For health-minded students looking to level up their career prospects with a graduate degree, a one-year online Master of Public Health (MPH) program might be the perfect fit. These accelerated programs can prepare you for a wide range of careers, such as epidemiologists, with a median salary of $81,390, or public health educators, with a median salary of $62,860.
To complete this degree in one year, you’ll need to commit to an intensive, full-time study schedule — including coursework and practical projects. These programs are generally best suited for highly motivated individuals ready to handle a significant academic workload in pursuit of rapid career advancement in public health.
How to Choose a One-Year Online MPH Program
Choose your area of study
When choosing an area of study for your MPH, it’s essential to consider your career goals and interests. Many programs offer specializations in epidemiology, global health, and health policy.
Those interested in research and disease prevention will thrive specializing in epidemiology, leading to careers as epidemiologists or biostatisticians. Meanwhile, individuals passionate about international health issues may enjoy concentrating in global health, preparing for roles as consultants or program managers. Those aiming to influence health systems and policy may prefer specializing in health policy, where they may eventually become health policy analysts or public health advisors.
Research schools and programs
With your intended specialization in mind, you can leverage this knowledge to find the best schools and programs for your professional goals. Consider using the following questions to guide your research:
- Does the program offer a specialization in my area of interest?
- What are the faculty’s experience and research focus areas?
- Are there opportunities for practical experience, like internships or capstone projects, in my specialization?
- What resources are available for online students, such as career services and academic advising?
You can find most of this information on school websites, but many students benefit from attending an information session or speaking with an admissions counselor.
Prepare for tests and applications
Once you have a shortlist of schools, you can start gathering application materials. These may vary slightly by program, but many share similar criteria:
- Transcripts from previous academic institutions
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
- GRE scores, if required
Consider enrolling in a test prep program for schools requiring the GRE to improve your scores. Many of these programs offer practice tests and tutoring to help you perform your best.
Select your program
If you apply to multiple programs, it’s possible to receive more than one acceptance letter. Take a moment to revisit your initial research criteria and compare how each program performs in the areas that matter most to you — like specialization availability, the faculty you’ll learn from, and practical experience opportunities. Then, assess the total cost of attendance and compare financial aid packages. This evaluation process will help you select the best program for your professional goals and economic situation.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
When it comes to financing your degree, start by submitting the FAFSA to access federal grants and loans. This is a crucial step, as it determines your eligibility for financial support at the federal level. Additionally, apply for scholarships and assistantships offered by schools and external organizations to help further offset costs. If you’re currently employed, ask if your employer offers tuition reimbursement, primarily if you work in a related field and plan to continue post-graduation.
Federal loans, though widely available, should be used sparingly to avoid creating a debt burden.
Best 26 Accredited One-Year Online MPH Programs
Institution 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
UC Berkeley Public Health
Intelligent Score: 98.8Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $11,442
Out-of-state: $41,196
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $11,442
Out-of-state: $11,442
Test scores
SAT: 1310-1530
ACT: 30-35
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,408
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Council on Education for Public Health
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
42
Yale School of Public Health
Intelligent Score: 97.88Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $57,700
Out-of-state: $57,700
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $44,500
Out-of-state: $44,500
Test scores
SAT: 1460-1580
ACT: 33-35
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,675
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online, On-Campus
ACCREDITATION
Council on Education for Public Health
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
48
UF Health
Intelligent Score: 96.65Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $4,477
Out-of-state: $25,694
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $10,770
Out-of-state: $10,770
Test scores
SAT: 1290-1460
ACT: 29-33
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$550
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Council on Education for Public Health
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
42
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Intelligent Score: 96.56Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $49,653
Out-of-state: $49,653
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $49,448
Out-of-state: $49,448
Test scores
SAT: 1460-1580
ACT: 33-35
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,488
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Council on Education for Public Health
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
45
Emory University Rollins School of Public Health
Intelligent Score: 95.56Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $53,070
Out-of-state: $53,070
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $43,800
Out-of-state: $43,800
Test scores
SAT: 1380-1530
ACT: 31-34
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,960
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Council on Education for Public Health
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
42
Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
Intelligent Score: 95.03Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $57,864
Out-of-state: $57,864
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $49,024
Out-of-state: $49,024
Test scores
SAT: 1460-1570
ACT: 33-35
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,938
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
42-45
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Intelligent Score: 93.23Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $54,160
Out-of-state: $54,160
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $57,010
Out-of-state: $57,010
Test scores
SAT: 1470-1560
ACT: 34-36
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$987
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Council on Education for Public Health
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
80
NYU School of Global Public Health
Intelligent Score: 91.63Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $52,204
Out-of-state: $52,204
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $34,704
Out-of-state: $34,704
Test scores
SAT: 1370-1540
ACT: 31-34
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,945
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Council on Education for Public Health
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
42
Dartmouth Institute
Intelligent Score: 88.48Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $57,796
Out-of-state: $57,796
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $57,796
Out-of-state: $57,796
Test scores
SAT: 1440-1560
ACT: 32-35
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,818
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online, On-Campus
ACCREDITATION
Council on Education for Public Health
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
42
Northwestern University
Intelligent Score: 87.96Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $58,227
Out-of-state: $58,227
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $56,067
Out-of-state: $56,067
Test scores
SAT: 1430-1550
ACT: 33-35
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,843
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Council on Education for Public Health
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
64
Tufts University School of Medicine
Intelligent Score: 87.12Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $59,560
Out-of-state: $59,560
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $54,196
Out-of-state: $54,196
Test scores
SAT: 1380-1530
ACT: 32-35
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,886
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Council on Education for Public Health
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
42
BU School of Public Health
Intelligent Score: 86.47Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $56,854
Out-of-state: $56,854
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $56,854
Out-of-state: $56,854
Test scores
SAT: 1310-1500
ACT: 30-34
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,453
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Council on Education for Public Health
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
42
GWU Milken Institute School of Public Health
Intelligent Score: 86.15Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $55,961
Out-of-state: $55,961
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $31,770
Out-of-state: $31,770
Test scores
SAT: 1270-1450
ACT: 30-33
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,800
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Council on Education for Public Health
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
45
Southern New Hampshire University
Intelligent Score: 84.57Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $9,600
Out-of-state: $9,600
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $18,810
Out-of-state: $18,810
Test scores
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$627
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Council on Education for Public Health
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
42
Florida International University
Intelligent Score: 83.06Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $4,721
Out-of-state: $16,529
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $8,912
Out-of-state: $8,912
Test scores
SAT: 1110-1260
ACT: 23-29
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$600
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Council on Education for Public Health
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
45
Florida A&M University
Intelligent Score: 82.98Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $3,152
Out-of-state: $14,524
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $8,019
Out-of-state: $8,019
Test scores
SAT: 1030-1150
ACT: 20-24
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$650
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Council on Education for Public Health
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
50
University of Southern California
Intelligent Score: 82.71Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $59,260
Out-of-state: $59,260
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $47,880
Out-of-state: $47,880
Test scores
SAT: 1340-1530
ACT: 30-34
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$2,137
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Council on Education for Public Health
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
42
Everglades University
Intelligent Score: 82.43Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $17,520
Out-of-state: $17,520
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $19,200
Out-of-state: $19,200
Test scores
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$890
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online, On-Campus
ACCREDITATION
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
36
How we rank schools
This list features some of the country’s best online one-year MPH programs. 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 one-year MPH programs 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 a One-Year Online MPH Program?
By enrolling in a one-year Master of Public Health (MPH) program, you’ll enter an accelerated degree program that will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this field. These programs cover epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, environmental health, and social and behavioral sciences. As a student, you’ll learn to analyze health trends, develop and evaluate public health programs, and understand the complexities of healthcare systems and policies. Graduation requirements often include a culminating experience in the form of a thesis or capstone experience.
While the program can be completed in just one year, it’s intensive and demanding, requiring a significant commitment. This accelerated pace is ideal for motivated students who can manage a rigorous academic workload and may not be best suited for those with a full-time job or considerable responsibilities.
Potential courses you’ll take in a one-year online MPH program
- Biostatistics: In this fundamental course, students learn how to apply statistical methods to analyze and interpret data relevant to public health. In return, they gain skills in using statistical software, designing experiments, and conducting statistical tests to inform public health decisions and research.
- Global Health and the Environment: This upper-level course explores the relationship between global health issues and environmental factors. Students examine how ecological determinants such as air and water quality, climate change, and pollution impact health outcomes worldwide. They may also study strategies to mitigate these effects and promote sustainable health initiatives.
- Racism, Health, and Social Justice: Typically considered an elective, this course investigates how systemic racism and social inequalities affect health disparities. Participants will analyze social determinants of health, explore historical and contemporary issues of racial injustice in health care, and learn about advocacy and policy-making to promote health equity and social justice.
- Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health: Another elective, this course focuses on the health needs of mothers, children, and adolescents. Students learn about factors influencing maternal and child health, including prenatal care, nutrition, and childhood diseases.
How to succeed in an online MPH program
Earning an MPH degree in a single year takes dedication, perseverance, and commitment, but it can be done. Here are some of the strategies that the most successful students use to ensure success in their online MPH programs.
- Get to know your professors. This can be more challenging when they only see you online rather than having you physically present in the classroom. Consider taking advantage of their online office hours to introduce yourself and open the door for future assistance should you require it.
- Connect with your fellow students. If your institution’s online platform allows it, see if you can create a study group with other motivated students. You all stand to benefit by banding together to work through challenging coursework.
- Make use of your institution’s online services. Most colleges and universities offer support to their online students just as they do for those who attend in person. This may include career advisement, tutoring, or academic counseling. Also, determine how to access your institution’s library and interact with librarians, who can play a vital role in your academic success.
- Build a schedule and stick to it. For every hour you spend in class, allow yourself three to four hours for studying and homework. Consider using an online scheduler such as Asana or Trello to help you stay on track.
- Make sure you carve out time regularly to relax. Whether that means time to watch your favorite TV show or a morning hike in a local park, it is vital that you give yourself time, when possible, to rest and rejuvenate yourself, or you risk burnout.
What Can I Do With an MPH Degree?
With an MPH degree, you can pursue various in-demand careers in epidemiology, biostatistics, education, and more. Many of these roles are appealing for their impact on community and global health, as well as their lucrative salaries and strong job prospects.
Career outlook
- Epidemiologist — These professionals study the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in populations. They are critical in outbreak investigation, disease prevention, and health policy development.
- Median annual salary: $81,390
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 27%
- New jobs projected: 800
- Biostatistician — Graduates in this role apply statistical techniques to analyze data from biological research and public health studies. They help design studies, analyze results, and interpret data to inform health policy decisions.
- Median annual salary: $104,110
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 30%
- New jobs projected: 3,500
- Public Health Educator — These educators design and implement programs that promote healthy lifestyles and wellness. They often work in schools and government agencies to educate the public on health issues and preventative measures.
- Median annual salary: $62,860
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 7%
- New jobs projected: 6,600
One-Year Online MPH Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions
How do accelerated degree programs work?
Accelerated degree programs, like a one-year MPH, condense coursework into a shorter time frame, allowing students to complete their degree much faster than a traditional program. These programs require a full-time commitment. While demanding, they offer a fast track to advancing your career.
To learn more about these programs’ benefits and challenges and determine if this path suits your needs, visit our page, which further explores the pros and cons.
How long does it take to earn an online MPH degree?
Earning this degree takes just one year for the programs featured on this page. Some programs offer part-time study options in an accelerated format, extending completion up to two years, though these are rare.
Regardless, double-checking the total credit requirements for each program you’re interested in is essential. These can vary by program and ultimately impact the feasibility of completing your degree within the allotted time frame.
How much does a one-year online MPH degree cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition for a graduate degree program is $20,513. However, it’s important to note that this figure can fluctuate depending on the program.
You’ll also want to account for expenses not often included in the tuition price, like technology fees, library fees, course materials, and textbooks. While these costs may seem minor compared to the tuition price, they can add up over time and ultimately make your education more expensive.