Top Online MPH Programs in California (CA)

Are you interested in healthcare? Do you want to make a significant contribution to your community? Then a public health career may be a great choice. Online MPH programs in California provide the knowledge and skills you need for a successful MPH career.

Public health is a vast field made up of those who research the prevalence of illness in an area, create campaigns to inform people about a disease, and run healthcare facilities. In California, public health professionals may be involved in warning consumers about specific products that can cause adverse reactions; investigating the effects that factors such as racism and loneliness may have on health outcomes; or educating the public about pregnancy and reproductive health. As a result, when you enroll in MPH programs in California, you’ll receive the education necessary to pursue a variety of jobs in public health.

Continue reading to learn about the online MPH programs California schools provide. You’ll find out which schools offer the best programs in the state, as well as the funding available to pay for them. Also, you’ll get information on the jobs you can land after earning your degree and valuable resources you can use during your public health program and beyond.

Top Online MPH Programs in California

Do you think you’re too busy to earn a degree from online MPH programs in California? Think again. These degrees are specifically designed for people with demanding schedules. This means you don’t have to sacrifice your job or family responsibilities to earn a degree. Online MPH programs California schools offer allow students to take courses in a completely virtual format. In some cases, they can watch lectures during times that are best for their schedule. In addition to convenience, these programs are often more affordable than traditional ones because schools may charge per credit, rather than a flat fee for a semester or year.

Below is a ranking of the best MPH programs in California offered virtually. Take a look:

Touro University California

Touro University California offers entirely online public health master’s degree programs that each have a unique focus. For example, the school’s MPH program emphasizes the role of social justice in the delivery of healthcare and has concentrations in community action for health, global health, and health equity and criminal justice. Students choose to attend on a full- or part-time basis. Online classes are held live during afternoons or evenings.

Those interested in physician assisting through a public health lens can enroll in the school’s joint Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies/Master of Public Health program. When students complete this degree, they’re able to provide culturally sensitive care, as well as become strong advocates for patients in underserved communities. Similarly, the dual Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine/Master of Public Health teaches students how to deliver care in a holistic way that considers the roles economics, history, politics, and sociology play in patient outcomes.

Financial Aid for MPH Students in California

As you research online MPH programs in California, chances are you’re also thinking about what kind of financial aid you’ll qualify for. From scholarships to grants to loans to graduate assistantships, students in MPH programs in California have numerous options to pay for their education. For example, professional groups such as the Society for Public Health Education and the American College of Healthcare Executives have scholarships to help promote the field and ensure future employees get the training they need.

Also, the online MPH programs California schools offer also provide funding. For example, USC, the University of California, Los Angeles, and California State University, Fullerton, offer awards to help students pay for their degrees.

Want more information about your financial aid options for online MPH programs in California? Review our Public Health Scholarships page to find out more ways you can get help paying for your education.

Job Outlook for MPH Graduates in California

Are you concerned about whether online MPH programs in California will help you get the kind of job you want? Do you wonder if MPH programs in California yield a good return on investment? Of course, the answers to these questions are as individual as the students earning degrees. However, we have data to help you find your answer.

Growth in specific jobs in the public health field will vary in the coming years. For instance, in California, epidemiologists, dieticians and nutritionists, and social and community service managers are expected to have an increase of 27%, 15.9%, and 14.6%, respectively.

Also, the amount that you can earn after attending the online MPH programs California schools provide will vary. While health and safety engineers around the country earn an average salary of $108,740, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in California they make $128,560. Similarly, epidemiologists make $102,390 in California, which is significantly above the national average of $90,430.

Review the table below for more details on what to expect from specific careers in the U.S. public health job market that you can pursue after completing MPH programs in California.

Sources: Projections Central; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

California Public Health Professional & Student Resources

Healthcare is constantly evolving, so it’s important for students in online MPH programs in California, as well as professionals, to stay abreast of developments in the field. The following are resources you can use to keep up:

• California Department of Public Health
  The California Department of Public Health’s website includes information on various topics that concern people around the state, such as the opioid crisis, air quality, prenatal screenings, and veterinary public health. Also, there’s information on the various programs the agency runs, including the Center for Healthy Communities, the Center for Family Health, and the Center for Health Statistics and Informatics.
• The Public Health SPOTlight Podcast
  Produced by the PH SPOT, The Public Health SPOTlight Podcast is the home of discussions that host Sujani Sivanantharajah has with a variety of professionals who share career advice. Episodes cover best practices for completing public health job applications, creating a personal brand, and networking. Guests also share thoughts on what public health professionals can expect to be paid.
• Public Health Foundation
  The Public Health Foundation (PHF) has been supporting the needs of the public health workforce since 1970. The organization provides training for those in different areas of the healthcare field, including public and behavioral health professionals. Also, the PHF has tools and technical assistance that help people do their jobs more effectively.
• Society for Public Health Education
  The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) supports people who work in the public health field, while promoting diversity, collaboration, teamwork, and innovation. Members of the organization — college instructors, government public health professionals, K-12 healthcare workers, and employees at healthcare facilities — receive access to professional development, events, and publications. Also, SOPHE awards scholarships for those training to enter the field.
• Southern California Public Health Association
  The Southern California Public Health Association is dedicated to improving the medical outcomes of residents in 10 Southern California counties including San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernadino, and Riverside. In addition, the organization supports public health professionals by providing advocacy services, continuing education, and networking opportunities. Members receive news about the organization and developments in the public health field.