Writer: Carol Dolan BS RN BSN CDE
Are you considering advancing your career in the important field of public health by earning a master in epidemiology online? Earning a master’s degree with a focus on epidemiology can give you the competitive edge you seek. This can lead you to exciting opportunities in the public health field, specifically in the field of epidemiology.
This list of the top 10 online master’s degrees in epidemiology can help get you on your way to earning this MPH in epidemiology through online courses. Earning a graduate degree focused on epidemiology can help you advance your career. It can also help increase your earning potential while leading to unique opportunities in the field of public health.
Many people are interested in becoming more marketable in the field of public health. Those wishing to further their career in this way might want to check out these online course possibilities. The MPH in epidemiology promises to you with many tools needed to succeed in the exciting field of public health. These important tools include the ability to understand the different characteristics of disease and disease prevention. Many online master’s in epidemiology programs are available 100% online, allowing you to fulfill work and family obligations without leaving home. Keep reading to find a program that may meet your academic and career goals. This list of master’s in epidemiology online programs is sure to help you find a program that fits your career and education goals.
Methodology for Ranking the Top Master in Epidemiology Online Degrees
This ranking for the top 10 master’s in epidemiology online degree programs was developed using an initial pool of 26 accredited online master’s in epidemiology programs. This list was derived from the Council of Education for Public Health (CEPH) website. All programs considered for this list are also from a top ranked public health school. Tuition costs posted here are from the College Navigator website and are used for comparison purposes. Programs were ranked based on national recognition, unique program traits, and tuition cost. Official tuition costs for each of these online programs should be confirmed by students with their school of interest. All information for program profiles has been acquired from school websites.
Featured Master’s Public Health Programs
1. The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Online MPH Epidemiology
- Tuition: In-State $10,552
Out-of-State $28,844
- Credits to complete: 42 credits
- On Campus requirements:
- Practicum/internship requirements: 200 hours, plus culminating experience
This online MPH in epidemiology is designed to be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. UNC offers the top MPH in epidemiology. This program has an emphasis on experiential learning, evidence-based solutions, and applicable interdisciplinary knowledge. In this demanding online MPH in epidemiology, students learn to apply epidemiological approaches to describe disease patterns. UNC’s online MPH in applied epidemiology focuses on practical application. This program, offered through the Gillings School of Global Public Health, requires the completion of 42 credits. Students are required to complete 15 credits of epidemiology-specific courses. Students also need to complete a 200-hour practicum of professional experience, as well as a culminating experience. As a world leader in epidemiological studies, students in this online master’s in epidemiology are taught by experienced faculty. These teachers provide classroom and real-world education using current epidemiological methods. This method of teaching helps to translate knowledge into skillful action. Students will explore a wide range of public health topics. These topics may include subjects such as COVID-19, cardiovascular disease, HIV, environmental exposure, opioid abuse, suicide, and cancer treatments.
2. University of Alabama at Birmingham
Online MPH in Epidemiology
- Tuition: In-State $11,100
- Out-of-State $31,460
- Time to complete: 20 months full time
- On Campus requirements:
- Practicum/internship requirements: Internship
The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers an online master’s of public health degree program with an epidemiology concentration. This master of public health in epidemiology can be completed online and in just 20 months of full-time study. Students studying part time can expect to complete in five or six semesters. This epidemiology master’s program online helps students understand the role of epidemiology within the broader context of public health as a field. This top program requires an internship as part of the curriculum. This internship gives the students an opportunity to apply their knowledge and network. While research is not required, UAB does offer research opportunities. Students can check out their 12 dual degree programs, as well. UAB offers scholarship information for students who are looking to find affordable ways to finance their education.
3. University of South Florida
MPH with Epidemiology Focus Online
- Tuition: In-State $8,350
Out-of-State $19,048
- Online and on campus programs
The University of South Florida’s MPH in epidemiology is offered in both a flexible online format and an on-campus program. Their online master’s of public health in epidemiology program provides a public health education with a focus on the principles and methods of epidemiology. This master in epidemiology online program provides students with the skills needed to develop into a quality epidemiologist in the public health field. The online program incorporates multimedia, streaming media, web-based tutorials. It also incorporates email, discussion forums and more for a top online education experience. This MPH in epidemiology can lead to career opportunities in areas such as academic research or involvement in clinical trials. Additionally, opportunities can be found in teaching in academia, health departments, and more. With a foundational degree in public health and a strong concentration in epidemiology, graduates of this top program can have a positive impact in the public health field.
4. Harvard University
Hybrid MPH in Epidemiology
- Tuition $52,456
- On campus requirement: hybrid including online, on campus, and field learning
- Time to complete: 2 years
This master’s in public health in epidemiology is offered from top-ranked Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The program promises to prepare graduates for new levels in public health leadership while fitting around students’ busy schedules. This MPH in epidemiology is designed for those seeking specialization in advanced quantitative methods of epidemiology. It is also a good fit for those looking to get into clinical and population health research, policy, and programs. Students in this MPH-EPI program study with one of the top and most accomplished epidemiology faculties. This MPH in epidemiology program is a combination of online, in-person, and in-the-field learning. The program is completed through a hybrid, two-year program. Students are provided with advanced research and epidemiological skills. These skills are required to pursue senior positions in academia, hospitals, public health agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. As well as learning in classes from professors and classmates, students receive personal mentoring and guidance from Harvard Chan School of Public Health’s world renowned faculty. Students also gain the benefit of graduating and becoming part of the Harvard Alumni Association.
5. Texas A&M Health Science Center
MPH in Epidemiology Online
- Tuition: In-State $6,885
Out-of-State $19,593
- Campus requirements: none
- Time to complete: 2 years full-time including summers
Texas A&M’s top master of public health program is designed to provide practical training in all areas related to public health. The MPH in epidemiology combines coursework with the other core areas of public health. These areas include health promotion and community health sciences, health policy and management, and environmental and occupational health. Students in this online epidemiology master’s concentration learn how to assess and evaluate the interplay among environmental and societal conditions. They also learn to evaluate and understand psychosocial factors. They do this by quantifying the risks and benefits of medications and other treatments. This robust program can be completed completely online with no on-campus requirements. It takes two years of full-time study, including summers. This master’s in public health in epidemiology is ideal for those unable to leave home to pursue a degree. Applicants must be U.S. residents. They should also exhibit a strong interest in public health and disease prevention, as well as in identifying determinants of disease in populations.
6. Emory University
MPH in Epidemiology Online
- Tuition $45,800
- Credits to complete: 42
- Practicum/internship requirements: 200-400 hrs of Applied Practice Experience (APE)
Students attending top Emory University’s online MPH in epidemiology are required to come to campus twice each semester. Time on campus is reserved for intensive courses and other activities. Emory University’s MPH in epidemiology is an applied epidemiology research-based program. Students will gain expertise in modeling diseases and disease indicators in populations. This 42-credit MPH in epidemiology also requires a thesis. Emory’s top Rollins School of Public Health also requires a 200- to 400-hour Applied Practice Experience (APE). Through this, the students’ understanding and application of knowledge and research findings is enhanced through practical work experience. Applicants to this rigorous epidemiology degree online program must prove that they have strong quantitative and analytical abilities. These can be gained through work experience, academic achievement, and/or valid standardized test score. Students in this MPH in epidemiology program learn to apply epidemiological research methods to a wide range of settings. Students can expect to graduate with relevant, valuable skills. These skills include biostatistics and epidemiological modeling, disease surveillance, research writing, interpretation, and analysis.
7. University of Texas Health Science Center Houston
MPH in Epidemiology Online
- Tuition: In-State $8,524
Out-of-State $36,273
- Credits to complete: 45 credits, completed in 18-24 months
- Practicum/internship: For credit Practicum and integrative learning experience
This MPH in epidemiology online offers students rigorous coursework and excellent practicum experience. These will help students boost their understanding, skills, and networking possibilities. This top MPH in epidemiology program can be completed in just 18 to 24 months. With a total of 45 course credits, this program includes a for-credit practicum and integrative learning experience. Students have the opportunity to learn about cardiovascular disease, genetics, infectious disease, and occupational epidemiology. Students can also learn about many other areas of interest through their elective classes. Graduates of this robust master’s in public health in epidemiology program can expect to be prepared to put their knowledge and skills into public health practice. Graduates are ready to enter the workforce in public health with the promise of improving the health of populations through prevention and better health outcomes. Additionally, they are prepared for supervisory and managerial positions in public health
8. Drexel University
MPH in Epidemiology Online
- Tuition $36,234
- Time to complete: as little as 12 months
- On Campus requirement: none
- Practicum/internship: Applied Practical Experience (APE) and Integrative Learning Experience (ILE)
Drexel University’s top online master’s in public health in epidemiology promises to prepare graduates to tackle pressing public health problems. This is done through a combination of biostatistics, a strong public health foundation, and practical hands-on experience. This program is a good fit for those with the goal of becoming public health experts who are ready to apply, develop, and teach the skills required to understand determinants of disease and public health. Graduates of this online master’s in epidemiology program will have very marketable skills. They will be prepared to investigate complex health challenges in urban and community help. They will also learn many of the tools needed to develop strategies to prevent them. This online MPH in epidemiology program has no GRE or residency requirements. Students in one of these epidemiology master’s programs online can use their electives to delve more deeply into subject areas of interest. These areas could include maternal child health or global health. This program can be completed in as little as 12 months. It includes an Applied Practical Experience (APE). It also includes an Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) to solidify knowledge and skills.
9. University of Southern California
MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics Online
- Tuition $63,468
- Practicum/internship: Practicum required
The University of Southern California boasts the only online MPH program offered by a top-ranked medical school with a world-renowned faculty. This top-ranked online master’s in public health in epidemiology and biostatistics from USC offers several MPH concentration options. These concentration options allow for students to focus their studies. Prospective students interested in statistical procedures, health trends, research, and analysis may be most interested in the epidemiology and biostatistics concentration. The online epidemiology master’s concentration involves research that investigates cause, trends, and prevention of disease. Students engage in a practicum experience. This practicum allows them to apply classroom knowledge and gain practical field experience. Students can expect personalized attention, mentoring, and guidance from public health leaders. USC’s 24/7 Help Desk gives students technical support they can count on no matter the hour, day or night.
10. The University of Arizona
Online MPH in Epidemiology
- Tuition: In-State $12,348
Out-of-State $32,290
- Practicum/Internship: Professional Internship required
The University of Arizona’s online master’s in public health degree in epidemiology prepares students to measure and study the distribution, characteristics, and causes of disease across demographics. Students graduating from this online master’s in epidemiology work to prevent rare and chronic diseases, disabilities, and unnecessary premature death through disease control. UA’s online epidemiology master’s program requires students to take part in a meaningful professional internship. Graduates of this robust MPH can expect to be prepared to work in a wide range of careers. These career options include those found in universities, hospitals, research facilities, and more. Students will learn from accomplished faculty with a variety of backgrounds. Many of the faculty are involved in research supported by the CDC, HRSA, and NIH. This program typically takes two years to complete, but it may take longer.
FAQ for Master’s in Epidemiology Online
Where do epidemiologists work?
You can find Epidemiologist employment in a variety of settings. As an Epidemiologist you may work for the World Health Organization, CDC, health departments, health care systems, or in education. Career opportunities can be found in universities, hospitals, or in conducting research. You can also find work in a more specific area such as infectious disease. If you’re wishing to earn your master of epidemiology online , you can learn more from these program websites. You can contact the program to learn more about career opportunities in both epidemiology and public health.
What do epidemiologists do?
Epidemiology is a core piece of the public health field. EVMS describes epidemiologists as “public health professionals that focus on the causes, patterns and control of diseases and injury in populations.” Epidemiology involves using clinical research and data to understand patterns and risks of disease. The goal of epidemiologists is to help protect the public’s health. If you graduate from an online epidemiology master’s, you can expect opportunities to make a difference in public health. You could strongly affect an area’s health care delivery.
What job titles might an epidemiologist have?
Once you graduate from an online master’s in epidemiology program , you can enjoy a satisfying career in a wide array of organizations. These may include disease-prevention organizations, community-based public health organizations, industry, academics, government, and global health. Job titles may include: clinical data analyst, clinical research coordinator, data scientist, or director of clinical risk management. Other possible job titles you may find include director of health outcomes, district epidemiologist, epidemiologist & surveillance coordinator, health statistician, healthcare analyst, infection control specialist, public health analyst, and senior research associate.
How long will it take for me to earn my online master’s in epidemiology?
You can expect to finish your online epidemiology program in about two years. Online courses take just as long as on-campus courses. Some programs give part-time students the option to have up to six years to complete the program. The flexibility of the online format can allow you to continue working while pursuing an advanced degree. The top schools mentioned in this article would be a great place for you to start planning your program research. You should always check for financial aid when applying to an online master’s.
What is the employment and salary outlook for epidemiologists?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reports the median salary for an epidemiologist is around $78,520 per year as of May 2022. Epidemiologists typically need a master’s degree to enter the profession. The BLS is predicting a 27% job growth rate between 2022 and 2032, which is much faster than the national average for all careers. Salaries for public health careers do not depend on if a program was an on-campus or online master’s program. This increased job growth is mostly due to baby boomers retiring, or because of people leaving their positions for other opportunities. There are also increased needs due to aging and growing populations.
Where can I find out more about Master’s of Public Health salaries?
You can find career and master’s of public health salary information through the public health professional organization. This organization for public health professionals is the American Public Health Association (APHA). APHA’s vision is to “create the healthiest nation in one generation.” APHA promotes health in individual people and communities. It also promotes evidence-based perspectives to develop a healthier society. APHA has an effect on public health policy at the federal level and brings together members from all areas of public health. APHA’s mission is to improve the health of the public and achieve health equity within populations. APHA’s values are reflective of the beliefs of their members from all disciplines of public health and in over 40 countries.
Professional organizations for epidemiologists
Professional organizations serve their profession by keeping their members up to date on many areas. This includes changes and outlook in the profession, continuing education, financial aid, and more. Graduates of an online epidemiology master’s program can check out these professional organizations for epidemiologists:
- American Public Health Association (APHA)
- Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc.
- Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America
- American College of Epidemiology
- American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention
By Carol Dolan BS RN BSN CDCES
Carol graduated with her BS in Nutrition from Montclair State University and her BSN in Nursing from Rowan University. She is a Certified Diabetes Care and Educator Specialist (CDCES) with experience working with adults and children living with Diabetes in both outpatient and inpatient settings.\
December 2023
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Source: Council on Education for Public Health