Earning Your Online Public Health Degree
A degree in public health can prepare you for careers at hospitals, non-profits, and other community-focused healthcare facilities. An online degree can make that journey more convenient. Review top programs, read about cost and quality, and see answers to questions posed by students considering a degree in public health online.
Last Updated: 05/11/2022
Best Schools for Online Public Health Degrees: 2022
With more and more online public health degrees available, it’s important to do your homework. This means vetting each school, program, and curriculum for affordability, flexibility, and the courses you need to make sure your higher education will help you move your career forward. To help, we’ve compiled a list of top schools for public health degrees online that includes cost, college type, number of programs, and more. See which colleges stand out for 2022, and use our sorting function to see which opportunities make the most sense for you.
Methodology for the STEPS Best Online Programs in 2022
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 subject area offered partially or fully online.
Assign Impact of Data Points
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability. Online program availability and overall affordability received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. When unable to verify this number, a star-based system was used to signify the number of programs relative to peers.
Affordability
- Cost:
Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year. - Students w/ Institutional Aid:
Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
Support Services
- Academic Counseling:
Existence of this service on campus or online. - Career Placement:
Existence of this service on campus or online.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2021
Cincinnati, Ohio
Total online programs: 4
Columbia, South Carolina
Total online programs: 4
Baltimore, Maryland
Total online programs: 4
Lexington, Kentucky
Total online programs: 3
Seattle, Washington
Total online programs: 4
Indianapolis, Indiana
Total online programs: 3
Washington, District of Columbia
Total online programs: 4
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Total online programs: 3
Dayton, Ohio
Total online programs: 3
Lynchburg, Virginia
Total online programs: 3
Portland, Oregon
Total online programs: 3
West Lafayette, Indiana
Total online programs: 2
Tucson, Arizona
Total online programs: 2
Ellensburg, Washington
Total online programs: 3
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Total online programs: 2
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Total online programs: 2
Lisle, Illinois
Total online programs: 3
East Lansing, Michigan
Total online programs: 3
Athens, Georgia
Total online programs: 3
Bloomington, Indiana
Total online programs: 2
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Total online programs: 2
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Total online programs: 3
Lawrence, Kansas
Total online programs: 2
College Station, Texas
Total online programs: 2
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Total online programs: 2
Medford, Massachusetts
Total online programs: 3
Buffalo, New York
Total online programs: 2
Boston, Massachusetts
Total online programs: 3
Clemson, South Carolina
Total online programs: 2
Tampa, Florida
Total online programs: 2
Athens, Ohio
Total online programs: 2
Springfield, Illinois
Total online programs: 2
Boise, Idaho
Total online programs: 2
Pocatello, Idaho
Total online programs: 2
Greenville, North Carolina
Total online programs: 2
San Marcos, Texas
Total online programs: 2
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Total online programs: 3
Edwardsville, Illinois
Total online programs: 2
Richmond, Kentucky
Total online programs: 2
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Total online programs: 2
College Park, Maryland
Total online programs: 2
Norfolk, Virginia
Total online programs: 2
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Total online programs: 2
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Total online programs: 2
Lynchburg, Virginia
Total online programs: 2
Corvallis, Oregon
Total online programs: 2
Macon, Georgia
Total online programs: 2
Columbus, Ohio
Total online programs: 1
Johnson City, Tennessee
Total online programs: 2
Gainesville, Florida
Total online programs: 2
Evansville, Indiana
Total online programs: 2
Boston, Massachusetts
Total online programs: 2
Indianapolis, Indiana
Total online programs: 2
Statesboro, Georgia
Total online programs: 2
Missoula, Montana
Total online programs: 2
Winchester, Virginia
Total online programs: 2
Amherst, Massachusetts
Total online programs: 2
Knoxville, Tennessee
Total online programs: 2
Addison, Illinois
Total online programs: 3
Seward, Nebraska
Total online programs: 2
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?
Online public health program learning outcomes depend on the degree level you attain. Bachelor’s level programs focus on giving students a foundational knowledge of the discipline that can aid them in finding entry-level positions. Master’s degrees begin digging into the nuances of the field and allow students to delve into research of emerging topics. Doctoral programs, the highest degree available, helps transform learners into scholars, researchers, and industry leaders who further public health study 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?
Completing a public health degree online may sound easier than following a campus-based program, but in reality distance learners must be far more focused and disciplined to succeed. Before beginning studies, you’ll need to ensure you feel both academically and technologically prepared for the rigors of study. Once classes start, you’ll need to make sure you stay on top of your studies in the absence of driving to class and seeing your peers and professors each week. And while still completing assignments and participating in a practicum, you’ll need to be preparing 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.
- Online Certificate in Public Health
Given the breadth of the public health field, many schools offer certificates in more nuanced subjects to help students build skills and knowledge in a particular area. Most certificate programs last anywhere from one to three semesters and require participants to already possess at least a bachelor’s degree. These programs also appeal to individuals with unrelated academic backgrounds who are considering a career change but not yet ready to commit to a degree. - Online MPH Programs
The most well-known program within the world of public health, master’s of public health (MPH) degrees allow graduate learners to begin specializing their knowledge in niche areas of the field. Most programs require two years of full-time study and offer specializations in areas of community health, health policy, infectious diseases, and global public health, to name a few. Learn more about earning your master’s in public health online. - Online PhD in Public Health
Students who pursue an online Ph.D. in public health know they want to work in a research and/or faculty role after graduating. These programs provide coursework that emphasizes skills in research methodologies, analytical frameworks, and teaching experience to prepare alumni for positions in colleges or research institutions. A Ph.D. in public health usually takes five to six years to complete and requires you to write a dissertation. See if earning a Ph.D. in public health online is right for you. - Online DrPH Programs
Offered as a professional degree, the DrPH program exists for students who want to build skills in areas of program direction, leadership, policy development, and advocacy. Learners study topics related to communication strategies, working with diverse populations, leading and managing teams, developing policy proposals, and harnessing health information. Most programs last between four and six years. Read what it takes to earn a doctor of public health online.
What Are the Admissions Requirements for an Online Bachelor’s in Public Health
Admission requirements for public health bachelor’s degrees online vary by school, so students should check with the admissions office or program administrator to learn exactly what is needed. That being said, many departments ask for similar information. Students should be prepared to provide official transcripts from any school previously attended, official ACT/SAT scores, a personal statement outlining why they want to study public health at that particular school, and two or three letters of recommendation from former professors, supervisors, or mentors who can speak to their preparedness for higher education. Particularly competitive programs may also ask you to participate in an online or in-person interview to help differentiate you from other candidates. In terms of academic expectations, many departments set GPA and coursework requirements. Competitive programs usually look for GPAs of 3.0 or higher, while less selective schools accept GPAs of 2.0-2.5. Some schools also want candidates to undertake general education and program-specific prerequisites (typically in science and math) to ensure they possess the skills needed 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?
If you decide to continue your studies in public health after finishing a bachelor’s degree, a master of public health (MPH) can help you qualify for more advanced roles with higher levels of responsibility and autonomy. Common titles of MPH holders include public health educator, policy advisor, epidemiologist, healthcare administrator, and researcher. Students with a clear sense of their professional aspirations can take advantage of one of the many specialty tracks offered to further solidify their path and signal to future employers their expertise in a particular area.
To learn more, visit our page dedicated to what jobs you can get with a public health degree.