Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the strengths of the ECU MPH program?
2. Is the program accredited?
3. How many credit hours are required for graduation?
4. How long will it take to complete the degree requirements?
5. Are all students required to complete an internship in public health?
6. Can I transfer courses from another master of public health program?
7. Can I transfer courses from another graduate program?
8. Are courses offered in the evening?
9. Can I take courses in-person (face-to-face)?
10. Can I take courses online?
11. How do I apply?
12. When is the application deadline?
13. What is the program code I should put on the application in item 10?
14. Are students accepted only for fall admission?
15. What is the minimum GPA required?
16. Is there any financial aid?

1. What are the strengths of the ECU MPH program?

1 – A practice-based and “real-world” focus; 2 – Opportunities to conduct research and make an impact in one of the most disadvantaged regions of the United States – the work you do here has the potential to have major positive impact on public health; 3 – A very strong Public Health student organization (PHO) that is active in the community and larger public health community (e.g., students attend academic/public health conferences, etc); 4 – A flexible program offered 100% online through distance education to accommodate full- or part-time working students, or a hybrid option for full-time students preferring some in-person instruction and collaboration

2. Is the program accredited?

ECU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges. In addition, the MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health through July 1, 2027.

3. How many credit hours are required for graduation?

45 semester credit hours.

4. How long will it take to complete the degree requirements?

It depends on whether you pursue this on a full-time basis. Students should complete the program in 2 to 4 years.

5. Are all students required to complete an internship in public health?

Yes, the Field Placement is an integral component of the Master of Public Health Program.

6. Can I transfer courses from another master of public health program?

With approval of the program and Dean of the Graduate School, up to 12 credit hours, depending on how well they match the courses they would substitute for.

7. Can I transfer courses from another graduate program?

Yes, same requirement for approval, up to 12 credit hours. The 12-hour limit applies to all transfer or inter-institutional electives.

8. Are courses offered in the evening?

Course are offered online through distance education so students can access the content whenever is best for their schedule.
Times for in person, face-to-face classes vary, but they are generally taught in the afternoon or early evening.

9. Can I take courses in-person (face-to-face)?

Yes, some courses are offered in both online and face-to-face formats. There are also on-campus opportunities for students desiring more in-person education. In fall 2023 we are starting a designated in-person learning experience in which nearly all of the core courses (about 30% of the program coursework) will be taken together as one group of on-campus students during the first year.

10. Can I take courses online?

Yes, all courses are taught online and the program can be completed 100% online. Some courses are offered in both online and face-to-face formats. There are also on-campus opportunities for students desiring more in-person education. In fall 2023 we are starting a designated in-person learning experience in which nearly all of the core courses will be taken together as one group of on-campus students during the first year.

11. How do I apply?

For MPH admissions consideration, a two-step application submission process is required. (1) Applicants must first apply through SOPHAS. Upon submission of your SOPHAS application, you will receive a unique applicant ID. (2) The provided SOPHAS ID is required to begin, and subsequently submit, an additional application through the ECU Graduate School.

12. When is the application deadline?

Deadlines for submission of admission applications are April 15 for fall semester and October 15 for spring semester. Prospective students are strongly urged to apply well before the deadline.

13. What is the program code I should put on the application in item 10?

Program code 159

14. Are students accepted only for fall admission?

No, students may start in either the fall or spring semester.

15. What is the minimum GPA required?

The minimum standards of the ECU graduate school apply – a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 2.7 or a senior year GPA of 3.0.

16. Is there any financial aid?

Yes. See Student Financial Aid information.