Purpose

The purpose of the MSPH program is to develop leaders who can generate and translate knowledge into research policy and practice to promote health and prevent disease in human populations.

Program Learning Outcomes

The student will be able to:

• Implement research that contributes practical knowledge to the public health profession.
• Determine population health status, needs, and resources using appropriate assessment and analytical methods.
• Design social science methodologies that incorporate knowledge of the literature of the public health discipline.
• Describe health from the perspective of God's purposes for humanity in creation, fall, and redemption.

Program Specific Admission Procedures

In addition to the general admission requirements, admission to the Master of Science in Public Health program requires:

1. Earned baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (e.g., SACSCOC, TRACS, ABHE, etc.).
2. Full Admission: An undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above (on a 4.00 scale)
3. Official college transcripts must be mailed directly from your college to Liberty University in an official, sealed envelope.
   Mailing Address for transcripts:
   1971 University Blvd.
   MSC Box 710177
   Lynchburg, VA 24515
4. $50 application fee (beginning Fall 2016, the application fee will be deferred and assessed during Financial Check-In).
5. Self-Certification Form (for students in the final term of their bachelor's degree).
6. Current Liberty undergraduate students seeking preliminary acceptance into a graduate program must complete a Graduation Application through the provided link.
7. Additional Admission Requirements for International Students.
8. Technology Questionnaire: Computer access and literacy for word processing, Internet, and e-mail are required for all graduate students. This form is available online.
9. TOEFL Scores for students who speak English as a second language (score of 600 paper-based test; 250 computer-based test, 80 internet-based test).
10. Students without a background in Public Health are expected to take the and pass GRST 500 and HLTH 500 in the first semester to ensure success in the program. 

The Master of Science in Public Health program uses a gate system to monitor student progress during preparation for a career in public health. program uses a gate system to monitor student progress and assist with success in completing their M.S.P.H degree. The gates also help transition students into a career in public health. All students are required to complete all 4 gate courses, in addition to their coursework, to graduate from the M.S.P.H program. The following gates are described below:

• Gate 1:  Admission to Graduate School, Successful Completion of PHGT 510, Completion of HLTH 500 with a Grade of C or higher
• Gate 2:  Successful Completion of PHGT 512, Complete 12 credit hours (must include HLTH 501 with a grade of C or higher)
• Gate 3:  Successful Completion of PHGT 513
• Gate 4:  Successful Completion of PHGT 514 
  • Earn a passing score of 70%, or better, on the competency exam. Students have three attempts to take this exam. Failure to pass the exam will result in remediation or dismissal from the program.
• Gate 5:  Successful Completion of PUBH 689 and EPDM 690. These courses must be taken concurrently.
• Gate 6:  Application for Graduation
  • Apply for and meet all requirements for graduation

Transfer Credit

Students may transfer up to 50% graduate credit hours from an accredited institution subject to department approval. In order to transfer credit, students must have earned the minimum grade of B-, and courses must have been completed within 10 years of the start date of the program. Credits from a prior degree on the same academic level earned through Liberty University are considered transfer credits.

Delivery Format: Residential Only

Students with this academic degree conduct research and work to improve health in the following areas:

• Epidemiologist
• Public Health Researcher
• Clinical Data Analyst
• Health Program Manager

Students with this academic degree work in various places, such as:

• State government, excluding education and hospitals
• Local government, excluding education and hospitals
• Hospitals; state, local and private
• Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local and private
• Scientific research and development services