Best Online Master’s of Public Health 2021
thebestschools.org 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.
Are you ready to discover your college program?
A master's degree in public health (MPH) qualifies graduates for meaningful public health leadership roles in the private and public sectors.
Online public health degree programs offer advanced training in areas like infectious diseases, public health policy, and public health education. Students who earn a master's in public health online also gain practical training through local internships. The flexible schedules of online MPH programs appeal to working professionals seeking career advancement and or career changes into the public health field.
An MPH degree prepares graduates for in-demand careers, such as epidemiologist or healthcare administrator. This degree also leads to opportunities as public health managers, infectious disease specialists, and health educators.
Our list ranks the best MPH programs with online enrollment options. Prospective students can use our rankings to find the ideal program for their career goals. This article also explores common MPH courses, MPH dual-degree options, and career paths in the field.
| #1 | University of Florida Gainesville, FL |
| #2 | Florida International University Miami, FL |
| #3 | University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA |
| #4 | The University of West Florida Pensacola, FL |
| #5 | Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH |
| #6 | University of North Dakota Grand Forks, ND |
| #7 | Eastern Washington University Cheney, WA |
| #8 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC |
| #9 | East Carolina University Greenville, NC |
| #10 | University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL |
MPH Programs for You
The Best Online Master's of Public Health (MPH) Programs
Founded in 1858, UF awarded more than half a million degrees over its history.
UF offers a fully online, asynchronous master of public health degree program. Concentrations available through online coursework include public health practice and social and behavioral sciences. Core courses include principles of epidemiology in public health, introduction to the U.S. health care system, and environmental health concepts in public health.
To graduate, students must complete 48 credits, earn at least a C grade in all courses, maintain a GPA of at least 3.0, and successfully complete both the applied practice experience and the integrative learning experience.
Applicants must complete a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0 earned in the last 60 credits. The application requires transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a resume, and a statement of purpose.
Developed in 1969 in an abandoned air traffic control tower, FIU growth now makes it one of the largest universities in the U.S.
FIU offers an online master of public health degree program. Students can take up to 6 years to complete the degree once enrolled. Sample courses include health policy, health demography, and community health promotion planning and research. The program also includes a required practicum, but students with at least three years of relevant work experience may ask for a waiver.
Students must complete 45 credits, pass all courses with a B grade or higher, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to graduate.
Applicants need a completed a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 earned during the last 60 credits. The application requires a resume, statement of purpose, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation.
Founded in 1868, Berkley's first major academic contribution involved the discovery of earthquake science in 1887.
Students complete Berkley's online master of public health degree program in 27 months, with the option to concentrate in health policy and management, epidemiology and biostatistics, or a custom interdisciplinary curriculum. Berkely requires online students to complete two residencies.
Applicants should complete a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 earned during the last two years of study. The application requires transcripts, two essays, two letters of recommendation, and a resume.
Established in 1963 as the sixth institution in the State University System of Florida, UWF officially opened its doors in 1967.
UWF offers an online master of public health degree program with three concentrations: generalist, global health or health promotion, and education and behavior. Courses include environmental health, biostatistics for public health, public health policy, and epidemiology for public health professionals. Students complete the program in about 24 to 30 months.
Students must complete 42 credits to graduate.
Applicants must earn a bachelor's degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. The application requires transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. UWF accepts up to 9 transfer credits.
Founded in 1932, SNHU teaches the vast majority of its students online.
SNHU offers an online master in public health degree program with an optional concentration in global health. Sample courses include research methods in public health, public health biology, healthcare informatics, and economic principles of healthcare.
Students must complete 42 credits to graduate.
Applicants must submit transcripts. SNHU prefers applicants with a GPA above 2.75 and accepts up to 12 transfer credits.
Offering more than 225 academic programs, UND currently teaches over 13,600 students.
UND offers a 100% online master of public health degree with two available concentrations: indigenous health and health management and policy. Courses include health care budgeting and finance, American Indian health policy, population health research methods, and biostatistics.
Students must complete 42 credits to graduate.
Applicants must submit transcripts, a statement of goals, and three letters of recommendation.
Founded in 1882, EWU follows a quarter system rather than a semester system.
EWU offers a fully online master of public health degree program. Sample courses include health policy and law, principles and skills of public health administration, health systems, and combatting health inequalities.
Students must complete 47-48 credits to graduate.
Applicants must complete a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 earned in the last 60 credits. The application requires transcripts and a resume. Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement with at least 10 years of relevant work experience may apply for conditional admittance by also submitting an essay and a statement of intent.
The first public university in the nation, UNC - Chapel Hill dates back to 1789.
UNC - Chapel Hill offers an online master of public health degree program with four concentrations: leadership, nutrition, applied epidemiology, and registered dietitian. Students can complete the program within 16 months or spread the coursework out over 5 years. Although the coursework takes place online, students must complete an in-person practicum at a facility of their choosing.
Students must complete 42 credits to graduate.
Applicants must obtain a bachelor's degree and must submit transcripts, a resume, a statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation.
Founded in 1907, ECU currently teaches nearly 29,000 students.
ECU offers an online master of public health degree program with three concentrations: community health and health behavior, epidemiology, and health policy administration and leadership. Core courses include principles of health behavior, mixed-methods research, ethics and law in public health, and fundamentals of environmental health. This program also includes field placement.
Students must complete 45 credits to graduate.
Applicants must submit transcripts, test scores, three letters of recommendation, a letter of intent, and a resume.
Formed in 1966 when two local colleges merged, UAB currently teaches more than 22,000 students.
UAB offers both a master of public health and a master of science in public health in an online format. Students can choose from numerous concentrations, including health behavior, environmental and occupational health, health care organization, and population health.
Students must complete 42 - 44 credits to graduate.
Applicants must submit transcripts, three letters of recommendation (either academic or professional), a resume, and a statement of purpose.
Founded in 1890, OSU students have achieved more than a quarter-million degrees. The school currently teaches over 35,000 students.
OSU offers students the chance to earn a master of public health in rural and underserved communities degree through 100% online coursework. Courses last for 8 or 16 weeks and cover topics like strategic health communications campaigns, statistical methods in education, cultural issues in health, and organizational leadership and development in health care.
Students must complete 42 credits to graduate.
Applicants must submit transcripts, a resume, and a statement of purpose.
Founded in 1839, Mizzou offers 149 graduate degree programs, 63 of which include fully online coursework.
Mizzou offers an online master of public health degree with two emphasis areas: health promotion and policy or veterinary public health. Students also get the opportunity to earn online graduate certificates in epidemiology, global public health, or public health communication.
Applicants must submit transcripts, a personal essay, a resume, and one letter of recommendation.
Founded in 1862 as the first institute of higher education in the Dakotas, USD didn't officially start classes until 20 years later due to a lack of funds.
USD offers an online master of public health degree program in collaboration with South Dakota State University. Courses cover topics like biostatistics, social and behavioral sciences, environmental health, and health services administration.
Applicants must complete a bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0. The application requires transcripts, a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and a background check.
Founded in 1881, SDSU currently teaches more than 11,400 students.
SDSU offers an online master of public health degree program in collaboration with USD. Faculty from both institutions teach classes asynchronously. Sample courses include environmental health, leadership and project management in public health, biostatistics for public health, and public health and Native American communities.
Students must complete 42 credits to graduate.
Applicants must obtain a bachelor's degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. The application requires transcripts, a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and a background check.
Founded in 1864, UNR's classes didn't formally begin until 1874 due to the state's low population.
UNR offers a 100% online master of public health in public health practice degree program. Students can complete the program in just 24 months. Courses cover topics like leadership in health, finance and budget, information systems management, and environmental health research methods.
Students must complete 45 credits to graduate.
Applicants must complete a bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75. The application requires transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a resume, and GMAT/GRE/MCAT scores. Applicants with at least a 3.0 GPA do not need to submit test scores.
A private research institution, USC teaches more graduate and professional students than undergraduates each year and boasts a total enrollment of 46,500.
USC offers a 100% online master of public health degree program with six concentrations, including global health, biostatistics, health services, and epidemiology. Students can fulfill the practicum requirement locally.
Students must complete 42 credits to graduate.
Applicants must complete a bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. The application requires transcripts, a resume, a statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation.
A public research institute formed in 1982, UIC offers 111 master's degree programs.
UIC offers an online degree program for students interested in earning a master of public health in three concentrations: community health sciences, health policy and administration, and public health informatics. Courses include determinants of population health, and public health systems and management.
Students must complete 42 credits to graduate.
Applicants must submit transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation.
Established in 1884 as the U.S.'s first public college for women, The MUW also accepts male students.
MUW offers a fully online master of public health degree program. Courses include theories of health behavior, health program planning and implementation, evaluation of health programs, and community health education models.
Students must complete 45 credits to graduate.
Applicants must submit transcripts showing completion of a bachelor's degree, references, an essay, and a resume.
Founded in 1910 as a teacher training school, Kent State currently teaches over 38,000 students.
Kent State offers a 100% online master of public health degree program with three specializations: health policy and management, social and behavioral sciences, and epidemiology. Core courses include public health administration, biostatistics, epidemiology, and community health needs assessment.
Students must complete 46 credits to graduate.
Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, transcripts, a goal statement, and a resume.
Founded in 1885, UofA offers over 300 majors to nearly 47,000 students.
Uof offers an online master of public health degree program that students can complete within two to six years. The program's nine concentrations include family and child health, public health policy and management, biostatistics, and epidemiology.
Students must complete 42 credits to graduate.
Applicants must submit transcripts showing completion of a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA and appropriate prerequisite math and science courses, plus two letters of recommendation, a resume, a statement of purpose, and a mission and values statement.
A private Christian college founded in 1950, CBU currently teaches over 11,000 students.
CBU offers an online master of public health degree program that students can complete in 16 months. Courses cover topics like the American health care system, public health promotion and disease prevention, and social and behavioral sciences applied to health.
Students must complete 44 credits to graduate.
Applicants must already hold a bachelor's degree. CBU prefers applicants with a GPA of at least 2.75. The application requires transcripts and a personal statement.
Offering more than 41 master's programs, ODU boasts a total enrollment of over 24,000 students.
ODU offers an online master of public health degree with two concentrations: global environmental health and health behavior and health promotion. Classes meet live online. The
program also includes a practicum.
Students must complete 43 credits to graduate.
Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree and submit transcripts. ODU prefers applicants with at least a 3.0 GPA.
Founded in 1841 on Christian principles, Samford currently teaches more than 5,700 students.
Samford offers an online master of public health degree program. Sample courses include the burden of disease in developing countries, leadership for the health professional, culture and health, and communication skills for the health professional.
Students must complete 42 credits to graduate.
Applicants must complete a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. In addition to transcripts, students must submit GRE and MAT scores, and three letters of reference.
Founded in 1971 on evangelical Christian values, Liberty offers more than 700 programs of study online.
Liberty offers a 100% online master of public health degree program that students can complete in about 18 months. Courses last 8 weeks each. The program offers three specializations: global health, health promotion, and nutrition.
Students must complete 42 credits to graduate.
Applicants must complete a bachelor's degree with a 2.5 GPA. The application process requires transcripts. Liberty allows students to transfer in up to 21 credits for this program.
With a total enrollment of just over 4,100 students, UIS conferred 680 bachelor's degrees in 2019.
UIS offers an online master of public health with an optional concentration in environmental health. Core courses include public health policy, public health education, biostatistics, and epidemiology.
Students must complete 48 credits to graduate.
Applicants must earn a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. The application requires transcripts, GRE, GMAT, or MCAT scores, three letters of reference, and an essay.
Online Master's in Public Health Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
What Is an Online Master's in Public Health Degree?
An online master's degree in public health trains students in epidemiology, public health education, and environmental health. During an MPH degree, graduate students often choose specializations like biostatistics, public health policy, and health administration. Coursework strengthens research and analytical skills to prepare graduates for career paths after graduation.
Most MPH online programs incorporate an internship or practicum, which distance learners complete in their local area. Depending on the program, the internship may require 6-12 months. Earning a master's in public health degree online typically takes two years for full-time students. Some programs offer accelerated options to complete degrees in less time.
Choosing an Online MPH Degree Program
When choosing an online MPH program, prospective applicants should consider factors like cost, program length, and concentration options. In addition to researching tuition, applicants can look for programs that offer discounts for fully online learners.
It's important to consider career goals when selecting their programs. Does the program offer practicum or field experience opportunities? What specializations can graduate students choose? Can graduate students pursue dual degrees? By considering these factors, prospective public health graduate students can find the best fit for their professional goals.
Accreditation for Online Master's in Public Health Degrees
Prospective MPH online students should research institutional and programmatic accreditation before submitting any applications. Accredited programs meet high standards for educating students in public health, and only accredited universities can distribute federal financial aid to students.
In the public health field, students should only consider institutions that hold regional accreditation. The Council on Education for Public Health grants programmatic accreditation to schools of public health and public health programs. Only graduates from accredited MPH programs qualify for professional certifications and licenses.
What Can I Expect When Pursuing a Master's in Public Health Online?
During an MPH degree, graduate students study topics like biostatistics, epidemiology, and public health policy. They also complete internships or practicums related to their career interests. MPH online curricula vary between programs, but most schools offer the same foundational coursework.
Common Courses in MPH Online Programs
- Biostatistics: This course introduces the methods that biostatisticians and other public health researchers use to design research studies, collect data, and analyze data to address public health challenges. Students learn to apply statistical methods to medical, public health, and other biological data and research.
- Epidemiology: This course explores the patterns, causes, and impact of diseases in human populations. Students learn to apply basic epidemiological principles, techniques, and methods in practical setting. Coursework may cover recent examples of disease outbreaks and relevant case studies.
- Public Health Policy: This course provides a foundation in current health policy, including its historical evolution and the development of existing laws and programs. Enrollees explore ways to analyze health policy, advise policy-makers, and advocate for effective policy at all levels of government.
- Public Health Factors: This course introduces prevalent public health theories. Students explore the cultural, social, and environmental factors that can affect public health, including environmental hazards and human behavior.
- Public Health Program Development: This course covers techniques for creating and implementing effective public health intervention programs. Degree-seekers explore ways to assess community public health needs and the impacts of existing public health programs.
MPH Joint/Dual Degrees
Earning an MPH joint/dual degree can prepare graduates for specialized roles. For example, a dual MPH/master's in healthcare administration program offers administrative training for management roles in healthcare. Similarly, an MPH degree coupled with with a master's in public policy trains graduates in crafting healthcare policy.
MPH dual degrees offer complementary graduate training in less time. Earning an MPH and a master of business administration (MBA) individually would take at least 3-4 years, but joint MBA-MPH programs usually require just two years.
MPH dual-degree programs usually include:
- Business
- Dental
- Environmental studies
- Information technology innovation
- International and development economics
- Law
- Medical
- Nurse practitioner
- Pharmacy
- Public affairs
- Social work
- Urban planning
Public Health Careers
Earning a master's in public health online prepares graduates for careers in healthcare, nonprofit organizations, and the public sector. They hold titles such as public health manager, epidemiologist, and infectious disease specialist. The degree can also lead to opportunities in healthcare administration, community service management, and public health education.
This section explores public health careers, including job duties, median annual salaries, and projected job growth rates.
| Median Salary: $100,980 | Projected Job Growth: 32% |
|---|
Medical and health services managers oversee medical facilities and departments. They create policies to improve patient outcomes, set goals for their departments, and supervise clinical practitioners. Medical and health services managers also oversee budgets and maintain records for their organizations.
Some employers prefer to hire medical and health services managers with master's degrees in public health or healthcare administration. Candidates usually need work experience in the healthcare industry. Some roles, like nursing home administrator, require licenses. Medical and health services managers can also pursue professional certifications offered by the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management, the American Health Information Management Association, or the American College of Health Care Administrators.
| Median Salary: $92,030 | Projected Job Growth: 33% |
|---|
Biostatisticians, also known as biometricians, work at the intersection of biology and statistics. They conduct research into the source of infectious disease outbreaks, analyze data on medications, and design experiments to better understand diseases. Biostatisticians often work for pharmaceutical companies, healthcare organizations, and public health agencies.
Most biostatisticians have a strong background in statistics, along with training in biology, medicine, or public health. They typically hold graduate-level research degrees, such as MPH degrees. Some of the best MPH programs offer concentrations in biostatistics.
| Median Salary: $71,360 | Projected Job Growth: 8% |
|---|
Environmental scientists research links between the environment and human health. These professionals analyze environmental data in the lab and recommend policies that improve public health outcomes. They also create plans to prevent or address environmental issues like pollution. The profession often requires travel for fieldwork.
Most environmental scientists hold bachelor's degrees in environmental science or other closely related fields. An MPH degree with a focus in environmental health prepares environmental scientists for career advancement. Many also participate in internships.
| Median Salary: $70,990 | Projected Job Growth: 5% |
|---|
Epidemiologists research infectious diseases and patterns of community spread. They also develop health policies and community education programs to increase awareness of public health dangers. These professionals use tools like interviews and surveys to identify the causes of disease, then help create public health programs to address those causes.
Careers in epidemiology typically require master's degrees in public health or a related field. Some roles, including in academia, may require a doctorate. During an MPH program, aspiring epidemiologists can pursue epidemiology specializations and gain practical experience through internships.
| Median Salary: $67,150 | Projected Job Growth: 17% |
|---|
Social and community service managers oversee programs that serve public needs. They design programs and services based on community needs, manage other social and community service specialists, and plan outreach strategies. Social and community service managers also use data analysis to identify areas for improvement in services and write grant proposals to secure funding for their organizations.
Social and community service managers typically hold bachelor's degrees in public health, social work, or public administration and have previous work experience. Some positions require master's degrees. This career requires strong organizational and communication skills.
| Median Salary: $46,910 | Projected Job Growth: 13% |
|---|
Health educators design and implement programs to teach communities about health. They research the community's health needs, teach people about health conditions, and offer training programs for health professionals. Health educators also measure the effectiveness of their programs and collect health policy data.
Most health educators hold bachelor's degrees, though some positions require master's degrees, like an advanced public health education degree. Some employers prefer to hire candidates with certified health education specialist or master certified health education specialist credentials.
Master's in Public Health Questions
Most MPH programs take around two years for full-time students. Programs that incorporate internships may require additional time. Incoming students with transfer credits and those who choose accelerated programs can earn MPH degrees in less time.
An MPH degree prepares graduates for careers as public health planners, epidemiologists, infectious disease specialists, and healthcare administrators.
An MPH trains graduate students in public health, but an MPH graduate is not a doctor. After earning an MPH degree, graduates can pursue a doctorate in public health or apply to medical school.
A doctor who wants to move into policy-making roles, design and oversee clinical trials, or work in international healthcare can benefit from earning an MPH.
An MPH leads to career opportunities as a health educator, public health specialist, epidemiologist, or healthcare administrator. The degree also prepares graduates to pursue doctoral training.
An MPH and a master of health administration (MHA) emphasize different skills. An MHA focuses on management and administration skills, while an MPH degree concentrates on research and public health programs.
Both an MBA and an MHA can provide focused training for careers in healthcare administration. An MBA may offer more versatility for professionals considering careers outside of healthcare.
Header Image Credit: SDIProductions | Getty Images
Related Articles
More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.
Popular with our students.
Highly informative resources to keep your education journey on track.
Take the next step toward your future with online learning.
Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.
