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Best Online MPH Degree Programs in Florida (FL)

Public health and its importance have been in the spotlight more often since the COVID-19 pandemic. The field can be a great option for students who want a career that blends science and medicine with politics and public policy. Earning an online master’s degree in public health (MPH) can help students obtain a position and career in the field in a convenient, flexible manner. In this STEPS guide, we’ll discuss several top online MPH degree programs in the state.

Author: Ellery Weil
Editor: Ginny Gillikin
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A Look Inside Florida’s Online MPH Programs

Aspiring MPH students in Florida have a variety of degree programs to choose from, and differentiating between them can be daunting. You might have certain requirements for a program based on personal circumstances. But, you should also consider general factors like class requirements, whether or not the program has practical elements like mandatory internships (which might not be online), and tuition costs, plus the program’s academic reputation and which support services are offered.

You’ll need to decide for yourself which elements are most important as you submit applications. To help you get started in your research, we listed three high-quality online MPH degree programs in Florida to consider.

University of Florida

The University of Florida is the flagship public university in the state. It offers an online Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program that can be completed in two years of full-time study. After they are enrolled, students can choose a concentration in Population Health Management, Public Health Practice, or Social and Behavioral Studies.

Students must complete an applied practical experience and a capstone project before graduating from the program. Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university (or be on track to hold one by the start of the program) to be considered.

Duration: Two Years

Mode: Online

Cost: $550 per credit hour (tuition only)

Curriculum:

  • Foundations of Public Health
  • Public Health Methods 1: Quantitative Foundations
  • Public Health Methods 1 Programming Lab: Statistical Applications
  • Social Determinants of Health
  • Public Health Leadership
  • Public Health Methods 2: Applications for Practice
  • Designing and Implementing Public Health Solutions
  • Professional Series (ProSeries) in Public Health
  • Concentration courses
  • Applied practice experience
  • Capstone project

FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:

Florida International University

Florida International University (FIU) offers an online Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program. However, online courses are only part of the program. A practicum is also required; it can be completed over 200 hours. Before beginning the practicum, students must pass required core courses with a grade of B or higher. The program is capped off with a culminating experience – an integrative seminar in public health.

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (or the international equivalent) with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the final 60 credits of the program.

Duration: Two Years

Mode: Online

Cost: $600 per credit hour (tuition only)

Curriculum:

  • Introduction to Public Health Epidemiology
  • Health Policy in a Global Context
  • Health Behavior and Public Health
  • Introduction to Environmental Health Sciences
  • Biostatistics I
  • Data Management and Applied Epidemiologic Analysis
  • Community Health Promotion Planning and Research
  • Health Demography
  • Public Health Management and Leadership
  • Health Promotion Communication
  • Environmental Health and Safety
  • Environmental Disasters
  • AIDS Epidemiology
  • Health Promotion in Culturally Diverse Communities
  • Practicum in Public Health (200 hours)
  • Integrative Seminar in Public Health

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is a public HBCU. It offers the first accredited online Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program in North Florida. The program is offered fully online, but does require a practicum in the last semester.

This is an advanced degree, so applicants should have at least three years’ work experience in public health, health care, or medicine. They should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0 GPA and/or meet minimum GRE score requirements. Financial aid might be available, and there are some state restrictions on who can enroll in this program.

Duration: Five semesters

Mode: Online

Cost: $3,651 per semester (tuition and fees for in-state/off-campus students)/$9,198 per semester (tuition and fees for out-of-state/off-campus students)

Curriculum:

  • Contact an advisor for full curriculum details.

Online MPH FAQs from FL Students

How long does it take to complete an online MPH degree program in Florida?

As noted above, it takes two or two and a half years of full-time study to complete an online MPH degree program in Florida. Some programs might offer accelerated options, but you’ll need to look for them. If a program offers a part-time study option, it might significantly lessen the weekly time requirements (when compared to a full-time program), but it will take longer to complete such a program.

Where do MPH graduates work in Florida?

There are many places where graduates of online MPH degree programs can apply for jobs, both in Florida and out-of-state. Public health workers can be employed as consultants by the state government in Tallahassee and by local and county governments.

Graduates should also consider working in a hospital, a non-governmental organization (NGO), or a non-profit organization. These types of jobs are often concentrated in large urban centers like Miami and Orlando.

How much does it cost to complete an online MPH degree program in Florida?

As noted above, tuition for online MPH degree programs varies substantially, especially between public and private universities. It also varies depending on whether or not students are eligible for in-state tuition.

While online MPH degree programs can help students save money on living expenses, they should account for those expenses plus any forms of financial aid (from the school or elsewhere) that they might be eligible for.

Are online MPH degree programs in Florida accredited?

It is crucial that an online MPH degree program in Florida comes from an accredited school. This proves that the school met the standards required to award master’s degrees, and the degree will be recognized as legitimate by future schools and employers.

It is a mark of quality and prestige for an MPH degree program to hold programmatic accreditation, in addition to the school’s accreditation status.

Can I work while studying in an online MPH degree program in Florida?

Many students in online MPH degree programs work while enrolled at a school. This provides valuable work experience for a resume and is a source of income to help cover expenses for the program. However, it’s important that students ensure they can keep up with the requirements of both the degree program and the job, which can be a challenge.

Public Health Careers for FL MPH Grads

Content not available.

Area ↕ Occupation ↕ 10th Percentile ↕ 90th Percentile ↕ Median ↕
U.S. Epidemiologists $54,950 $132,230 $81,390
Florida Epidemiologists $61,490 $112,460 $91,220
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL Epidemiologists $49,920 $112,460 $95,340
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Epidemiologists $74,610 $106,820 $88,070
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Epidemiologists $45,430 $106,530 $85,940

Source: Epidemiologists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Area ↕ Occupation ↕ Curr. Jobs ↕ Proj. Jobs ↕ New Jobs ↕ Growth % ↕
United States Epidemiologists 10,000 12,700 2,700 27.00%
Florida Epidemiologists 280 330 50 17.90%

Source: Projections Central

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Helpful Public Health Resources

Completing an online MPH degree program in Florida can be a daunting task. But, it’s important to remember that plenty of help is available. Check out the following resources for current and future MPH students and graduates for financial aid options, mentorship opportunities, job listings, and more.

  • Florida Blue Foundation: This non-profit organization partners with local organizations to advance innovative programs that address health equity, food security, mental well-being, health literacy, hurricane relief, and more. MPH students should note its public health initiatives.
  • Florida Chapter of the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE): The Florida chapter of SOPHE is an independent professional organization that’s devoted exclusively to health education and health promotion across all settings. Resources for students and graduates and information on upcoming meetings is available.
  • Florida Health: This agency has promoted health across the state since its inception in 1996. Students of online MPH degree programs in Florida should bookmark its Grant Opportunities and Notice of Awards page.
  • Florida Public Health Association (FPHA): This agency is an affiliate of the American Public Health Association. It promotes the profession through education, advocacy, and collaboration. The group provides a scholarship to support professional development opportunities for women in the public health field.
  • Public Health On Call Podcast: This podcast, which is produced by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, features conversations that provide a realistic look at topics in the public health field.

Top Online MPH Programs in Florida

Students should consider some objective factors when deciding on an MPH degree program in Florida. So, we ranked schools by the ease and availability of online learning, student resources, financial aid, the average amount of time required to complete a program, and more.

Check out the methodology tab to learn more about how schools were ranked and read on to discover the best online MPA degree programs in Florida.

1

University of South Florida

Tampa, Florida

Why We Selected University of South Florida:
The University of South Florida’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health equips students with essential skills for public health and health sciences careers through specialized coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics, global health, and nutrition, requiring 120 credit hours. Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with consideration for test scores and prior coursework, while financial aid options include scholarships and graduate assistant positions to reduce tuition costs. Graduates pursue careers in health education, environmental health, or epidemiology, supported by hands-on learning addressing contemporary public health challenges to enhance academic and career prospects.
Program Highlights
  • The program offers a unique tuition waiver for eligible students, significantly reducing financial burdens on those with demonstrated need.
  • Students can benefit from robust employer partnerships that provide direct job placement guarantees upon graduation, ensuring a smooth transition into the workforce.
  • The school features specialized career tracks tailored to high-demand fields, allowing students to enhance their employability through focused training and networking opportunities.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$8,350
  • Student/Faculty Ratio22/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course66%
2

The University of West Florida

Pensacola, Florida

Why We Selected The University of West Florida:
The University of West Florida offers a Council on Education for Public Health-accredited Master of Public Health (MPH) requiring 42 credit hours over 18–24 months, with concentrations including Generalist MPH, Health Promotion/Education/Behavior, and Global Health. Core courses cover environmental health, epidemiology, and public health policy, paired with a two-semester practicum for real-world experience, preparing graduates for leadership in disease prevention and wellness promotion. The Bachelor of Science in Public Health (120 credit hours) emphasizes foundational competencies, practical learning, and a capstone project for entry-level careers or advanced study. Financial aid may be available.
Program Highlights
  • The program offers significant tuition waivers for eligible students.
  • It provides access to specialized career tracks with faculty expertise.
  • Employer partnerships enhance job placement opportunities for graduates.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$7,088
  • Student/Faculty Ratio21/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course88%
3

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Tallahassee, Florida

Why We Selected Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University:
The master of public health (mph) program at florida agricultural and mechanical university (famu) is housed within the college of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. It offers specializations in behavioral sciences and health education, environmental and occupational health, epidemiology and biostatistics, and health policy and management. The program requires 50 semester hours, including foundational, specialization, and practicum components. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree, a minimum gpa of 3.0, and a gre score of at least 300. Graduates often pursue careers in health education, epidemiology, and policy analysis. The program is fully accredited by the council on education for public health (ceph).
Program Highlights
  • Tuition waivers and fee exemptions reduce financial burdens for students with specific backgrounds or needs.
  • Veteran tuition waivers offer significant cost reductions for military personnel and veterans, enhancing accessibility.
  • Specialized waivers for state employees and dependents foster professional development opportunities through reduced tuition costs.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$8,019
  • Student/Faculty Ratio14/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course52%
4

Florida International University

Miami, Florida

Why We Selected Florida International University:
Florida International University offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) requiring 45 credit hours, including core courses and concentrations like epidemiology, biostatistics, and health policy. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Admission requires a SOPHAS application, resume, statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts, with no GRE. The program typically takes two years, offering an accelerated one-year track. Graduates pursue roles as health educators, community health workers, or epidemiologists. As a top-tier public research institution, FIU provides expert faculty mentorship and research opportunities.
Program Highlights
  • The program offers significant tuition discounts for students with demonstrated financial need or academic excellence.
  • Specialized career tracks provide students with focused pathways for job placement through employer partnerships.
  • Faculty expertise includes renowned professionals offering mentorship and networking opportunities in their fields.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$8,912
  • Student/Faculty Ratio24/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course65%
5

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida

Why We Selected University of Florida:
The University of Florida’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program offers six concentrations, providing core courses, specialization-specific coursework, and electives in a 48-credit curriculum. Students gain hands-on experience through an Applied Practice Experience and complete an Integrated Learning Experience. The program features award-winning instructors and flexible scheduling, preparing graduates for leadership roles in research, policy, and community health. Admissions offer one-on-one faculty mentoring through SOPHAS, with financial aid available. The program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
Program Highlights
  • Eligible students enjoy waived application fees through Coalition member schools and fee waiver programs.
  • Application fee waivers are easily accessed via the Scoir platform, enhancing accessibility for diverse applicants.
  • Certain students benefit from special fee waivers or tuition reductions based on financial need or specific eligibility criteria.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$10,770
  • Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course57%
6

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Why We Selected Nova Southeastern University:
The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program at Nova Southeastern University prepares students for impactful careers in public health through a comprehensive curriculum of 42 credits, which can be completed in as little as one year. Coursework includes biostatistics, epidemiology, and health policy, alongside a public health field experience. Tuition is $585 per credit hour, with annual fees and financial aid options available. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and standardized test scores unless the applicant holds a relevant graduate degree. Graduates are equipped for various public health roles, addressing community health needs with real-world applications supported by experienced faculty.
Program Highlights
  • The program offers substantial tuition waivers based on academic performance, significantly reducing costs for eligible students.
  • Students can benefit from specialized scholarships that are available for first-generation college attendees, enhancing access to higher education.
  • Strong partnerships with local employers ensure high job placement rates for graduates, facilitating smooth transitions into their careers.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$21,153
  • Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course52%
7

Everglades University

Boca Raton, Florida

Why We Selected Everglades University:
Everglades University offers a Master’s Degree in Public Health Administration, requiring completion of 36 credit hours over approximately 12 months. The program covers essential subjects like healthcare systems, epidemiology, and policy influence, equipping graduates with the skills to address complex public health challenges. Admissions involve a completed application with a $50 fee, official transcripts, and a minimum GPA of 2.0 for undergraduate degrees or 3.0 for graduate degrees, along with possibly standardized test scores. The program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, with financial aid options available.
Program Highlights
  • The program offers a comprehensive 20% tuition discount for eligible students, significantly reducing the financial burden of attending.
  • With active partnerships with local employers, the program provides guaranteed job placements, ensuring graduates are well-positioned in the workforce.
  • The faculty consists of industry experts who offer extensive networking opportunities, enhancing student connections within their specific fields.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$21,600
  • Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course48%
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Ellery Weil AUTHOR

Dr. Ellery Weil holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan -- Ann Arbor, and a master's degree and PhD in History from University College London, and has been writing professionally in the higher education sector for over six years. In addition to her work below, her writing has been published by Pearson, Arizona State University, BestColleges, A-List Education, and more.

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Ginny Gillikin EDITOR

Ginny Gillikin is a detail-oriented and dedicated professional with over 3 years of experience as a copy editor. She enjoys editing and fact-checking informative and engaging content for healthcare and nursing education websites. Ginny earned a Communication/Print Journalism BA degree and an English minor from Virginia Tech.

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