Starting this fall quarter, CWU has introduced a new graduate program, CWU Master of Public Health (MPH). The 56 credit program is designed to be completed in two years. The course description states that students in the program are required to complete a portfolio capstone with a project-based or research thesis, under the guidance of their faculty mentor. Public health graduate students can also choose to start the program with the rural and community health graduate certificate, so 15 credits can transfer to the MPH degree.

Public health is defined as the health of the population as a whole. It is the subject of government regulation and support, according to the Oxford dictionary. To CWU, public health focuses on disease prevention, addressing inequities and developing policies and programs that help communities in achieving optimal health and well-being. 

Admissions Criteria

Applicants are required to submit their materials by the admissions deadline, Feb. 1, to be enrolled the following fall quarter. A checklist of materials needed to apply is located on the health sciences page. The department of health sciences is located in Dorothy-Purser Hall 101, and the faculty professors are located in Black Hall. 

Public health can be a broad umbrella term, the importance is the purpose of aiding and prolonging life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), public health work is achieved by promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention and detecting, preventing and responding to infectious diseases. It also works towards limiting health disparities.