Best Online Master’s in Public Health Programs of 2023

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers one of the nation's leading Master of Public Health (MPH) programs. This online program is aimed at professionals and recent graduates interested in solving major public health and global health challenges. Students can choose from three concentrations: Nutrition, Leadership in Practice, and Master of Public Health/Registered Dietitian (RD). This program is available in online part-time and full-time formats and adheres to the same curriculum as the on-campus program. Students will attend live web-based class sessions, and coursework and other student resources are available online 24/7.

At $347.91 per credit for residents, the University of South Florida offers the most affordable online MPH program for individuals who qualify for in-state tuition. The online program can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis, making it suitable for working professionals that need a flexible schedule. The university offers a great variety of concentrations for students to choose from, including epidemiology, public health practice, infection control, and nutrition and dietetics. Students will be expected to complete several hours of supervised field experience. Those with no professional experience will have to complete more hours, while those with prior experience only need to complete one to three hours. The 42-hour program allows students to graduate with both an MPH degree and the Certified in Public Health (CPH) certification.

Students searching for an affordable master's program who don't qualify for in-state tuition at other top-ranked universities should consider the University of Florida. At $550 per credit, UF's online MPH program is the most affordable option for out-of-state students. Courses are taken on a semester schedule with no weekly due dates, making the program an ideal choice for working adults. In addition to completing the core curriculum and taking concentration-specific courses, students will need to complete a public health internship and a capstone project to complete the program. Students can choose between two concentrations: public health practice and social and behavioral sciences.

The University of California, Berkeley, offers the best online MPH program on the west coast. While the program is available online, students will need to attend required on-campus summer sessions during their first and second years. These sessions allow students to network with their peers and professors. This 27-month program features courses taught by leading public health figures, and students can choose from several specializations, including community health sciences, health policy and management, and epidemiology and biostatistics. Students can also personalize their program to suit their specific career goals. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in coursework completed after the first two years of undergraduate study to be eligible for admission into this program.

The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health offers a highly-ranked online MPH program that students can customize to meet their needs. Students can explore a variety of subjects, such as epidemiology, global health, and health policy. The university also offers three MPH concentrations: health informatics, global health, and women, youth, and children health. George Washington University is also a great choice for students that want to earn their degree quickly, as the program can be completed in as few as 12 months. Students admitted into the MPH program are often offered tuition scholarships worth up to $10,000, making GWU a top destination for students who depend on financial aid to fund their studies.

The University of Northern Colorado is the best choice for students that want to earn an MPH online with an emphasis on community health education. The community health education program is designed to teach students how to plan, implement, and evaluate programs that promote the health of communities and individuals. UNCO offers evening and online courses, making it easier for working professionals to advance their medications while maintaining their day jobs. Students pursuing an MPH in community health education can also add an emphasis in global health, which adds to their skills and expands their career options. Choosing this option increases the course load from 42 credit hours to 45 credit hours, and these additional courses will give students the skills they need to apply public health methods to address global challenges.

Public health graduate certificate programs are available at Nova Southeastern University for those interested in learning more about public health before committing to a degree program. This 15-credit program features synchronous classes and asynchronous work. Students that successfully complete the certificate program can transfer their credits into the MPH program if they choose to continue their education. Students accepted into the master's program will have the opportunity to work hands-on with research and community projects in mental health, genetics, oral health, health disparities, and global health. The core curriculum focuses on teaching students the skills they need to pursue public health careers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. To be accepted into the program, students will need a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and they'll need to submit two letters of recommendation, including one from a health professional.

The active learning methods used by Baldwin Wallace University will benefit students who do not thrive in traditional lecture-based learning environments. Examples include: problem-based learning, technology-based pedagogy, case studies, and collaborative learning methods such as peer teaching and class discussions.

Baldwin Wallace University’s online MPH program emphasizes population health promotion and management and is offered in partnership with The MetroHealth System. The curriculum includes applied experiences, research, and advanced public health theory. As part of the applied learning component, students must complete 240 hours of supervised placement experience to complete the program. Students will need to put together a project consisting of a proposal, a written applied project paper, and an oral presentation.

The University of Southern California is the best choice for students that want the option to choose from several practical concentration options. USC's online MPH program offers concentrations such as community health promotion, global health, geohealth, health services and policy, and a general track for students that want to maintain flexibility in their professional pursuits. Students that participate in USC's MPH program also have the unique opportunity to join faculty-led international trips that typically last about two weeks. These trips give students hands-on public health experience in clinics, organizations, government agencies, research institutes, and communities around the world. Students can earn course credit while participating in these trips, and if they choose, they can set up a practicum and extend their time in the country.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center's master of public health program is a 42-credit hour program designed to prepare graduates for work in public health. Courses are available on-campus or online, and the core curriculum consists of courses like Foundations of Public Health, Epidemiology in Public Health, Planning and Evaluation, and Biostatistics. Students can choose from several concentrations, including emergency preparedness, health promotion, and maternal and child health. The University of Nebraska Medical Center stands out thanks to its Applied Practice Experience (APEx) program, which provides students with an applied and educational experience in a public health practice setting. Students will gain practical experience at partner organizations approved by the Office of Public Health Practice, and all activities are focused on community engagement.