Best Online MPH Degree Programs in Michigan (MI)

People who want to enter the public health profession, and especially want to affect policy and lead others in the quest for better health, will be well-served by earning aMaster of Public Health (MPH). Michigan is home to many MPH programs, both online and on-campus, that meet the requirements of the Council of Education for Public Health.

In fact, the biggest challenge aspiring students might face is narrowing down all those options to best suit their needs. With so many top MPH programs vying for your attention, we want to give you the information you need as you start to research the right universities for you.

Let’s dive into the wide variety of public health master’s degree programs Michigan has to offer, whether they offer you the traditional classroom setting or the online flexibility that can make life easier for working students in the Great Lakes State.

Top Online MPH Programs in Michigan

If you are interested in earning your online Master of Public Health in Michigan, you might already be working in the field on the strength of your bachelor’s degree. But, that means you might not have much time to juggle your work obligations, which makes the idea of going back to school to get your master’s degree seen like a daunting prospect.

Fortunately, online master of public health programs in Michigan make this a little easier. Online learning offers flexibility you simply can’t get in a traditional classroom, allowing you to attend class anytime and anywhere, as long as you have a good internet connection.

It’s important to note that many master’s degree programs for public health are designed with working professionals in mind, and thus will often be entirely online. However, if you still want some of the face-to-face interaction offered by classroom learning, you can opt for a hybrid approach, taking some courses online and others on campus.

The online MPH programs offered in Michigan were chosen on factors such as affordability, accreditation, and student services. Read on to discover some of the best online or hybrid options for this school year.

Financial Aid for MPH Students in Michigan

Financial aid is a strong consideration for anyone seeking an online master’s degree in public health. Michigan schools provide a wide variety of scholarships, fellowships, and other financial assistance to people who are seeking their MPH. Of course, scholarships are the most advantageous because they do not have to be paid back.

But, there could also be other types of financial aid available. This guide to Public Health scholarships and other services is a must-read for students who are aspiring for an MPH degree, as is this financial aid guide that gives all the information you might need to make an informed decision on loans, grants, and other assistance from Michigan schools.

Career Outlook for MPH Graduates in Michigan

The job market for residents with an MPH is strong in Michigan, where community health workers rank as the sixth-fastest growing occupation in the health field, according to the Michigan Health Council. The state ranks 16th in highest wages and 21st in shortages in the field, which explains why MPH graduates are in high demand.

Though the jobs open to someone with an MPH degree in hospital leadership tend to pay more than others in the field, growth is anticipated among all health care careers in Michigan, with the exception of health informatics specialists.

The earning potential is also good, with most jobs in the public health sector making more than the current national average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Though there are some outliers, most graduates with an MPH degree can expect good job security and suitable pay to make their investment in their degree worthwhile.

Sources: Projections Central; Bureau of Labor Statistics

Michigan Public Health Professional and Student Resources

People entering the public health field need all the support they can get, and these resources deliver. Keep in mind that some of these groups are open to seasoned professionals as well as students.

• Henry Ford Health System
  The largest healthcare system in the state, this organization has five hospitals under its purview (and counting), providing a wealth of research opportunities, public assistance, grants, and projects.
• Michigan Association for Local Public Health
  This is a private non-profit organization tasked with assisting Michigan’s city, county, and district health departments. Much of their work is devoted to working with federal and executive branches of the legislature, effecting change from the top down.
• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
  This is where residents can go to get public health information and guidance, including details on children and family services, environmental health, and public safety. State programs are often headquartered here.
• Michigan Public Health Association
  This is the state chapter of the American Public Health Association, which promotes public health throughout the state. Research is conducted here, as are urgent missives and communications on health issues that affect people in Michigan and the surrounding areas.
• Michigan Public Health Institute
  This non-profit organization offers resources for schools, local governments, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations that work to promote the health and well-being of the general population.