The Calvin University master of public health provides a degree that is critical at this juncture of our history and world. Offering concentrations in both infectious disease and global health, the program provides applicable skills to address current and on-going real-world needs as the threat of infectious disease grows with increased global interconnectedness. The integration of a Reformed Christian faith serves as a bedrock for the degree, not only showing the connections between religion, spirituality and health but helping students articulate how our Christian faith can guide our decision-making and calling in this field. As we consider public health through a Reformed Christian lens, we are particularly invested in addressing health inequity and how certain populations are more vulnerable to adverse health outcomes. As such, addressing health inequity is embedded throughout the curriculum.
In total, the online MPH program requires completion of fourteen courses (42 semester hours). Requirements of the program include completion of six foundational courses (18 hours), six concentration courses (18 hours), a public health internship (3 hours), and a capstone course (3 hours). Foundational courses provide students with essential public health knowledge and skills. Students can choose from one of two concentrations: global public health and infectious disease. The global public health concentration focuses on development of practical public health leadership and administrative skills, equipping students with the ability to work effectively within their communities to protect and improve health and well-being. The infectious disease concentration provides a deeper understanding of how infectious diseases are transmitted, infectious disease epidemiology, the biology of infectious pathogens and the immune system, as well as prevention and intervention strategies.
The online MPH program may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. The minimum amount of time to completion is 18 months. Application requirements include completion of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum, cumulative GPA of 3.0.