Guiding future public health leaders with an Online MPH
Kim Luzius
Director of the Online MPH Program
Kim Luzius brings a wealth of experience in higher education administration, particularly in the realm of distance education.
As the director of the Online MPH Program at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, she plays a crucial role in guiding future public health leaders all across the United States.
Luzius, who grew up in Brighton, Michigan, has a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of Alabama. She also holds master’s degrees in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of West Florida and in Education from Michigan State University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology from Western Michigan University.
Her educational and professional journey coupled with her extensive experience at the University of Alabama, has equipped her with unique insights into the world of online learning.
The Online MPH Program at Michigan Public Health is designed to address the evolving needs of the public health landscape. From a diverse curriculum that covers key areas such as precision health and sustainability to the flexibility of online learning, the program is setting students up for success in various public health careers.
The Population and Health Sciences curriculum meets the emerging needs of an increasingly intersectional health landscape by addressing public health issues with insight from a variety of sectors like academia, industry, healthcare, government and other stakeholder fields. Students are equipped with a foundational knowledge from the various disciplines of public health and develop expertise in those and other emerging subjects within the field such as precision health, health data, sustainability, population health and more through elective series tailored to the individual’s goals. By focusing on health at the population level, students connect practice with policy to aim for change whose impacts have a greater reach.
The University of Michigan is one of the top universities in the country. Individuals working in or planning to transition into public health need to be trained by top faculty working at a top university.”
In this Q&A, she shares her thoughts on what makes the University of Michigan’s Online MPH program a standout choice for aspiring public health professionals.
What do you find most compelling in the field of public health?
I’m interested in health interventions and programming aimed at increasing physical activity. I’m guilty of physical inactivity. I know it’s important for overall health, so why do I struggle to fit it into my schedule? I’m interested in the different health behavior theories that serve as the foundation for good programming.
What factors influenced your decision to work at Michigan Public Health?
My experience is in higher education administration, specifically in distance education. I spent 12 years working with online programming at the University of Alabama before moving back home to Michigan. I was excited about the opportunity to work for Michigan Public Health to help launch and facilitate an online degree program. It’s rewarding to know that the work being done by our faculty and graduates leads to real, positive changes in the health and well-being of the communities and populations they serve.
PROSPECTIVE STUDENT? Learn more about the online MPH Program.
What do you like the most about your role and guiding Michigan Public Health to be a leader in online learning?
In my role as director, I serve as the chair of the Population and Health Sciences Admissions Committee. I read every Population and Health Sciences application and enjoy learning about our applicants. You can really feel the passion these individuals have for public health. Many come to the field because of personal experiences surrounding their own health or the health of a loved one.
The University of Michigan is one of the top universities in the country. Individuals working in or planning to transition into public health need to be trained by top faculty working at a top university. Our faculty conduct important research. Students benefit from their expertise. Offering flexible degree options means we can prepare individuals—regardless of location—to be effective leaders in public health.
What are some benefits of pursuing a Population and Health Sciences online degree, and what career paths can alumni explore?
Our Population and Health Sciences online degree program gives those who work full time the opportunity to enroll in an MPH program from a highly respected and nationally recognized university. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of population health, students enroll in core courses representing the different disciplines that comprise public health. They then choose elective courses that will help them to reach their career goals.
Graduates of the program gain valuable credentials that elevate their qualifications and expertise in the public health field. For those already working in public health, the degree not only formalizes their skills but also immerses them in the specialized language, methodologies, and evidence-based rationale that drive sound public health decision-making. This knowledge can be a game-changer, positioning alumni for promotions and leadership roles that require advanced credentials and a deep understanding of the field’s complexities. For those transitioning into public health, earning an MPH opens doors by providing both foundational knowledge and practical skills, equipping them to make immediate, meaningful contributions. Whether advancing within a current role or pivoting into a new one, the degree gives graduates the tools, network and recognition they need to succeed in a wide range of public health careers.