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Master of Public Health – Health Promotion

Department of Environmental & Public Health, Administration & Medical Sciences

College of Health Sciences

Master of Public Health – Health Promotion

Department of Environmental & Public Health, Administration & Medical Sciences

College of Health Sciences

Online

Program

42 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Online Tuition Rate

$649 Per Credit Hour

Low-Cost Textbooks

For All Students

Become a Culturally Competent and Community-Focused Public Health Practitioner

In the wake of the COVID 19 pandemic the need for qualified, knowledgeable public health professionals has dramatically increased. EKU’s 100% online master of public health (MPH) program prepares you with the knowledge and competencies needed to face public health issues and emergencies at the local, state and national level. Graduates leave the program prepared to take on leadership roles as culturally competent, skilled public health practitioners ready to address global health issues.

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Career Outlook

The NACE Summer 2021 Salary Survey report found that individuals with an MPH had an average starting salary of $60,624. In contrast, the average starting salary for bachelor’s holders was $44,017, a difference of 38%.

An MPH degree offers an impressive variety of career paths. If you are passionate about the health industry, an MPH can position you to take on exciting new roles and play an important part in maintaining the health and safety of your community.

Job Titles Include:

  • Health Education Specialist
  • Epidemiologist
  • Social and Community Service Manager
  • Medical and Health Services Manager

A master of public health (MPH) is a professional degree that can open the door to leadership positions with higher level responsibilities and higher pay.

Employers Include:

  • Local Health Departments
  • University of Kentucky
  • Aetna
  • Vanderbilt Medical Center

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Low-cost textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • No GRE required
  • Complete your degree in as little as 24 months
  • CEPH Accredited
  • Complete an applied practicum experience and network with professionals in the field
  • Free tutoring and career services assistance

Environmental/Occupational Health & Sustainability Concentration

EKU’s master of public health (MPH) program with a concentration in environmental/occupational health & sustainability prepares you with the knowledge and competencies needed to protect people and provide communities with healthier environments. Graduates leave the program prepared to take on leadership roles as competent, skilled public health advocates ready to address global health issues or focus on policy designed to mitigate society’s impact on the ecosystem.

Attend Online

Choosing an online program doesn’t mean completing your education alone. EKU Online strives to provide students with unparalleled staff and faculty access, rich engagement opportunities and every resource possible to succeed. We are committed to helping you find success in your coursework, as well as identifying and pursuing employment opportunities upon graduation. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Online students have access to:

  • Accelerated 7-week terms
  • Courses begin 6 times per year
  • No campus visits required
  • Personal enrollment counselors assist you through the application process
  • Free online tutoring and career services assistance 

Curriculum & Admission

The MPH program offers the opportunity to make a valuable and positive difference in peoples’ lives. Regardless of where you live in the world, public health issues affect us all. With an MPH degree you can play a critical role in strengthening the public health workforce and preventing, preparing, and responding to public health emergencies.

A minimum of 42 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Requests to transfer credits are considered on an individual basis after students are admitted to the program. In order for transfer credits to be given, a course must be a graduate course from an accredited institution, appropriate to the student’s course of study at EKU, and approved by the student’s advisor, the Program Director, and the Graduate School. A maximum of 12 semester hours may be transferred and the 7-year time limit also applies to completion of such.

Online Deadlines
TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
Fall AJuly 31August
Fall BSeptember 30October
Spring ADecember 31January
Spring BFebruary 28March
Summer AApril 30May
Summer BMay 31June

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
  • Graduate school application
  • Official transcripts – Applicants with a cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher – or – 3.25 in their last 60 hours of undergraduate work meet the minimum requirements for eligibility for full-admission consideration. Applicants with a cumulative undergraduate degree GPA of 2.5 or higher, but do not meet the requirements for full-admission consideration, are eligible for provisional admission consideration. Students with provisional admission based upon GPA must maintain a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher for their first two academic terms
  • Statement of personal and professional objectives (1 1/2 to 2 pages)
  • Three professional or academic references with current contact information
  • A TOEFL score of at least 550 for paper based, 79 for internet based, or 213 computerized, is required for international applicants. Satisfying the minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission

EKU’s public health program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) and the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC)

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Health Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to the enrollment counselor for your preferred program.

photo of misty bailey

Misty Bailey

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-2628
misty.bailey@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

  • Lauren Close

    EKU Exercise and Sport Science Graduate
    Earning my master’s from EKU provided me with the expertise to enter my desired career field. Not only did I gain the skills and experience to stand out to employers, I formed lasting relationships that remain an important part of my professional journey. The EKU faculty were a huge part of my success as a student and their steadfast support has continued into my professional career.

  • Erin Thompson

    EKU Recreation and Park Administration Graduate
    I love how much service-learning experiences we have in RPA and that classes are not just lecture. I am building an amazing resume as a result.

  • Patrick Rood

    EKU Recreation and Park Administration Graduate
    I love RPA because it is family. If someone is struggling or feeling down, there is always someone to pick you up. You will always find a friendly face and a warm smile when you go into the department. My true and most happy self is all thanks to the department.

Quick Links

Upcoming Events

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Thu
04

Fall 2025 Graduation

December 4, 2025 at – December 5, 2025 at calendar-multiday
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12

Provost's Leadership Institute

February 12, 2026 at – February 13, 2026 at calendar-multiday
Thu
19

High School Honor Band Festival

February 19, 2026 – February 21, 2026calendar-multiday
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02

EKU Choirs: NYC Preview Concert

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03

EKU Wind Ensemble and Concert Band Performance

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20

Middle School Honor Band Festival

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News & Updates

EKU Public Health Leads Evaluation of Kentucky Lung Cancer Screening Program

More Kentuckians screened. Lung cancer detected earlier. Longer, healthier lives. Put simply, that’s the goal of a research project in Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) College of Health Sciences.  November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, which puts the spotlight on the prevention and education measures being implemented across the country. Kentucky has the highest incidence and […]

Public Health and Kindness

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September and World Mental Health Day on October 10th, EKU Public Health continued its outreach with a Kindness Tabling Event focused on promoting mental health awareness and fostering compassion across campus. The event featured “kindness gumballs” each containing an encouraging action to brighten someone’s day—such as “call […]

Enrich Needs Fair

In the spring 2025 semester, Dr. Molly McKinney’s HEA 485 Community Organization & Advocacy class collaborated with Enrich, a local non-profit, to plan and implement a needs fair for Richmond community members in recovery or seeking recovery. EKU Public Health students planned and implemented the entire event with guidance from Enrich staff and Dr. McKinney. […]

Related Programs

M.S. in Recreation and Parks Administration

Common Job Titles: entertainment and recreation manager

Modalities: on-campus

Credit Hours: 30

M.S. in Safety, Security & Emergency Management

Common Job Titles: manufacturing manager, environmental health officer
health and safety advisor

Modalities: online and on-campus

Credit Hours: 36

Contact Information

Department of Environmental & Public Health, Administration, and Medical Sciences

Dizney Building
Room 220
4377 Kit Carson Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-3078
Fax: 859-622-1939
ephams@eku.edu

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