Master of Public Health Online

WCU’s online MPH program helps prepare future public health leaders. Learn how to positively impact the health of entire communities.

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MPH – Master of Public Health MPH – Master of Public Health

8 Weeks

8-week terms allow for start dates throughout the year

16 Months

Earn your MPH degree in as little as 16 months at the Accelerated program pace

42 Credits

Complete 42 credits to earn your MPH degree

Online MPH Program Highlights

Flame

Comprehensive public health curriculum to help you prepare for today’s evolving healthcare landscape

Innovative learning tools, including virtual simulations for community and population health

Continued Growth

Flexible online coursework with multiple program paces to choose from

Your Success

One-on-one faculty mentoring and the ability to message instructors directly via the Remind app

Why Choose an Online MPH Program?

Help make our world a healthier and safer place.

WCU’s online Master of Public Health program delivers comprehensive education on the science and practice of health promotion and disease prevention, with a focus on community-based solutions. Learn about topics such as health promotion, environmental health, epidemiologic research methods, cultural competence, health leadership, and health policy. As part of your final class, you will integrate concepts learned in prior terms to create an innovative project designed to make a difference in your community.

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  • Flexible online and campus programs
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Explore the MPH program at WCU!

Overview: Online Master of Public Health Program

Program Details

Accelerated Pace

Distance Education/Online

42 Credits

16 Months

4 Trimesters

Working Professional Pace

Distance Education/Online

42 Credits

28 Months

7 Trimesters

Curriculum

To achieve the graduation requirement of 42 credits, all students must complete 42 credits of core courses. Core courses provide students with the specific discipline experience required for the degree.

Core Courses:

Core Courses to be completed by all students (42 credits)

HA 500 Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care Management 3
HA 530 Managerial Epidemiology 3
HA 535 Health Research Methods 3
PH 500 Foundations of Public Health 3
PH 511 Health Promotion and Social & Behavioral Health Sciences 3
PH 515 Cultural Diversity & Health Disparities in Public Health 3
PH 521 Biostatistics 3
PH 525 Development and Evaluation of Health Education Programs 3
PH 536 Environmental and Occupational Health 3
PH 540 Special Topics in Epidemiology 3
PH 546 Leadership Principles and Policies in Public Health 3
PH 551 Global Family Health 3
PH 560 Infectious Diseases – Applied Practical Experience 3
PH 566 Integrated Learning Experience 3
Total Credit Hours: 42

Tuition & Financial Aid

How Much Does the Online Master of Public Health Program Cost?

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of MPH tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the MPH online program costs at West Coast University.

We offer several financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies. For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.

 

Master of Public Health

Tuition and Fees 

Accelerated*

Degree Type Master of Science (Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024) Master of Science (Enrolling after April 1, 2024)
Total Program Credits 42 42 
Program Length(full time) 4 trimesters 4 trimesters 
Tuition Cost(per credit) $575.00 $575.00 
Total Tuition Cost $24,150 $24,150 
STRF1 $65 $0 
Technology Fee2 $2,000 $2,000 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 $50 $50 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $26,200 $26,200 
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $26,265 $26,200 

Working Professional*

Degree Type Master of Science (Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024) Master of Science (Enrolling after April 1, 2024)
Total Program Credits 42 42 
Program Length(full time) 7 trimesters 7 trimesters 
Tuition Cost(per credit) $575 $575 
Total Tuition Cost $24,150 $24,150 
STRF1 $70 $0
Technology Fee2 $3,500 $3,500 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 $50 $50 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $27,700 $27,700 
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $27,770 $27,700 

 

Indirect Costs

8 Month Academic Year4    
  Prior to Fall I 2024  Starting Fall I 2024
with parents off campus with parents off campus
Federal Student Loan Fee  $220  $220  $220  $220 
Living Expenses (Food & Housing) $2,384 $7,936 $2,496  $8,328 
Transportation $1,648 $1,648 $1,728  $1,728 
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $5,392 $5,392 $5,656  $5,656 
Total $9,644 $15,196 $10,100  $15,932 

* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree. In most cases, students that select Accelerated will attempt two courses per term, and students that select Working Professional will attempt one course a term.

1 Effective April 1, 2024, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero dollars and zero cents ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

2 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.

3 Program supplies include WCU identification card and background check.   

4 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend West Coast University. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to West Coast University and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to West Coast University and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, West Coast University estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the Master of Public Health program must:

    1. Complete an online application for admissions.
    2. Participate in an interview with a university admissions advisor.
    3. Complete an enrollment agreement, consisting of program policies, costs, completion requirements, and other student obligations.
    4. Have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a 2.7 cumulative GPA or higher.
      1. Applicants with an undergraduate degree GPA of 2.00-2.69 may be considered for probationary admission after meeting the following admissions requirements:
        1. The applicant must provide a letter of intent.
        2. The applicant must be approved for admission following an interview with the program Dean/Director.
        3. The applicant must satisfy program prerequisites.
        4. A student admitted under the probationary admissions pathway must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all coursework attempted over the first trimester (two terms). Students who meet this standard will be converted to a full admit status and will be subject to the standard Satisfactory Academic Progress requirement for the duration of their program. Students failing to meet these requirements following the first trimester (two terms) will be withdrawn from the university.
        5. Students accepted under the probationary admissions pathway will be considered regular students and eligible for Title IV, if the student otherwise qualifies for funding, for the first trimester of their program of study while completing the requirements for full admission to their program.
    5. Provide official undergraduate transcripts of a baccalaureate degree prior to the end of the add/drop period of the first term.
      1. Applicants submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts will be required to have their coursework evaluated by a transcript evaluation service to determine the equivalency to a U.S. degree/coursework. If the transcript evaluation is unclear as to the equivalency to a U.S. degree/coursework, the Program Dean will review the transcript (translated if necessary) and transcript evaluation to determine if a minimum of 3 academic years of undergraduate coursework has been met for admission.
      2. Applicants submitting advanced degrees will be reviewed by the Program Dean to determine if a minimum of 3 academic years of undergraduate coursework has been met for admission.
    6. Master of Public Health Transfer Credit Evaluation: Only graduate-level courses in which a grade of B- (80%) or better was received, taken in a program similar to the Master of Public Health will be evaluated for transfer credit. A maximum of nine (9) credit hours will be considered for transfer and must reflect the same content and course credit as the course for which transfer credit is requested.

For more information on our program requirements, please visit our catalog.

Academic Calendar

New academic terms usually start every eight weeks. Review our Academic Calendar for term start and completion dates.

Career Services

Public Health

Career Services Team Providing Guidance

Our Career Services team is committed to helping WCU students and graduates succeed in their search for the right job.1 Whether you’re an existing MPH student or an alumnus navigating the job market, you can take advantage of the following resources:

  • Professional development workshops
  • Mock interviews
  • Individual career coaching
  • Help finding job leads
  • Scheduled visits with recruiters

Our Career Services department is here to support you from day one through graduation and beyond!

Public Health Job Opportunities

Public health administrators can work in a variety of roles and settings, depending on their interests and specialties. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, health education specialists, community health workers, public health workers, and health services managers can work in:

  • Government agencies
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Global organizations
  • Individual and family services
  • Hospitals (state, local, and private)
  • Outpatient care centers
  • Offices of physicians
  • Nursing and residential care facilities
  • Colleges and universities
  • Advocacy organizations (religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, etc.)2, 3, 4

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, MPH graduates will possess the knowledge, skills and aptitude to:

  • Assess the elements to improve health outcomes and systems through planning, implementation, and evaluation of health programs for individuals and populations.
  • Analyze essential services that public health programs provide to protect and improve the health of populations.
  • Apply research tools and analytical methods to critically analyze, monitor and assess the health status of populations, utilizing qualitative and quantitative research methodology.
  • Determine the impact of policies and legislation on individual and population health; while navigating the legal, regulatory, and organizational impact they have on the health care system.
  • Construct public health, cross-cultural community-based programs, using behavioral science and health promotion methods.
  • Create communication approaches for lay and interprofessional audiences using epidemiologic methods to analyze patterns of disease and injury.
  • Justify the relationship between environmental factors and community health, and plan solutions for environmental health problems.
  • Assemble a network of professional alliances to address social determinants of health and health disparities.

Featured Faculty

Michele Mouttapa, PhD, MA

Michele Mouttapa, PhD, MA

Dean, Master of Public Health

Dr. Michele Mouttapa is the Dean of Public Health at West Coast University. She arrived at WCU from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) in 2022 after 16 years of service as a Professor of Public Health. Dean Mouttapa has taught statistics and research methods for both undergraduate and graduate students. She has also been the faculty chair for dozens of MPH culminating research projects and theses, many of which have resulted in peer-reviewed publications.

As MPH Coordinator at CSUF, Dean Mouttapa led the Council on Education for Public Health self-study and site visit in 2013, which resulted in a seven-year accreditation. She is utilizing this experience to seek accreditation for the WCU MPH program. Her own research examines psychosocial factors in underserved communities that contribute to a variety of outcomes including substance use, cancer, and obesity.

From 2008 to 2015, Dean Mouttapa was Editor of the Californian Journal of Health Promotion, which is an indexed, open-access peer-reviewed journal. She also has years of experience helping students interested in any health profession to gain acceptance into post-graduate health professional schools, including medical school. Dean Mouttapa earned her B.S. in psychology from University of California, Davis; her M.A. in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton; and her Ph.D. in preventive medicine, health behavior research from the University of Southern California.

In her time outside of academics, Dean Mouttapa is an avid tennis player who captains league tennis teams and competes at the local and national levels. Her husband is a tennis coach, and her two children are tennis enthusiasts as well. She also enjoys gardening and sharing her citrus fruits with others.

Alex-Auslander

Alexandra Auslander, PhD, MPH, MS

Assistant Professor, Master of Public Health Program

Dr. Alexandra Auslander is an Associate Professor for West Coast University’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program. Prior to joining WCU, Dr. Auslander was a lecturer for the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, as well as an adjunct professor for the Department of Physical Education at Fullerton College and Cypress College.

In addition to teaching public health courses at WCU, Dr. Auslander is working for a research team in community public health as a physical activity subject matter expert. Her team’s focus is on reducing the risk of chronic disease in underserved and vulnerable populations in Southern California. The project, which focuses on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress, is being funded by a grant from the Surgeon General of California.

Dr. Auslander earned her PhD in health promotion with a concentration in public health from Claremont Graduate University, which is where she also earned her Master of Public Health (MPH) in with a focus on biostatistics and epidemiology. She additionally has a master’s degree in kinesiology from California Polytechnic University, Pomona and a bachelor’s degree in biology from San Francisco State University.

From 2015 to 2019, Dr. Auslander completed a Community and Global Health Fellowship at Claremont Graduate University. Her academic and professional honors include the 2015-2016 Cal Poly Pomona Intercollegiate Athletics Recognition of Appreciation, the 2016 Travel Award from Claremont Graduate University, and acceptance into the 2016 Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program from the California University Chancellor’s Office. Dr. Auslander has also been awarded grants, fellowships, contracts, and research opportunities from the 2016 Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health.

With a passion for public health research, Dr. Auslander has had her work published in various health journals, and she has presented her research papers at the conventions of regional and national industry associations.

Dr. Auslander is married with two young children and a lab dog. She loves to cook, exercise, travel, and eat great food. One of her favorite sayings is “Cook with Love and Eat with Passion.”

FAQs

Can I earn my MPH degree if I’m a working student?

In our online MPH program, you have the flexibility to set your study hours around your work hours. Because you don’t have any set class times, you have 24/7 access to your coursework and can complete assignments at any time of the day or night. We do set weekly deadlines, but you have the freedom to decide how and when you will complete you work within each week.

How long does it take to complete an online MPH degree?

The length of your program depends on which pace you choose. You can complete your degree in as little as 16 months at the Accelerated pace, or 28 months at the Working Professional pace. Additionally, if you completed the bridge program for your Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree at West Coast University, you should be able to complete your MPH program in a shorter span of time.

Can I transfer previous coursework into the program?

WCU considers credit transfers for the MPH program. You can work directly with your advisor to see which credits may be applied to your new degree and to get more information on the transfer credit process.

Can I earn credit for professional experience and certification?

We’ll review your industry certifications and/or previous work experience to assess whether they can be used for transfer credits toward your MPH degree. If so, you may have a shorter time to completion for your program.

What is the goal of the Master of Public Health program at WCU?

The mission of WCU’s MPH program is to prepare future public health professionals who know how to collaborate, create, apply, and share scholarly knowledge to improve the well-being and health of diverse individuals and communities.

How will WCU support me as an online student?

When you become a WCU student, we’re here for you every step of the way. From day one, you get an assigned Student Success advisor who will guide you throughout your educational journey, as well as access to our no-cost tutoring and writing center. You’ll be able to contact your instructors directly with any questions and even choose a faculty mentor to provide industry insight and guidance You also have around-the-clock access to your coursework, the WCU online library, and technical support. No student is ever alone at WCU!

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. There are many different types of aid you may be able apply for (depending on your circumstances), including student loans, grants, scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement, military tuition reductions, and more. Visit the online division scholarships and grants page on our catalog, or go to our financial aid page to explore more options.

West Coast University is accredited by WASC Senior College of University Commission (WSCUC), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). 1001 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 402 Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748- 9001/ https://www.wscuc.org/

West Coast University is an applicant for accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health. The accreditation review will address the Master of Public Health (MPH) program. Other degrees and areas of study offered by this institution will not be included in the unit of accreditation review.

West Coast University’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program is in the process of seeking accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). After submitting of the program’s initial self-study, the next phase of the accreditation process will include a site visit by a CEPH accreditation team, scheduled for March 10-11, 2025.

The WCU MPH program is committed to maintaining transparency throughout this process and may provide updates as they move forward toward full accreditation. Anyone who wishes to provide feedback directly to CEPH before the site visit can do so by emailing them at submissions@ceph.org


1 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Health Education Specialists and Community Health Workers, Updated Oct. 4, 2022

3 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical and Health Services Managers, Updated Sept. 8, 2022

4 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) at CDC, Updated Aug. 11, 2021

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.