Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I consider Mercer for this program?

Why should I enroll in the Master of Public Health program?

How long does it take to complete the program?

When are classes held?

Where is the MPH program located?

What does the program cost?

What does the program cost cover?

What kind of undergraduate degree do I need for admission?

What is the GRE requirement for the program?

Can I transfer credits to the Mercer University MPH program?

I do not have a 2.8 on a 4.0 scale, can I still be considered for admissions?

Does Mercer offer an accelerated MPH program?

Is it possible to just sign up for a few classes within the MPH program, not towards a degree at Mercer?

Does Mercer's MPH Program have specialties or tracks?

Why should I consider Mercer for this program?
First, Mercer is a recognized national leader in health education. With accreditation from CEPH (the Council on Education in Public Health), the Mercer University School of Medicine Master of Public Health program is one of only 125 programs in the country, and one out of 7 in the state of Georgia, to have this prestigious accreditation. CEPH recognizes Mercer’s steadfast commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and facilities. Mercer University is prestigiously known for face-to-face classroom interaction and for smaller classes with more one-on-one attention. While the MPH program does not have a cap for admissions, they generally admit 30-40 students each fall, keeping their class sizes small and personal.

Second, you will not find a program like this at other colleges or universities. The Mercer MPH is not the typical MPH curriculum. MPH faculty have especially designed the coursework to provide a solid foundation of public health knowledge while providing a unique understanding of rural and underserved community based health consistent with the program’s mission. The program also provides opportunity for the student to go deeper into a specific area of interest (i.e. epidemiology, rural health, environmental health, etc.) through elective options.  Throughout the program, theory is connected to practical application so professionals leave the classroom with the knowledge and tools needed to immediately apply what they have learned. This program is designed to provide students with the knowledge necessary to stay up to date on the latest public health issues, and the ability to choose a path that meets their specific goals.

Why should I enroll in the Master of Publich Health program?
In all areas of public health, management level positions require a master’s or higher level educational preparation. The Master of Public Health degree prepares you for, not only a successful public health career, but one with a vast potential for advancement and further careear development.

How long does it take to complete the program?
If you attend the full-time evening program, with extended breaks in December and late July you will complete the program in two years, or five consecutive semesters.  For example, if you begin the program in Fall 2010, you will finish your coursework in Spring 2012. MPH students have up to 5 years to complete the program if planning to attend part-time.

When are classes held?
Classes are held Monday through Thursday and begin at 6:00 pm. Fall and Spring Semester courses meet until 9:00 pm. Due to a shorter semester length, Summer Semester courses meet until 10:00 pm.

Where is the MPH program located?
All classes are held in classrooms within the Mercer University School of Medicine building on the main Mercer campus in Macon, Georgia. Some of our courses are offered online. Electives are offered only in the summer. We do not have courses on the Atlanta campus at this time.

What does the program cost?
The total cost of the program is approximately $35,000. The tuition and fees for the program may be tax deductible. You should check with your tax adviser for more information. (This estimate is subject to change.  Applicants should also refer to the Mercer University web site.)

What does the program cost cover?
In addition to the tuition, the cost covers a parking pass and membership to the new Fitness Center in the University Center.

What kind of undergraduate degree do I need for admission?
We accept a bachelor's degree in any field from a regionally accredited college or university. For early admissions into the MPH program, if you are still a semester away from graduation, an awarded degree is not necessary, but will be required via an official transcript by the start of your first semester for full acceptance as long as your graduating GPA meets our requirement. An official transcript must be submitted with your initial application packet showing your in-progress courses.

What is the GRE requirement for the program?
The Mercer MPH program does not have a minimum score requirement for the GRE. We look at the student’s application packet as a whole, and our recommended score is a 1000 overall and a 4.5 analytical writing.

Can I transfer credits to the Mercer University MPH program?
Upon request, Mercer University will review previously earned graduate credits for transfer. MPH students in good standing are allowed to transfer a maximum of six (6) credit hours, from an accredited institution, toward elective degree requirements at Mercer University. Because of the specific focus of our mission, and the varying differences in core and required classes at other universities, these cannot be transferred into the program.

I do not have a 2.8 on a 4.0 scale, can I still be considered for admissions?
The Mercer University MPH program has a conditional admissions policy for applicants with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.8. Occasionally students may be admitted conditionally with a GPA of less than 2.8. Students admitted under conditional status must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for the first 9 hours of core curriculum. GPA's below 2.5 will not be considered for admission.

Does Mercer offer an accelerated MPH program?
Mercer’s MPH program does offer the option to complete the program in 1 year. Students must meet specific qualifications. They must have already completed a graduate or professional degree, or have an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher to qualify for the Fast Track MPH Program. The 1 year program is very rigerous, and is only recommended if this is the only thing you will be doing. It is not suggested that you try to juggle the 1 year MPH with a job, family, etc.

Is it possible to just sign up for a few classes within the MPH program, not towards a degree at Mercer?
Yes. Students may sign up as a non-degree seeking student or a transient student from another university. Non-degree seeking students are professionals who may seek to take MPH courses for refresher training or to improve their skills. These are non-credit courses. Course fees are based on the audit-rate, and financial aid is not available.

Students enrolled at another institution (transients) who wish to obtain graduate credit for a course taken at Mercer University must provide written authorization from that institution. The authorization must be accompanied by a completed application for admission to Mercer and the appropriate application fee. Transcripts and admission test scores are waived. Transients pay standard tuition rates for credit.

Does Mercer's MPH Program have specialties or tracks?
Mercer’s MPH program is a generalist degree program. We do not have tracks. However, you may choose to go deeper into a specific core area of public health (Epidemiology Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Health Promotion, Health Administration) through your elective options. You may also go deeper into Rural Health or Minority health through elective options, which could also result in a certificate.