Concord University adds Master of Public Health to graduate lineup

PRESS RELEASE

ATHENS, WV — Concord University has received approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to offer a  Master of Public Health (MPH), expanding the University’s graduate offering and its commitment to strengthening  the public health workforce and improving health outcomes in Appalachia. 

The Master of Public Health degree combines academic skills with practical experience, preparing graduates to  work in a variety of areas of intervention and disease prevention. Concord’s MPH program incorporates core  classes with a unique array of electives, allowing each student to tailor the degree to individual career goals.  

“The Master of Public Health Program will complement other successful healthcare programs at Concord, such as  the Master of Physician Assistant and Nursing programs. This degree will allow us to continue to strengthen health  systems and interventions in Appalachia,” Dr. Jill Nolan, Concord’s Department of Health Sciences chair, said. 

In addition, each student will complete an applied practicum, providing hands-on experience in the public health  field. 

The Master of Public Health program might prove particularly appealing for students from a variety of backgrounds  and career goals, including: 

• A healthcare professional striving to address systems that keep people sick; 

• A student passionate about the way the environment can influence disease; 

• A health educator working to help people learn ways to optimize their health; 

• A student interested in using data to demonstrate the impact of disease. 

“The development of the MPH is an exciting step for Concord University,” Interim Provost and Vice President for  Academic Affairs Dr. Amanda Sauchuck said. “As part of the Center for Rural Healthcare Solutions at Concord, the  MPH will create graduates prepared to address issues specific to rural health.” 

Nolan said the MPH degree is designed to combine well with other graduate degrees and offer students an  advantage in the job market, upon completion. The curriculum has been carefully selected to offer students the  opportunity to count credits from multiple degree paths as electives for the MPH. For example, students earning  their PA and/or MBA are terrific candidates for a dual degree with MPH. 

Concord President Bethany Meighen has emphasized the University’s goal to be a valuable community and  regional partner in education, and this program stands as a testament to how the University is striving to produce a workforce ready and able to serve the complex needs of southern West Virginia, southwestern Virginia, and  elsewhere. 

“Rural healthcare is an area that is growing in complexity and in need, and the more that we can do to produce  professionals prepared to serve the hometowns and communities they love, the better,” Meighen said. “That’s  what we’re called to do as educators, and that’s what we thrive on here at Concord. This program fits very well  with our other healthcare offerings, and we’re excited to see it grow and serve our region well.” 

The program is currently accepting students for the Fall 2027 semester. To learn more about the program,  including admissions, curriculum requirements, and how to apply, visit concord.edu/mph. 

For more specific questions, contact Dr. Jill Nolan.