Public health professionals want to make a difference in health practices and policies in their communities. Earning a master of public health (MPH) serves as an entryway to the profession. Students become experts in public health theory and practice and move into careers, such as epidemiology or healthcare consulting.
This page offers insight into the best online MPH programs and guidance on how to choose the best program for your goals.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online MPH Programs
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
How Do Online MPH Programs Work?
MPH programs prepare students to work in public health. Because the profession is so broad, degrees sometimes require learners to choose concentrations, such as health promotion, global health, epidemiology, health policy, or nutrition and dietetics.The curriculum comprises theory classes and supervised clinical experience.
Online MPH programs include the same curriculum requirements as traditional on-campus options, but students get more autonomy and flexibility with online learning. That said, distance learners still complete any clinical components on site.
Students can find both part- and full-time online MPH programs. Some schools offer accelerated options, and formats can be either synchronous or asynchronous. Students can complete the program in about two years.
Applying to an Online MPH Program
Applicants to online MPH programs need a bachelor's degree. Although schools don't always require an undergraduate degree in public health, some education background in the field can help your admission chances. MPH programs typically do not expect applicants to possess work experience, but experience can enhance an application.
Why Is Online MPH Program Accreditation Important?
When researching online MPH programs, always check a program's accreditation status. Accreditation ensures the school offers students a valuable education and that a degree adequately prepares students for their careers.
Accreditation can impact the graduate's career opportunities as well. Employers often seek job candidates who hold an accredited degree. Graduate schools do not acknowledge undergraduate credits from unaccredited programs. In the healthcare industry, licensure and certification requirements usually include an accredited degree.
Because of the importance of accreditation, all programs listed in this ranking hold accreditation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online MPH Programs
The average MPH program requires 2-3 years of full-time study. Many online MPH programs offer part-time options, which may take longer to complete. Some schools offer accelerated options that allow candidates to graduate in under two years.
