Exploring MPH Programs in Michigan: A Detailed Review of Your Options

Michigan is a fantastic state to get an education in public health because of its rich academic resources — mainly due to the presence of leading public universities — and its diverse public health challenges. For example, the Flint Water Crisis struck the state of Michigan and garnered national attention. In this water crisis, the citizens of Flint were drinking low-quality water due to budget decisions made by the government. Chiefly, this resulted in severely elevated blood lead levels amongst the children of Flint. This occurrence was a pinnacle event of environmental injustice⁵. Local nonprofit groups, such as the Mott Foundation⁶, and universities, such as Michigan State University⁷, got involved in bringing relief to the victims in Flint. Michigan State University is just one of the many academic institutions with fantastic public health educational opportunities and initiatives in the state of Michigan.

Aside from existing as a public health powerhouse, the state of Michigan has lots to offer its residents⁸. Michigan has a large variety of cities to choose from with many unique cultures, making the state attractive to people from all walks of life. These cities are also considered relatively affordable compared to many larger cities, particularly on the East Coast. While the harsh winters may scare many people off, the seasons in Michigan are quite beautiful. The Fall boasts an abundance of autumnal hues with its dense forests and the summer months beckon with warm temperatures — perfect for exploring the many lakes in the state. Additionally, there are many cultural opportunities; like Detroit being the home of Motown and a thriving jazz scene⁹, and a booming tech industry — due largely to the automobile industry’s stronghold in the state.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best MPH program for you¹⁰. You should carefully assess the accreditation of any program of interest. Accreditation is awarded by the Council for Education for Public Health (CEPH). CEPH accreditation assures all students that an MPH program meets established educational standards. The programmatic offerings, in the form of concentrations and certificates, as well as the expertise of the faculty are also significant elements of any MPH program to focus on when selecting a school. It’s necessary to consider your professional interests and confirm that any one public health program properly supports you in your pursuit of those areas. Additionally, the location of the program within the state is of note, as some campuses may have more learning opportunities or align better with one’s professional and/or personal goals. Some programs may be offered remotely and, thus, may provide greater accessibility.

A variety of MPH program offerings exist in Michigan. In this section, you will gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of 10 noteworthy MPH programs in the state — including program strengths, faculty accomplishments, and learning formats.

Admissions requirements vary somewhat between MPH programs but are relatively standard across different schools. Application cycles for all MPH programs, including those in Michigan, typically begin in August for programs beginning the following fall. Thus, it’s a good strategy for you, as a prospective applicant, to begin researching specific programs and preparing your applications (i.e., reaching out to references) in the months before August. A bachelor’s degree is required for admission to all MPH graduate programs, however, most do not require specific undergraduate coursework or set a minimum undergraduate GPA requirement. Some schools require GRE or GMAT (standardized test) scores while others do not; if interested in a particular program, this is an element to research well in advance to allow for studying, registering, and taking the test. The requirements regarding letters of recommendation vary, with typically two to three letters needed for a complete application. Experiences included on your application and your personal statement are important opportunities to highlight your passion for and dedication to the field of public health as well as make up for any other areas of the application that may be lacking, such as a low GPA.

Overall, attaining an MPH degree in the state of Michigan allows you to gain a powerful tool in the field of public health. With its prominent public health institutions, a vast array of public health programmatic offerings, renowned public health advocacy, diverse populations, and ideal location in the Midwest, Michigan is a state with a lot of appeal for prospective MPH students. Because these programs are appealing and well-known, applicants will want to be sure to put together the most compelling, competitive applications possible.

Apply today to an MPH program in Michigan, and begin your fulfilling career in the incredibly impactful field of public health.