Master of Public Health (MPH)

The University of Lynchburg’s Master of Public Health program gives you the knowledge and skills you need to improve the health and well-being of diverse populations around the world — and to lead others along the way.

Through evidence-based practice, you’ll develop a well-rounded, advanced understanding
of public health. You’ll learn to assess population needs and design and evaluate interventions. You’ll delve into policies influencing population health programs.

You’ll gain data collection and analysis skills and learn to apply these skills in real-world situations. You’ll also explore epidemiological research models, strengthen biostatistical methods, such as survey and surveillance design and delivery, build management and leadership skills, and explore how health policies and systems impact different communities from an equity perspective.

Plus, you’ll discover community health analysis tools that will equip you for success and learn how to apply your knowledge ethically.

In addition to the core public health courses, you’ll complete an experiential learning component either through an internship, a community-based project, or by conducting research. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible for certification as Certified Health Education Specialists by passing the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing exam.

The MPH program features:

• Learning essential skills for designing, implementing, administrating, and evaluating population health programs.
• Exploring a concentration in community health to empower you to support healthy communities locally and globally.
• An extensive curriculum that covers core areas of public health, including data analytics and assessment, policy development and program planning, communication, health equity, community partnerships, public health sciences, management and finance, and leadership and systems thinking.
• Specialized training in health promotion and education methods, health communication, program planning and evaluation, and program administration through the community health emphasis.
• Flexibility and accessibility with a 100% online program.

Why choose the University of Lynchburg public health graduate program?

• No GRE is required.
• No application fee.
• No course prerequisites.
• 100% of graduates are employed or furthering their education.
• 100% pass rate on the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing CHES exam.

At Lynchburg, it’s never been easier, more rewarding, or more affordable to earn your MPH. We’re the most affordable MPH program in Virginia.

The most affordable MPH program in Virginia.

One-year Master of Public Health Program

MPH students start in the fall semester and complete their degree requirements in 12 months. Our online MPH program offers exceptional flexibility through its eight-week course structure, which is an efficient and adaptable approach that fits your education into your lifestyle.

What makes the Master of Public Health at Lynchburg unique?

CHES Prep

The Certified Health Education Specialist exam is an important step for public health graduates. It’s widely recognized by employers as a benchmark for excellence in health education and assures them that you’re competent in conceptualizing, planning, and implementing health education programs.

Our MPH prepares you for the exam, and Lynchburg graduates have a 100% pass rate.

Core Areas of Public Health

Learning the core areas of public health equips you with an array of skills you need to be successful. Our Master of Public Health program prepares you with the essentials, including:

• Data analytics and assessment
• Needs assessment, program planning, and evaluation
• Communication
• Health equity
• Community partnerships
• Environmental health sciences
• Management and administration
• Leadership and systems thinking
• Biostatistical and epidemiological analysis

Community Health Emphasis

At Lynchburg, we believe specialized training in health promotion and education methods is an important component of creating a healthier society. Our community health-focused training encompasses the study of health communication, program planning and evaluation, and program administration, all of which focus on creating a comprehensive understanding of the physical, social, and environmental needs of communities.

Grant Writing

Learning to write grants is a critical aspect of the Master of Public Health. At Lynchburg, you’ll learn how to craft compelling proposals that help you stand out from the competition and get community funding for health-related programs. You’ll gain an understanding of preparation, research, the grant process, and the criteria used to evaluate applications.

Service Learning

Our MPH students are making a positive impact in their communities. They have volunteered their time and energy to assist with various initiatives, such as organizing vaccination drives, collecting supplies for retirement homes, running food banks, and doing tick surveillance in local parks.

Project-based Learning

In collaboration with the University Research Center, MPH students learn about current challenges faced by different communities and determine how to best serve those in need. Whether working with organizations in Central Virginia or their community, students apply what they’re learning to solve real-world problems.

International Opportunities

Lynchburg offers unique international study abroad opportunities for MPH students. Even as an online student, the program provides the chance to learn about global health issues while exploring other cultures. In recent years, students have traveled to India, Costa Rica, Uganda, and Rwanda.

These culturally enriching experiences focus on community health initiatives like improving water quality. After traveling abroad, participants have a greater appreciation for how health issues can be addressed in different communities around the world.

Community Health Administration

Students gain an understanding of the complex structure and functions of the U.S. health care system. They learn about public health practices and the legal and regulatory frameworks for public health. Additionally, students develop skills in key managerial tasks and styles, as well as organizational and community assessment techniques. Moreover, they’re able to analyze trends in the U.S. health care system and identify areas of improvement.

Program-wide Student Learning Outcomes

Program-wide Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Apply advanced and specialized medical and public health knowledge by training within population and public health, including:
   1. Medical knowledge in environmental health
   2. Principles and practice of epidemiology and biostatistics
   3. Professionalism and ethics
   4. Diversity and equity in public health
   5. Community-level health needs assessment and implementation
   6. Data analytics and assessments
2. Analyze skills needed to provide leadership at local and global public healthcare institutions.
3. Design, develop, and execute projects that improve patient and community health-related outcomes.

Interested in applying to the MPH program?

We’re committed to providing the best possible learning environment so our graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of a career in public health.

• Priority application date: March 15 and Oct. 4
• Classes start: March 25, 2024, and Oct. 21, 2024
• Class modality: 100% online

Eight-week Course Structure

Our Master of Public Health program offers exceptional flexibility through its eight-week, online course structure, which allows students to balance their academics with other commitments. This format enables students to explore specific topics for a shorter duration, gain a comprehensive understanding of those topics, and apply their acquired knowledge in real-world situations. The eight-week course structure provides an efficient and adaptable approach to learning that caters to the diverse needs of our students, allowing them to design their educational journey to fit their lifestyles and goals.

How to Apply

1. Complete the online application.
2. Submit an official transcript from the college or university where your bachelor’s degree was awarded.
3. Submit a statement of purpose on the following topic:
   • Why do you want to pursue the Master of Public Health, and/or how will this degree assist you in achieving your career goals?
4. Submit a recent résumé/CV.

Learn more about the application process if you are one of the following:

• Student seeking a second master’s degree.
• Non-degree graduate student.

International Applicants

Admission to the Master of Public Health program will not lead to a visa for international students.

Tuition and Cost

Tuition for the MPH program is per credit hour and the program requires 36 credit hours to complete. Here’s a sample tuition breakdown for the Master of Public Health:

Total tuition: $21,665

• First semester (9 hours): $5,395
• Second semester (12 hours): $7,165
• Third semester (9 hours): $5,395
• Fourth semester (3 hours): $1,855
• Fifth semester (3 hours): $1,855

Virginia residents are encouraged to apply for the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant.

Refund Policy:

If a student withdraws before the term begins, they will receive a full tuition refund. However, if the withdrawal or course drop occurs during the term, the following refund policy will apply:

• Within the first week: 90% refund
• Within the second week: 50% refund
• Within the third week: 25% refund

After the third week of the term, no credit will be given.

Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Graduate Assistantships

Financial aid for graduate students is available in several different forms. Additional information can be found on the graduate financial aid website.

The University of Lynchburg does offer graduate assistant positions.

Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG): Non-Need Based Grant for VA Residents

All Virginia residents should apply for the VTAG grant. It’s a non-need-based grant that does not need to be repaid for students enrolling in undergraduate classes or in a graduate-level, health care-related program, at a Virginia private university.

It currently provides $5,000 per year (2023-24) in renewable tuition support for Virginia residents (exclusions may apply) enrolled full time in an on-campus program. Students enrolling in an online program can receive $2,500 in renewable tuition support.

Details can be found on our financial aid website under Graduate Financial Aid.

Lynchburg VTAG-eligible graduate programs include:

• Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) – online
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MEd)
• Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) – online
• Master of PA Medicine (MPAM)
• Master of Public Health (MPH) – online
• Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT)