Oregon State University - School of Nutrition and Public Health

About this program

The College of Health believes that health is for all people, regardless of their background. We are the only accredited public health program that has outreach and community engagement built into the institution through the Oregon State University Extension Service, Family and Community Health program. Fellows receive a scholarship that covers their first year of tuition and will be connected with public health faculty and college leadership who are Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (e.g., Namibia, 2012-2014, Gabon, 2000-2002, The Gambia 1993-1995) and eager to work with RPCVs who wish to pair the skills gained through their experience with those gained through our program. We recognize the strength of RPCVs and what their experiences can bring to our students, faculty, program, college, and communities. RPCVs have demonstrated their interest in, and commitment to, promoting health equity through their service and we value the experience they bring to our MPH programs and the communities in Oregon.

• Year partnership began: 2025
• Fellowships awarded per year (average): 1

Application requirements

SOPHAS and OSU Supplemental Application (sent to you after your SOPHAS application has been submitted), official transcripts, personal statement, resume or CV, 3 letters of recommendation, and a statement describing their service and how it contributed to their interest in public health.

Admissions process

Interested candidates will check that they are qualified Returned Peace Corps Volunteer in their SOPHAS application. The Fellow will be informed of whether they have been accepted as a Coverdell Fellow following acceptance into the program.

Degrees awarded

MPH

Benefits and opportunities

Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing. See cost savings details for more.

Estimated annual cost of living: $17,205

Cost savings details

Important Note: Numbers reflect one year of study.

The MPH program receives a University Graduate Laurels Block Award Grant each academic year for the recruitment of new students, with one grant being awarded to a Coverdell Fellow that will cover their first year of tuition. The total award covers 49% of the Fellows full tuition across the 2 year program.

Internship

Fellows will engage in a minimum of 160 hours through an MPH internship throughout their degree program. Working with a community partner who supports underserved populations within Oregon, the Pacific Northwest, and across the nation. Fellows will create two world products (e.g., written report, data visualization, policy brief) and enroll in a course led by the MPH internship coordinator while completing their internship. The course includes several assignments, including discussion boards, a midway progress report, reflection paper, internship portfolio, final evaluation, and time log. To accommodate students' unique schedules and circumstances, internships can be completed remotely and over the course of two consecutive terms.

Other opportunities

Jobs for alumni

Our alumni have secured roles as public health coordinators, research assistants, to public health emergency preparedness & response specialists, to name a few. Employers include Oregon Health and Science University, local health departments, area school districts, and state governments.

Nontraditional options

Online degree program

The Fellow is able to take part in the Ecampus program offered, Public Health Practice. A 100% asynchronous MPH graduate program.