This is a list of ten programs that offer an online MPH in health policy and public health management and related degrees in a flexible format. Public health involves a wide variety of topics, and health policy and management is one of them. The American Public Health Association (APHA) offers a helpful perspective on public health: “Public health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play.” Health policy and management promotes and protects public health through health law, health policy, planning, management and more. Each of these unique programs, including online programs with challenging online curriculum, offers an education to prepare students for healthcare leadership and focusing on or relating to advanced health policy and management and can help students develop and pursue careers as influential leaders in management in health care. Keep reading to find the public health master’s degree program and online master best for you and your career goals!
- #1 Kent State University at Kent
- #2 New York Medical College
- #3 University of Massachusetts, Amherst
- #4 New Mexico State University, Main Campus
- #5 University of North Dakota
- #6 University of Southern Mississippi
- #7 Des Moines University, Osteopathic Medical Center
- #8 Eastern Virginia Medical School
- #9 University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- #10 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Online Master’s in Health Policy and Management Methodology
The College Navigator website was utilized to develop a pool of schools for ranking. Program ranking was based on relevance to degree of interest, Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accreditation, online format and tuition cost. Tuition costs posted here are from the College Navigator website and used for comparative purposes; prospective students should communicate with school of interest to confirm tuition costs.
10. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Hybrid Master of Healthcare Administration, Health Policy and Management
In State Tuition $10,552
Out of State Tuition $28,884
The Gillings School of Global Public Health at UNC offers a Master of Healthcare Administration, health policy and management degree. Students gain education in public health practice, public health ethics, public health law, management, finance and more. Students can engage pubic health practice and health policy by improving decision making and leadership skills. This 49 credit online master degree program can be completed in two years and does require some on campus residencies. Students have the opportunity to engage in a practicum experience as part of the curriculum. After graduation, students may be able to pursue their public health practice careers in a variety of settings including a hospital, health system, healthcare consultants and more. If you have an interest in public health management, health systems, health economics, health policy or health services management, learn more about the MHA, health policy and management program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
9. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Hybrid Executive MPH in Public Health Administration and Policy
In State Tuition $18,468
Out of State Tuition $28,578
Do you have an interest in becoming a leader in public health and the health care field? Earning your executive administration and policy MPH online degree at the University of Minnesota can help you meet your leadership goals in the public health field and advance your public health practice. This program is designed primarily for working professionals who have some experience in public health and are already in public health practice leadership or in pursuit of leadership roles in settings that are working to improve public health and population health. This degree focuses on three specific skills: leadership, health policy and management. Students benefit from in state tuition, no GRE necessary, a flexible format and can complete the program in 25 months. Prospective students should consider the program has some limited on campus requirements.
8.Eastern Virginia Medical School
Online MPH, Health Management and Policy track
In State Tuition $23,882
Out of State Tuition $25,406
Eastern Virginia Medical School offers eligible students the opportunity to earn a Master’s in Public Health degree with a health management and policy track online. EVMS communicates a clear mission and vision with a pattern that reveals their motivation to improve public health. Students in the health management concentration and policy track gain an education that can help them support and manage different areas in public health and health care as graduates. Earning your MPH degree at EVMS can help you develop as a health care professional who can make a difference in public health practice and address issues in the public health field. If you have an interest in the flexible online MPH program at Eastern Virginia Medical School, go to their website to learn more about their management and policy track, admissions, curriculum and more. Earning your advanced public health degree focusing on management and policy can lead to career opportunities in management in a variety of settings including health agencies, hospitals, insurance, government agencies and more.
7. Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center
Online MPH with concentration in Public Health Administration and Policy
Tuition $21,062
Des Moines University offers an online Master’s in public health program with three MPH concentration options. One of them is Health Administration and Policy. Student enrolled in the administration and policy concentration have the opportunity to gain analytical skills and managerial knowledge in order to address issues in the field and therefore improve health care systems through their public health practice. The concentration’s focus in on health economics, financing and administration in a variety of health settings. Des Moines University is proud of their premier faculty, challenging online classes, and their CEPH accreditation. Students enrolled in the flexible MPH administration and policy concentration have the chance to enhance their public health skills and advance their career. Pursuing your graduate degree in public health can give you the tools to have a positive impact in the public health sector.
6. University of Southern Mississippi
Online MPH in Health Policy and Administration
In StateTuition $9,340
Out of State Tuition $11,340
The University of Southern Mississippi offers an affordable and flexible learning opportunity for prospective students interested in health care leadership and management. This master’s program can be completed in just 15 months as a full time student. Students engage in a field experience as part of the program to gain hands on experience. Earning your online Master’s in Public Health degree and focusing on health policy and administration at the University of Southern Mississippi can prepare you for careers in settings such as a hospital, insurance company, pharmaceutical company, public health agency and more. Graduates of this public health program may have titles such as a health policy analyst, hospital administrator, chief executive officer, and health care consultant, among others.
5. University of North Dakota
Online MPH Health Management & Policy
In State Tuition $11,963
Out of State Tuition $17,944
The 42-credit online MPH degree program at UND can be completed in just a two year time frame. Students can specialize their public health degree by focusing studies in health management concentration and policy. This specialization offers the opportunities to develop a skill set allowing graduates to engage in health policy, health delivery and influence change. This master’s program at UND educates students in the foundational areas of public health as well such as biostatistics, epidemiology, social and behavioral sciences, and management and policy. The University of North Dakota understands the increase in health data and need for professionals who can utilize this data.
4. New Mexico State University, Main Campus
Online MPH in Health Management, Administration & Policy
In State Tuition $5,184
Out of State Tuition $18,023
New Mexico State University offers an online Master’s in Public Health program where students can focus studies on health management, administration and policy. NMSU proudly offers their Master’s in Public Health program in an online format to accommodate the busy schedule of a working professional. The MPH faculty at NMSU is proud to offer excellent and innovative education to their students. Students enrolled in the New Mexico State University MPH program can engage in core competencies and develop a strong foundation for the health field or pursue further studies including health law. Graduates of the MPH program have the opportunity to develop as successful leaders and health professionals.
3. University of Massachusetts, Amherst
MPH, Health Policy and Management Online
In State Tuition $14,364
Out of State Tuition $31,489
Prospective students with an interest in pursuing a career in the health care system as a policymaker or manager can earn an online MPH degree focusing on health policy and management at the University of Massachusetts. Students can enroll in the program full or part time, and some courses are offered in an online format and on campus. The Master’s in Public Health program at the University of Massachusetts is flexible, allowing students to specialize their interests. Students also have the opportunity to learn through engaging in the practicum and culminating experience.
2. New York Medical College
Online MPH in Health Policy and Management
Tuition $27,521
If you have an interest in healthcare delivery, quality and cost, the MPH online program at New York Medical College with a concentration in Health Policy and Management may be a good fit. Students learn about legal and ethical elements of healthcare as well as health care delivery and policy processes. This 46-credit program at NYMC can be completed in an online, hybrid or in class format. Students in the MPH health policy and management program will also participate in a practicum experience for a practical learning experience to apply what has been learned.
1. Kent State University at Kent
Online MPH with concentration in Health Policy and Management
In State Tuition $12,071
Out of State Tuition $22,522
Kent State University offers an online Master’s of Public Health with a concentration in Health Policy and Management that is available in a flexible online program. The Kent State University program gives students the opportunity to learn about a variety topics such as health services research, health policy analysis, health care planning and more. Graduates can pursue leadership opportunities in a variety of settings including health departments, hospitals, clinics or others. Graduates can also pursue planning and management roles in other settings such as a health insurance company. The health policy and management concentration at Kent State University offers students the tools to address public health risks and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the program take?
Several of the programs communicate the specific time frame for program completion, and the time frame will change if you are enrolled in part time or full time study. Each program is a little bit different. The University of Mississippi program can be completed in just 15 months, for example, but several other programs take about two years for completion. Online courses are challenging, and take time to complete even though you are not going to class in person.
How do I know if I want to focus on administration, MHA or health policy and management?
This decision is dependent on what you want to pursue in your public health career and public health practice and what influence you want to have in population health and various types of health systems. While these programs are similar in many ways, they each have different qualities and professors who will influence your career. Talking with past professors who can guide you and know the field well is helpful, and meeting with new professors will give you insight into the program and help guide future public health practice.
Will I need to participate in an internship?
Most of these programs require students to participate in a practicum experience as part of the curriculum to gain practical experience. Students taking part in an internship gain valuable experience as well as networking opportunities that can lead to possible employment opportunities.
Will I need to take the GRE?
When it comes to online MPH programs not requiring the GRE, it’s important to note that that decision is completely school and program dependent. Some programs do not require the GRE while others want to see your score. Some program wave required test scores if you have already earned a doctorate degree and other schools accept a variety of test scores. Programs may require prerequisites that include health sciences, environmental health, health law, or others, so make sure to research requirements thoroughly. Each school has unique admissions requirements, but you can find one that has what you’re looking for.
Related:
This completes our ranking of the Top 10 Online MPH in Health Policy and Management Degree Programs.
By Erin Padden RN, BSN
Erin graduated from Cedarville University in 2012 with a BSN. She currently works in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania while pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice at Thomas Jefferson University (an online/hybrid program).
Source: NCES College Navigator