Master of Public Health

What Is Public Health?

Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of communities/populations through education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and sustained environmental changes. Public health professionals analyze the effect on health of genetics, personal choice and the environment in order to develop programs that protect the health of families and communities.

Public health is an exciting and growing field of study where individuals have the opportunity to serve others and are challenged to protect the public's health today and into the future in local, national, and international communities.  Public health workers represent many disciplines, including teaching, journalism, research, administration, environmental science, demography, social work, laboratory science, and law.

Students have the opportunity to take courses on the LRU main campus in Hickory or at the new LRU Center for Graduate Studies located in Asheville NC.

Watch this video to learn more. 

 

Why Pursue a Master of Public Health?

While it is possible to gain experience in the field without an advanced degree, most public health professionals need a Masters degree for career advancement. A graduate degree gives public health professionals a competitive edge over other professionals and prepares them to take a leadership role in:

• Applying research skills needed to address health-related problems in society
• Developing multidisciplinary and collaborative strategies for solving health-related problems and influencing public health policy
• Enhancing communication skills by working with diverse populations

 

 

 

The Master of Public Health program at Lenoir-Rhyne University provides:

• smaller classes focused on the core public health competencies where students receive one-on-one attention
• evening classes tailored to meet the needs of students working full-time
• the opportunity for students to pursue their graduate certificate in healthcare administration
• flexible field practicum opportunities that focus on individual interests

 

 

 

Will I Find a Job After Graduation?

The MPH degree is rated by Kiplinger as one of five advanced degrees still worth the debt.  Public health professionals are employed in both the public and private sectors by:

 

 

• local, state, or federal health departments
• non-profit community organizations and voluntary health agencies
• pharmaceutical and hospital supply companies
• health insurance companies and managed care organizations
• academic institutions
• advocacy organizations
• international organizations and agencies
• health service delivery organizations
• professional organizations
• industry and business
• research agencies and firms
• public and private foundations

 

  

 

Solmaz Institute for Obesity

 

In addition, students who complete the dietetic internship focused on child obesity prevention at the Solmaz Institute for Obesity have the opportunity to gain 12 credits of dual credit towards the LRU Master of Public Health program.  For more information about the dietetic internship, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

For further information about the MPH program, download the Master of Public Health fact sheet or contact the Chair of the School of Health, Exercise, & Sports Sciences, Dr. Michael R. McGee.