Best Online Master’s in Public Health Programs of 2024

Public health jobs report high demand. Learn about the top master’s in public health programs to launch your career in public health.
Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.
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Updated April 15, 2024
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At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.

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Public health professionals investigate infectious diseases, develop and implement programs to prevent disease or injuries, detect preventable conditions early, educate the public about health and wellness, and implement policies that improve community health.

So what can you do with a public health degree? A master’s in public health leads to careers in health promotion and education, public health management, policy-making, research, and consulting.

If that sounds like the career you want, an online master’s in public health might be the best fit.

Explore Top Online Master’s in Public Health Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Best Online Master’s in Public Health Programs

#1

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Houston, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$8,524

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$32,673

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

6%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,841

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,020

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

5,796

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,524

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,673

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Houston, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,524

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,673

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

6%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,841

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,020

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

5,796

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#2

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Little Rock, AR4 yearCampus + Online

$7,934

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$16,124

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

46%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,708

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,448

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

3,088

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,934

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,124

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Little Rock, AR4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,934

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,124

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

46%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,708

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,448

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

3,088

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#3

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$10,552

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$28,844

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

20%

Acceptance Rate

29%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,019

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,882

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

31,641

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,552

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,844

Chapel Hill, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,552

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,844

Acceptance Rate

20%

Online Enrollment

29%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,019

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,882

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

31,641

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#4

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Lubbock, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$6,360

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$16,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

64%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,665

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,344

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

5,378

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,360

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,176

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Lubbock, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,360

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,176

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

64%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,665

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,344

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

5,378

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#5

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Omaha, NE4 yearCampus + Online

$9,207

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$26,379

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

16%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,340

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,510

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

3,750

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,207

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,379

Omaha, NE4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,207

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,379

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

16%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,340

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,510

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

3,750

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#6

University of Nevada-Reno

Reno, NV4 yearCampus + Online

$5,625

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,715

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

88%

Acceptance Rate

29%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,923

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,013

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

21,034

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,625

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,715

Reno, NV4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,625

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,715

Acceptance Rate

88%

Online Enrollment

29%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,923

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,013

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

21,034

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#7

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$10,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$27,335

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

30%

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,694

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

55,781

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,335

Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,335

Acceptance Rate

30%

Online Enrollment

57%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,694

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

55,781

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#8

Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online

$9,718

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$28,520

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

69%

Acceptance Rate

47%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,718

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,520

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

50,344

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,718

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,520

West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,718

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,520

Acceptance Rate

69%

Online Enrollment

47%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,718

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,520

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

50,344

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#9

University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, MO4 yearCampus + Online

$9,950

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$27,245

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

77%

Acceptance Rate

63%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,017

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,992

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

31,401

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,950

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,245

Columbia, MO4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,950

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,245

Acceptance Rate

77%

Online Enrollment

63%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,017

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,992

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

31,401

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#10

MCPHS University

Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online

$22,950

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$22,950

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

98%

Acceptance Rate

21%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$34,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,700

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

7,304

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$22,950

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,950

Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$22,950

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,950

Acceptance Rate

98%

Online Enrollment

21%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$34,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,700

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

7,304

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Public Health?

  • academic-cap
    What It’s About: These programs teach you how to improve the health and wellness of individuals and entire communities. With this degree, you may address life-changing issues such as the spread of infectious diseases, nutritional deficiencies, injuries and violence prevention and inadequate healthcare.
  • trending-up
    Purpose: A bachelor’s in public health can give you access to entry-level positions, but many jobs in public health require a master’s degree. These programs help you develop essential research, data analysis, program development, and policy management skills.
  • briefcase
    Place of Work: This degree can prepare you for a career in government, nonprofits, healthcare, education, or social services. You can work as an epidemiologist, health service manager, health promotion interventionist, or healthcare consultant.

Why Should I Get a Master’s in Public Health Degree?

The degree will give you the knowledge and skills to pursue jobs in public health and healthcare. If you’re still on the fence, consider the benefits of earning your master of public health degree — and why many grad students choose an online format.

“A career in public health is very rewarding. There are opportunities to address important issues facing the country and your community. There are a variety of positions so people with different interests and skills can find rewarding careers in a variety of employment settings…”

Randy Schwartz, MSPH

Benefits of a Master’s in Public Health

  • Many in-demand public health jobs require a master’s degree, including epidemiology positions.
  • Strengthen your research and analytical skills during graduate-level public health courses.
  • A master’s degree helps you stand out in a competitive job market when you’re competing with bio and chem majors.
  • You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience through field placements and practicums.

Reasons to Get Your Master’s in Public Health Degree Online

  • Getting your master’s in public health online means more flexible options that fit your schedule.
  • An online format makes it easier to compare programs and choose the best fit for your budget.
  • You can earn a top-ranked public health degree without having to move or quit your job.
  • Online programs connect you with local organizations to gain experience and build your network.

How Much Does an Online Master of Public Health Degree Cost?

Based on the 2020 NCES National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (2020 Graduate Students), the median annual tuition for all online health programs was $9,310. Although the study doesn’t provide specific tuition costs for an online master’s in public health specifically, this figure still gives you an idea of how much you can expect to pay per year in tuition and fees.

When researching online MPH programs, students should consider non-tuition expenses that can significantly increase the cost of completing any program. The NCES estimates that the average annual non-tuition costs (e.g. books, supplies, transportation) amount to about $12,985. An online program will not involve transportation costs unless there is an internship or externship requirement that involves in-person experiences.

Online in-state students attending public colleges tend to pay the lowest tuition rates, while students at private colleges often pay much more. Research to find out if certain schools grant waivers or don’t charge out-of-state fees for online programs.

Median Annual Tuition Cost of an Online Master’s in Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences

Public Institution

$7,850

Private Institution (Nonprofit)

$10,500

Source: NCES, National Postsecondary Student Aid Study: 2020 Graduate Students

Median Tuition Cost of an Online Master’s in Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences (Two Years)

Public Institution

$15,700

Private Institution (Nonprofit)

$21,00

Source: NCES, National Postsecondary Student Aid Study: 2020 Graduate Students

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s Degree in Public Health?

Online master’s in public health programs require about 42 credits and take two years of full-time study to complete. However, some accelerated tracks can lead to a degree in one year.

Required Course Credits

30-40*
*Depending on your program and specialization

Field Study Requirements

Yes*
*Depending on your program and specialization

Concentrations for a Master’s in Public Health Degree

  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Healthcare Management
  • Nutrition
  • Epidemiology and Biostatistics
  • Global Health
  • Community Health Sciences
  • Spatial Data Science
  • Health Policy and Administration
  • Environmental Health

How Much Money Can I Make With a Master’s in Public Health Degree?

Salaries vary based on location, position, and experience level. For example, the BLS reports that epidemiologists earned a median annual salary of $81,390 in May 2023, with the top 10% boasting a yearly wage of $132,230.

However, those who work in scientific research services saw an average annual salary of $126,970, while epidemiologists who work in hospitals earned about $104,690.

“Salaries in public health vary by geography, setting, and experience. In some states, governmental public health positions pay very well … while similar positions in other states may not pay at the same level. Positions in the private sector generally have better salary levels than governmental and nonprofit organization positions.”

Randy Schwartz, MSPH

What Jobs Can I Get With a Master’s in Public Health Degree?

With an MPH degree, you can pursue careers like epidemiologist, public health manager, health education specialist, or public health consultant. You can also work as a public health researcher, environmental health scientist, or biostatistician.

Your concentration and field placements during your MPH program will prepare you for particular jobs in public health. For example, you can emphasize leadership and administration during your coursework if you’re interested in management roles.

Careers You Can Pursue With a Master’s in Public Health
OccupationAnnual Salary (2024)
Epidemiologist$81,390
Medical and Health Services Managers$110,680
Health Promotion Specialists$62,860
Community Health Workers$48,200
Senior Policy Analyst$84,340
Healthcare Consultant$86,340
Social and Community Service Manager$77,030
Source: BLS and Payscale

Everything Else You Need to Know About Master’s in Public Health Degrees

The answer depends on your unique circumstances, interests, and career goals. If you’re interested in public health careers in fields like epidemiology, a master’s in public health will help you reach your goals.

“Public health is team and relationship-oriented and involves solving important issues such as reducing health disparities in populations. The opportunity to contribute to solutions on leading public health and health care issues makes for a rewarding job,” said Randy Schwartz.

Earning your master’s in public health online can pay off. Accredited online MPH programs meet the same high academic standards as in-person programs. And an online format makes it easier for many grad students to finish their degree.

Once you’re ready to apply to programs, look for accredited programs with concentrations that match your interests. Ask programs about online student services and graduate placement data to find the right option for you.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges.

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