Masters in Public Health Online

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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:

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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

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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:

Link to this Page

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.

Specializations in Public Health Program

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:

• Epidemiology
  Epidemiology is the study (scientific, systematic, and data-driven) of the distribution (frequency, pattern) and determinants (causes, risk factors) of health-related states and events (not just diseases) in specified populations (neighborhood, school, city, state, country, global).
• Disease control
  Disease management is a proactive, multidisciplinary, systematic approach to health care delivery that: Includes all members with a chronic disease. Supports the provider-patient relationship and plan of care. Optimizes patient care through prevention and proactive interventions based on evidence-based guidelines.
• Infectious Diseases
  Infectious diseases are disorders caused by organisms — such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Many organisms live in and on our bodies. They’re normally harmless or even helpful. But under certain conditions, some organisms may cause disease.
• Biostatistics
  Biostatistics is the application of statistical principles to questions and problems in medicine, public health or biology. … The discipline of biostatistics provides tools and techniques for collecting data and then summarizing, analyzing, and interpreting it.
• Nutrition
  Nutrition is the biochemical and physiological process by which an organism uses food to support its life. It includes ingestion, absorption, assimilation, biosynthesis, catabolism and excretion. The science that studies the physiological process of nutrition is called nutritional science.
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
  Ituse different sociocultural and behavioral factors to better understand how healthy environments are sustained among different populations. Students concentrating in these fields learn how community and social factors contribute to a variety of public health solutions and policies.
• Environmental Health
  Environmental health is the branch of public health that: focuses on the relationships between people and their environment; promotes human health and well-being; and fosters healthy and safe communities. Environmental health is a key part of any comprehensive public health system.
• Health Education and Program administration
  One of the most important fields within public health administration is education. Educational services and facilities are important to the social and educational development of children and adults, making it a vital factor to consider when ensuring improvements in public health administration.

Accredited Online MPH Programs

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.

Admission Requirements for Master of Public Health Program

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.

Curriculum and Coursework in Master of Public Health Programs

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:

• Biostatistics
  Biostatistics is the application of statistical principles to questions and problems in medicine, public health or biology. … The discipline of biostatistics provides tools and techniques for collecting data and then summarizing, analyzing, and interpreting it.
• Environmental Health
  Environmental Health is the branch of public health concerned with all aspects of the natural and built environment affecting human health. Other terms referring to or concerning environmental health are environmental public health, and health protection.
• Epidemiology
  Epidemiology is the study (scientific, systematic, and data-driven) of the distribution (frequency, pattern) and determinants (causes, risk factors) of health-related states and events (not just diseases) in specified populations (neighborhood, school, city, state, country, global).
• Health Management
  Health management or healthcare management designates the process of organising and coordinating the performance of a healthcare facility. Regardless of specific curricula, the main focus of such programmes is to provide solid business and administrative knowledge in healthcare contexts.
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
  It uses different sociocultural and behavioral factors to better understand how healthy environments are sustained among different populations. Students concentrating in these fields learn how community and social factors contribute to a variety of public health solutions and policies.
• Public Health Practice
  Public health practice is understood broadly as the collection and analysis of identifiable public health data by a public health authority for the purpose of protecting the health of a particular community, where the benefits and risks are primarily designed to accrue to the participating community.
• Policy and Communications
  The fundamental role that communication plays in public health policies can be used to ensure that said policies are not just the consequence of public health demands and pressure, nor the result of a cold, rational process of analysis, but rather policies that truly work and help promote a healthier society.
• Public Health Biology
  Biological foundations of public health issues including infectious and chronic diseases. Reproduction and development of disease pathogens and transmission, immune responses and constitution of the host. … Focuses on methods for the control and prevention of disease.

Online MPH programs culminate in a capstone project or comprehensive exam.  There is no dissertation required.

Timelines for graduation in Online MPH Programs

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 for MPH Students – Online & On-Campus

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:

Florida International University

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

University of San Francisco

The online MPH degree from USF offers flexible scheduling, a minimum of 300 hours of fieldwork, and is conducted through the School of Nursing and Health Professions, Department of Population Health Sciences. Concentrations are offered in Public Health (generalist) or Public Health Policy Leadership. The 45-credit program can be completed in two years. Online master’s in public education students must attend two on-campus webinars or seminars. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, unofficial transcripts, resume, two recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose. Federal loans and grants, School of Nursing & Public Health Professions Scholarships.

GRE Required – No

George Washington University

Face-to-face, weekly classes via web camera. One year to 18-month programs. Admission requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Credits to graduate: 45. Loans, grants and scholarships.

GRE Required – No

Creighton University

A 100 percent online, 44-credit MPH degree program takes up to two and a half years to graduate. Concentrations include: Healthcare Management or Health Policy and Ethics. And lead to a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management and a Graduate Certificate in Public Health Care Ethics.  Admission requirements: Bachelor’s degree, all prior transcripts, resume, three letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Loans, grants, teaching assistantships, and campus scholarships.

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.

• Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Environmental Public Health Online Courses (EPHOC)
• SDG Academy via edX – Global Public Health
• Duke University via Coursera – The Challenges of Global Health
• Harvard University via edX – Improving Global Health
• Johns Hopkins University – Multiple 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:

Johns Hopkins University

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

Florida International University

FIU’s MPH program is another 1 year MPH programs for professionals wanting to quickly finish an online MPH programs.

Timeline : 1 Year

University of California, Berkeley

The 42-unit online MPH at Berkeley can be completed in as little as 27 months with an average time to completion of three years. Concentrations: Public Health Policy & Management or Global Public Health. Admission requirements:  Bachelor’s degree, recommendation letters, GRE scores, two years of post-baccalaureate work experience. Loans, grants, federal and institutional scholarships.

Timeline : 11 months

Accelerated Master in Public Health Online degree Programs

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.

• Southern New Hampshire University – 15 months
• Liberty University – 16 months
• California State University, San Marcos – 16 months
• Loyola University, Chicago – 18 months
• University of New England, Biddeford – 18 months

What kinds of financial aid are available for online MPH students?

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.

What are the available Federal programs?

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.

What kinds of scholarships are available from a university?

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.

Are there private endowments and scholarships in the public health fields?

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.

Online Master of Public Health Scholarships

Here’s a selection of scholarships to explore:

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship
• APHL-CDC Bioinformatics
• Association of Food and Drug Officials Scholarship
• The Christie Foundation
• HOSA-Future Health Professionals Dr. James A. Ferguson Infectious Diseases Fellowship
• Paul Ambrose Scholars Program
• Reed Frost Scholarship

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.)

1. Healthcare Administrators: Job growth 2016 to 2016: 20 percent.  Median annual income: $98,350.
2. Health and Safety Engineers. Job growth 2016 to 2016: 9 percent.  Median annual income: $88,510.
3. Hydrologists: Job growth 2016 to 2016: 10 percent.  Median annual income: $79,990.
4. Emergency Management Directors: Job growth 2016 to 2016: 8 percent.  Median annual salary: $72,760.
5. Epidemiologists: Job growth 2016 to 2016: 9 percent.  Median annual salary: $69,660.
   Find out more about Online Master’s Degrees in Epidemiology.
6. Health Informatics Specialists: Job growth 2016 to 2016: 22 percent.  Median annual salary: $89,141.
7. Environmental Health Scientists: Job growth 2016 to 2016: 11 percent.  Median annual income: $69,400.
8. Nutritionists and Dieticians: Job growth 2016 to 2016: 15 percent.  Median annual income: $59,410.
9. Social Workers: Job growth 2016 to 2016: 16 percent.  Median annual income: $47,980.
10. Public Health Educators: Job growth 2016 to 2016: 16 percent.  Median annual income: $45,360.

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:

• National Practitioner Databank. Listings of licensing or certification requirements and organizations listed by state.
• National Commission for Health Education Credentialing.  Details about The Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education (MCHES) qualifications and exams.
• National Board of Public Health Examiners.  Information on Certified in Public Health credentials and examinations.

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:

Public Health Associations:

1. American College of Epidemiology.  Advocacy, Meetings and Seminars.
2. Society for Health Education. Information on local chapters representing health promotion of communities and environments.
3. American Public Health Association.  Advocacy, info on best-practices.
4. Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health. Represents institutions accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
5. Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. Organization with 15,000 members, many of whom are educators, clinical scientists, consultants, and researchers.