Writer: Carol Dolan BS RN BSN CDCES
Earning your online Master of Public Health (MPH) from one of the top MPH programs has become more attainable for students needing a flexible schedule in an online format. Top MPH programs give working professionals and those with family and other obligations the ability to continue working and fulfilling important obligations without leaving home. Prospective students entering one of these online master’s in public health programs can pursue their graduate degree to advance their career and future without sacrificing their full time work. These best master of public health online programs can help get you started in planning to meet your educational and career aspirations. These master of public health degree programs offer graduate students the opportunity to pursue their online master of public health degree from a top program in a flexible format designed with the working community health sciences professional in mind.
If you are interested in a career that gives the opportunity to make a difference at home or abroad by protecting and promoting health, check out these best online MPH programs to help get you there. The master’s in public health degree is the progressional degree that prepares graduate students to solve public health challenges. Graduates of one of these master of public health degree programs are equipped with the skills needed for success in a wide range of work environments including local, state or national public health agencies, and domestic or global health organizations.
This list of top master’s in public health programs can help guide you to a best public health program to advance in this exciting field. Read on to find one of the best master’s in public health programs that meets your academic and career goals.
Methodology for Ranking the Best Online MPH Programs
The initial pool included 115 online MPH degrees from master of public health programs accredited by the Council of Education for Public Health (CEPH). This list was further narrowed to include only master of public health programs listed in the top 25 U.S. News ranking. Tuition rates were derived from the College Navigator website. Master of public health degree program information was compiled using school websites. Schools were ranked based on cost, national ranking, unique program features, concentrations available and time to complete.
1. University of Alabama Birmingham
2. University of South Florida
3. University of North Texas Health Science Center
4. University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
5. University of California Berkeley
6. University of Washington
7. University of Minnesota Twin Cities
8. Drexel University
9. Emory University
10. Johns Hopkins University
10. Johns Hopkins University
Online MPH
Tuition $58,720
WEBSITE
Johns Hopkins University’s top Bloomberg School of Public Health offers one of the top master of public health degrees offered online in the country, with a flexible part time program targeted at working professionals. MPH students have online and onsite options, can take courses school-wide, and interact with public health faculty members renowned for teaching, public health practice, and their ongoing global research. Students interact in a collaborative learning environment where they learn from each other. Online students complete their studies part-time and have four years to complete the program, with students typically completing their degree in two or three years taking one to three courses each term. Online students and onsite students may opt to complete their degree utilizing full-time student status and finish in as little as one year. JHU’s online master’s degree courses utilize asynchronous pre-recorded lectures, discussion boards, and live chats allowing for flexibility. This top online master’s in public health program includes a culminating capstone project where students apply competencies and skills to a public health problem that pertains to a student’s professional goals and interests. Students can participate in Johns Hopkins Institutes of Public Health intensive courses where they spend a day or several weeks learning either on site at the Baltimore campus or online. Upon graduating, students become part of the largest MPH alumni network around the globe.
9. Emory University
MPH Online
Tuition $44,800
WEBSITE
Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health’s best online master of public health program is designed for working professionals. Online students in this 42-credit MPH program enjoy an interactive online degree program that includes two on-campus sessions each semester. The on-campus sessions are designed to compliment online classes and allow students to nurture professional relationships in a conference-like setting. Two tracks are available in this online master of public health program: Prevention Science and Applied Epidemiology. Prevention Science emphasizes the development and assessment of population-based or community interventions. Applied Epidemiology tracks diseases and disease indicators within populations, and also contributes to public health practice and policy, and research. Students complete an applied practice experience (APE) as a part of their master’s in public health degree program, where knowledge and skills are applied.
8. Drexel University
Online MPH
Tuition $36,234
WEBSITE
Looking to advance within your current public health track or seeking to change careers to enter the exciting field of public health? Check out Drexel University’s top online public health degree, designed for experienced professionals or the recent graduate alike. This robust program focuses on health and human rights, urban health, global health, executive training, and translating policy into practice. Drexel’s online MPH features four concentrations: Epidemiology MPH, Executive MPH, Global Health MPH, and Urban Health MPH. Online students may elect to add a secondary focus area such as Maternal and Child Health, Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, or LGBT Health. With Drexel’s cutting edge curriculum and expert faculty, this best online MPH excels in providing excellent course instruction and field-based practice to enhance skills in whatever aspect of public health interests you may have. Incoming students may transfer up to 15 approved credits toward this master’s degree. Students complete this public health degree can be completed in as little as 12 months, or at a more leisurely pace.
7. University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Online MPH
In state Tuition $17,884
Out of state Tuition $27,612
WEBSITE
This top online MPH program from University of Minnesota is offered in maternal and child health, and as an executive MPH in Public Health Practice or Public Health Administration and Policy. Students can continue to work full time while continuing to learn and pursue their degree. Online MPH students enjoy in-state tuition costs, making it more affordable. This flexible top online MPH program can be completed online with some on-campus requirements, depending on the program. Students can attend this public health online program full time or part time, and complete in as little as 16 months or take up to five years to complete (the average completion time is 3.5 years).
6. University of Washington
Online MPH
In State Tuition $16,605
Out of State Tuition $29,763
WEBSITE
This top online MPH from University of Washington promises to equip students with the skills and competencies to be successful in the public health sector. If you’re a working professional with at least two years experience working to tackle current health challenges, consider University of Washington’s 18-month top MPH online program with a focus on public health leadership. UW’s alumni become public health leaders in health care, government health agencies, academia, health promotion and public health nonprofits and industry at home and abroad. Students study online and have three on-campus sessions. This top online MPH program requires 160 hours of fieldwork at an organization providing services related to public health. This practicum is designed to give students the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned, enhance their skills, and gain experience in their area of interest. Practicums can be completed in the student’s community.
5. University of California Berkeley
Online MPH
In State Tuition $11,442
Out of State Tuition $26,544
WEBSITE
University of California Berkeley’s boasts one of the top MPH online degrees offered in the country. This robust MPH program from Berkeley’s school of public health can be completed online in just 27 months, and promises to equip students with relevant skills in health promotion from anywhere in the world. Designed to empower professionals wishing to advance their career, this flexible best online MPH program promises students will increase their impact on the job. Taught by leaders in the public health field, classes are taught in an effective online environment. Students in this top online MPH program meet and work with classmates during two in-person summer sessions for a total of 15 days. This best online MPH offers the MPH in specialties including Health Policy and Management, Community Health Science, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Spatial Data Science and Global Health.
4. University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Online MPH
In State Tuition $10,552
Out of State Tuition $28,884
WEBSITE
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers one of the top online MPH programs in the country. UNC trains practical public health leaders who pursue a healthier world through health promotion. Their best master’s of public health programs promise to prepare graduates who anticipate and combat some of the world’s urgent public health issues. UNC’s collaborative online learning environment promises a top online MPH degree education, no matter where you live in the world. As one of the best online MPH programs, students can complete this program on a full-time or part-time basis in as few as 16-20 months or in as many as five years. Concentrations are available in MPH Leadership, MPH Nutrition, Applied Epidemiology, or MPH/Registered Dietitian. Students have one-on-one assistance to complete a 200-hour fieldwork experience, giving an opportunity to explore professional interest while honing skills. Check out this top MPH degree from UNC.
3. University of North Texas Health Science Center
MPH Degree
In state Tuition $8,524
Out of state Tuition $28,446
WEBSITE
The University of North Texas offers students an exceptional and affordable option for their top online MPH program. Prospective students for this program will have at least three years of work experience in a healthcare position, or have an advanced degree, or currently be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program. MPH concentrations at UNT include Public Health Leadership, Biostatistics and Data Science, Epidemiology, and Maternal Child Health. With courses each taken in eight-week increments, this 42-48-credit online MPH program can be completed on a part time or full time basis. This online MPH program prioritizes students’ ability to recognize the pieces that affect public health, ability to lead and develop social policies and be trained in the disciplines of public health. Students participate in a 200-hour practicum experience that solidifies skills and knowledge, and opens up professional networking opportunities.
2. University of South Florida
Public Health Online
In state Tuition $8,350
Out of state Tuition $19,048
WEBSITE
If you are looking for a top online MPH program for public health training in an online format, then consider the USF College of Public Health. A recognized leader in online education, University of South Florida’s top MPH online programs are offered in seven concentrations. Concentration options include epidemiology, public health practice, infection control, social marketing, nutrition and dietetics, and global disaster management/humanitarian relief and homeland security. This online MPH program from USF coordinates with a team of expert graphic and instructional designers in their Office of Educational Technology and Assessment to ensure courses are delivered in an engaging format. The ETA team provides technical support for online MPH students to ensure a smooth experience. USF prioritizes education, leadership, advocacy, research and service along with the online MPH programs mission of excellence.
1. University of Alabama at Birmingham
Public Health Online
In state Tuition $8,100
Out of state Tuition $19,188
WEBSITE
This top online MPH program from University of Alabama at Birmingham can be finished completely online. With three concentrations to choose from, students have options to follow their interests. Concentrations are available in Environmental and Occupational Health, Epidemiology, or Health Behavior. The 12 dual degree programs reflect UAB’s priority and understanding that public health is a collaborative field. With financial aid and scholarships available, students can find an affordable path to financing their online MPH program. MPH students participate in an Applied Practice Experience (APE) in their community. Students wrap up their coursework with an Integrative Learning Experience project where skills and knowledge are solidified and culminate in a written demonstration of their readiness to enter the workplace as a public health professional and are prepared to advance into important leadership roles.
FAQ
Many people go through grad school while working and taking care of other responsibilities, but only you can answer the question if it’s worth it or not. With careful planning, communication, and attention to the syllabus, many find an online MPH to be very doable but it does take sacrifice. Time management, discipline, focus and support will help you accomplish your goals.
The two most common platforms are Canvas and Blackboard. These are well established platforms that have been used for years now, and people are successful using them.
The MPH will prepare you for leadership roles in public health, community health, and developing health policy, as well as prepare you for more advanced education and research opportunities. Choosing to concentrate your studies in one area will also guide you in your public health career.
If you need to continue working in your current job due to personal responsibilities, earning a graduate degree through an online MPH program is a great option. You can take advantage of the flexibility of online classwork, not having to uproot to go to campus while advancing their public health career.
Most programs base their tuition on state residency, and some online programs have in person requirements. If it would not be possible to travel to campus, be sure your program is 100% online with no campus requirement for course intensives, comprehensive exams, or other obligations.
Having basic computer skills will help you be successful and confident from the start of you MPH program. Know what computer skills are required to complete the online MPH program before beginning the first course. If you lack computer skills, find a way to gain some experience prior to beginning your program.
Full-time MPH programs usually take one to two years to complete. Part-time programs can take four to seven years. Schools sometimes have a limit on how long you can take to finish a degree, so know that going in. Some programs accept transfer credits, which can shorten the time it takes to finish.
Graduate school is often financed through a variety of methods that may include student loans, scholarships from the school, scholarships from organizations, personal savings, employer financing, research fellowships or teaching assistantships. Talk to your school of interest about your goals and financial needs to determine your financial aid package and be sure to look into the most affordable mph programs before committing to one.
You can expect a wide range of salaries in public health, depending on your concentration, type of organization and location. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) provides information pertaining to pay scale in your area of interest as well as industry and geographical area. Health related fields as a whole have an excellent job outlook.
People with a MPH can expect possibilities in public health in leadership, program development, and public health research, among other things. Job titles can include health communications specialist, health research scientist, program director, director of services, public health management analyst, as well as many others. Your MPH can lead to work in the public or private sector, governmental agencies, academia, research, as well as industry or community based organizations, and community health, global health, health policy, environmental health, community health promotion and more.
By being a public health professional you can impact individuals and populations. According to the CDC, public health initiatives over the last 100 years have added 25 years to the life expectancy in the U.S. due to improvements in workplace safety, food safety, motor vehicle safety, vaccinations, and declines in death from heart attack and stroke. There is still improvements to be made.
The American Public Health Association (APHA) is the organization for public health workers. APHA works to strengthen the profession and influence federal policies. They have a global membership with members from over 40 countries.
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 Education Specialist (CDCES) currently working with adults and children living with diabetes in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
Related rankings:
This completes our ranking of the top 10 online MPH programs.
Source: NCES College Navigator