Programs leading to an Masters in Public Health (Online MPH Programs) degree programs represent the gold standard in qualifying graduates for a wide range of professions. And the field is growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of health educators and community health workers is expected to increase by 16 percent from 2016 to 2026. Having a Masters in Public Health Only degree can speed graduates into public health careers and specializations. This comprehensive guide provides an overview of the types of accredited online MPH programs, admission requirements, how to select the best online MPH programs, degree requirements, job projections and salaries, and types of financial aid.
Many factors go into determining the Best Online MPH Programs. Some of these factors are – credits are required for graduation, program admissions requirements, the timeline for graduation, concentrations, graduation rates, tuition fees, program quality & reputation, etc. We have considered all those factors and created a list of the Best Online MPH Programs:
<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/mph-programs/">Master's in Public Health Online</a>
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College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|
#1 University of California, Berkeley 200 California Hall, Berkeley, California 94720 | $11,442 | 93% |
#2 University of North Caralina, Chapel Hill 103 South Bldg Cb 9100, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 | $10,552 | 91% |
#3 University of Florida Tigert Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611 | $10,770 | 88% |
#4 University of Maryland, College Park College Park, Maryland 20742 | $13,158 | 87% |
#5 Harvard University Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 | $48,008 | 97% |
#6 Johns Hopkins University 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218 | $55,350 | 93% |
#7 University of Southern California University Park, Los Angeles, California 90089 | $46,272 | 92% |
#8 Emory University (Hybrid) 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30322 | $42,800 | 90% |
#9 New York University 70 Washington Sq South, New York, New York 10012 | $33,408 | 85% |
#10 George Washington University 1918 F Street, NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20052 | $31,770 | 82% |
#11 Simmons University 300 The Fenway, Boston, Massachusetts 02115 | $21,654 | 81% |
#12 A.T. Still University 800 W Jefferson, Kirksville, Missouri 63501 | $36,336 | NA |
#13 Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan 48824 | $18,858 | 81% |
#14 Samford University 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, Alabama 35229 | $17,754 | 76% |
#15 University of South Florida 4202 East Fowler Ave, Tampa, Florida 33620 | $8,350 | 75% |
#16 Des Moines University 3200 Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50312 | $16,678 | NA |
#17 San Jose State University One Washington Square, San Jose, California 95192 | $7,176 | 64% |
#18 Florida International University 11200 S. W. 8 Street, Miami, Florida 33199 | $8,912 | 63% |
#19 University of North Texas 501 W.Chestnut Ave., Denton, Texas 76203 | $5,900 | 56% |
#20 Capella University 25 South 6th Street, 9th Floor, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402 | $14,767 | NA |
#21 University of North Dakota 264 Centennial Drive, Stop 8193, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202 | $10,534 | 61% |
#22 New Mexico State University 2850 Weddell Street, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003 | $4,844 | 48% |
#23 Northern Illinois University 425 W. Lincoln Hwy., Dekalb, Illinois 60115 | $8,922 | 49% |
#24 Benedictine University 5700 College Rd, Lisle, Illinois 60532 | $18,273 | 46% |
#25 National University 11255 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037 | $15,480 | 29% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
With student debt hitting record numbers, paying for higher education master’s degrees or settling with the current degree and career has become a chicken and egg situation for many professionals. Luckily there is plenty of financial aid available for public health students. Also, to help graduate students, we have compiled a list of the Inexpensive online MPH programs here:
<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/mph-programs/">Master's in Public Health Online</a>
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College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|
#1 New Mexico State University 2850 Weddell Street, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003 | $4,844 | 48% |
#2 Oklahoma State University 107 Whitehurst, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078 | $5,531 | 65% |
#3 University of North Texas 501 W.Chestnut Ave., Denton, Texas 76203 | $5,900 | 56% |
#4 University of West Florida 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, Florida 32514 | $7,088 | 46% |
#5 San Jose State University One Washington Square, San Jose, California 95192 | $7,176 | 64% |
#6 Idaho State University 921 S 8th Ave, Pocatello, Idaho 83209 | $7,982 | 36% |
#7 South Dakota State University 1015 Campanile Avenue, Brookings, South Dakota 57007 | $8,083 | 56% |
#8 University of Alabama, Birmingham Administration Bldg Suite 1070, Birmingham, Alabama 35294 | $8,100 | 63% |
#9 University of Illinois, Springfield One University Plaza, Springfield, Illinois 62703 | $8,270 | 54% |
#10 University of South Florida 4202 East Fowler Ave, Tampa, Florida 33620 | $8,350 | 75% |
#11 East Tennessee State University 1276 Gilbreath Drive, Johnson City, Tennessee 37614 | $8,640 | 50% |
#12 Florida International University 11200 S. W. 8 Street, Miami, Florida 33199 | $8,912 | 63% |
#13 Northern Illinois University 425 W. Lincoln Hwy., Dekalb, Illinois 60115 | $8,922 | 49% |
#14 Purdue University Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907 | $9,208 | 82% |
#15 University of North Dakota 264 Centennial Drive, Stop 8193, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202 | $10,534 | 61% |
#16 University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 103 South Bldg Cb 9100, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 | $10,552 | 91% |
#17 University of Florida Tigert Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611 | $10,770 | 88% |
#18 University of California, Berkeley 200 California Hall, Berkeley, California 94720 | $11,442 | 93% |
#19 University of Maryland, College Park College Park, Maryland 20742 | $13,158 | 87% |
#20 Capella University 25 South 6th Street, 9th Floor, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402 | $14,767 | NA |
#21 National University 11255 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037 | $15,480 | 29% |
#22 Des Moines University 3200 Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50312 | $16,678 | NA |
#23 Samford University 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, Alabama 35229 | $17,754 | 76% |
#24 Benedictine University 5700 College Rd, Lisle, Illinois 60532 | $18,273 | 46% |
#25 Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan 48824 | $18,858 | 81% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
The master’s in public health is a generalist, interdisciplinary degree that offers exceptional career options. It represents the minimal academic achievement for public health jobs in state or federal health services. MPH students completing the degree can use it as a means of entering the health services, human services and advocacy professions. But before starting the process of applying we advise that students fully understand masters in public health programs. In this section we will break down all aspects of online Master in Public Health programs.
The nature of Public Health and health services is very expansive. Therefore, MPH Programs have become a diverse field with many specializations. Students can pursue a concentration in the public health fields to qualify for specific roles in the professions. Here are some of the most common concentrations:
Many universities offer online MPH programs. But not all programs are accredited. Students need to check the accreditation before pursuing a master’s in public health. Various organizations issue Accreditation for online MPH programs. The most common and valued body that issues Accreditation for MPH programs is the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). CEPH Online MPH programs are the ones that students should be looking for when researching online MPH Programs.
All the programs listed in this guide are Accredited Online MPH Programs. Read more about Accreditation.
Most programs require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree. Specific admission requirements vary by graduate program. Some schools require a health-related baccalaureate. Others accept students regardless of their post-secondary major. Most ask for application packets that contain official GRE scores, official or unofficial transcripts that show a 3.0 grade-point average for undergraduate work, two or three recommendation letters, a statement of student goals, and previous experienced business professionals in working or volunteering at a public health program for two to three years. Some schools do not require previous experience or experienced business professionals in the field of study and holistic business skills. A majority of master’s in public health online programs do not have prerequisite course requirements for admission. Public health professionals with a terminal degree in their fields may complete the program with 42 credits.
Online MPH course requirements vary by program or institution. Didactic courses may be offered 100 percent online. However clinical practice requirements include student attendance at practicums and internships. These are typically arranged in communities convenient to the online student. Online MPH core coursework may include studies in:
Online MPH programs culminate in a capstone project or comprehensive exam. There is no dissertation required.
Program length can vary by institution, the number of required credit hours, and the online course delivery system. Credit hours required for graduation very from 42 to 48 credits. Online master’s in public education students can complete most programs in two to three years. Online MPH programs offering synchronous courses require grad students to attend programs at specific days and times. However, accelerated self-paced asynchronous studies can shorten the timer-to-degree that can speed the time to degree to 12 to 18 months.
Hybrid programs combine online and on-campus studies. Ask the prospective schools the number of on-campus meetings where attendance is required and some of the following questions: Are online hybrid MPH students required to attend weekend seminars or week-long campus sessions? How long are the required on-site practicums or supervised internships? Does the MPH student have the time to attend on-campus or institutional obligations?
The admission requirements for online MPH programs generally include a GRE score. However, many universities offer Online MPH Programs No GRE programs. The No GRE requirements for these universities vary – some universities waive the GRE test requirement if the applicant has a bachelor’s degree in a closely related program or are practicing public health professionals and has professional experience. Some universities waive this requirement if the applicant has another master’s degree in any field. Some universities don’t have a GRE requirement at all. Here are some Online MPH Programs No GRE programs:
FIU’s MPH degree focuses on training health professionals and graduates for interdisciplinary public health careers, including epidemiology and social and environmental contributors to health for diverse populations. Online students must complete 45 credit hours of coursework including 15 credits in the public health core, nine credits of electives, and a three-credit Practicum in a setting convenient to the MPH students. Admission requirements: Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution, with a 3.0 GPA in four-year upper level undergraduate work. Federal grants and loans, institutional assistantships and an FIU $2,700 merit scholarship.
GRE Required – No
It is rare to find a free online master of public health. Even when we find a free online master of public health, on most occasions, it is not an accredited online MPH degree. However, there are plenty of free online MPH courses that are available. Some of these courses are from reputed institutions from their previous years’ lectures from the MPH programs. Here is a list of free online public health courses.
These days many universities offer 1 Year MPH Programs online to offer accelerated programs for working professionals that want to graduate and want to add the MPH credentials to their resumes. A lot of schools offer accelerated programs from which students can graduate in 1-year. These programs can get very intensive with many deliverables every week. Here are some 1-Year MPH Programs Online:
Online MPH students choose from two concentrations:Public health practice or social and behavioral sciences. Online degree can be completed in two years. Concentrations: Epidemiology, Public Health Practice, Environmental Health, and Biostatistics. Quarter credits to graduate: 80. Online master’s in public education students must complete 16 quarter credits in person in Baltimore or the District of Columbia. Admission requirements: Application, essay, resume. Loans, grants and scholarships.
Timeline : 11 months
There are more accelerated Master in Public Health degree Program that are not quite 1-year programs but are still considered as accelerated MPH Programs as they can take significantly less time than the traditional online MPH programs. Here are a few accelerated MPH Online Programs that can be finished fast.
There are Federal programs that include loans and grants. Individual universities may offer their own tuition discounts, merit or need-based scholarships and research grants.
The Federal government offers low-interest student loans, grants, and work-study funding. MPH students may qualify for one or more assistance option at a time. Other federal assistance applies to military veterans and those with AmeriCorps community service.
Does each state have student financial aid programs for residents?
The best way to learn about the applicant’s state’s programs is to search by state department of education. To begin the application process, create an account online at the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website.
University scholarships are awarded based on financial need or academic merit, however each public health school may offer career-specific scholarships. Scholarships, and grants may be available from both the university and School of Public Health. Check the admissions or office of each prospective school.
There are scholarships from Federal Public Health organizations, non-profit foundations for public health education and research. Some may be based on the student’s special concentration, by gender, race, or religious affiliation.
Here’s a selection of scholarships to explore:
Read more about Aid on the Best Financial Aid Guide.
An online Master’s in Public Health degree program prepares graduates for a wide range of roles as well as providing a foundational master’s degree to enter doctoral work. However, master’s holders do have solid career options. Here are 10 to explore:
(Note: These are Bureau of Labor Statistics links. Also, please link to pertinent sub-pages covering these specializations.)
According to the National Board of Public Health Examiners, certification or licensing in public health tells employers, colleges, and lenders that the graduate has satisfied industry requirements for the mastery of the health education sciences. It also demonstrates that the candidate has a commitment to continuing education in their MPH concentration. In addition, graduates can return to online MPH programs to add concentrations to bolster their qualifications for advancement. Nutrition and dietitian specialties often require state likeness for graduates to practice. Here are a few more licencing and certifications from which master of Public Health
Education graduates can benefit:
MPH students can benefit from memberships in public health organizations, many offering student rates. They provide up-to-date information on public health policies and practice. Moreover, master’s students can build a professional network helpful in employment or career advancement. The following list includes links to organizations providing licensing, certification information, and examinations for MPH practitioners:
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