Wingate’s MPH program forges collaboration with Cone Health

Wingate University has struck an agreement to offer Cone Health resident physicians and other doctoral-level clinicians and physician assistants a pathway to earning a master of public health degree.

By factoring in clinical health professionals' previous coursework, Wingate is offering a program that shaves off nine credit hours' worth of requirements, saving students time and money.

Dr. Shanta Dube

Dr. Shanta Dube, director of Wingate's Public Health Department, says that with public health playing an increasingly prominent role in society, it's important to find ways to open the door for more people to enter the profession.

"We are at a moment in history that requires reshaping the public health workforce," she says. "Wingate University's MPH partnership with Cone Health creates a unique opportunity for clinicians to become practice-ready public health professionals."

Cone Health is a healthcare system based in Greensboro, N.C., that operates hospitals and other medical facilities in the northern piedmont area of the state. The agreement enables Cone Health residents, doctoral-level clinicians and physician assistants to earn their MPH after completing only 33 credit hours of coursework, as opposed to the standard 42, because of their prior experience.

The University's MPH program prepares students to become practice-ready public health professionals through flexible online learning, applied experiences, and community-engaged education. Grounded in epidemiology, prevention and health equity, the program emphasizes real-world skills development through partnerships with healthcare systems, health departments and community organizations.

The first cohort of MPH students at Wingate began coursework in August of 2021 and graduated in 2023.

Find out more about Wingate's MPH program.

June 16, 2026