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Public Health

Advance your impact on community health with a Master of Public Health from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Choose from three focused programs—Health Behavior and Promotion, Nutrition, or Dietetics—and prepare for leadership in public health practice and policy.

Careers in Public Health

The program prepares students for careers in schools, government, health organizations, hospitals, and the private sector.

  • Health Educator or Health Promotion Specialists
  • Social and Community Service Manager
  • Community Health Program Manager
  • Public Health Analyst
  • Behavioral Health Coordinator
  • Research Associate in Public Health or Social Sciences

Potential Salary

Median Salary $78,240

The median annual wage for Social and Community Service Managers in May 2024 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Public Health Degrees at MSU

MPH: Health Behavior and Health Promotion

Make a lasting impact on community health with our MPH: Health Behavior and Health Promotion program. You'll learn how to drive positive change through prevention strategies, behavior change techniques and community-based health initiatives. Gain real-world experience through a field-based applied practice tailored to your professional goals.

MPH: Nutrition

Advance your career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with our MPH: Nutrition program. You'll gain real-world experience and learn how to improve health outcomes through preventive strategies, behavior change and community-based nutrition initiatives. Collaborate with professionals across disciplines while completing a hands-on, field-based practice experience tailored to your career goals.

MPH: Dietetics

Take your dietetics education to the next level with our Public Health: Dietetics Master of Public Health program. Designed for students in the Professional Program in Dietetics, this program blends public health strategies with hands-on, supervised experiential learning to prepare you to improve health outcomes at both individual and community levels. You’ll collaborate with experts and complete field-based experiences that align with your career goals.

 

What You'll Learn From our Program

Assess and Act

Identify community health needs and design effective health education and promotion strategies. 

Lead and Manage

Oversee programs, advocate for health equity, and champion the profession with ethical leadership.

Evaluate and Improve

Conduct research and evaluate interventions to drive continuous improvement in public health outcomes.

Communicate and Collaborate

Engage diverse audiences and work across sectors to promote health and inclusion. 

public health student taking online exam

Certification Opportunities

Graduates of the MPH program may be eligible for the following professional certifications:

  • Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®)
  • Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES®)

These nationally recognized, competency-based exams assess knowledge and skills across the eight areas of responsibility for Health Education Specialists. Earning these credentials can enhance your qualifications for public health roles and advanced study.

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Information Sessions

Join us for an upcoming MPH information session to learn more about the program, the admissions process, and key highlights. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and explore how a Master of Public Health can support your career goals in public health and beyond.

College of

Allied Health and Nursing

The College of Allied Health and Nursing is a thriving community dedicated to preparing future leaders in nursing, communication sciences and health-related fields. With state-of-the-art learning centers, real-world experiences, clinical practicums and fieldwork and strong community connections, students gain the hands-on training needed for success. Committed to equity and inclusion, we create an environment where all learners can excel and make a meaningful impact in health and wellness.

Learn More About the College of Allied Health and Nursing