Program Overview
The Tennessee State University Master of Public Health within the College of Health Sciences is committed to the education of students and public health professionals in practice, research, and life-long learning. The Master of Public Health Program seeks to train professionals who will work to preserve and promote the health of local, state, national, and international populations. This program gives you the opportunity to effect change by developing skills in understanding health drivers; behavioral, social and cultural factors; environmental challenges; and political influences on community health. This degree allows you to step directly into a career after graduation.
The MPH program requires the completion of 42 credit hours and can be completed in two years. The program offers two concentrations:
1. Public Health Science
The Public Health Science Concentration emphasizes traditional core competencies of public health to enable students to become more effective public health practitioners.
2. Community & Behavioral Health Sciences
• The Community & Behavioral Health Sciences Concentration emphasizes the core competencies of public health and provides an in-depth examination and analysis of health perspectives across communities to develop and implement practices, and policies that respect and respond to the specific needs of communities.
Students in each concentration complete a total of 24 courses with eight (8) core courses, including a field placement and a capstone project; four (4) required concentration specific elective courses, and two (2) elective courses.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must possess a baccalaureate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) for the undergraduate degree or a graduate cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher in the major subject area. Applicants with GPAs below the stated minimums are encouraged to take the GRE.
Applicants who hold a doctoral degree or have taken other professional school standardized test scores, such as the GMAT, MCAT, DAT, and LSAT will be used as a consideration in the review process. Applicants whose native language is not English will be expected to submit certificates of proficiency in English or a minimum score of 500 (paper test) or 173 (computer-based test), or 61 (Internet-based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Three letters of recommendation are required from three individuals (at least one letter from a former instructor, professional reference, or employer) familiar with the applicant’s academic background and/or interest in public health. Applicants must also submit a personal statement of approximately 500-1,000 words indicating their interests and career goals, including why the applicant wants to complete an MPH degree. Overall admission into the program is competitive; therefore, students with the strongest credentials will be selected over those who are less competitive. All applicants will be interviewed.
A minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework must be completed in residency. Conditionally admitted students may be allowed to take up to (9) credit hours without being fully admitted into the program. (Successful completion of the nine hours does not guarantee acceptance into the MPH program.)
Program Duration
The Master of Public Health may be completed in two years for full-time students. This degree is available for part-time students as well.
Accreditation Information
- The MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this degree program will earn advanced-level training in the core areas of public health as well as training in cultural competency. These skills will prepare graduates in or enhance skills for those employed in roles such as:
- Public Health Program Manager
- Public Health Director
- Health Promotion Specialist
- Health Educator
- Community Health Needs Assessment Coordinator
- Environmental Health Specialist
- Community Health Program Coordinator
- Emergency Preparedness Director
- Institutional Review Board Coordinator
- Public Health Accreditation Specialist
- Long-Term Care Coordinator
- OSHA
- Health Research Administrator
- Correctional Facility Health Administration
Important Dates
The application deadline is aligned with the TSU Graduate School’s posted dates.
Program Website
https://www.tnstate.edu/phas/public_health.aspx
Program Coordinator/Contact Information
Dr. Miranda Sanford-Terry
msanfor2@tnstate.edu
PHHAHS main phone number: 615-963-7367
