Five WCU Degrees for Public Health Careers
West Chester University appears in our ranking of the 10 Best MPH Programs Not Requiring GRE.
At Sturzebecker Center, the College of Health Sciences offers a 120-credit, four-year B.S. in Public Health to West Chester University Rams committed to community health promotion with courses like Communicable Diseases and 540 fieldwork hours for CHES certification. Chaired by Dr. Lorenzo Cena, the B.S. in Environmental Health builds a 120-credit, EHAC-accredited curriculum where undergrads can intern with Knoll, access the William Darlington Herbarium, join Veg Out, and travel to Jamaica. Online on Desire2Learn, the M.S. in Community Nutrition delivers a 33-credit, ACEND-accredited path for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists to aid disease prevention through food after 1,200 internship hours. Since 2003, the Master of Public Health has followed a 45-credit, CEPH-accredited plan on the South Campus or online with 300 practicum hours in three tracks: Community Health, Environmental Health, or Health Care Management. Directed by Dr. Nelson Afanador, the 32-credit M.S. in Applied Statistics also lets post-grads select a Biostatistics Concentration, engage in the Statistics Institute, and earn SAS Global certification.
About West Chester University
West Chester University of Pennsylvania originated on September 25, 1871, when West Chester Normal School welcomed an inaugural class of 160 future teachers. In February 1895, Frederick Douglass notably gave his last lecture at the Normal School. In 1913, West Chester Normal School was publicly acquired by the Commonwealth. In 1927, it was renamed the West Chester State Teachers College as bachelor’s degrees grew. Three decades later, it became West Chester State College with broader liberal arts courses. In 1961, West Chester won its first-ever NCAA Division I championship in men’s soccer. In 1979, a School of Health Sciences was first organized. In 1981, the West Chester campus was added to the National Register of Historic Places. On July 1, 1983, the West Chester University of Pennsylvania name was adopted for the new PASSHE System member.
Endowed for $41.1 million, West Chester University now employs 980 faculty teaching 14,567 undergrad and 2,960 post-grad Rams from 74 countries on its 406-acre East Bradford Township campus or online with 280+ clubs like Diabetes Awareness for 86 percent retention. In 2019, WCUPA received the Gold Seal of Excellence in Student Voter Engagement. In 2018, West Chester had the 2019 PSRC Outstanding Student of the Year. West Chester University accepted a 2020 Victory Media Silver Military Friendly School Award too. The U.S. News & World Report ranked WCUPA the 160th best public health school. On Niche, WCUPA boasts America’s 158th best Greek life and 244th top education. Money named West Chester University of Pennsylvania the 179th top value. Forbes crowned WCU the 141st best public college. College Factual picked WCUPA 28th for health professions.
West Chester University Accreditation Details
On November 17, 2016, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) Board of Trustees accepted the Fifth-Year Periodic Review Report from West Chester University of Pennsylvania to keep the Level VI accreditation valid through 2020-21 under Provost Laurie Bernotsky, Ph.D., who earned the Gladys Black Woman of Distinction Award. Located 36 miles east via Route 202 in Philly, this superb six-state Northeast Region accreditor is authorized by the U.S. Education Department to review WCUPA’s 58 academic departments. Particularly, the Department of Health was accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) on June 18, 2016. The Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC) first accredited West Chester in 2008. The Didactic Program was also approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) in 2017.
West Chester University Application Requirements
Enrollment at West Chester University is classified as “moderately difficult” by Peterson’s since 11,354 of the 15,085 Fall 2018 applicants were chosen for 75 percent admission. First-year Rams seeking the B.S. in Public Health and B.S. in Environmental Health need a high school diploma or GED. Cumulative “B” averages in four English, three math, and three science units are required. The Class of 2022 reported a median GPA of 3.45. Mid-range admitted SAT scores were 1050-1200. The middle 50th percentile had ACT scores of 21-26. The Honors College mandates a minimum 3.25 GPA. Department of Health transfers must have achieved 2.0 or better GPAs in 12-90 accredited, non-remedial credits. International undergrads should reach at least 6.0 IELTS and 550 TOEFL pBT scores or the ELS Level 112. The Graduate School seeks 2.80 or greater GPAs during baccalaureate preparation. Master of Public Health cohorts must fulfill the MAT 121 Statistics course prerequisite. Borderline master’s students also benefit from optional GRE scores over 300.
West Chester University prides itself on a rolling admission process. It’s suggested students apply at least 2-3 weeks before the current start dates of August 26th, January 21st, and May 26th. Foreign B.S. in Public Health or B.S. in Environmental Health majors must file by May 1st or October 15th. Non-U.S. post-grads need to apply before June 15th, October 15th, or March 15th. Note the M.S. in Applied Statistics only admits Fall cohorts with a March 1st priority date. Accordingly, complete the WCUPA or Common Application online for $45 ($50 if graduate). Forward official transcripts to 700 South High Street in West Chester, PA 19383. Send test results using SAT/GRE code 2659 or ACT code 3762. Submit supplemental materials, such as the 2-3 recommendation letters, professional goals statement, resume, and student visa. Contact (610) 436-1000 or helpdesk@wcupa.edu with questions.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For 2019-20, West Chester University of Pennsylvania billed in-state B.S. in Public Health or B.S. in Environmental Health majors $7,716 annually. Non-resident bachelor’s tuition is $19,290 per year full-time. Undergrads cover the $728 instructional technology fee and $2,217 general fee. International students add a $150 fee. Studying part-time incurs $322 to $805 per credit. Living at dorms like Killinger Hall requires $13,778 for room and board yearly. WCUPA budgets $1,200 for books and $2,520 for miscellaneous expenses. Annual undergrad attendance equals 24,189 in-state, $36,013 out-of-state, and $36,163 globally. The Graduate School charged Pennsylvanians $516 and non-residents $774 per credit. Online M.S. in Community Nutrition cohorts spend $526 per credit.
According to the NCES College Navigator, the Financial Aid Office in Kershner Center Suite 030 links 79 percent of new full-time WCUPA Rams to tuition assistance averaging $6,102 apiece for $6.98 million combined. University funds include the Ruth Reed Leadership Scholarship, Anne Schaub Memorial Scholarship, Barbara Leighton Karas Scholarship, Geraldine Ruth Daley Anderson Scholarship, Megan Lynn Swan Scholarship, Russell Sturzebecker Scholarship, Mustalish Conservation Award, Addy Kelly Memorial Scholarship, Alice Conway Scholarship, Clifford Harding Scholarship, New Century Club of West Chester Scholarship, and Gloria Casarez Leadership Scholarship. The Veterans Academic Excellence Scholarship presents $1,000 per semester to full-time former military with GPAs above 3.50. The Dr. Patricia Gratsy-Gaines Multicultural Scholarship gives $1,000 to students of color with 2.80 or higher GPAs. Federal resources, such as the Pell Grant or Work-Study Program, require FAFSA forms coded 003328. Keystone State students also utilize the Pennsylvania Grant, PA Forward Loan, Geisinger Scholarship, Highmark Healthcare Scholarship, UPMC Pinnacle Health Industry Scholarship, and more.
Keep reading about West Chester University at the Department of Health website.