Masters in Public Health Online

By Brandon Mario D`Souza

Updated July 5, 2023
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Brandon Mario D’Souza

Brandon is a registered social worker with Social Work England. He obtained his master’s in social work (personnel management & industrial relations) and used it in fields such as water treatment, construction, software, and education. Then he transitioned to the health and social care sector with an M.Sc. in health psychology. Brandon loves to write, cook, and play musical instruments (piano, guitar, melodica, ukulele, and kazoo) and enjoys the calmness and serenity of nature.

Degrees

Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.

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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.

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: *

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?

Types of Master’s Degrees
in Public Health

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 OnlineThis 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 & ManagementThis 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 ManagementThis 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 OnlineThis 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 HealthThis 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 OnlineThis 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 OnlineThis 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 OnlineThis 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 NutritionThis 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?

How to get into the Online Master’s in
Public Health program?

How long does it take to complete the Online
Master’s in Public Health?

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

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?

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/AwardDeadline
Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student ScholarshipThe 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 eachMarch 31, 2023
USF Fellowships and ScholarshipsUSF 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.VariesVaries
David A. Winston Health Policy ScholarshipThe 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 eachMarch 7, 2023
Corris Boyd Scholars ProgramThe 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.$40,000TBA for 2023
Albert W. Dent Graduate Student ScholarshipThe 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 eachMarch 31, 2023

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 TopicsCoursera’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 TopicsEdX 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 TopicsHarvard 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?

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?

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Career Opportunities and Salaries after Online
Masters in Public Health

Certifications and Licensing for Online
Master’s in Public Health

Additional Resources for Masters
in Public Health Online

Author Bio:

Brandon Mario D’Souza

Brandon is a registered social worker with Social Work England. He obtained his master’s in social work (personnel management & industrial relations) and used it in fields such as water treatment, construction, software, and education. Then he transitioned to the health and social care sector with an M.Sc. in health psychology. Brandon loves to write, cook, and play musical instruments (piano, guitar, melodica, ukulele, and kazoo) and enjoys the calmness and serenity of nature.

Degrees

Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.

Disclaimer:

The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners. | Page last updated: Dec 2023.