Edited By Lauren Monser
Review & Contribution By Laura Martinez
Public health has been described as the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting human health through organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals. It is concerned with threats to health based on population health analysis. The ‘population in question’ can be as small as a handful of people, an entire city, or even the entire globe.
Masters in public health online students learn about a wide range of issues, including health, science, and community development, during their studies. Students who complete this program will be well-equipped to participate in research and policy development, as well as outreach and education initiatives.
Some occupations in public health, including epidemiologists and health education positions, require a Masters in Public Health (MPH degree) as the minimal educational requirement. According to a report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
This page details public health masters programs and what they entail – specializations, coursework, duration, career paths, scholarships, and more.
Featured Online Masters in Public Health Programs
FindBestDegrees.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
National University
PROGRAM: Online Masters in Master of Public Health (MPH)
National University, headquartered in San Diego, California, was founded in 1971 to provide educational opportunities for adult learners and working professionals. It offers over 190 degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, with flexible online and on-campus courses. Serving around 40,000 students and over 240,000 alumni, the university is recognized for its support of U.S. military members. Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), National University is committed to accessible and transformative higher education.
FindBestDegrees.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Southern New Hampshire University
PROGRAM: Online Masters in Master of Public Health (MPH)
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on campus students, over 170,000 online students, making it one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, or via our innovative online platform.
SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.
Best Online Master’s in Public Health Programs
The MPH school rankings for the best colleges for public health might serve as a decent indicator of what students can expect from the program they will be attending. Nevertheless, other criteria such as the quality and expertise of the faculty, the online MPH programs’ structure and flexibility, accreditation status of the school, student support services, and the range of public health online courses and specializations available must all be met for a school to be included in the list of top MPH programs. These and other considerations have led the experts at FBD to compile a list of the best public health masters programs from among the hundreds offered across the United States.
Here are the best online MPH programs: *
| Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
| University of California | 200 California Hall, Berkeley, California 94720 | $11,442 | 92% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
Find Online Master’s in Public Health Programs Near Me
Choosing a college providing a public health graduate degree might be difficult for many students. One of the primary reasons for this is the significant disparity in tuition costs between in-state and out-of-state students. Even though online programs do not take into account a student’s state of residency, many students choose to attend college in a location that is convenient to them or closer to home. FBD has scoured the country to find some of the top and most affordable MPH programs based on region. The following is a list of the ‘online master’s in public health programs near me’:
What to expect from the Online Master’s in Public Health?
What is a masters in public health? A master’s degree in public health (MPH) prepares students to engage with specific populations and communities to improve their health via awareness, education, policy, and research. A master’s degree in public health online will give students a deeper understanding of the five core disciplines of public health – biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, health policy & administration, and social and behavioral sciences, as well as the opportunity to specialize in one of these areas. Students of this program will learn to apply the knowledge, skills, and techniques they obtained in the first half of their mph program to the second half, most commonly through original research and practicum work.
Advanced degrees in public health allow students to concentrate in a particular area of public health and then gain hands-on experience, either via research or teaching and understand which jobs are most suited for them to make a genuine difference in the community.
What is a master of public health course? The typical master’s in public health program is a 2-year 45 to 50 credit hour program that can be pursued online, on-campus, or in a hybrid model that combines online and offline sessions. Apart from the regular and core courses, other degree requirements include electives, a capstone or thesis, sometimes an internship as well.
Here are some typical core and elective courses students can expect in an MPH program:
Types of Master’s Degrees in Public Health
Graduate-level public health programs are generally referred to as MPH or Masters in Public Health. However, there are two other types of public health master’s degrees – the master of arts in public health, or M.A. public health, and the master of science in public health, or M.S. public health.
Master of Arts in Public Health
The master of arts in public health, or M.A. in public health, is a multidisciplinary graduate degree that draws significantly from liberal arts and humanities departments. This degree is appropriate for students who want to become teachers or continue their studies with a doctorate in public health.
Master of Science in Public Health
The master of science in public health, or M.S. in public health, is a graduate degree that takes a more technical approach to learning and primarily focuses on math and science. This degree is appropriate for people who plan to enter research or field study after graduation or continue their study with a public health doctorate.
Master of Public Health MPH
The Master of Public Health or MPH degree is the most common type of graduate-level professional public health degree geared toward practitioners providing them with the knowledge and skills required to start their public health careers immediately upon graduating.
Executive Master of Public Health (Executive MPH)
With the Executive Master of Public Health (EMPH), working individuals can further their careers in the public health field without having to take time away from their current positions. Students’ previous education, work experience, and abilities are enhanced as a result of this graduate program, regardless of whether they are already employed in public health or pursuing a career transition.
Areas of Specialization for Online Master’s in Public Health
The chance to investigate and go deeper into an area that interests them or that they believe would match them to the right career is offered to students when studying a broad discipline such as public health. It is always advantageous for students to have specialized knowledge because it serves as a seal of one’s specific knowledge and expertise in a certain subfield of public health. Which MPH concentration is best depends on the student’s interests and career objectives. Some masters in public health specializations for students to choose and research include the following:
| Specialization | Description | Careers |
|---|---|---|
| Epidemiology – Masters in Epidemiology Online | This specialization provides students with the knowledge and skills in the identification of biological, environmental, social, and behavioral risk factors for human disease, as well as the assessment of the distribution and etiology of health and disease in human populations, among other things. Courses include Environmental Determinants of Human Health, Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Behavioral and Social Science in Public Health, etc. | Can work as educators or researchers for governments, hospitals, or universities. |
| Health Policy & Management – Masters in Public Health Policy & Management | This specialization provides theoretical as well as practical knowledge and skills that will prepare students for a wide range of careers in public health that focus on the policies and initiatives that could potentially improve public health and how they should be implemented. | Can work in government health departments, insurance companies, hospitals, health systems, ambulatory care facilities, or consulting firms. |
| Disaster Management – Online MPH Disaster Management | This specialization teaches students how to analyze, plan for, and respond to catastrophic events and disasters that pose a significant threat to public health throughout the world, regardless of whether they are caused by nature or human activity. | Can work in government agencies or for humanitarian non-governmental organizations. |
| Biostatistics – MPH Biostatistics Online | This specialization teaches students how to gather, study, assess, and maintain a variety of different forms of health-related information. They will examine a wide range of topics, including the effectiveness of pharmaceuticals, the average treatment length for different diseases, and the association between certain substances and diseases such as cancer, among others. Students learn probability theories, clinical trials, and statistical programming, along with informatics, which involves the use of data in health promotion and prevention. | Can work as healthcare administrators, health informatics specialists, or biostatisticians. |
| Environmental Health – Online MPH in Environmental Health | This specialization consists of coursework in environmental health topics such as water and air pollution, food sanitation and safety, vector control, toxicology, solid waste and hazardous waste management, and risk assessment. Students also receive practical public health field training through the practicum component of the program. | Can work as environmental scientists, environmental health practitioners, occupational health and safety specialists, or health educators. |
| Health Promotion & Behavioral Science – MPH in Health Promotion & Behavioral Science Online | This specialization investigates the socio-ecological factors that influence health-related behaviors, such as those that cause illness, early mortality, and health inequities, among other things. Techniques for doing and evaluating research in the areas of health behavior and community health are covered in this course. The study of illness prevention and health promotion in both large populations and small groups is the primary focus of this specialization. | Can work in schools, workplaces, health care institutions, or community organizations. |
| Global Health – MPH Global Health Online | This specialization teaches problem-solving methodologies that are applicable to a variety of situations. As part of the curriculum, students learn about healthcare reform, financial management, and healthcare delivery systems in developing countries. They learn to think morally and to have an appreciation for people from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to work with international organizations, assisting in the containment of outbreaks and reducing health inequities. | Can work for government agencies or as health educators, nutritionists, or refugee coordinators. |
| Veterinary Public Health – Masters in Veterinary Public Health Online | This specialization teaches problem-solving methodologies that are applicable to a variety of situations. As part of the curriculum, students learn about healthcare reform, financial management, and healthcare delivery systems in developing countries. They learn to think morally and to have an appreciation for people from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to work with international organizations, assisting in the containment of outbreaks and the reduction of health inequities. | Can work as environmental health specialists, research coordinators, epidemiologists, infection control officers, biostatisticians, or community health workers. |
| Nutrition – Online Masters in Public Health and Nutrition | This specialization teaches students how to enhance the nutritional well-being of vulnerable populations. Students learn to assess the nutritional needs of various groups, develop and implement nutrition programs, and manage nutrition programs in both community and institutional settings. | Can work for government agencies or as health educators, nutritionists, or health practitioners. |
Some additional concentration areas in public health include:
Online Master’s in Public Health Vs Campus Program
There are three ways of pursuing a master’s in public health degree program (a) online, (b) on-campus, and (c) via a hybrid model that combines online and on-campus instruction. The online MPH vs. on-campus is always a talking point among prospective students. The masters in public health online program has become popular among those who do not want to commute to and from college or have other pursuits such as family or work. On-campus programs are popular among young students who are yet to join the workforce and prefer to finish their studies entirely before doing so. Hybrid programs are a fair balance of both, allowing students the flexibility to tailor their programs and choose which courses they will take online and which ones they will attend in person.
For on-campus programs, four quarters of residency is the minimum criterion (typical). Satisfactory completion of a minimum of eight units per quarter, all of which must be at the graduate level, is required for residence. Online programs usually do not have such a stipulation but require classes to be completed according to a cohort or self-paced learning plan.
One crucial point to remember is that all three types of delivery usually share the same faculty and degree requirements and maintain the same quality across all offerings. The degree awarded upon graduation is also the same and is equally weighted by prospective employers.
Why should I do Online Masters in Public Health?
Why master of public health? With an MPH degree, individuals are prepared to work with specific populations and communities to improve their health via awareness, education, policy, and research. Those enrolled in a Masters in Public Health program will have a more advanced understanding of the five core disciplines of public health – epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy & administration, environmental health, and social and behavioral sciences, as well as the potential for advanced knowledge in a specific specialization.
A Masters in Public Health is a choice for those who are interested in health and health care on a larger scale than provider-to-patient care and who want to learn more about public health. It can be a very gratifying job choice, but it does necessitate problem-solving and innovation. It is an excellent complement to other degree options as well as a stand-alone degree.
Should I get a masters in public health? With healthcare occupations projected to grow 16% between 2020 and 2030, because of increasing demand for public health professionals, an online master’s degree in public health is a good choice for better career prospects and growth.
Apart from having an opportunity to contribute to society and public health systems, making a difference in people’s lives, the skills and knowledge students would have acquired would be of immense use to them across disciplines and scenarios. Among the many skills, graduates of a public health master would have acquired are the ability to:
- evaluate policies in terms of their impact on public health and health equity, and make recommendations;
- compare and contrast the organization, structure, and function of healthcare, public health, and regulatory systems in different national and international contexts;
- identify stakeholders and form coalitions and alliances in order to have an impact on public health outcomes, and propose tactics to do so;
- investigate the ways in which structural prejudice, socioeconomic injustices, and racism affect health and present obstacles to achieving health equity at the organizational and neighborhood levels, as well as the societal level;
- explain and use the fundamental principles and various tools of budgeting and resource management;
- propose policies and programs that will improve the health of diverse groups in the political, social, and economic spheres;
- use different negotiation and mediation abilities to resolve issues that arise in business or community;
- use ethics and evidence and apply epidemiological methodologies when formulating public health policy; and
- conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis and interpret data using informatics, biostatistics, software, and computer-based programming.
How to get into the Online Master’s in Public Health program?
The admission requirements for the majority of master’s in public health online degree programs across the United States will be very similar. In addition to these conventional requirements, students may be required to complete prerequisites such as biology or statistics if their bachelor’s degree was obtained in another discipline. The following are some of the most important criteria for eligibility for a master in public health:
How long does it take to complete the Online Master’s in Public Health?
How long is masters in public health? The amount of time it takes to earn a master’s degree in public health online varies depending on the curriculum one chooses. Online courses can usually be finished in two years or less. Full-time students with a solid grasp of math and science may be able to complete the program faster. Some master’s programs also allow students to work while they study. Although this option may be ideal for working people, the program’s duration may increase considerably. Program style and summer term availability, as well as the chosen coursework, are other vital factors that influence how long a master’s degree in public health takes to complete. In addition, students should think about whether the program allows them to study at their own pace asynchronously, which could lead to early graduation, or whether it uses a cohort learning approach, in which students progress through their curriculum at the same time as their classmates, slowing the rate at which they accumulate academic credits. Here is a snapshot of the duration of an online master’s in public health degree program:
Accreditation for Online Master’s in Public Health
Accredited programs and institutions ensure that students are obtaining a high-quality education. An accrediting mark can only be granted to an institution that can prove that it meets a set of predetermined quality requirements. Graduating with a degree in public health from an accredited school means that the student is proven to have a specific level of expertise and understanding in the discipline. Furthermore, to be considered for licensure, many licensing boards require that applicants have finished an approved curriculum or demonstrate equivalency, making accreditation even more critical while selecting a master’s degree program in public health.
Programmatically, the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) is the primary accrediting body within the United States that accredits state, local, tribal, and territory health agencies across the country, along with public health programs. The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), which is an independent agency that accredits schools of public health, and public health programs outside schools of public health, is another such exclusive programmatic accrediting agency for public health programs. CEPH accredited online MPH programs are the most recognized programs in the job market. Where programmatic accreditation is unavailable, an equivalent alternative is regional accreditation, provided by any one of the following six accrediting agencies, authorized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA):
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Read the Accreditation Guide for in-depth information on accreditation and its importance.
Online Master’s in Public Health with no GRE Programs
While some colleges have made the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) score as part of their admission requirements for MPH programs, increasingly, many colleges are waiving the requirement or entirely doing away with it, offering online mph programs no GRE. Here are a few examples of masters in public health online no GRE programs to explore:
University of Florida
The University of Florida, College of Public Health and Health Professions, offers a master’s in public health program that is online and does not require the GRE score to enter.
University of Bridgeport
The Master of Public Health (MPH) online degree program at the University of Bridgeport can be pursued entirely online and does not require the GRE for admission. The degree can also be completed in 12 months.
East Tennessee State University
The East Tennessee State University offers fully online or campus-based degrees for the Master of Health Administration (MHA) and the Master of Public Health (MPH) in Biostatistics, Community Health, and Epidemiology. The university also has the MPH Environmental Health, which is offered in a hybrid format delivery. There is no GRE requirement for any of the programs.
Texas A & M University School of Public Health
UNC Gillings School of Public Health
Boston University School of Public Health
George Washington University – Milken Institute School of Public Health
Online Ivy League Masters in Public Health
Ivy League colleges are generally regarded as the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the U.S. Located mainly in the Northeastern region of the country, these colleges comprise a total of eight different educational establishments. Additionally, these top colleges are widely recognized as the best and most distinguished among all higher education institutions, in addition to being the most sought after.
The online MPH ivy league is available at some of the ivy league schools; most have on-campus or hybrid programs. Here is the list:
Columbia University
Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health has followed a Master of Public Health (MPH) curriculum since 2012, which is currently the industry standard for public health education. The MPH curriculum provides the broad systemic understanding, critical thinking skills, and leadership training needed to tackle today’s complex public health challenges by involving more than 150 members of the faculty, as well as students, alumni, and employers, in a school-wide effort and investment.
Harvard University
The Harvard Chan MPH is a school-wide degree program that emphasizes active, student-directed learning and the development of skills necessary for public health practice. An interdisciplinary MPH public health core curriculum develops collaborative ways to comprehend today’s interrelated public health challenges at the degree’s core.
Yale University
Yale University has a separate entity called the Yale School of Public Health, which is noted for its collaborative and close-knit community. The school boasts of an optimal student-to-faculty ratio, which allows students to develop mentoring connections with prominent public health researchers and practitioners. Academic counseling, internship planning, and the thesis project all help to form formal partnerships. After graduation, a student’s career network is built on the foundation of close working ties with instructors, classmates, and alumni.
University of Pennsylvania
The Master of Public Health Program (MPH Program) at the University of Pennsylvania is a university-wide, interdisciplinary partnership including eight institutions. Faculty from Nursing, Arts and Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Wharton School of Business, Dental Medicine, and Social Policy and Practice, in addition to those from the School of Medicine, are active participants in this project. The ultimate goal of the MPH Program is to serve as a focal point for improving public health research and practice collaborations.
Dartmouth College – The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice
The Dartmouth Institute’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program focuses on the use of data analysis to impact policy, teaches new quality improvement methods that will enable students to introduce meaningful change into an organization or system, and trains how to translate research findings into action to advance population health. Students of this program can tailor the curriculum according to their specific interests and career goals.
Brown University
The Brown University, Brown School of Public Health, offers a master’s in public health degree with the single goal to provide public health leaders with the knowledge and abilities to conduct research, influence policy, and improve the health of populations.
Cornell University
Cornell University offers a campus-wide Master of Public Health (MPH) program to assist public health professionals who are motivated and equipped to protect the health of people, animals, and the environment. The Cornell MPH Program is directed by experts from several fields and practitioners from all over the world, reinforcing a multidisciplinary, engaged approach that prepares graduates to address a wide range of public health concerns at the municipal, state, national, and international levels.
Princeton University (New Jersey)
Accelerated Online Master’s in Public Health
Students who wish to obtain their master’s degree in public health quickly may be dissatisfied with the prospect of waiting 2 to 3 years to complete their program. For such students, accelerated MPH programs are fast-paced, short-term educational degrees that encourage them to take many courses at once and be more focused throughout their studies. Some accelerated online MPH programs can be completed in as little as a year, while others take 15 to 18 months instead of the typical 24 months. Here are a few examples of accelerated master’s programs in public health and 1 year MPH programs online:
University of Bridgeport
The University of Bridgeport offers an online Master’s in Public Health that can be completed in 12 to 15 months. Additionally, the program does not require GRE/GMAT for admission.
The University of Southern California – Keck School of Medicine
The University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, offers one year online MPH, with six concentrations to choose from.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers an online master of public health that can be completed entirely online in about 15 months.
University of Florida – College of Public Health and Health Professions – Master of Public Health
University of Southern California – Master of Public Health
How to Pay for Online Master’s in Public Health Programs?
The cost of rising graduate-level education is something no student can escape. With the masters in public health online cost running into tens of thousands of dollars, it is often difficult for students to rely on their own funds to pay for their program. Fortunately, for those who need financial support, several forms of financial aid are available to explore. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), for example, helps students assess their eligibility for federal and other types of financial aid to cover their educational expenditures. Additionally, students can look for grants and scholarships that can help them pay for their education. Here are a few options of how to pay for online master’s in public health programs:
Funding for school expenses, such as tuition, books, and supplies, is provided to deserving students through scholarships. In order to ease the financial burden of attending college, organizations and institutions are increasingly offering scholarships to students. Students who have maintained a solid academic record throughout their scholastic years have a better chance of being awarded a scholarship than those who have not. A scholarship for online masters in public health can be awarded by the university one is applying to, or by private, state, nonprofit, and other organizations. (Note: Students must read about Scholarship Scams to avoid being scammed online.)
Grants are another popular funding mechanism. Grants are “free money” and do not need to be paid back, and can help students with living expenses, books, and other supplies. Unlike scholarships that are usually merit-based, grants are typically need-based, in that they largely depend on the financial status and background of the applicant. Having an excellent academic track record and the ability to demonstrate a financial need can improve the chances of getting a grant significantly.
Student Loans
Those unable to pay for education out of their own pockets have the option of taking out student loans as an additional financial aid option. These loans can be obtained in a variety of ways, including through federal, bank, private, and other sources. In contrast to scholarships and grants, students must pay back their student loans along with accrued interest at the end of the term. Although there are many benefits to taking out a student loan, loans can also increase the amount of student debt that must be returned, which can take years to do so.
Students have another option to fund their graduate studies – Graduate Assistantships. Graduate Assistantships come in two forms – a Teaching Assistantship, where they are provided a fee waiver or stipend for working as assistants for professors – assisting them with instructional constraints, assisting in a lab or workshop, or teaching and demonstrating for undergraduates, or a Research Assistantship, which provides a fee waiver or stipend, but differs by allowing students to help a professor with their research.
The FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form students must fill out to check their eligibility to receive federal financial aid. This includes grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Additional FAFSA-related information is available here.
For more information on various funding options, read the best Financial Guide.
Scholarships for Online Masters in Public Health
Scholarships are awarded by colleges and universities, as well as other groups and associations, to deserving students, whether they succeed in the classroom or on the athletic field or are members of an ethnic minority. It is always prudent for students to explore and apply for a scholarship, which can considerably reduce the overall cost of education. Here are just a few examples of the numerous public health scholarships that may be available to masters students:
| Scholarship | Description | Amount/Award | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship | The Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship, administered by the Foundation of the American College of Healthcare Executives, is offered to provide financial aid to students in healthcare management graduate programs to help offset tuition costs, student loans, and expenses. The scholarship is designated for students enrolled in their final year of a healthcare management graduate program. | 15 awards of $5,000 each | March 31, 2024 |
| USF Fellowships and Scholarships | USF has several scholarship and fellowship opportunities available to USF students. While some of these fellowships are only available to students through nominations by their Major/Department, others are available by direct submission from students who meet the eligibility criteria. | Varies | Varies |
| David A. Winston Health Policy Scholarship | The David A. Winston Health Policy Scholarship seeks and supports promising young people pursuing a master’s degree in health policy in any topic, field, or profession from any approved college or university’s school or program. The scholarship program honors student success and excellence based on the student’s academic record and recommendations from instructors and peers. | 20 awards of $10,000 each | March 7, 2024 |
| Corris Boyd Scholars Program | The Corris Boyd Scholars Program, administered by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA), was established in honor of Mr. Corris Boyd, a senior healthcare executive with HealthTrust Purchasing Group and HCA, who dedicated his life to diversity and excellence in leadership – especially among people of color. The scholarship covers tuition and other expenses at the AUPHA full-member graduate school program. | $40,000 | TBA for 2024 |
| Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship | The Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship is offered annually for racially/ethnically diverse students and LGBTQ students enrolled in their final year of a healthcare management graduate program. | 15 awards of $5,000 each | March 31, 2024 |
Free Courses for Online Master’s in Public Health
Virtually all online portals that claim to offer a completely free online MPH are deceptive and fraudulent. Nevertheless, students can find good, free online public health courses that can supplement their master’s degree studies and help them better prepare for their examinations or specializations in public health. However, in the majority of cases, these free courses will not lead to a certificate, and even if they do, the certificates may be of little use in the job market. For those who are keen to acquire additional knowledge in public health for free, these websites provide free courses that could serve the purpose:
| Course | Description | Offered by |
|---|---|---|
| Public Health & Public Health-related Topics | Coursera’s public health courses include both foundational and specialized topics at different learning levels. Topics include epidemiology, precision nutrition, and clinical research. Coursera also has courses on tools and strategies to prevent disease, promote community health, and address health disparity. | Coursera |
| Public Health & Public Health-related Topics | EdX offers free online courses in public health on a wide range of topics, including An Evidence-Based Approach to the Diagnosis and Management of Migraines in Adults in the Primary Care and General Neurology Setting, The Health Effects of Climate Change, Health Informatics and Technology in Decision Making, Sustainable Global Food Systems, and more. | EdX |
| Public Health & Public Health-related Topics | Harvard University offers a few free online courses ranging from 1 week to 10 weeks on a variety of topics. The courses are free to audit, but students must pay a fee if they want a certificate. Topics include The Health Effects of Climate Change, Strengthening Community Health Programs, The Opioid Crisis in America, and more. | Harvard University |
FAQs about Online Master’s in Public Health Programs
How to get a master’s in public health?
Students who wish to enroll in a master’s in public health degree program are required to have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, preferably public health. Those who are from academic backgrounds other than public health may usually have to take up prerequisite courses before entering the master’s program. Once all other admission requirements are met, the student must complete core courses and electives and finish a capstone and/or internship to graduate successfully.
What are the best master’s program in public health?
What can you do with a masters in health?
What is the average fee charged by the colleges?
Is it master or masters of public health?
What is master of public health course?
Which mph concentration is best?
Career Opportunities and Salaries after Online Masters in Public Health
When deciding on a degree, students should take the time to explore the job options and work environments they are interested in pursuing after graduation. So, what can you do with MPH degree? People with Masters degrees in public health can find work in a variety of settings, including government public health agencies, academic and research institutions, community-based service organizations, or in private organizations such as insurance companies, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies. As a result of the many different types of work environments, pay and job responsibilities might differ greatly, from conducting health assessments to formulating health policies and so on. Some of the jobs with public health master’s degree could be:
Public health masters graduates can expect their salaries and job growth to largely depend on the type of job, specialization, and years of experience. According to O*Net OnLine, Health Services Managers take home an annual median salary of $104,280 and have a job outlook of 15% or higher between 2020 & 2030, much faster than the average.
Here is a quick look of masters in public health careers graduates can explore and their annual median salaries and growth potential, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
| Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2030) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health & Safety Engineer | Communication skills, observational skills, problem-solving skills, critical-thinking skills, creativity | $94,240 | 6% (as fast as average) | A health and safety engineer creates procedures and designs systems to keep people and property safe from disease and injury. They apply their technical, health, and safety skills to ensure that chemicals, machinery, software, furniture, and other goods do not harm people or cause property damage. |
| Epidemiologist | Leadership skills, math, and statistical skills, detail-oriented, critical-thinking skills, communication skills. | $74,560 | 30% (much faster than average) | An epidemiologist is a public health worker who investigates patterns and causes of disease and injury. They seek to reduce the risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes through research, community education, and health policy. Epidemiologists typically work in applied public health or research and collect and analyze data to investigate health issues. |
| Health Education Specialist and Community Health Worker | Interpersonal skills, instructional skills, analytical skills, problem-solving skills, communication skills. | $48,140 | 17% (much faster than average) | A health education specialist instructs people on how to adopt healthy habits. They devise plans to improve people’s lives and communities’ well-being. A community health worker works with healthcare practitioners and social service agencies to advocate for people’s needs. They develop wellness programs by collecting data and talking to members of specific demographics about their health concerns. Although the two professions frequently collaborate, the roles of health educators and community health workers are separate. |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialist | Interpersonal skills, analytical skills, self-discipline, communication skills, problem-solving skills. | $73,230 | 8% (as fast as average) | An environmental scientist or specialist uses their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. They may clean up polluted areas, advise policymakers, or work with industry to reduce waste. Environmental scientists and specialists may do research and provide advice on manufacturing practices, such as advising against the use of chemicals that are known to harm the environment. |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | Detail-oriented, communication skills, leadership skills, technical skills, analytical skills, interpersonal skills. | $104,280 | 32% (much faster than average) | A health services manager, often known as a healthcare executive or administrator, is in charge of planning, directing, and coordinating medical and health services. They may oversee an entire facility, a single clinical area or department, or a group of physicians’ medical practice. A health services manager must adapt to changes in healthcare laws, regulations, and technology. |
Certifications and Licensing for Online Master’s in Public Health
Certifications are evaluations of the skills, knowledge, and abilities needed to do a particular job. They can be obtained by passing an exam or finishing a program, and they can also lead to licensure. Certifications are a surefire method to improve one’s career prospects and employability. They provide an easy way for people to demonstrate that they have the necessary knowledge and expertise in a specific area of public health. Here are a few of the most popular public health certifications for online master’s in public health students:
Certified in Public Health (CPH) Credential
The Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential demonstrates a candidate’s understanding of key public health sciences. It indicates to employers that they can meet and maintain a national standard in public health through continuing education focused on emerging and established public health issues.
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) / Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)
The Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES), administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC), establishes national standards of practice and verifies a health education specialist’s knowledge and skills through examination and continuing education.
Associate – Infection Prevention and Control (a-IPC)
The Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC) offers the Associate – Infection Prevention and Control (a-IPC) certification, which is designed for novice infection preventionists, those interested in pursuing careers in infection prevention and control, and those interested in learning more about infection prevention and control.
Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC)
The Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) examination, also administered by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC), is the standardized measure of the basic knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of professionals working in the field of infection prevention and control.
When it comes to licensure, the majority of states demand it for a variety of positions in the public health sector. However, because the criteria for licensure differ from state to state, graduates should consult the United States Department of Health and Human Services for information on their state’s licensing requirements.
Additional Resources for Masters
in Public Health Online
In the field of public health, networking and establishing connections with organizations or like-minded individuals is one of the most effective ways to expand one’s knowledge and acquire new skills. Being up to date on current events and discussing opinions and ideas can assist individuals in resolving complex real-world problems and improving public health on a broad scale. To assist students pursuing an online master’s degree in public health and working professionals, the following resources may prove helpful:
American Public Health Association (APHA)
The American Public Health Association (APHA) takes pride in being the only organization with a 150-year history, a diverse membership, and the power to influence legislation to enhance public health. Policy and advocacy, publications and periodicals, events and meetings, news and media, and more may all be found on the APHA website.
Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH)
The Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) represents schools and programs certified by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) (CEPH). The ASPPH offers research and training in public health, as well as information on behavioral and social science, biostatistics and informatics, community health, environmental health, epidemiology, health policy and management, and more.
Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE)
The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) is a nonprofit, autonomous professional organization representing almost 4,000 health education professionals and students from around the United States and 25 countries. The group promotes public health through increasing awareness, developing knowledge and skills, fostering family, school, and community collaborations, and improving advocacy activities.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) offers effective health and human services while also encouraging sound, long-term improvements in the sciences that underpin medicine, public health, and social services. This official website is an excellent resource for learning about public health regulations, news, licenses, and other topics.
American College of Epidemiology (ACE)
The American College of Epidemiology (ACE) is a professional organization of epidemiologists that promotes its members’ interests through supporting scientific meetings, publications, and educational activities, as well as recognizing and advocating for epidemiology-related concerns.