For health-oriented individuals seeking an accessible and flexible way to earn their master’s degree without taking the GRE, these programs are a perfect place to begin your research. These programs allow you to focus on your passion for public health without the added pressure of standardized testing.
Graduates can pursue rewarding careers such as health education specialist, earning a median salary of $62,860; epidemiologist, with a median salary of $81,390; or biostatistician, with a median salary of $104,110.
Most of these programs can be completed in two to three years, offering a comprehensive education in a convenient manner.
How to Choose an Online MPH Program (No GRE)
Choose your area of study
Choosing an area of study, often called a specialization, for your MPH allows you to tailor your education to your specific career goals. This degree is notably versatile, offering specializations that prepare students for different careers.
For example, epidemiology is ideal for those interested in researching disease patterns, health policy and management suits students aiming to influence healthcare policies, global health is perfect for those focused on international health issues, and environmental health is excellent for individuals enthusiastic about the impact of the environment on health.
Research schools and programs
Once you’ve chosen a specialization, you can research schools and programs. You may come into this process with a few questions of your own, but here are some others to help guide your research further:
- Is the program accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)?
- Are there residency or on-campus requirements?
- What is the faculty’s experience in my intended specialization?
- What support services are available for online students?
- What are the program’s graduation rates and job placement statistics?
Answers to these questions can be found on school websites, through admissions counselors, or by attending an information session.
Prepare for tests and applications
With your shortlist of programs in hand, it’s time to begin preparing for tests and applications. While application requirements can vary by program, many share some standard criteria, including:
- Official transcripts from all previous academic institutions
- A resume or CV highlighting relevant experience
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
Select your program
Once acceptance letters arrive, you may have a big decision to make. Revisit your initial research criteria and focus on what matters most to you, such as program reputation, faculty you’re excited to learn from, and support services for online learners. Assess the total cost of attendance, including additional fees, and compare this with any financial aid offers. Ensuring your decision is financially feasible is crucial for future success.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Figuring out how to pay for your degree can be daunting, but many financial aid resources are available to help. Start with scholarships and grants, which are often based on merit or need and don’t need to be repaid. Next, consider assistantships, especially if you’re seeking part-time work, as these offer stipends in exchange for research or teaching work. If you’re currently employed, check if your employer provides tuition reimbursement programs. Finally, explore federal loans, which are widely available and intended to provide accessible funding but must eventually be repaid with interest.
Best 50 Accredited Online MPH Programs (No GRE)
How we rank schools
This list features some of the country’s best online MPH programs (no GRE). Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the best online MPH programs (no GRE) to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From an Online MPH Program (No GRE)?
Many of these programs offer an identical curriculum to traditional MPH programs, covering essential public health disciplines such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy, and social and behavioral sciences. As a student, you’ll engage in courses designed to develop analytical skills, understand public health principles, and apply these concepts in real-world scenarios.
Graduation requirements for these programs vary. Some may require the completion of a traditional thesis, while others may offer non-thesis tracks that culminate in a capstone project or comprehensive course.
Most online MPH programs can be completed in one to three years, depending on your enrollment status and pace. Regardless of the format, you can expect a robust educational experience that provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue high-level public health careers.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online MPH program
- Epidemiology in Public Health: A cornerstone in most curriculums, this foundational course introduces students to the principles and methods of epidemiology. Students will learn to design epidemiological studies, analyze data, interpret results, and apply findings to prevent and control diseases within populations.
- Biostatistics: Another standard core requirement, this course focuses on statistical methods and their applications in public health research. Participants learn to collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative data using statistical software to support public health decision-making and policy development.
- Public Health Law: In this upper-level course, learners study the legal principles and policies that influence public health systems and practices. Topics include the legal framework for health regulations, the role of government in public health, ethical issues, and the impact of laws on health behavior and outcomes.
- Fundamentals of Women’s Health: Often considered an elective or specialized course, this class delves into women’s health issues and challenges throughout their lifespan. Students will explore reproductive health, maternal and child health, gender disparities in healthcare, and the impact of social determinants on women’s health outcomes.
What Can I Do With an MPH Degree?
Several different in-demand career paths are available to MPH graduates, each allowing for significant contributions to the health and well-being of populations — working in hospitals, government agencies, non-profits, and academic institutions.
Career outlook
- Health Education Specialist — These professionals develop and implement strategies to improve the health of individuals and communities. They teach people about behaviors that promote wellness and build programs and materials to address public health issues.
- Median annual salary: $62,860
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 7%
- New jobs projected: 6,600
- Epidemiologist — Individuals in this field investigate patterns and causes of human diseases and injuries, aiming to reduce adverse health outcomes through research, community education, and health policy.
- Median annual salary: $81,390
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 27%
- New jobs projected: 800
- Biostatistician — Biostatisticians apply statistical techniques to scientific research in health-related fields. They design studies, analyze data, and interpret results to inform public health decisions and policies.
- Median annual salary: $104,110
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 30%
- New jobs projected: 3,500
Online MPH Degree (No GRE) Frequently Asked Questions
How do degree programs with no GRE requirement work?
Degree programs with no GRE requirement operate similarly to those that require the test, providing the same curriculum and academic quality. Admissions, however, focus on other aspects of the application, such as undergraduate GPA, professional experience, personal statements, and letters of recommendation. This holistic approach allows a broader range of applicants to illustrate their qualifications.
For a more significant overview of the pros and cons of no-GRE programs, visit this page, which explores it further.
How long does it take to earn an online MPH degree?
Earning an online MPH degree takes about two years for full-time students and three to four years for part-time students, regardless of GRE requirements. The duration can vary based on the total number of required credits, so reviewing each program’s credit requirements is crucial before enrolling.
How much does an online MPH degree cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition for a graduate degree is $20,513. Besides tuition, you’ll also want to budget for additional costs — such as technology fees, library fees, course materials, and textbooks. These extra expenses can add up over time, making your degree more expensive.