Pursuing a career in epidemiology or related fields focused on studying and preventing the spread of diseases can be facilitated by obtaining a master’s degree in epidemiology online. With the ongoing pandemic and the potential for new diseases to emerge, the demand for epidemiologists is increasing. Pursuing an online master’s degree in epidemiology can provide a flexible and cost-effective path towards achieving this career goal.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 10-year growth rate for epidemiologists is 5%, which is above the national average for all occupations. Median pay is also quite high at $77,990 as of May 2019.
Earning a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree with a focus on epidemiology is the most direct way to enter the in-demand field of epidemiology. Thankfully, a growing number of accredited universities now offer online MPH epidemiology programs, making it easier to pursue this career path. This guide aims to provide an overview of the experience of obtaining a master’s degree in epidemiology online, present a list of top accredited schools offering such programs, and provide other useful information.
2024’s Best Online MPH Epidemiology Programs
As the demand for epidemiologists continues to rise, many universities now offer MPH epidemiology online degrees. However, not all programs are created equal, and some provide better value than others. Here are five universities that stand out in terms of quality and flexibility of their MPH epidemiology online programs.
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).
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of graduate students at the school taking at least one class online.
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for graduate students per academic year.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio: Schools with lower ratios ranked higher.
- Percentage of students admitted. More selective schools ranked higher.
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
College Station, Texas
Texas A&M's innovative Master of Public Health program offers cross-disciplinary classes, so the students can learn relevant practical skills reagarding health issues a variety of populations and communities face. Graduates will be prepared to solve real-world problems while gaining a better understanding of the determinants of health, applied methods, epidemiology of diseases, policy and ethics, and interventions. Students can choose from six concentrations; Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Occupational Safety and Health, and Biostatistics. The curriculum covers a variety of topics including investigation, assessment and intervention, research, and more. Each student must complete a field practicum and a capstone project.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Health in Epidemiology
- Credits: 45
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $7,696 per year (Resident); $15,492 per year (Nonresident)
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: CEPH
2
Kent, Ohio
Kent State University's online Master of Public Health program is dedicated to high educational standards and working to improve public health through education, research, and policy. Graduates are prepared to be more effective and influential public health professionals. The Master of Public Health Program also promote real-world experience. The curriculum offers the theoretical tools and frameworks students need to make a difference in public health in their future career. Students choose from one of three specializations: epidemiology, health policy and management, and social and behavioral sciences. Each student will take the same set of six core courses, then four or five courses that are specific to their chosen specialization. The program culminates with a participation in a practicum course, and it is delivered online with flexibility to accommodate students' schedules.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Health
- Credits: 46
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $695 per credit hour (In state); $705 per credit hour (Out of state)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: CEPH and ASPPH
3
Baltimore, Maryland
The Master of Public Health concentration in Epidemiologic and Biostatistical Methods for Public Health and Clinical Research at Johns Hopkins University is designed for students with quantitative backgrounds who wish to pursue a future career or advanced education in epidemiologic study design and statistical data analysis. Students will have an opportunity to participate in the design, conduct and analysis of research studies in public health and put those concepts into practice. Students who have already worked in a particular substantive area and have specific research questions will be best suited for this concentration. This curriculum allows students to outline lectures, participate in research-in-progress seminars, and articulate an appropriate hypothesis, study design, and data set.They'll summarize findings in a written research report as the MPH Capstone project and participate in a 100-hour practicum experience.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Health concentration in Epidemiologic and Biostatistical Methods for Public Health and Clinical Research
- Credits: 80
- Length: 2-3 years
- Cost: $1,321 per credit (Part time)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: CEPH
4
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
5
New York, New York
What You’ll Study in an Epidemiology MPH Online Degree Program
Enrolling in a master’s in epidemiology online degree program prepares you for almost any role within the field. After graduating, students can work in practice-based or research-based positions. To provide this professional flexibility, courses cover topics such as:
- Chronic diseases
- Infectious diseases
- Data analysis and management
- Biostatistics
- Strategies for disease prevention and treatment
Students also apply their knowledge through a practicum, which often provides opportunities for developing a plan to address an actual public health issue. This allows students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills learned in their online epidemiology degree program.
Core Classes in Online Epidemiology MPH Degree Programs
Most programs leading to an epidemiology degree have two types of courses. The first includes core classes in public health optics. The second type is epidemiology specific. The five sample classes below give an idea of the types of courses to expect.
Foundations in Public Health
This course introduces the basic tenants of public health and the U.S. healthcare system. Students also learn about principles affecting how public health is run. These include social justice, human rights, racism, and public health programs throughout history.
Introduction to Biostatistics
Critical data analysis is key for anyone wanting a career in public health and epidemiology. This class introduces the fundamentals of statistical methods and interpretation and covers descriptive statistics, regression, and correlation.
Qualitative Data and Mixed Methods Analysis
Qualitative data is collected through direct observation and sampling methods like questionnaires and interviews. This course is designed to introduce students to the process of analyzing qualitative data and managing it alongside quantitative data in a mixed-method analysis.
Ethical and Regulatory Issues in Human Research
Research on humans helps gain an understanding of the common biological processes and health problems people encounter. This class explains the ethical and regulatory considerations when designing and conducting research involving individuals.
Practicum
To gain a better understanding of knowledge and skills learned in the classroom, students complete a practicum to demonstrate application of these concepts to issues in public health.
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Epidemiology?
Obtaining an MPH degree in epidemiology can lead to a range of career opportunities in the public health, healthcare, and medical fields. These roles often involve making important decisions that can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of large populations. Pursuing a career in epidemiology can provide opportunities to engage in high-level decision making that has the potential to positively affect the lives of countless individuals. The following careers demonstrate what someone with a master’s degree in epidemiology might do.
Epidemiologist
Through research, education, and policies, epidemiologists improve the overall health of the general public. They find ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases or reduce the lethality of chronic diseases.
Health Services Manager
These specialized administrators strategize and coordinate the distribution of healthcare services to patients and the general public. Health services managers are often found in hospitals managing the entire facility but may also focus on a single department.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Medical research is pivotal to studying and understanding human diseases. To help make this research possible, clinical research coordinators plan and help operate research programs. They also help interpret the data collected during research.
Clinical Data Manager
Clinical data managers extract information from healthcare management systems and databases and analyze it to identify valuable insights. By analyzing trends and patterns in the data, they can provide useful information that can inform decision-making processes for governments and healthcare systems when developing strategies and allocating resources to tackle health challenges.
Medical Scientist
Medical scientists study human diseases by conducting research and analyzing data. They are involved in all stages of medical research from study design to conducting studies, publishing findings, and analyzing data.
Why Accreditation Matters for Online Epidemiology MPH Programs
It is crucial to confirm whether a master’s in epidemiology online program is accredited before submitting an application. Accreditation is a process whereby an independent organization verifies that a school or academic program meets the required educational standards. Accreditation can apply at both the institutional and programmatic levels.
Epidemiology master’s programs are accredited by the Council for Education in Public Health (CEPH). A program’s website should indicate this accreditation. You can also go to the CEPH’s website and check its List of Accredited Schools and Programs.
FAQs About Earning Your MPH in Epidemiology Online
How long does it take to complete a master’s degree in epidemiology online?
Degree completion varies based on the pace of learning and the flexibility offered. Most online epidemiology programs last one to four years and require 42 to 80 credits. Most full-time students can earn their epidemiology MPH degree in about two years. Part-time students should expect to take at least three years.
How much do online epidemiology MPH degrees cost?
The cost of earning a master’s in epidemiology online depends on a school’s tuition along with other variables. These include scholarships, course load, prior academic training, and if an employer is paying for any costs. The following chart gives an idea of what to expect in tuition cost.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC Berkeley’s Online Master of Public Health Program | 42 | $1,103 | $49,000 |
| Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health | 80 | $1,197 | $73,960 |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health | 42 | $549 | $23,058 |
What are the admissions requirements for online epidemiology MPH degrees?
Each program has its own admissions requirements, but most expect the same core elements. Those include:
- An application: Most are completed online.
- Official transcripts: Includes any undergraduate or post-secondary work.
- Resume or curriculum vitae: Many students in MPH programs already have a few years of professional experience. Admissions officers want to see this practical experience.
- Letters of recommendation: Expect to provide two or three letters.
- Essay: An opportunity to explain your interest in public health and epidemiology.
Some programs also require GRE scores. Standardized test scores are usually optional, though, or only required if students have not taken certain coursework like high-level math classes.
Can I earn my epidemiology master’s completely online?
Many online programs allow students to complete most of their coursework online, but typically require an in-person practicum at an approved location. Other online programs may have additional in-person requirements, such as on-campus visits to present research findings. However, there are a few online programs that are entirely virtual, and the practicum requirement is replaced with a practical experience that can be completed online.
Do I need to take the GRE to get into an online epidemiology MPH program?
Many online MPH programs in epidemiology do not require the GRE, but most allow submission of GRE or other standardized test scores to strengthen applications. Some schools require applicants to complete portions of the GRE but only if they have not taken certain types of classes.
Will I learn the same skills in an online epidemiology MPH as an on-campus program?
MPH epidemiology online programs cover the same topics and teach the same skills as traditional, on-campus programs. By requiring a practicum, online programs have the same in-person requirements as on-campus programs. With classwork, though, students watch virtual lectures. Online programs also make sure students get the same access to faculty as on-campus students.
