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Online Master's in Public Health (MPH): Reviewing Top Programs

Public health pros tackle everything from vaccine rollout to health equity, and the workforce is always looking for new and qualified professionals. Whether you already are in the field or are looking to transition to it, pursuing an online MPH degree can help you succeed. Let STEPS show you what to expect from an online MPH program by looking inside schools, answering common questions, highlighting the doors that open after graduation, and more.

Author: Kari Scare
Editor: Kimberly Zaski
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Explore Online MPH Degrees

Online MPH programs offer a flexible path to an advanced degree in public health. Students often need to balance work, home life, and school, so online MPH programs can help streamline your higher education path. Not all MPH programs are entirely online – hybrid formats add in-person components to ensure a robust framework for student learning. When choosing a program, consider the program focus since many have a distinct focus while others allow students to pick from or design their own concentrations. Also look at a program’s flexibility and requirements for in-person study, as well as its focus on developing other essential elements, like hard and soft skills. Let’s explore a few online MPH programs and the variety of options available.

University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina offers three online MPH programs. The master’s in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior Professional Program is specifically for health department, community, school, and worksite practitioners. The Epidemiology Online MPH Program covers the five core disciplines as well as advanced training in epidemiologic and biostatistical methods. The Health Services Policy and Management online MPH gives the essential knowledge, skills, and experience for leadership in public health. Each of these programs builds students’ public health knowledge and offers focused skills in specific areas.

Duration: 2 to 3 years

Mode: Online

Cost: $6,868 to $14,880 per semester

Curriculum:

  • Quantitative and Qualitative Methods for Public Health Practice
  • Public Health Systems, Policy, and Leadership
  • Practical Applications for Public Health Planning
  • Concentration-specific Competency Courses

Johns Hopkins

Johns Hopkins Master of Public Health prepares students for leadership as professionals addressing current global health problems. The program provides a diverse and collaborative environment where students learn from each other and a flexible curriculum with both onsite and online options and full- and part-time enrollment. Most courses for the full-time program are on campus, though students can also take advantage of online courses. The part-time program can be online, on site, or both. There are also RA opportunities with projects in 67 countries. The capstone project applies program learning to a public health problem relevant to a student’s interest.

Duration: 2 to 4 years

Mode: Online and in person

Cost: $1,374 per credit

Curriculum:

  • Assessing Population Needs
  • Biologic and Genetic Factors
  • Biology and Public Health
  • Communication Strategies
  • Environmental Health
  • Foundational Public Health Knowledge
  • Health Equity
  • Interprofessional Education
  • Leadership, Governance, and Resource Management
  • Negotiation and Mediation
  • Population Dynamics
  • Public Health Policy/Problem Solving and Health Practice
  • Qualitative and Quantitative Methods
  • Epidemiology
  • Systems Thinking

University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota’s online Maternal and Child Health MPH is rooted in social justice and focuses on skills that serve the needs of vulnerable populations. The program’s standard track is 48 credits for students without advanced degrees and with limited professional experience. The advanced standing track is 42 credits for students with advanced degrees and at least three years of professional experience in maternal and child health or public health. The program offers integrated health sciences, a supportive environment, and a comprehensive curriculum. Coursework is enhanced by an affiliated training center that provides ongoing education and outreach opportunities.

Duration: 2 to 4 years

Mode: Online, in person, and blended

Cost: $1,156 per credit

Curriculum:

  • Public Health Core Courses and Electives
  • Maternal and Child Health Core and Foundation Courses
  • Methodological and Analytical Skills
  • Management, Communications, Policy, and Advocacy
  • Applied Practical Experience
  • Integrative Learning Experience

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Online Public Health Master’s FAQs

Are online public health master’s degrees completely online?

Though coursework can be completely online, in-person practicums are common for many online MPH programs. These in-person experiences reinforce the concepts taught in the classroom. Students typically complete practicums at a facility nearby. For some, this may be their current workplace. Some practicums occur on campus. These intensives last anywhere from a few days to a week and allow students to meet with their cohort, consult with faculty, and engage in in-person learning that broadens their understanding of classroom material.

Do I need to take the GRE to be accepted into an online MPH program?

Somes students can enter online MPH programs without taking the GRE, a standardized test many schools still use to help select applicants. However, some schools look at other factors that make up a student’s history, such as grade point average or work experience, instead of a GRE score. Some schools allow work experience, such as five years in the public health field, to replace the GRE requirement.

How long do online MPH degrees take to complete?

The MPH program can take four years of part-time study with many schools capping the window of completion at five years. Full-time students take about two years. There are also a few accelerated programs that take about a year, but they require intense focus that make it more difficult to continue working while going to school. The one-year online MPH is best for those who have the time to devote solely to their education.

Why is accreditation important for online MPH programs?

Regional accreditation is the gold standard for ensuring a school meets all the criteria of a high-quality education. Programmatic accreditation helps ensure students who graduate from a particular program are well-versed in their field and ready to begin their careers. The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), a member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA), accredits MPH programs. When looking for a top-notch program that provides the recognition your eventual degree deserves, make CEPH accreditation a priority.

How much does an online MPH cost?

Earning an MPH online means a great deal of time and effort as well as a financial commitment to your future. Before taking that leap, it’s important to understand the bottom line for your program. Expect to pay up to $60,000 for an online MPH program, though there are slight variations in tuition amounts as well as in fees and associated costs. Where you live and how much of your program is online versus in person also figures into its price tag.

Online MPH Concentrations

While online MPH programs essentially offer the same core curriculum, most also have either a unique focus for their program or offer one or more concentration options. This allows you to earn a specialized degree and become an expert in a specific area of public health. Below are examples of available MPH concentrations.

Environmental Health

An environmental health concentration for an MPH program focuses on environmental factors influencing human health. Concentration courses include those on environmental health science and sometimes in specialty areas such as toxicology, air and water quality, occupational health, and environmental risk assessment. Career opportunities for this specialty include occupational health and safety officer, environmental health specialist, epidemiologist, policy advisor, and research scientist. The MPH – Environmental Health program at the University of Illinois Springfield is one example of this concentration.

Epidemiology

An MPH concentration in epidemiology studies the distribution, patterns, and causes of disease and health-related issues. Professionals work with data and conduct research to identify trends and risk factors and develop and implement strategies to prevent and control diseases. Specialized epidemiological fields include infectious disease, environmental health, and bioterrorism. The Epidemiology Online Program at the University of South Carolina is an example of this concentration, which leads to careers like as a public health specialist and an international health planner, among others.

Global Health

A global health MPH curriculum prepares professionals for leadership and management positions that focus on improving worldwide health outcomes. It focuses on global health issues and draws from various disciplines, including public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, and social sciences. Programs often incorporate community engagement approaches. MPH global health careers include global health program managers, public health policy analysts, and global health educators. The Master of Public Health Program at Johns Hopkins focuses on global health issues.

Health Administration

An MPH in health administration focuses on the business and management aspect of healthcare. Graduates work in healthcare policy, administration, and consulting. This concentration includes coursework on healthcare systems and management, finance and economics of healthcare, and healthcare law and ethics. Hospital CEOs often have an MPH with a health administration concentration. Ohio University’s Online Master of Health Administration is one example of this type of MPH focus.

Health Policy and Management

A health policy and management MPH focuses on health economics, public health law, healthcare management, policy analysis, and more. Students develop leadership skills for roles in the public and private sectors where they study public health policy, planning, and advocacy. They work in roles like health policy analyst, public health program manager, and healthcare researcher. The Health Services Policy and Management Online Program at the University of South Carolina is an example of an MPH with this concentration.

Online Public Health Master’s Curriculum

Though each school might have a different curriculum structure and different elective courses, the core courses of an MPH program teach the most important aspects of theory, research, policy, and other important points in healthcare. Here’s what students can expect for core courses for any MPH curriculum.

Public Health Policy

A cornerstone course of the MPH program, this focuses on helping students learn to address public health problems and crises from the point of view of policy and using various methods of assessment to see how well the policies are working. Specific topics include health policy analysis and legal and ethical frameworks.

Applied Epidemiology

This course is an in-depth look at the field of epidemiology. Students study the impact certain diseases can have on families, communities, countries, and the world at large. While most MPH programs include at least one epidemiology course, you can also earn a master’s focused on epidemiology online.

Health and the Environment

This course explores the role of the environment in human health and how chemical and biological factors affect health and behavior. It looks at how the environment can have an impact on physical aspects and disease in individuals and broader communities. Ultimately, this course is about the interconnectedness of environmental factors in many areas of public health.

Health Policy and Management

This course provides an in-depth look at the healthcare system at large, including health management concepts, policy issues, research methodology, and the applications of existing and new policy to population-based healthcare. Specific topics include healthcare systems and structures, public health law and ethics, and health economics. It also develops leadership skills.

Public Health Research

Research is a vitally important part of public health policy. This course looks at a wide variety of points concerning research, such as variable and objectives, theory and research relationships, ethics, designing research questions, and taking valid measurements, among other related factors. It also focuses on interpreting findings to inform public health interventions and policies.

Careers for MPH Holders

Biostatistician

Biostatisticians analyze data and information, write detailed analysis, and calculate sample sizes for clinical studies, among other tasks. Most biostatisticians have at least a master’s degree, but some positions require a PhD in Public Health. This career requires strong math, problem solving, and computer skills as well as the ability to actively learn and make good decisions. Biostatisticians make a median of $104,110 annually, and the field is expected to grow at 9% through 2033.

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury and work in laboratories and offices at health departments, in hospitals, and at colleges and universities. You need at least a master’s degree to be an epidemiologist along with strong communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills. This field is growing at 19%, faster than average, and the median pay is $83,390 per year, making it a solid career for the long term.

Environmental Specialist

Environmental specialists conduct research and investigations to protect the environment. While some positions are open to those with a bachelor’s degree, higher pay and leadership positions are reserved for those with an MPH. This field is expected to grow 7% through 2033 and has a median income of $78,980 per year. Environmental specialists work in government, consulting, and engineering in an office or lab setting with time also spent in the field.

Top Online MPH Programs

With so many MPH options available, choosing the best program to suit your needs can be overwhelming. It can be helpful to narrow down your options based on key factors that matter most to you. Our list of the best online MPH programs enables you to do just that, presenting you with top programs that meet essential criteria including affordability, accreditation, and student benefits. Discover which schools made our list below.

1

CUNY Graduate School and University Center

New York, New York

Why We Selected CUNY Graduate School and University Center:
The MPH programs at CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy offer diverse specializations like Community Health and Health Policy and Management. These programs are designed to prepare students for public health careers through leadership, research, and advocacy. The curriculum includes foundational knowledge, core coursework, and specialized courses. The MPH in Community Health focuses on promoting health equity with a social justice framework, while the MPH in Health Policy and Management teaches planning and managing public health programs. Programs typically require around 45 credits and can be completed in two years full-time. CUNY SPH offers competitive tuition rates, merit-based scholarships, and flexible options, with graduates pursuing roles in public, nonprofit, and healthcare sectors.
Program Highlights
  • The program offers significant tuition waivers for eligible students, reducing their financial burden and making college more accessible.
  • Prospective students can benefit from robust employer partnerships that facilitate internships and job placements, enhancing career opportunities post-graduation.
  • The school provides specialized career tracks tailored to high-demand industries, ensuring a relevant and marketable skill set for graduates.
School Details
  • AccreditationMSCHE
  • Average Tuition$9,930
  • Student/Faculty Ratio9/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course93%
2

CUNY Lehman College

Bronx, New York

Why We Selected CUNY Lehman College:
The Public Health BS program at CUNY Lehman College is a 57-61 credit major offering clinical public health or environmental/global health tracks. It includes core courses, track-specific curriculum, and a PHE 470 practicum for real-world experience. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA. Graduates pursue careers in city health agencies, nonprofits, and higher education, with preparation for graduate studies. The program emphasizes critical thinking, anti-racism, and social justice frameworks to develop, manage, and evaluate public health programs effectively.
Program Highlights
  • The program offers significant tuition waivers for low-income and first-generation students, reducing overall college costs substantially.
  • Students benefit from extensive employer partnerships, providing hands-on internships and high job placement rates upon graduation.
  • The curriculum is enhanced by faculty with industry expertise, ensuring students receive relevant skills and networking opportunities.
School Details
  • AccreditationMSCHE
  • Average Tuition$11,090
  • Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course96%
3

Purdue University Global

West Lafayette, Indiana

Why We Selected Purdue University Global:
Purdue University Global’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program prepares students for leadership roles in public health. The program requires a minimum of 64 quarter credit hours and typically takes around 18 months of full-time study. It covers foundational areas such as biostatistics, epidemiology, and health policy, offering elective courses in specialized topics like disaster management and global health. The program culminates in a capstone project where students apply principles to real-world issues. Career paths include health education, policy development, and management roles in public health. Admission requirements vary, but transfer credits may be available for certain doctoral degree holders. Financial aid and career support services are also provided. The program is accredited and backed by the reputation of Purdue University.
Program Highlights
  • The program offers tuition waivers for eligible students based on income or hardship.
  • Employer partnerships provide financial support through tuition reimbursement options.
  • Specialized career tracks and faculty expertise enhance career opportunities post-graduation.
School Details
  • AccreditationHLC
  • Average Tuition$8,730
  • Student/Faculty Ratio27/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course100%
4

Georgia Southern University

Statesboro, Georgia

Why We Selected Georgia Southern University:
Georgia Southern University offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree with multiple concentrations. The program requires 42 credit hours and a 300-hour field practicum. It prepares students for public health careers by integrating biostatistics, community health, environmental health sciences, epidemiology, and health policy and management. Concentrations include Applied Public Health, Biostatistics, and Health Policy & Management. Career paths include roles at the American Red Cross, CDC, and pharmaceutical companies. Financial assistance and scholarships are available, making it suitable for both full-time students and working professionals. Specific support details vary by program.
Program Highlights
  • Eligible students can significantly reduce their educational costs through tailored tuition waivers based on income and other criteria.
  • The program offers scholarships exclusively for high-achieving students, ensuring financial support alongside academic excellence.
  • Partnerships with local employers facilitate high clinical placement rates, enhancing job readiness and employment opportunities for graduates.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$4,986
  • Student/Faculty Ratio22/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course65%
5

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah

Why We Selected University of Utah:
The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of Utah trains professionals in careers related to public health, focusing on core areas such as biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health sciences, public health administration, and social and behavioral sciences. The program typically takes two years to complete full-time, requiring 45 semester credits. Admissions require a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and completion of specific prerequisites like College Algebra. Students must submit a SOPHAS application with recommendations and a statement of purpose. Career paths include roles in government, non-profit, and healthcare organizations, with a practice-oriented curriculum and extensive practicum experience.
Program Highlights
  • Prospective students are attracted by tuition waivers reducing financial burdens.
  • The program offers employer partnerships enhancing job placement opportunities.
  • Specialized career tracks provide focused skill development for graduates.
School Details
  • AccreditationNWCCU
  • Average Tuition$6,970
  • Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course66%
6

Idaho State University

Pocatello, Idaho

Why We Selected Idaho State University:
Idaho State University offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) program that is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. The program requires 42 credits, including core courses in biostatistics, epidemiology, and health services administration, plus six credits of elective coursework. Admission requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, two letters of recommendation, and a set of essay responses. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the program. While specific costs and financial aid details are not outlined, the program is designed to meet the needs of various students, including those in rural areas. Career pathways include roles in health administration, epidemiology, and public health policy. Notably, Idaho State University also offers an accelerated BS to MPH pathway for undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.3 or higher.
Program Highlights
  • The program guarantees waived tuition for students from families earning below a specific income threshold, reducing financial barriers to education.
  • Students can benefit from robust employer partnerships that facilitate job placements, enhancing their career readiness upon graduation.
  • The school offers specialized career tracks tailored to high-demand industries, ensuring students acquire relevant skills for immediate employment.
School Details
  • AccreditationNWCCU
  • Average Tuition$8,380
  • Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course59%
7

Missouri State University-Springfield

Springfield, Missouri

Why We Selected Missouri State University-Springfield:
The master of public health (mph) program at missouri state university is a 42-credit hour graduate degree equipping students with leadership skills to promote community well-being. It typically takes 2-2.5 years to complete full-time and accommodates part-time study. Tuition is competitive with options for in-state rates, scholarships, and financial aid available. Admissions require a bachelor’s degree in any field, with no gre requirement. The program prepares students for careers in biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, and health services administration. Upon graduation, students are eligible for national certification exams, benefiting from flexibility and a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge.
Program Highlights
  • Tuition waivers are available for eligible students, reducing application costs.
  • Programs offer specialized career tracks with strong employer partnerships.
  • Faculty expertise and networking opportunities enhance job placement success.
School Details
  • AccreditationHLC
  • Average Tuition$5,760
  • Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course54%
8

University of South Florida

Tampa, Florida

Why We Selected University of South Florida:
The Bachelor of Science in Public Health at the University of South Florida provides students with essential skills for public health careers, focusing on epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and nutrition. Students complete 120 credit hours through flexible online or hybrid coursework. Admissions require a high school diploma and GPA criteria, with financial aid options available. Graduates pursue careers in healthcare, government, and nonprofits, including roles in health education and community health, supported by practical experiences preparing them for the evolving field.
Program Highlights
  • Tuition waivers offer significant cost savings for eligible students.
  • The program may provide exclusive employer partnerships enhancing job prospects.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$8,350
  • Student/Faculty Ratio22/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course66%
9

Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Indiana

Why We Selected Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis:
Indiana university’s Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Policy and Management is a versatile program that can be completed part-time in three years or full-time in two years. It requires 45 credits, including core public health courses, health policy and management concentration courses, electives, and practical experience through internships and capstone projects. Most courses are offered in the evening, accommodating working professionals. The program is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health, providing strong career trajectories in health management and policy. It emphasizes critical thinking, teamwork, and practical application.
Program Highlights
  • The program offers a tuition waiver that significantly reduces educational costs for eligible students, making college more affordable.
  • Students can benefit from specialized career tracks and employer partnerships, enhancing job placement rates upon graduation.
  • High clinical placement rates reflect the program's strong connections within the industry, ensuring valuable hands-on experience for students.
School Details
  • AccreditationHLC
  • Average Tuition$9,228
  • Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course55%
10

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, New York

Why We Selected University at Buffalo:
The Public Health BS/MPH program at the University at Buffalo is a five-year combined program that prepares students for leadership roles in public health. It covers topics like epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and public health policy. The program requires a minimum of 107 credits in the BS portion and includes a capstone experience. Students earn both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Public Health, with some credits shared between degrees. The program is tailored for careers in epidemiology, public health policy, environmental health, and health education, and is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
Program Highlights
  • St. Petersburg College offers numerous tuition waivers tailored for specific demographics, significantly lowering the financial burden for eligible students.
  • The college provides specialized career tracks in high-demand fields, ensuring students have a competitive edge and relevant skills for future employment.
  • High clinical placement rates are a hallmark of the program, facilitating hands-on experience and boosting graduate employability through strong industry connections.
School Details
  • AccreditationMSCHE
  • Average Tuition$11,310
  • Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course61%
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Kari Scare AUTHOR

Kari has 15 years of copy editing and writing experience on topics that include education, teaching, business, psychology, and engineering. She has also edited eight fiction manuscripts of over 80,000 words, with four published. With over 30 years of writing, editing, and teaching experience, Kari has worked in a variety of genres, including higher education, business correspondence, grants, and news articles. She also taught writing and communication as an adjunct professor at the community college level for five years and currently teaches training courses in topics like technical and professional writing for computer support technicians and communication skills for manufacturing administrators. Kari’s education strengthens her experience with a bachelor’s degree in practical writing from Western Michigan University in 1993 and a master’s degree in technical and professional writing from Bowling Green State University in 2020.

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Kimberly Zaski EDITOR

Kimberly Zaski is an award-winning writer, editor, and higher education marketing professional, with more than 30 years promoting lifelong learning, degree programs and educational opportunities for nontraditional students. As a marketing director for the University of Nevada, Reno, she and her team won national awards for writing, advertising, and publication design. Following her 25-year career at UNR, Kimberly spent 8 years as chief membership officer and VP of corporate partnerships for UPCEA, the University Professional and Continuing Education Association, in Washington, DC. Kimberly is a graduate of the University of Nevada’s Reynolds School of Journalism, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees with an emphasis in print, public relations and marketing. She has written and edited hundreds of articles and features, working as a news reporter based in North Lake Tahoe for five years.

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