The Master of Public Health degree is a two-year program offered through the Department
of Health and Human Performance. There is currently one concentration; Community Health.
This option offers students invaluable breadth of public health related knowledge,
training and skills set needed to optimize career opportunities at the local, state,
regional, national and global level. The program via in-built flexibility accommodates
both traditional and non-traditional students while ensuring that all graduates are
well grounded in the core competencies of public health.
Students typically enroll in the program from a variety of backgrounds. Students may
choose the thesis option or complete a six-credit hour internship as part of the non-thesis
option.
Champion of Change: Elevating Community Health Through Visionary Leadership in the
Nonprofit Healthcare Industry
Dr. Amanda R. Cook is a standout figure in nonprofit healthcare management, boasting
a robust skill set in research, program planning, grant management, and community
engagement. An alumna of Middle Tennessee State University's Public Health program,
she holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, an MS (now MPH), and a PhD in Human Performance
with a Health Specialization.
During her doctoral journey, Dr. Cook took on a pivotal role as the Director of Research
and Evaluation at Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System—an eminent nonprofit community
mental health agency spanning 44 counties in Tennessee. After her PhD, she ascended
the leadership ladder, serving as the Senior Director of Grants and later as the Senior
VP of Community and Business Development. In these capacities, she steered community
health programs and successfully secured millions in grant funding for critical services.
Since October 2023, Dr. Cook has assumed the role of Chief Business Development Officer,
furthering her commitment to advancing healthcare access and outcomes in Tennessee.
In this position, she actively contributes to strategic growth initiatives, underscoring
her unwavering dedication to enhancing community health.
Applying Epidemiological Expertise to Address Community Health through Research and
Practical Initiatives
Dr. Kahler Stone, DrPH, MPH, is an assistant professor at MTSU with a diverse background
in applied epidemiology. Prior to academia, he worked on HIV prevention in Zambia
and served as a local epidemiologist in Texas. Currently, he is leading a healthcare-associated
infection surveillance project in Tennessee, actively incorporating students to provide
them with hands-on experience. At MTSU, Dr. Stone has spearheaded research in disaster
epidemiology and secured funded projects for rural opioid response. He serves as the
Applied Practice Experience Coordinator for the MPH program and chairs the Epidemiology
Section of the Tennessee Public Health Association. His expertise is widely recognized,
making him a sought-after grant reviewer at local, national, and international levels.
Related Media
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MTSU College of Graduate Studies
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MTSU | The University of Opportunities
A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is considered the calling card for practicing
public health professionals. According to the Association of Schools of Public Health
(ASPH), an estimated 250,000 more public health workers will be needed by 2020. The
MPH degree is the ideal route to gain the necessary knowledge, training and skills
set for employment in public health. Our graduates are well-poised and prepared for
careers in public health in a variety of settings at the local, state, national and
international levels; whether within public or private sectors. In general, occupational
options for MPH graduates include, but not limited to:
- Health Education Specialist
- Public Health Officer
- Epidemiologist
- Biostatistician
- Policy Advisor
- Program Analyst
- Program Evaluator
- Health Services Manager
- Program Director
- Project Coordinator
- Health Promotion Specialist
- Wellness Coordinator
- Lifestyle Coach
- Behavioral Scientist
- Environmental Scientist
Graduate
A Master of Public Health (MPH) with concentration in Community Health is one of three
master’s degrees available from MTSU’s Department of Health and Human Performance.
Applicants must have:
- a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college;
- an acceptable grade point average (GPA) in all college work taken.
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS tab above.
Other degree programs offered by HHP
The Health and Human Performance Department also offers an M.S. in Exercise Science and an M.S. in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Management, with concentrations in Sport Industry and in Recreation and Leisure Services.
A doctoral program leads to the Ph.D. in Human Performance degree, with specializations in Exercise Science, Health, Kinesmetrics, Leisure Studies,
or Physical Education.
Undergraduate majors in the department can attain a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Athletic Training; Exercise Science; Community and Public Health (concentrations in Community and Public Health); Leisure and Sport Management; or Physical Education. Both a B.S. and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree are available in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
The department offers undergraduate minors in Athletic Coaching and Officiating, Driver
and Traffic Safety Education, Health, Health and Physical Education, Health and Human
Performance, Recreation, and Somatic Movement Education, and Speech-Language Pathology
and Audiology.
Apply Now!
Public Health, Community Health Concentration, M.P.H.
Andrew Owusu, Program Director
(615) 898-5878
Andrew.Owusu@mtsu.edu
The Public Health program with a concentration in Community Health offers preparation for a wide range of roles and settings within the public health arena, including non-governmental and governmental agencies at international, national, state, and local levels.
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission decisions will be made after reviewing all materials and determining the applicant's capacity, suitability, and preparation for graduate study. Admission decisions are based upon consideration of a number of criteria which are believed to indicate a high potential in the graduate program.
Admission to the Master of Public Health (MPH) program requires
- Academic Background and GPA: An earned bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college. Candidates must have a GPA or 3.0 or better.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three (3) letters of recommendation from academic advisors, professors, supervisors, mentors, or any other persons who can address academic qualifications and potential for success in graduate study.
- Resume/CV: Applicants should submit an updated resume/CV that highlights academic and or professional experience.
- Personal Statement of Purpose and Objectives*: Applicants are required to submit a written personal statement that focuses on, but is not limited to, their background, education and, professional career objectives. Personal statements should endeavor to address the following.
- How has your background (personal or educational or professional) influenced your decision to pursue an MPH degree?
- Why do you wish to pursue an MPH degree at MTSU?
- How would an MPH degree help your career in public health practice?
- How do any of the MPH program's Core Values listed below relate to your current or future public health practice goals?
*Though there is no set limit, most personal statements are 1-2 pages, single-spaced.
MPH Program Values
- Health Equity: Commitment to address disparities that contribute to health inequity.
- Collaboration: Commitment to educate and practice public health through collaboration.
- Evidence-based: Commitment to use an evidence-based approach in public education and practice.
- Right-To-Health: Commitment to the concept that good health is a fundamental right.
Application Procedures
All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.
Application deadline: Applications for Summer/Fall admission must be complete by February 1, and applications for Spring admission must be complete by October 1. Late applicants who meet the admission criteria may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants must
- submit application with appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
- submit an updated resume or CV;
- provide three letters of recommendation from persons who can address their academic qualifications and potential for success in graduate study;
- provide a personal statement of purpose and objectives.
Curriculum: Public Health, Community Health
The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements. In addition, a maximum of 6 hours of thesis research may be required to fulfill degree.
Thesis Option (42 hours)
Public Health Core Requirements (18 hours)
HLTH 6102 - Theory of Health Education and Behavior
3credit hours
(Same as PSY 6102.) Links behavioral change theory to the research and practice of interventions in health behaviors. Application of the theoretical constructs linked to design, implementation, and evaluation of individual and group behavioral change programs.
HLTH 6200 - Principles of Environmental Health
3credit hours
The effects of environment and occupations on health discussed. Considers such factors as solid waste, water, wastewater, insects, rodents, noise, and occupation. Discusses the historical background of human ecology, communicable disease control, and special programs and problems in public health.
HLTH 6510 - The Nation's Health
3credit hours
Investigates the determinants of health and the role of public health and health care on the health status of the population of the United States. Study of biological, socioeconomic, cultural, and behavioral factors that influence health status and care in America.
HLTH 6710 - Applied Biostatistics for Public Health
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Admitted to MPH program or permission of instructor. Applied practical problem-based approaches to commonly used public health statistics. Emphasis on data dissemination to non-technical and expert audiences, such as creation of technical reports and infographics. Data analyzed using statistical and data visualization software.
HLTH 6850 - Methods in Epidemiology
3credit hours
Principles and methods of epidemiologic analysis including standardization; stratified analysis; confounding and its control; planning and conducting epidemiologic research; role of multivariate analysis in epidemiologic research.
HLTH 6860 - Program Planning for Health Promotion
3credit hours
Program planning, theories and models of health education and promotion, development of interventions, and program implementation, including mission, goals, objectives, and activities of health education and promotion programs. Introduces needs assessment and program evaluation.
Community Health Concentration (9 hours)
Substitutions must be approved by advisor.
HLTH 6750 - Applied Survey Methodology for Public Health
3credit hours
Strategies of questionnaire design, administration, analysis, and interpretation in a public health context. Topics include survey sampling, item development, classical test theory and item response theory applications, and culminates in a survey design project in the student's area of research.
HLTH 6870 - Health Promotion
3credit hours
Health promotion knowledge as well as the ability to impart this knowledge to the lay population. In-depth information will be covered regarding lifestyle and its relationship to risk factors for cardiovascular disease and cancer.
HLTH 6890 - Social Epidemiology and Population Health
3credit hours
Prerequisites: HLTH 6102 and HLTH 6850. Overview of concepts and research related to impact of social determinants on population health including how society, politics, cultural, and economics influence health outcomes. Social science theory and rigorous epidemiological methods connecting social and health inequalities examined.
Guided Electives (6 hours)
Chosen in consultation with advisor.
HHP 6610 - Research Methods in Health and Human Performance
3credit hours
Location of information, methods of research, methods of collecting data, application of the computer in analyzing data, and preparation and presentation of a research paper.
HLTH 5270 - Bioethical Issues in Health Education
3credit hours
Analysis of current bioethical issues, problems, needs, trends, and interests in health education.
HLTH 5450 - Technology Applications
1credit hours
Prerequisite: Introductory course in computer literacy or equivalent with instructor permission. Corequisite: HLTH 5451. Focus on understanding of and competency in use of a variety of technology applications related to the profession. Students required to enroll in the corresponding lab during the same semester.
HLTH 5451 - Technology Applications Lab
2credit hours
Investigation and application of profession-specific software and hardware applications.
HLTH 6320 - Global Health
3credit hours
Explores patterns of medical care delivery and public health practices; factors that inhibit or enable the reduction of excess morbidity, mortality, and disease among the poor; threats to health resulting from economic crises, unhealthy environments, and risky behaviors; and demographic influences on the status of health around the world.
HLTH 6350 - Spatial Epidemiology
3 credit hours
Lecture and laboratory-based course to learn and apply geographic information systems (GIS) in public health science using spatial data and descriptive epidemiologic methods.
HLTH 6851 - Advanced Methods in Epidemiology
3credit hours
Prerequisites: HLTH 6850 and HLTH 6710/HLTH 7710. Applies the concepts, principles, and methods of epidemiology to public health practice and research. Intended to provide a solid conceptual framework building on HLTH 6850.
HLTH 6855 - Field Epidemiology
3credit hours
Prerequisite: HLTH 6850. Focuses on epidemiologic methods used by field epidemiologists to conduct outbreak investigations and emergency epidemiology.
MGMT 6780 - Health Care Management
3credit hours
An overview of the U.S. health care system, including managed care, governmental and private sector programs and policies affecting the delivery of health care (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance), and legal, ethical, and budgeting issues relevant to managing health care organizations. Presents strategic and operational considerations unique to the management of health care organizations.
NFS 6100 - Advanced Studies in Food and Culture
3credit hours
Comprehensive investigation of the roles that culture plays in food practices, beliefs, and health of Native Americans, Europeans, Africans, Mexicans and Central Americans, Islanders, Asians, Middle Easterner, and other groups.
NFS 6600 - Nutrition and Obesity
3credit hours
Examines the context, prevalence, causes, consequences, and treatment of obesity and weight-related issues in the United States and other developed and developing societies. Topics focus on the nutrition-related physiological, psychological, sociological, economic, and political aspects of obesity.
PSY 5630 - Death and Dying
3credit hours
An experiential course covering the folklore of thanatology, the funeral industry, handling grief, counseling the bereaved, the hospice concept. Objectives include an attempt to view death with equanimity and personal growth through confronting death.
Applied Practical Experience (6 hours)
HLTH 6880 - Internship and Special Projects
3 to 6credit hours
(Same as EXSC 6880/PHED 6880/LSM 6880.) On-site practical experience in an exercise science, health promotion, or sport management program. Those with extensive work experience will develop, implement, and conclude a project (research or applied) in consultation with the major professor.
Thesis (3-6 hours)
HLTH 6640 - Thesis Research
1 to 6 credit hours
3 credit hours required(3 credit hours required; 6 credit hours maximum)
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title:3 credit hours required
(3 credit hours required; 6 credit hours maximum)
HLTH 6640 - Thesis Research
1 to 6credit hours
(Same as EXSC 6640/PHED 6640/LSM 6640.) Selection of a research problem, review of pertinent literature, collection and analysis of data, and composition of thesis. Once enrolled, student should register for at least one credit hour of master's research each semester until completion. S/U grading.
Non-thesis Option (42 hours)
Public Health Core Requirements (18 hours)
HLTH 6102 - Theory of Health Education and Behavior
3credit hours
(Same as PSY 6102.) Links behavioral change theory to the research and practice of interventions in health behaviors. Application of the theoretical constructs linked to design, implementation, and evaluation of individual and group behavioral change programs.
HLTH 6200 - Principles of Environmental Health
3credit hours
The effects of environment and occupations on health discussed. Considers such factors as solid waste, water, wastewater, insects, rodents, noise, and occupation. Discusses the historical background of human ecology, communicable disease control, and special programs and problems in public health.
HLTH 6510 - The Nation's Health
3credit hours
Investigates the determinants of health and the role of public health and health care on the health status of the population of the United States. Study of biological, socioeconomic, cultural, and behavioral factors that influence health status and care in America.
HLTH 6710 - Applied Biostatistics for Public Health
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Admitted to MPH program or permission of instructor. Applied practical problem-based approaches to commonly used public health statistics. Emphasis on data dissemination to non-technical and expert audiences, such as creation of technical reports and infographics. Data analyzed using statistical and data visualization software.
HLTH 6850 - Methods in Epidemiology
3credit hours
Principles and methods of epidemiologic analysis including standardization; stratified analysis; confounding and its control; planning and conducting epidemiologic research; role of multivariate analysis in epidemiologic research.
HLTH 6860 - Program Planning for Health Promotion
3credit hours
Program planning, theories and models of health education and promotion, development of interventions, and program implementation, including mission, goals, objectives, and activities of health education and promotion programs. Introduces needs assessment and program evaluation.
Community Health Concentration (9 hours)
Substitutions approved by advisor
HLTH 6750 - Applied Survey Methodology for Public Health
3credit hours
Strategies of questionnaire design, administration, analysis, and interpretation in a public health context. Topics include survey sampling, item development, classical test theory and item response theory applications, and culminates in a survey design project in the student's area of research.
HLTH 6870 - Health Promotion
3credit hours
Health promotion knowledge as well as the ability to impart this knowledge to the lay population. In-depth information will be covered regarding lifestyle and its relationship to risk factors for cardiovascular disease and cancer.
HLTH 6890 - Social Epidemiology and Population Health
3credit hours
Prerequisites: HLTH 6102 and HLTH 6850. Overview of concepts and research related to impact of social determinants on population health including how society, politics, cultural, and economics influence health outcomes. Social science theory and rigorous epidemiological methods connecting social and health inequalities examined.
Guided Electives (9 hours)
Chosen in consultation with advisor.
HHP 6610 - Research Methods in Health and Human Performance
3credit hours
Location of information, methods of research, methods of collecting data, application of the computer in analyzing data, and preparation and presentation of a research paper.
HLTH 5270 - Bioethical Issues in Health Education
3credit hours
Analysis of current bioethical issues, problems, needs, trends, and interests in health education.
HLTH 5450 - Technology Applications
1credit hours
Prerequisite: Introductory course in computer literacy or equivalent with instructor permission. Corequisite: HLTH 5451. Focus on understanding of and competency in use of a variety of technology applications related to the profession. Students required to enroll in the corresponding lab during the same semester.
HLTH 5451 - Technology Applications Lab
2credit hours
Investigation and application of profession-specific software and hardware applications.
HLTH 6320 - Global Health
3credit hours
Explores patterns of medical care delivery and public health practices; factors that inhibit or enable the reduction of excess morbidity, mortality, and disease among the poor; threats to health resulting from economic crises, unhealthy environments, and risky behaviors; and demographic influences on the status of health around the world.
HLTH 6350 - Spatial Epidemiology
3 credit hours
Lecture and laboratory-based course to learn and apply geographic information systems (GIS) in public health science using spatial data and descriptive epidemiologic methods.
HLTH 6851 - Advanced Methods in Epidemiology
3credit hours
Prerequisites: HLTH 6850 and HLTH 6710/HLTH 7710. Applies the concepts, principles, and methods of epidemiology to public health practice and research. Intended to provide a solid conceptual framework building on HLTH 6850.
HLTH 6855 - Field Epidemiology
3credit hours
Prerequisite: HLTH 6850. Focuses on epidemiologic methods used by field epidemiologists to conduct outbreak investigations and emergency epidemiology.
MGMT 6780 - Health Care Management
3credit hours
An overview of the U.S. health care system, including managed care, governmental and private sector programs and policies affecting the delivery of health care (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance), and legal, ethical, and budgeting issues relevant to managing health care organizations. Presents strategic and operational considerations unique to the management of health care organizations.
NFS 6100 - Advanced Studies in Food and Culture
3credit hours
Comprehensive investigation of the roles that culture plays in food practices, beliefs, and health of Native Americans, Europeans, Africans, Mexicans and Central Americans, Islanders, Asians, Middle Easterner, and other groups.
NFS 6600 - Nutrition and Obesity
3credit hours
Examines the context, prevalence, causes, consequences, and treatment of obesity and weight-related issues in the United States and other developed and developing societies. Topics focus on the nutrition-related physiological, psychological, sociological, economic, and political aspects of obesity.
PSY 5630 - Death and Dying
3credit hours
An experiential course covering the folklore of thanatology, the funeral industry, handling grief, counseling the bereaved, the hospice concept. Objectives include an attempt to view death with equanimity and personal growth through confronting death.
Applied Practical Experience (6 hours)
HLTH 6880 - Internship and Special Projects
3 to 6credit hours
(Same as EXSC 6880/PHED 6880/LSM 6880.) On-site practical experience in an exercise science, health promotion, or sport management program. Those with extensive work experience will develop, implement, and conclude a project (research or applied) in consultation with the major professor.
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
Application Due Dates
Fall Application Due Date Options for Spring Entry (U.S.-based Applicants)
- Option 1 (early): September 20
- Option 2 (late): November 20
Spring Application Due Date Options for Summer/Fall Entry
- Option 1 (early): January 20
- Option 2: April 15 [deadline for summer enrollment]
- Option 3 (late): June 20
***Note: Admission decisions are sent out about 2 to 3 weeks after the application
deadline.
Fall Application Date for Spring (January) Entry (International Applicants)
Spring Application Date for Fall (August) Entry
***Note: Admission decisions are sent out about 2 to 3 weeks after the application
deadline. It may take 2 to 3 months after acceptance into the MPH program for a student
to satisfy additional immigration requirements for an I-20, and to secure a visa interview
date in their home country.
Additional Information
MTSU’s Community and Public Health, M.P.H. program is in the process of applying for
accreditation with the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). If you would
like to provide comments regarding the program to CEPH, please contact submissions@ceph.org.
Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance
This program is available .
For More Information or Explore Your Options
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
The Online Advantage
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
