Best Online MPH Degree Programs in Florida (FL)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of public health took center stage as the world navigated a once-in-a-lifetime global healthcare crisis. But a health issue doesn’t have to be this drastic to get attention from public health experts in Florida. These professionals regularly help their community through warnings about mosquito-borne illnesses, evaluating healthcare in the state’s prison system, and emergency preparedness education.

So, if you’re passionate about keeping your community safe from illness as you help to improve health outcomes, Florida is a state always in need of more specialists with a passion for public health. And enrolling in one of the online MPH programs in Florida will give you the skills and expertise you need to prepare you for a rewarding job that makes a huge impact.

Continue reading to find out about Florida master’s in public health programs, including standout schools around the state. Here you’ll get an idea of what to expect when you enroll in MPH programs, and you’ll also learn how to pay for your education and what salary you may earn after graduation.

Top Online MPH Programs in Florida

If online MPH programs in Florida are a better fit for your lifestyle and you’re curious about how they differ from traditional options, look no further. Virtual learning can be an excellent alternative to attending school in person if you’re working or have other responsibilities that demand daily attention.

These programs can be extremely flexible; some have part- and full-time options, and you can choose to take classes with live lectures at set times (also called synchronous learning) or recorded lectures you can access at your convenience (asynchronous learning). Additionally, online learning sometimes offers more affordable tuition, plus you’ll save on relocation and transportation costs.

Below is a ranking of the top online MPH Florida schools that provide convenience for busy students.

Financial Aid for MPH Students in Florida

Whether you choose to enroll in one of the online MPH programs in Florida or a traditional one, costs can add up quickly. Luckily, there are several types of financial aid opportunities for MPH students, such as scholarships, grants, and loans.

In many cases, you won’t have to look further than the Florida online MPH school you’ll be attending. For example, MPH students at the University of Miami can receive tuition scholarship awards of up to 20%. Similarly, the University of South Florida provides grants, fellowships, and scholarships to its graduate students.

In addition to these resources, industry organizations often provide education funding. Just as public health professionals want to keep their communities healthy, these organizations support students to help keep the profession strong. As a result, master’s in public health Florida students may be able to win scholarships from organizations like the Society for Public Health Education and the American College of Healthcare Executives.

For more information about the awards you can earn to pay for your degree, review our public health scholarships and resources page.

Job Outlook for MPH Graduates in Florida

If you’re reluctant about online MPH programs in Florida because you’re unsure if you’ll find a job after graduation, rest assured, there are plenty of opportunities. In fact, according to the de Beaumont Foundation, state and local health departments throughout the U.S. will need to hire 80,000 full-time employees to meet the demand for public health services in the coming years. Of course, different careers under the public health umbrella have different rates of growth. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that epidemiologists, medical and health services managers, and community health workers will see a significant amount of expansion between 2022 and 2032.

You may also be concerned about whether or not you’ll get a good return on your education investment from online MPH programs in Florida when you do land a job. The true ROI can also depend on what job you pursue, as well as your geographic location. For example, BLS Florida data show that epidemiologists earn slightly more than the national average — $92,110 per year versus $90,430. Also, at $103,570 annual earnings, emergency management directors in Florida get significantly more than the $93,690 national average.

For more information about the growth of specific public health fields, as well as the salaries professionals command, review the data below.

Sources: Projections Central; Bureau of Labor Statistics

Florida Public Health Student & Professional Resources

Whether you’re a student enrolled in one of the online MPH programs in Florida or you’ve completed your studies and begun your career, there is always more to learn outside of the classroom. You’ll find many resources out there that can help you further understand the public health field, and the following are just a few examples to get you started.

• Florida Blue Foundation
  This non-profit partners with local organizations to advance innovative programs addressing health equity, food security, mental well-being, health literacy, hurricane relief, and more. The organization has made community investments that have helped more than 8 million people in Florida access essential health and well-being services.
• Florida Chapter of the Society for Public Health Education
  The Florida chapter of SOPHE is an independent professional organization devoted exclusively to health education and health promotion across all settings. You’ll find career and student resources, information on upcoming meetings, and resources for continuing education.
• Florida Department of Health
  The Florida Department of Health has been promoting good health around the state since its inception in 1996. The agency’s website includes information about disease and injury prevention, environmental health, and programs and services run by the state. There is also information on the licensing requirements for regulated professions, such as social worker, registered nurse, acupuncture, and psychologist careers. Specifically, students of online MPH programs in Florida may want to bookmark this grants/notice of awards page.
• Florida Public Health Association
  The Florida Public Health Association, which is an affiliate of the American Public Health Association, promotes the profession through education, advocacy, and collaboration. The organization prides itself on its diverse membership, strong collegial relationships created through networking, public health innovation, and education. The group provides a scholarship to help women in the field participate in career development activities.
• Public Health on Call Podcast
  The Public Health on Call podcast, which is produced by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, features conversations that provide a realistic look at hot topics in the field. Recent conversations have addressed type 1 diabetes, adolescent health, food allergies, menopause, and hospital infection control.