The need for public health workers is rising as the healthcare industry focuses more on promoting wellness, preventing diseases, and educating communities. Earning an online master’s in public health can open doors to exciting and high-earning jobs in this developing field.
This graduate degree often leads to employment as an epidemiologist or public health worker who studies disease patterns, injuries, and other health concerns. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of epidemiologists will grow 19% through 2033, and the median annual salary for the position is $81,390. Other public health career paths include health educators, social and community service managers, and medical scientists.
To help prospective students find their ideal degree program, Intelligent.com reviewed dozens of online master’s in public health programs and interviewed Blanca Villagomez, a program coordinator and counselor at UC-Irvine. The result is this guide with answers to frequently asked questions about program cost, admissions requirements, career outlook, and what to expect from an online master’s in public health.
Why Trust Us
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
- 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
- Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Public Health degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 50 Online Master's in Public Health Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
Intelligent Score: 99.79In-state: $7,019
Out-of-state: $34,198
In-state: $10,552
Out-of-state: $10,552
SAT: 1280-1490
ACT: 28-33
$1,735
Online
Council on Education for Public Health
42
UTHealth Houston School of Public Health
Intelligent Score: 99.68In-state: $11,448
Out-of-state: $40,032
In-state: $12,028
Out-of-state: $12,028
SAT: 1210-1470
ACT: 26-33
Resident: $287
Non-Resident: $1,075
Online, On-Campus, Hybrid
Council on Education for Public Health
45
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Intelligent Score: 99.4In-state: $54,245
Out-of-state: $82,280
In-state: $34,425
Out-of-state: $34,425
SAT: 1270 or higher
ACT: 28 or higher
$626
Online, On-Campus
Council on Education for Public Health
42
UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health
Intelligent Score: 99.33In-state: $7,568
Out-of-state: $24,056
In-state: $7,752
Out-of-state: $7,752
SAT: 1090-1280
ACT: 23-29
Resident: $455
Non-Resident: $979
Online
Council on Education for Public Health
42
UF College of Public Health and Health Professions
Intelligent Score: 99.23In-state: $4,477
Out-of-state: $25,694
In-state: $10,770
Out-of-state: $10,770
SAT: 1290-1460
ACT: 29-33
$550
Online, On-Campus
Council on Education for Public Health
48
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Intelligent Score: 99.06In-state: $8,683
Out-of-state: $20,953
In-state: $6,788
Out-of-state: $6,788
SAT: 1070-1240
ACT: 22-27
Resident: $217
Non-Resident: $637
Online, On-Campus
Council on Education for Public Health
45
Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University
Intelligent Score: 99.01In-state: $55,961
Out-of-state: $55,961
In-state: $31,770
Out-of-state: $31,770
SAT: 1270-1450
ACT: 30-33
$1,835
Online, On-Campus
Council on Education for Public Health
45
University of Nevada, Reno
Intelligent Score: 98.01In-state: $7,901
Out-of-state: $23,554
In-state: $5,657
Out-of-state: $5,657
SAT: 1060-1260
ACT: 20-26
$730
Online
Council on Education for Public Health
45
Emory University Rollins School of Public Health
Intelligent Score: 94.5In-state: $53,070
Out-of-state: $53,070
In-state: $43,800
Out-of-state: $43,800
SAT: 1380-1530
ACT: 31-34
$1,960
Online
Council on Education for Public Health
42
San Jose State University
Intelligent Score: 93.82In-state: $5,742
Out-of-state: $17,622
In-state: $7,176
Out-of-state: $7,176
SAT: 1010-1240
ACT: 19-26
$750
Online, On-Campus
Council on Education for Public Health
42
University of Maryland School of Public Health
Intelligent Score: 92.77In-state: $8,824
Out-of-state: $34,936
In-state: $13,158
Out-of-state: $13,158
SAT: 1270-1480
ACT: 30-34
$996
Online
Council on Education for Public Health
45
Michigan State University
Intelligent Score: 92.31In-state: $15,555
Out-of-state: $40,384
In-state: $18,858
Out-of-state: $18,858
SAT: 1100-1300
ACT: 23-29
$725
Online
Council on Education for Public Health
43
University of Minnesota School of Public Health
Intelligent Score: 91.41In-state: $13,318
Out-of-state: $31,616
In-state: $17,580
Out-of-state: $17,580
SAT: 1240-1460
ACT: 25-31
Resident: $1,107
Non-Resident: $1,455
Online
Council on Education for Public Health
42
Medical College of Wisconsin
Intelligent Score: 91.24In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: $97,896
Out-of-state: $97,896
SAT: Not Applicable
ACT: Not Applicable
$1,036
Online
Council on Education for Public Health
42
Oregon State Ecampus
Intelligent Score: 91.06In-state: $9,846
Out-of-state: $29,445
In-state: $13,257
Out-of-state: $13,257
SAT: 1080-1310
ACT: 21-29
$560
Online, On-Campus
Council on Education for Public Health
60
Simmons University
Intelligent Score: 91.02In-state: $40,850
Out-of-state: $40,850
In-state: $21,528
Out-of-state: $21,528
SAT: 1060-1250
ACT: 24-29
$1,500
Online
Council on Education for Public Health
42
Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
Intelligent Score: 90.77In-state: $83,890
Out-of-state: $83,890
In-state: $50,674
Out-of-state: $50,674
SAT: 1370-1510
ACT: 31- 33
$1,606
Online, On-Campus
Council on Education for Public Health
42-45
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Intelligent Score: 90.64In-state: $54,160
Out-of-state: $54,160
In-state: $57,010
Out-of-state: $57,010
SAT: 1470-1560
ACT: 34-36
$1,068
Online, On-Campus
Council on Education for Public Health
80
What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Public Health Degree?
“Online programs generally offer a combination of asynchronous and synchronous modalities, so expectations and pacing can vary greatly across courses,” Villagomez says. “With asynchronous courses, interactions with professors and classmates can be limited and may require more effort to stay connected. Meanwhile, synchronous courses can facilitate engagement more easily. Some professors require students to keep their video cameras on to facilitate more interaction and participation. Regardless of modality, all online degree programs require a high level of self-motivation, effective time management, and structured independent study.”
An online master’s in public health provides students with the knowledge and experience needed to prepare them for various critical roles within this complex field. Online MPH programs typically require a minimum of 42 credits and can be completed in two years of full-time study. However, the exact number of credits needed and completion time will vary by individual school and student.
There are different options for the specific public health degree students can earn. The most common are:
- Master’s in Public Health (MPH): This applied degree focuses on developing students’ practical skills for real-world applications in public health and usually includes an internship or capstone project component.
- Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH): This is a more traditional master’s program that emphasizes research and scholarship in the public health field and typically requires a thesis or research project for graduation.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Public Health: Students interested in the business and financial aspects of public health might choose to pursue their MBA with a concentration in public health.
Depending on the specific degree and program a student chooses, they may also have the option to select a specialization. Since public health is such a broad field, choosing a concentration is a way to develop in-depth knowledge about a particular area, such as healthcare administration, community health promotion, global health, public health education, behavioral sciences, and health policy and management.
Most master’s in public health programs start with foundational core courses introducing students to topics like epidemiology, human health, public health policy, biostatistics, health equity, health management, environmental health, and global disaster management. Some programs may expect students to have completed undergraduate coursework or have professional experience in these areas. Internships are also a standard component of public health master’s programs.
Online programs are delivered in one of three ways — synchronously, asynchronously, or a combination of both (hybrid program). Asynchronous programs are the most flexible option, as they have no set class meetings, allowing students to complete lessons and assignments whenever works best for them. Synchronous programs have scheduled classes that meet virtually, facilitating real-time interaction between students and faculty. In a hybrid program, students may take some classes synchronously, either online or in-person, while others can be completed asynchronously.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs
For students who are considering a career in public health or a related field, there are several different educational paths to choose from, including these degrees:
- Online Bachelor’s in Public Health
- Online Master’s in Health Science
- Online Master’s in Health Services
- Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration
- Online Doctorate in Public Health
What Can I Do With an Online Master’s in Public Health?
One primary career path for individuals with an online MPH is becoming an epidemiologist. These public health professionals study patterns and causes of health issues and use that information to reduce the risk of adverse health outcomes among different populations. Epidemiologists can work in various settings, including local, state, and federal government agencies, hospitals, academic settings, public health organizations, and more.
Students who earn an MBA in Public Health may want to apply their skills as managers for a community health organization. This role oversees operations for programs and organizations promoting public health and well-being. Social and community service managers employment is projected to grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, says the BLS.
There are also opportunities for further academic development in public health. Some students may opt to earn a doctorate in public health, which allows them to focus more on research, scholarship, and teaching.
Career outlook
- Epidemiologist — Investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury, and seek to reduce the risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes through research, community education, and health policy.
- Median annual salary: $81,390
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 27%
- New jobs projected: 800 per year
- Health education specialist — Teach people about behaviors that promote wellness and develop strategies to improve the well-being of individuals and communities.
- Median annual salary: $62,860
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 7%
- New jobs projected: 6,600 per year
- Medical scientist — Conduct research, often through clinical trials and other investigative methods, aimed at improving overall human health.
- Median annual salary: $100,890
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 10%
- New jobs projected: 7,500 per year
How to Choose the Online Master’s in Public Health Degree That’s Right for You
Step 1: Choose your area of study
A key step in finding the online master’s in public health that’s right for you is clearly defining what your wants and needs are for your program.
Are you switching careers and looking for a program that will cover foundational and advanced concepts and skills in public health? Or are you seeking career advancement and, therefore, online public health programs that will prepare you for leadership roles? Do you want a program that emphasizes research or applied skills? Would you prefer a general public health curriculum, or do you want to specialize in an area such as health policy, global health, public health education, environmental health, health equity, behavioral sciences, or community health sciences?
Additionally, consider your logistical needs for an online master’s in public health program. Can your schedule accommodate synchronous classes, or do you need an asynchronous program? Are you going to enroll full-time or part-time?
Establishing these parameters will make your research process more efficient, as you can focus on online master’s degree programs that meet your specific needs and goals.
Step 2: Research schools and programs
An excellent first step when researching the best online MPH programs is checking their accreditation status. “Verifying the college’s accreditation ensures that the institution has the U.S. Department of Education’s seal of approval,” Villagomez says. “Attending a non-accredited college can negatively impact future post-graduate opportunities such as employment, masters and doctorate programs.”
She adds, “With institutional accreditations, colleges are evaluated as a whole and must pass several standards to receive a regional or national accreditation. Programmatic accreditations evaluate the quality and legitimacy of the specific degree programs offered at institutions.”
At the institutional level, schools should be regionally accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. Accreditation guarantees that school programs meet high-quality standards and can affect a student’s eligibility for financial aid, jobs, and further education opportunities. Students should also check if the program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
When researching Master of Public Health programs, it’s a good idea to keep a checklist of questions such as:
- Who are the program’s faculty, and what are their credentials?
- How is the public health program delivered (synchronously, asynchronously, hybrid)?
- Does the curriculum include hands-on learning experiences like internships?
- What support services does the school offer online students?
- What types of scholarships, grants, and fellowships are available?
A public health online program will generally include this information on their website or with marketing materials available to potential students. They also often offer online open houses or information sessions where students can speak to faculty, students, and admissions counselors. Following schools and faculty on social media is another way to learn more about a public health online program.
Step 3: Prepare for applications and tests
“After conducting research on the degree programs and schools that are the best fit for them, students should have a strong sense of the admission requirements,” Villagomez says. “Highly selective schools can often require well-crafted essays, standardized exams, recommendation letters, and even interviews.”
She adds, “With all these requirements, it’s important for students to stay organized with a comprehensive and detailed checklist to track their progress, submit all required materials, and meet deadlines. I encourage students to decide what systems help them organize the application requirements and track their progress for each school.”
An application for an online master’s in public health degree typically consists of the following:
- Completed application and required fees
- Official transcripts from undergraduate college(s) attended
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
- Resume or CV
Depending on the MPH program, students may also be required to submit GRE or GMAT scores. Find out if this is needed early, so you have time to prepare for and take the exams.
Contact the school’s admissions office to clarify any admissions requirements or procedures.
Step 4: Select your program
The next step is to review all the information you collected about various online MPH programs and determine which ones you’ll apply to. There’s no “right” number of applications to submit. Some students focus on one or two programs based on their specific needs, while others submit multiple applications to increase their odds of acceptance. However, students should remember that most schools charge application fees, which can quickly add up.
Step 5: Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
As they conduct their research, prospective students should also pay attention to a program’s cost and what financial aid resources are available from the school. Contact a financial aid representative if this information isn’t clear on the school’s website.
Unless you can pay fully out of pocket for your degree, you’ll likely need some financial assistance. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is often the first step in determining eligibility for scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study jobs. In addition to federal financial aid, students should also take some time to research available scholarships from local and state government agencies, nonprofits, religious groups, public health organizations, and more.
Students working while enrolled in an online master’s in public health program can check if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits. Active military service members or veterans should research their school’s military tuition discounts and GI Bill benefits policies.
Online College/Degree Scholarship Database
Intelligent Scholarship Finder Tool
"A Helping Hand" Scholarship
Award Amount: $500
Due Date: January 31, 2025
"Follow Your Own Path" Essay Scholarship
Award Amount: $500
Due Date: January 31, 2025
"Tuition Solution" Scholarship for STEM Students
Award Amount: $500
Due Date: January 31, 2025
$25k "Be Bold" No-Essay Scholarship
Award Amount: $25,000
Due Date: Closed for 2024
(ISC) Graduate Cybersecurity Scholarship
Award Amount: $5,000
Due Date: Closed for 2024
(ISC) Women in Information Security Scholarship
Award Amount: $5,000
Due Date: Closed for 2024
A.C. "Kate" & Leo Joseph Merlone St. Dominic Catholic Church of Saginaw Member Scholarship
Award Amount: Varies
Due Date: Closed for 2024
A.C. "Kate" & Leo Joseph Merlone Teaching Scholarship
Award Amount: Varies
Due Date: Closed for 2024
a/e ProNet David W. Lakamp Scholarship
Award Amount: $5,000
Due Date: Closed for 2024
AAAE Native American Scholarship
Award Amount: $1,500
Due Date: March 15, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s in Public Health Programs
Should I get a master's in public health degree in person or online?
Earning an online master’s in public health is a popular, convenient way to complete this degree, but it’s not necessarily the best fit for all students.
An advantage of enrolling in an online program is that it’s more flexible than attending an in-person program. Students can learn wherever and often whenever is most convenient for them, allowing students to earn a degree while juggling work, family, and other obligations.
However, students in online programs must be prepared to hold themselves accountable and manage their time to prioritize their schoolwork, as they won’t have the same level of interaction with faculty as they would in an on-campus program. Students who need extra support or prefer to learn in interactive environments may find an entirely in-person or hybrid master’s in public health program suits them best.
How do I apply to an online master's in public health degree?
The first step is to determine a program’s application process, admissions requirements, and deadlines. This information is usually available on a school’s website or by directly contacting their admissions office.
Most schools accept applications and supporting materials electronically. Some schools accept applications on a rolling basis, while others have hard deadlines. Confirm any application deadlines with the schools you’re applying to, and make sure those dates receive all materials. It helps avoid delays that can affect your admissions decision.
Before applying, you should verify that you meet all the minimum eligibility requirements for a master’s in public health program. These requirements may include a bachelor’s degree in a particular field of study, prerequisite coursework, a minimum undergraduate GPA, and/or professional experience.
What is the average cost of an online master's in public health degree?
The average cost of tuition for master’s degrees in the 2020-21 academic year was $12,596 at public universities and $29,931 at private schools, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. However, a variety of factors can impact how much a student pays for a master’s in public health degree.
Says Villagomez, “Online programs have additional costs such as reliable internet access and special technical software required for some classes. However, attending school online can have cost-saving advantages, too. For example, it may be easier for online students to work and save money in a high-yield savings account. Students can also choose to live in a more affordable location than where their school is located.”
How long does it take to complete an online master's in public health degree?
Program duration depends on how many credits the program requires and how quickly students complete them.
The average master’s in public health degree program is 42 credits and can be completed in two years of full-time study. Part-time students will typically complete the program in three years.
However, some schools offer accelerated programs for students with experience in the field, which can be completed in 12-18 months. Students should confirm the standard program duration and explore options for meeting requirements at a faster or slower pace with an admissions counselor or program representative.
Is an online master's in public health degree worth it?
From a career standpoint, earning an online master’s in public health can be a smart move for students seeking to advance in the field.
According to the BLS, roughly 800 new epidemiologist jobs will be available annually through 2032, translating to a 27% increase in employment in the field. The median annual wage for this position is $81,390, with the top 10% of earners making more than $132,230 per year.
Public health can also be a very personally rewarding career. Public health workers help protect their communities and the world through research, education, and risk management. For individuals who want to work in a healthcare-related field with a broad impact, an online master’s in public health may be worth considering.