About the Master of Public Health Program
The M.P.H. Program at the University of North Dakota, located in the School of Medicine & Health Sciences, offers eight health care degree programs.
It is the only medical school in the state and was founded in 1905. UND, founded in 1883 in Grand Forks, is the state’s oldest and largest university. This environment is rich in resources that support excellence in public health research, service, and education.
Rural Health
The SMHS includes one of the nation's most respected community-based medical schools and is a leader in rural medicine. It has developed a full complement of programs to assist researchers, educators, policymakers, health care providers and, most importantly, rural residents to address changing rural environments by identifying and researching rural health issues, analyzing health policy, strengthening local capabilities, developing community-based alternatives, and advocating for rural concerns.
Health Data
Our educational priority is preparing students to respond to the growing demand for public health professionals who can transform data into information for decision-making. The size of health data is growing exponentially, and the skills to ‘mine’ big data are exceptionally valued by public and private health agencies, as well as healthcare provider and payer organizations. Therefore, all M.P.H. specializations emphasize analytics. The program’s Center for Comparative Effectiveness provides a laboratory for training in analytics.
Leaders in Public Health
Special features include:
- An emphasis on faculty-student research collaboration
- Application of system dynamics to public health
- Inter-professional education
- Opportunities for experiential learning with UND’s nationally recognized wellness initiative and Grand Fork’s many public and private organizations working collaboratively to improve health in the community
The M.P.H. program has ties to all facets of the Center, including the indigenous programs directed by Dr. Jacque Gray: the Seven Generations Center of Excellence in Native Behavioral Health (SGCoE), the National Indigenous Elder Justice Initiative (NIEJI), and the Native Research Health Team.
American Indian Students
Very few state universities in the entire United States can pride themselves on a forty-year history of American Indian programming and commitment to American Indian educational achievement like the University of North Dakota. Find more information on American Indian Related Programs at the University of North Dakota.
Indians Into Medicine (INMED)
The Master of Public Health program collaborates with the Indians Into Medicine Program (INMED) at the University of North Dakota. INMED is a comprehensive program designed to assist American Indian students who aspire to health care professional careers to meet the needs of our tribal communities.
INMED for Master of Public Health students includes the following services:
- Academic, career, and financial aid support and advisement
- Tutorial services and writing mentorship
- Access to the Stan Guardipee Memorial Student Loan Fund for emergency loans
- Networking with other Indigenous health sciences students and alumni
- Social and cultural events, conferences, and field experiences
- NMED Student Organization
- A traditional Honoring Ceremony and inclusion in the INMED Alumni organization upon graduation
INMED's student advisors assist participating students in planning class schedules and registering for each semester. The counselors' assistance can ensure adequate and timely preparation to enter professional degree programs. INMED's academic retention services support students throughout their health career pathways.
INMED staff can also help students work through the University system and inform them of the wide variety of services, including health care, which are available to University of North Dakota students. INMED staff also offer advocacy services to participating students and assist in their interactions with University faculty and staff.
North Dakota Master of Public Health
The two state research universities – the University of North Dakota (UND) and North Dakota State University (NDSU) – offer the North Dakota Master of Public Health (NDMPH). Students apply to and complete their degree at one campus only - either UND or NDSU. Students choose UND or NDSU based on the M.P.H. specializations offered at that campus, which are unique to that school. Although each M.P.H. program is distinct and offers unique specializations, the two programs work together on common matters such as developing Practicum sites and offering public health events during Public Health Week. By working together, the M.P.H. programs at UND and NDSU provide comprehensive public health training and service to North Dakota and the Northern Plains.