Best Schools for Online Public Health Degrees: 2024
With an increasing number of online public health degrees available, it’s essential to thoroughly research each school, program, and curriculum to ensure affordability, flexibility, and relevance to your career goals. To simplify this process, we have compiled a list of top schools offering online public health degrees, taking into consideration factors such as cost, college type, and the number of programs offered.
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
- Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school).
- Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio.
- Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
Chicago, Illinois
The University of Illinois Chicago offers numerous options for students who are interested in obtaining their Master's in Public Health (MPH). The MPH in Community Health Sciences is the only fully-online program. The MPH in Community Health Sciences provides graduates with the scientific knowledge, practical public health experience, and research and writing experience they need to successfully seek a career in public health practice and administrative positions. The program is available full or part time, and students in the program complete a primary concentration in community health practice and methods. The other primary concentrations - global health, maternal and child health, and maternal and child health epidemiology - require a separate application.
Program Highlights:
MPH in Community Health Sciences
- Credits: 42
- Length: Varies
- Cost:$6472 per course
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: CEPH
2
Baltimore, Maryland
The Master of Public Health program at Johns Hopkins University is designed with working professionals in mind and offers a lot of flexibility. Part-time students can complete the degree in 2-3 years and can choose between an online or an in-person. The rigorous curriculum prepares graduates for careers as leading public health professionals capable of addressing current global health problems with multidisciplinary, evidence-based approaches. There are 12 concentrations to choose from that include aging, adolescent health, food systems, leadership and management, infectious disease, and more. A capstone project that applies competencies and skills acquired through the program to a public health problem relevant to a student's professional goals and interests is required to complete the program.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Health
- Credits: 80
- Length: 2-3 years
- Cost: $1,321 per credit (Part time)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: CEPH
3
Radford, Virginia
The Bachelor's in Public Health from Radford University prepares students to promote public health in their communities and provide the broad base of knowledge and skills they need to enter the public health workforce or a graduate program. As plans of study, the program offers a 100% online track, a 2+2 transfer track, or an on-campus/hybrid track. Through education, advocacy, and service, graduates are prepared to improve community health, promote healthy lifestyles, and tackle issues such as disease, substance abuse, mental illness, and more. The Bachelor's of Public Health Plan of Study was developed to align with competencies proposed by the Council on Education for Public Health and National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor's in Public Health
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $4,728.50 per semester (Resident, Full Time); $394 per credit hour (Resident, Part Time)
- Mode: Online, In person, or Hybrid
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
4
Tampa, Florida
5
Kent, Ohio
6
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
7
Greenville, North Carolina
8
Columbia, South Carolina
9
Springfield, Illinois
10
Tucson, Arizona
11
Minneapolis, Minnesota
12
Athens, Ohio
13
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
14
Indianapolis, Indiana
15
Boston, Massachusetts
16
Pocatello, Idaho
17
Las Cruces, New Mexico
18
Birmingham, Alabama
19
Corvallis, Oregon
20
Flagstaff, Arizona
21
Kalamazoo, Michigan
22
Macon, Georgia
23
Dekalb, Illinois
24
Stillwater, Oklahoma
25
Northridge, California
26
Fairfax, Virginia
27
Grand Forks, North Dakota
28
Ann Arbor, Michigan
29
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
30
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
31
Lisle, Illinois
32
Pensacola, Florida
33
Vermillion, South Dakota
34
Livonia, Michigan
35
Birmingham, Alabama
36
Loretto, Pennsylvania
37
Gainesville, Florida
38
Burlington, Vermont
39
Norfolk, Virginia
40
Knoxville, Tennessee
41
Longmeadow, Massachusetts
42
Greensboro, North Carolina
43
Miami, Florida
44
West Lafayette, Indiana
45
Logan, Utah
46
Brockport, New York
47
Riverside, California
48
Denton, Texas
49
Lawrence, Kansas
50
Youngstown, Ohio
Inside the Online Degree in Public Health
The growth of online public health degrees over the last decade makes sense given how naturally many topics translate to distance learning. With a focus on theoretical and practical knowledge, students can gain an understanding of best practices via online classes before putting those to use during often-required internships. Many programs exist fully online to meet the needs of busy students, but other schools offer hybrid programs that combine both class-based and online learning. If you’re still looking for more details, keep reading. The following sections answer some of the most commonly asked questions.
What Would I Learn in an Online Public Health Degree Program?
The learning outcomes of online public health programs vary depending on the degree level achieved. Bachelor’s degree programs provide students with foundational knowledge of the discipline, preparing them for entry-level positions. Master’s degree programs delve deeper into the nuances of the field and allow students to explore emerging topics and conduct research. Doctoral programs, the highest degree level available, prepare students to become scholars, researchers, and industry leaders who advance public health research and educate the next generation of learners. Common courses include:
Public Health Communications
Credits:2
Type:Core
Delivery:Campus or Online
Communication exists as a vital skill for public health professionals, both when addressing scientific communities about their research and theories and when communicating to community stakeholders about public health initiatives. This course allows students to examine effective strategies and begin developing their written and oral communication skills.
Diversity in Healthcare Facilities
Credits:3
Type:Core
Delivery:Campus or Online
This course underscores the importance of creating a diverse public health workforce, with particular focus on the need for patients and other community members to see individuals who look like them to feel comfortable and confident in their care. Students also study theories about the importance of diversity in encouraging more individuals to seek preventative healthcare services.
Public Health Program Planning
Credits:3
Type:Core
Delivery:Campus or Online
Students in this class learn how to design and implement public health programs in diverse communities, with special emphasis on creating budgets, using logic models, writing program proposals, applying for grant funding, and presenting their plans to various stakeholders.
Social Inequalities in Health
Credits:3
Type:Core
Delivery:Campus or Online
This survey course examines some of the sociological and epidemiological theories behind reasons for health inequalities. Students look at how socioeconomic position and access to health resources relate to one another and study differences between industrialized and third world countries.
Nutrition in the Life Cycle
Credits:3
Type: Elective
Delivery:Campus or Online
After completing chemistry and biology courses, students can enter this class and learn about the nutrients required for human growth and development. From there, learners consider some of the health consequences resulting from inadequate nutrient intake, why dietary guidelines are important, and how other lifestyle factors contribute to or harm growth and development.
International Public Health
Credits:3
Type: Elective/Specialty
Delivery: Campus, Online, or Study Abroad
Students with aspirations to work in public health initiatives overseas often elect to complete this class, which looks at topics such as cross-cultural competencies, country-specific health disparities, the role of nongovernmental organizations, funding opportunities, political and economic considerations, and the role of inequality.
LGBTQIA+ Health Disparities
Credits:2
Type:Elective/Specialty
Delivery:Campus or Online
With a focus on some of the unique issues faced by members of this population, this course provides students with skills needed to address health disparities. Learners also consider how stigma and marginalization contribute to gaps in care, and what can be done to create greater health equality for populations and subpopulations identifying as LGBTQIA+.
Public Health Practicum
Credits:3
Type:Core
Delivery:Online/Campus/Practicum Site
Typically taken during the final year of studies, this hands-on course allows students to use all the theoretical knowledge gained throughout the degree and put it into action. Learners work with program administrators to find an approved site and build practical, administrative, and clinical skills under the supervision of qualified public health practitioners.
Learn the most essential skills for public health students and find out how each of them will benefit you both in the classroom and out in the professional world.
FAQs: How Does a Public Health Degree Work Online?
Although completing a public health degree online may seem easier than pursuing a campus-based program, the reality is that distance learners must be highly focused and disciplined to succeed. Prior to beginning your studies, it’s important to ensure that you feel both academically and technologically prepared for the rigor of the program. Once classes start, you’ll need to stay on top of your coursework without the benefit of physically attending classes and interacting with peers and professors. Additionally, while still completing assignments and participating in a practicum, you’ll need to prepare yourself for the job market. The following FAQs tackle some of the most important questions you can ask as you navigate the full process.
What Public Health Degrees Are Available Online?
Public health degrees can be found online at every degree level. Some of these programs exist fully online while others combine online classes with coursework taught at the school’s brick-and-mortar location. Below you’ll find a rundown of the most common public health degrees online, including what they entail and whom they’re best for.
What Are the Admissions Requirements for an Online Bachelor’s in Public Health
Admission requirements for online public health bachelor’s degrees vary by school, so it’s important for students to check with the admissions office or program administrator to determine specific requirements. However, many departments request similar information from applicants. Students should be prepared to submit official transcripts from all previously attended schools, official ACT/SAT scores, a personal statement outlining their reasons for wanting to study public health at that particular school, and two or three letters of recommendation from former professors, supervisors, or mentors who can attest to their readiness for higher education. Some highly competitive programs may also require an online or in-person interview to differentiate candidates. In terms of academic expectations, many departments set minimum GPA and coursework requirements. Highly selective programs typically seek GPAs of 3.0 or higher, while less selective schools may accept GPAs of 2.0-2.5. Additionally, some schools may require candidates to complete general education and program-specific prerequisites, typically in science and math, to ensure that they possess the necessary skills to complete the program.
How Much Does an Online Bachelor’s in Public Health Cost?
The cost of an online bachelor’s in public health ranges significantly based on whether learners attend a public or private institution, if they transfer credits from a school previously attended, and if they receive funding. Check out the table below to get a sense of what to expect.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University | 120 | $320 | $38,400 |
| The University of Arizona | 120 | $525 | $63,000 |
| Rivier University | 123 | $360 | $44,280 |
| South University | 182 quarter credits | $426 | $77,532 |
| University of the Cumberlands | 128 | $199 | $25,472 |
What Can You Do with a Public Health Degree Online?
Pursuing a master’s in public health (MPH) after completing a bachelor’s degree in public health can qualify you for more advanced roles with greater levels of responsibility and autonomy. MPH graduates often hold titles such as public health educator, policy advisor, epidemiologist, healthcare administrator, and researcher. Specializing in a specific area of public health can further solidify your career path and signal to potential employers your expertise. Many MPH programs offer various specialty tracks that enable students to gain specialized knowledge and skills in their desired field.
To learn more, visit our page dedicated to what jobs you can get with a public health degree.
