It’s easy to skip right to the end and set your sights on titles like “Epidemiologist” and “Biostatistician.” Maybe you’re quick to dream about helping communities improve access to sanitation, or educating others about healthy lifestyle choices, like smoking cessation. No matter your public health goal, you know that a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) program will get you there. However, lets pause for a moment. As you explore MPH programs, take this opportunity to interview each prospective school and understand all of the important details, before you flash-forward.

Ask your future MPH program the below 7 questions, to ensure you are making the right choice and investment in your education. Interested in learning about Goodwin University’s Master’s in Public Health degree? We’ve also provided answers here.

Q. How do you accommodate already-working professionals?
A. If you’re coming to Goodwin University with a full-time or part-time job already, don’t worry. You’re in the right place, and you don’t need to sacrifice your own well-being for your education. Many Goodwin students do in fact continue to work while they attend classes. They are able to do this because the MPH program is offered entirely online. This allows you to complete your coursework when you have free time, such as in the morning before an 11am shift, or after dinner once the kids are in bed. Goodwin’s MPH program is designed with the working professional in mind, and endeavors not to waste your money or your time.

Q. Is your school accredited?
A. Smart question. You know that an MPH program will be rigorous and offer you a reputable degree, if it is from an accredited institution. In addition, if you plan to continue your education beyond the Master’s level, advanced programs will require that your MPH is from an accredited institution. We’re proud to say that Goodwin University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). NECHE is “recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a reliable authority on the quality of education for the institutions it accredits.” You can read about the full Standards for Accreditation, in order to help understand further the facets that a NECHE-accredited institution possesses, and how you might benefit from that accreditation.

Q. What career outcomes will be available to me, after graduation?
A. There are even more options than you might think for MPH degree holders. Besides Epidemiologist or Biostatistician, becoming a Disaster and Emergency Specialist, a Sanitarian, or a Public Health Director or Educator, are all interesting public health careers that might be of interest to you. Whatever direction you choose, or perhaps – to have some help choosing that direction! – our Career Services team is there for you. Whether that means help writing a cover letter or career counseling, one of the huge benefits of Goodwin University is a life-long relationship with career-boosting resources.

Q. How are your classes structured?
A. Classes are offered in an accelerated seven and a half-week format, so that you can meet your 45-credit requirement in as few as 16 months full-time. There are two classes offered in each “module,” and two modules per semester. You’ll spend your first semester in core classes, and then electives are introduced in semesters two, three, and four. There are two seminars, as well as a capstone project, included in the full curriculum.

Q. What financial aid options are available to me?
A. One of the most important things to us at Goodwin is to make your education achievable, no matter your current financial standing. That is why there are several types of financial aid options available, even to graduate degree students. For instance, you can take advantage of grants and scholarships, student loans, or work-study jobs. Our Office of Financial Aid is there for you, and will take a look at prior transcripts and help you with loan applications, whenever you’re ready.

Q. How much are tuition costs?
A. Along the lines of partnering with you and your goals, the costs for the Goodwin University’s MPH program are transparent. Tuition is $750 per credit, making it extremely easy to multiply by semester, to understand your financial commitment. Other fees are also outlined on this schedule. We don’t want to surprise you with any hidden costs.

Q. What do I need to get into the MPH program?
A. Getting started on your application is easy. Goodwin does not require GRE scores for admission. You will need to have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and to have achieved at least a 3.0 GPA (lower GPAs may be considered under special circumstances). We’ll ask you to provide a resume, as well as two letters of recommendation, and a personal letter that describes your intent in regards to achieving your Master’s in Public Health. Otherwise, you’ll need to prove you’ve been immunized, and pay a $50 non-refundable application fee, and your application will be complete! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and you can look forward to hearing from us soon.

Now, maybe you’ve learned enough to make an educated choice about Goodwin University’s MPH program, but more likely, you still have more questions! First, let us tell you some more good news about your hopes and dreams. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ U.S. employment projections, between 2018-2028, out of the 30 fastest growing occupations, 18 of them are in health related fields. In terms of industry growth, healthcare and social assistance jobs are projected to grow the fastest of all. It would be an understatement to say that now is a great time to advance in the public health field and make your MPH goals into a reality. Get in touch with our MPH program admissions today to have any additional questions answered, by calling 800-889-3282 or requesting more information online.