Online Public Health Degrees: Finding Your Program

Taking Your First Step

When considering a public health degree, one of the most important things you can do is ask questions. Not only should you ask your family, friends, and professionals in the field about the journey, but you should ask yourself. To help, we’ve created a quick list of questions you should ask to make sure you’re ready to take your first steps toward a career in the field.

• Am I ready for college? Higher education is a major commitment, especially if you’re juggling work, personal, and school responsibilities. Take account of your obligations — not including college — and make sure you have room for more.
• Do I have enough funding? Earning a degree often means financial aid, scholarships, and sometimes loans. Have you exhausted your options to make sure you’re not stressing when the bill comes?
• Do I have a clear vision for my career? You don’t need everything figured out, but you should have a good idea of where you want to go. Think about your career after graduation before you take your first step on a path.
• Am I ready to learn online? Do you have self-discipline and a solid grasp of online learning tech? If not, now’s the time to learn. Online public health programs are great for those who have discipline and are tech-savvy.

Public Health Degrees by Level

Public health is a big field with tons of opportunities for students seeking to launch or advance their careers. Colleges and universities understand this and offer quality degree and certificate programs in public health on all academic levels, including online programs.

Your task before enrolling is to determine which credential will provide you with the education needed to meet your unique academic and career goals. To help you in making that determination, here are descriptions of the various public health degree and certificate types, along with current program examples for each.

Undergraduate Certificates

An undergraduate certificate in public health provides students with a broad overview of the public health field. Students gain a foundational understanding of key public health concepts, as well as the basics of all of the common public health subdisciplines.

Undergraduate certificate programs offer students the ability to prepare for entry-level jobs or to expand their job prospects in already established healthcare-based careers. Another advantage of undergraduate certificates is that they don’t require the greater time and expense of earning a full associate or bachelor’s degree. Programs are available online (often 100% online) from public and private colleges and universities throughout the U.S.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Undergraduate Certificate Program

Kent State University’s Online Certificate in Public Health

The online Certificate in Public Health offered through Kent State Online is designed for students not intending to pursue a bachelor’s degree or who possess a previously-earned associate or bachelor’s degree and have an interest in gaining exposure to the public health field. Admission is selective and based on the applicant’s cumulative grade point average (GPA), high school college prep curriculum, and grade trends. Both full-time and part-time options are available.

Associate Degrees

There are only a few online associate in social work degree programs currently available. Coursework combines general education (in subjects such as English, math, communications, and the natural and social sciences) with foundational social work courses. These programs typically require 2 years of full-time study, like their traditional counterparts. Keep in mind that almost all entry-level social work jobs require a bachelor’s degree, so students should approach their ASW degree programs as a convenient and cost-savings way to acquire college credits that they can apply to a social work bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Associate Degree Program

University of Cincinnati Online’s Associate of Science in Public Health

The University of Cincinnati’s Associate of Science (AS) in Public Health program offers students the ability to earn their public health associate degree entirely online, with no campus visits required. Both full-time and part-time options are available. Admission is open to current high school seniors and applicants with a high school diploma, GED, or home-school equivalent.

Bachelor’s Degrees

The most popular of all public health undergraduate credentials, the bachelor’s degree in public health lays a solid foundation of the basics of public health practice similar to associate degree programs, while providing additional general education and advanced major coursework. Graduates are prepared to enter the job market straight out of their programs but are also prepared to continue with their academic studies into a graduate certificate or master’s program in public health or administration.

Like most bachelor’s degrees, a bachelor’s degree in public health typically requires four years of full-time study to complete, although part-time formats can also be found. High-performing online public health bachelor’s programs are available from numerous public and private colleges and universities throughout the nation.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Program

University of West Florida’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health

The fully-online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Public Health at UWF consists of 60 credits of general education and major-specific coursework and culminates with the completion of a capstone project. Offered in a degree-completion format, students are required to have attained sophomore or higher status before being admitted into the program and starting advanced public health coursework. The program is full-time with an estimated length of 48 months.

Graduate Certificate Programs

Graduate certificates in public health offer an affordable and time-saving alternative to completion of a full Master of Public Health (MPH) program. These certificates serve two basic purposes. The first is to provide current healthcare professionals in a non-public health area with foundational and advanced knowledge in public health to expand and advance their current careers.

The second purpose that graduate certificates serve is to provide current public health professionals with training in a specialized area within the larger public health field to expand their practice base. Additionally, credits earned in a public health graduate certificate program can almost always be applied to a full public health master’s program at the same school.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Graduate Certificate Program

University of New England’s Graduate Certificate in Public Health

The Graduate Certificate in Public Health at the University of New England (UNE) is designed to provide a solid foundation in advanced principles in a range of public health topics, including biostatistics, epidemiology, and policy and advocacy. The certificate can be completed in less than one year, and all credits earned can be applied to the university’s MPH program.

Master’s Degrees

The MPH degree is all about providing students with advanced leadership skills, as well as knowledge and training in any number of specialized areas of practice within the larger public health discipline. Earning an MPH is an excellent pathway to many of the public health careers discussed in the previous section.

Content delivery in an MPH program may be entirely campus-based, fully-online, or a combination of both. Additionally, most MPH programs include in-person internships as part of their curriculum requirements. Full-time MPH programs often require two years of full-time study, but part-time formats offering longer completion times are also common.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Master’s Degree Program

Ohio University’s Online Master of Public Health

Ohio University’s Online MPH program offers several specialization options, including a concentration in community health. Students can also earn a graduate certificate in either epidemiology or Appalachian health, with no additional required courses. Alternatively, students can opt to take both certificates with three additional credit hours. Designed with working professionals in mind, the program is offered in a part-time format only, which can be completed in seven semesters.

Doctoral Degrees

The purpose of the public health doctoral degree is to prepare graduates for top-tier roles in the field. There are two basic types of public health doctorates: the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) and the PhD in Public Health.

A DrPH prepares graduates to enter careers in administrative and other leadership positions with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and, to a lesser extent, private businesses. Most DrPH programs include some form of practical experience (internship or practicum), typically requiring in-person participation, and culminate with the completion of a dissertation or doctoral project.

In contrast, the PhD in Public Health focuses on preparing graduates for positions in advanced research and postsecondary academics. The program study culminates with the writing and defense of a doctoral dissertation. Practical experiences, however, are typically not part of a public health PhD.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Doctoral Degree Program

Tulane University’s Online Doctor of Public Health in Leadership, Advocacy, and Equity

Tulane University’s Online DrPH in Leadership, Advocacy, and Equity prepares students to become “distinguished leaders and equity-minded advocates” in public health. The course of study culminates in the creation of a portfolio in a practice setting of the student’s choosing. A previously earned MPH degree is highly encouraged but not required. Students without an MPH must complete a 15-credit foundational MPH curriculum prior to beginning their doctoral-level studies.

Understanding Online Programs in Public Health

Now that you’ve read about the variety of online degrees in public health available today, the next step is for you to decide on the specific type of degree or certificate that’s right for you. As you consider different programs, you’ll want to get answers to a number of important questions for each.

Things you should consider include academic content, program structure, course delivery formats, and more. Here are five such questions you can ask yourself to get started.

Should I look for accredited online public health degree programs?

Yes, you’ll want to confirm both institutional and programmatic accreditation for the public health programs you’re considering. Institutional accreditation of U.S. colleges and universities is administered by several regional and national accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Programmatic accreditation of public health programs in the U.S. is overseen by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). You can check current accreditation status with this DOE accreditation database search engine.

Can I earn my public health degree or certificate entirely online?

It’s common for online public health degree and certificate programs (like many mentioned in this guide) to feature didactic coursework that is presented 100% online, with no required campus visits of any kind. Some programs do, however, include some campus-based activities like orientation seminars and short-term residencies.

In addition to coursework, most programs (undergraduate and graduate alike) require participation in some form of in-person internship, practicum, or other type of field experience. There are exceptions, though, so be sure you have a clear understanding of all program requirements before signing up with any program.

What skills do I need to succeed in my public health education?

Success in a public health degree or certificate program requires a number of hard and soft public health skills. Typically, your online degree program will help you develop these skills through coursework and in-person fieldwork. However, it’s still a good idea to get an understanding of what skills will be required of you when you work in this field. Some of the most important include:

• ability to think strategically and analytically
• adaptability to change
• attention to detail
• competency with computers and technology
• cultural competency
• good writing and oral communication skills
• a scientific mindset
• self-discipline and motivation
• strong social skills

What are some of the common subjects covered in online public health degree and certificate program courses?

Course subjects are somewhat different between undergraduate and graduate public health programs. Graduate program coursework focuses on practical leadership training, as well as knowledge and skills related to the student’s chosen area of specialization. Undergraduate course subjects understandably cover a wide range of foundational subjects. Examples of course titles include:

• Community Health Promotion
• Diversity and Equity in Healthcare
• Environmental Health Science
• Epidemiological Principles
• Healthcare Delivery Systems
• Introduction to Public Health
• Public Health Advocacy
• Research Methods in Public Health

Do online public health degree programs accept transfer credits?

That will depend on the specific program you’re interested in and the specific courses you’ve completed. In most cases, you’ll be able to apply credits earned in a public health certificate program into a public health degree program on the same academic level (undergraduate or graduate) offered at the same school.

Transferring course credits between programs at different schools may be more difficult. In any case, you can contact a program representative to find out about the possibility of credit transfers.

Cost of a Degree in Public Health

The range of costs for online degree and certificate public health programs is substantial due to various factors. Chief among them is the specific credential type. A degree that requires more credit hours to complete will likely cost you more than a degree you can complete in a single semester.

Other major factors include school type, as private schools tend to charge higher tuition rates than public schools. Regarding programs from public schools, your state residence status may determine how much it will cost you, since public schools often charge higher tuition rates to out-of-state residents.

Keeping all of this in mind, here are current cost estimates for undergraduate and graduate public health degree programs:

• Associate degree: mid-four figures to the very low- to low-five figures
• Bachelor’s degree: low-to-mid five figures to upper five figures
• Master’s degree: low-to-mid five figures to upper-five figures
• Doctoral degree: low-to-mid five figures to upper-five figures

Please note that these are rough estimates and that the total tuition and fees for your public health education may be quite different. It’s also important to remember that these figures do not take into account any financial aid for public service degrees you may be eligible for, as that can substantially lower your total program’s price tag. Potential funding sources include public health scholarships and grants, assistantships and fellowships, tuition reimbursement opportunities, veterans’ benefits, and more.

Public Health Student FAQs

Is public health considered a STEM major?

It depends on who you ask. STEM majors are those that fall under the umbrella of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. Public health incorporates all four of the STEM disciplines, so it would seem that public health should be considered a STEM major.

Nevertheless, public health has long not been considered a “pure” STEM major. However, things are slowly changing, with some public health education programs being reclassified as STEM programs, particularly those in the areas of biostatistics, epidemiology, and environmental health. That’s important because classification as a STEM major comes with some distinct advantages, including access to certain scholarships and other financial aid opportunities.

Will I need to work in the public sector as a public health degree or certificate graduate?

While public health graduates often find employment in the public sector, there are lots of career opportunities in practically all industries and corners of the private sector as well. Private employers include schools, hospitals, medical equipment manufacturers and suppliers, food suppliers, chemical manufacturers, and more. In fact, many of the usual public health occupations are available for public health professionals in all sectors of the economy. Examples include:

• Biostatistician
• Environmental health specialist
• Health policy consultant
• Lobbyist
• Public health educator
• Public health information officer
• Public health researcher
• Public health services/equipment salesperson

Do nurses work in public health roles?

Absolutely! According to the American Public Health Association, public nursing is defined as “the practice of promoting and protecting the health of populations using knowledge from nursing, social, and public health sciences.”

Public health nurses (PHNs) make up the largest segment of the public health workforce. Becoming a public health nurse, however, requires an entirely different postsecondary education path (that includes a nursing diploma or degree leading to registered nurse licensure) than the occupations discussed in this guide.

Are online public health degrees and certificates as respected by employers as in-person programs?

That will depend on the specific employer. However, online degree and certificate programs today offer the same high-quality academics and carry the same accreditation as their on-campus counterparts.

Curriculum requirements are almost always identical between online and on-campus degree and certificate programs in public health, as are course content and the instructors that teach it. The vast majority of employers of public health professionals today understand this and have for many years.

Are there any public health professional associations for students?

There are a number of professional associations in the public health field that offer student memberships, along with student support services like mentoring programs, access to networking events, and even scholarship opportunities. Three of the biggest public health professional associations are the American Public Health Association (APHA), the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), and the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE).

Career & Salary Potential

Satisfying and well-paying jobs are available to public health degree and certificate holders at all levels and in all economic sectors, including public, private, and nonprofit. They can come in a wide range of subfields within the larger public health discipline. To help you decide where your public health interests lie, here are profiles of five of the most popular of those subfields, along with a sample list of job titles for each.

Salary and Career Details

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Making Your Decision

Now that you’ve reviewed all of the material in this guide, you may have decided to pursue an education and career in public administration. If so, it’s time to turn your full attention to your degree or certificate search.

We strongly recommend that you take your time and make the effort to explore all program options carefully and in detail. The good news is that you won’t be alone in your search. You’ll find plenty of useful information on program websites, and any questions you may still have can be answered by contacting a program representative directly.

There is one more thing to consider before you proceed: Be sure to take advantage of the other many STEPS public service resources.

STEPS Top Picks: Online Public Health Degree Programs

With the large number of online public health degrees and certificates available, it’s essential to ensure a program’s affordability, flexibility, and relevance to your career goals. To help you in this process, we’ve surveyed the many schools currently offering online public health programs and listed what we believe to be the best in the rankings below.

Factors considered in our choices include cost, accreditation, affordability, academic quality, program options, and access to helpful student support services. For more on our selection criteria, click the “About the Rankings” link, so you can learn what makes an online program stand out.