Prospective Students

Westminster College offers two degree programs within the Public Health Program, the Certificate in Public Health (CPH) and the Master of Public Health (MPH).  Both are offered in an executive format, so that classes are scheduled and designed to meet the needs of busy professionals.  Classes are offered on weekends and evenings, as well as in online and distance learning formats.

The CPH is designed to begin the process of formal and on-the-job training in public health. Because of the severe shortage of trained public health practitioners, public health organizations are pressed to hire many workers without formal public health training. The CPH provides a formal education program for those who have already started a public health career through on-the-job training, as well as others wishing to enter the public health workforce. It also provides a training program for those students who wish to work in other professions, but regularly interface with the health industry. Students who desire to continue their education in public health beyond the CPH will be permitted to apply their certificate credits towards the Westminster MPH degree.

The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, designed for working healthcare professionals, attracts individuals with a commitment to acquire the knowledge and skills that will help them advance to leadership positions. Students come from a variety of careers such as health departments, hospitals, integrated health delivery systems, HMOs, group practices, government agencies, and nongovernmental organizations. MPH students learn leadership and practical skills that help them apply their knowledge and expertise to situations that range from social issues to highly technical problems. The Capstone Research Project enables students to be innovative and analytical regarding a selected local, national, or global public health issue.