I pursue a graduate degree and public health certificate as the same time?

Same as above

I am a PharmD student and have recently started the MPH program as a dual degree student. How will my tuition be charged now that I am in two academic programs?

You will be charged separately for your PharmD courses and the MPH courses. The PharmD program operates from within the College of Health and Human Sciences while the MPH program is operated through the Graduate School and so you will have two academic records and thus separate tuition charges for each program.

Are there resources to help me fund my MPH degree and/or assist in covering my remaining tuition?

Yes. The MPH program accepts traditional financial aid ,scholarships, fellowships, and other external funding resources that the student secures.

Can I take courses in more than one area of specialization?

Yes, students may enroll in courses in other specializations if they meet the course prerequisites.  However, these courses would be in addition to the 42 credits required for the degree.  Another option is to consider adding on a certificate to the MPH degree

Where can I do my Practicum? Can the Practicum be done in another country?

The program has secured Practicum affiliation agreements with local, national, and global public health sites.  Students can also request a Practicum site without an existing affiliation agreement, but this must be done a minimum of 6 months in advance of the Practicum start date to ensure that a working agreement can be established. 

Is the MPH program accredited?

Yes, for more information check out the NDSU MPH program accreditation page.

Is there an MPH student organization?

Yes, the student Public Health Association (PHA) is a small but very active organization. 

Can I transfer credits to the MPH program?

Up to 9 credits can be transferred into the Graduate School. 

In addition to meeting Graduate School criteria, NDSU requires that only courses taken at a CEPH-accredited public health program or school can be used to replace MPH Core courses.  Further, a transfer course must be equivalent to the course that it will replace.  Typically, the faculty member who teaches the course being replaced will review the syllabus of the transfer course to determine equivalency. 

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