WKU's MPH Program is nationally accredited by the
Council on Education for Public Health
Public Health professionals have a proud history of working in community settings to promote health and prevent disease. While the primary mechanism for public health activity is through government health agencies at the local, state and federal levels, additional public health work is done in a wide variety of settings in the public and private sectors. Graduates of the MPH program are prepared to use their skills in a variety of government agencies, hospitals and other facilities of the health care system, community mental health agencies, employee health programs in business and industry, student health services on college campuses, and many non-profit health agencies in communities The Master of Public Health (MPH) is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of health professionals who desire graduate education in public health. Students may choose one of two options: 1) environmental health; 2) public health education. The requirements within the options are flexible and allow for consideration of individual needs in planning the students program.
Admission Procedures and Criteria
Application and Fee
Students seeking a graduate degree must obtain Application for Admission (Form A) from the Office of Graduate Studies. The completed form, along with a $35.00 (non-refundable) application fee, must be returned to the Graduate Studies Office. Mailing address:
Office of Graduate Studies and Research
1906 College Heights Blvd # 11010
Bowling Green, KY 42101- 11010
Phone: 1-270-745-2446
Fax: 1-270-745-6950
http://www.wku.edu/graduate/index.htm
Admission Decision
Admission decisions are based upon the undergraduate grade point average, the Graduate Record Examination General Test score, and the personal statement. See below for details.
Transcript Record
Graduates of accredited institutions other than Western Kentucky University must submit one official transcript showing the completed degree to the Office of Graduate Studies. Applicants who have not completed the undergraduate degree are required to submit one official transcript at the time of application and one official transcript after the degree is completed.
Standardized Examination Scores
All degree-seeking students must submit the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores regardless of their undergraduate grade point average. Standardized test scores must be received by the Office of Graduate Studies prior to admission. Registration material for the GRE is available on campus at the Counseling Service Center and the Office of Graduate Studies.
GAP Score
Admission decisions are based upon both the undergraduate grade point average and the GRE General Test score. The GAP score is the product of the GRE score x the overall undergraduate grade point average. For example, a GRE score of 1200 and a grade average of 2.75/4.0 would produce a GAP score of 3300. Since GAP is a product of both GRE and grade point average, both the GRE and transcript record are essential for making an admission decision. GAP score requirements for general admission to Graduate Studies (individual degree programs may be higher) are as follows:
GAP Requirement Date Test Taken
3500 on or before 9/30/2002
2200 on or after 10/1/2002
Personal Statement:
In addition to the application form, transcript and test scores, applicants are required to submit a personal statement addressing the following points:
1. Explain how your academic and personal background experiences have prepared you for graduate study in public health, and in particular, public health education or environmental health.
2. Explain or describe your interest in public health and your reasons for seeking education in this field.
3. What are your long-term career plans? How do you expect the Master of Public Health degree will help you achieve your goals?
4. Describe the type(s) of position(s) you expect to fill in the field of public health upon completion of the MPH.
Your essay addressing the above items should be in essay form, typed or written legibly. It should be no longer than two pages.
International Students: Additional Requirements
In addition to the above requirements, applicants who are not U.S. citizens must also submit:
1. evidence of ability to communicate in English (a minimum of 550 on the written TOEFL or a minimum of 213 on the computerized TOEFL);
2. evidence of adequate financial resources.
After the international student has submitted these application materials, evaluation is made within the Department of Public Health. International students must participate in orientation and testing of English proficiency three days prior to the beginning of the regular registration period. Students found to be deficient in English skills must take remedial course work. Health insurance must be purchased upon arrival at the University.
GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS:
Graduate assistantships of up to $9,000 for the academic year are available to qualified students. Stipends vary depending upon the students qualifications and duties assigned. Contact the Department for further information.
OUT-OF-STATE-WAIVER:
All graduate students pay the same tuition rate as Kentucky residents. There is no out-of-state tuition rate.
DISTANCE EDUCATION:
In order to make the program and courses more accessible to students, classes will be available in a traditional format on the main campus in Bowling Green, but also will be taught at distant sites at locations removed from the main campus. Courses will also be taught in a weekend format, through interactive television, and via the internet.
For More Information contact:
Dr. J. David Dunn
Interim Department Head
Phone: (270) 745-2636
Office: STH 412A
david.dunn@wku.edu
