Best Online Master’s in Public Health Programs of 2023
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- A master's in public health degree prepares graduates for in-demand public health jobs.
- You'll study environmental health, epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion and education and health policy during an MPH degree.
- Jobs in public health, like epidemiologists, report much faster than average job growth.
- Online programs offer a flexible, affordable route to a public health degree.
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. A master's in public health (MPH) opens doors to many public health jobs.
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. Here's how to get started:
- Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
- Check out the top-ranked online master's in public health programs, as well as our sponsored programs.
- Request more information from schools you're interested in to find the best fit for your schedule, your pocketbook, and your career goals.
What Can You Do With a Master's in Public Health?
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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.
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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.
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Place of Work: This degree can prepare you for careers in government, nonprofits, healthcare, education, and social services. You can work as an epidemiologist, health service manager, health promotion interventionist, or healthcare consultant.
Featured Online Programs in Public Health
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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's in Public Health Degree Cost?
The average per-credit tuition cost for an online master's in public health program can range from about $550-$2,035.
Online in-state students attending public colleges tend to pay the lowest tuition rates, while those enrolled in private colleges often find the highest costs. Some online programs grant waivers or do not charge out-of-state fees.
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Master's Degree
Public Institution
$11,957
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$19,167
Total Average Cost of a Master's Degree (Two Years)
Public Institution
$54,718
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$72,572
What Are the Best Online Master's in Public Health Programs of 2023?
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
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Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $556
Out of State | $1,350
Credits to Graduate
45
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Education for Public Health
IUPUI's online master's in public health lets you choose from six concentrations, including biostatistics, global and environmental health, and epidemiology. Other options are health policy, informatics, and social and behavioral sciences.
Each public health degree path requires an internship and capstone project. To apply, you need a bachelor's degree and must meet math and writing requirements. The school also considers work experience, references, and an interview. You do not need to submit GRE scores.
IUPUI participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program, which offers reduced tuition to nonresident students from participating states.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
Full Time | $565
Part Time | $615
Credits to Graduate
42
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Education for Public Health
Liberty's master's in public health incorporates a hands-on practicum with career-focused courses. You can select a concentration in community health promotion, environmental health, global health, or nutrition. The online master's in public health program features accelerated eight-week classes.
You must have earned an undergraduate degree with a 2.5 GPA or better. If you're interested in continuing your education, you may qualify for dual enrollment in the master's program.
Liberty offers tuition discounts for students in the military or who serve as first responders. You can transfer up to 50% of the required credits. Most students graduate within two years.
University of New England
Biddeford, ME - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Courses
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $770
Out of State | $770
Credits to Graduate
42
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Education for Public Health
UNE's public health degree offers focus areas in health education and epidemiology. In addition to preparing you for public health careers, the health education track covers topics on the Certified Health Education Specialist Exam.
This fully online public health program does not require any visits to the Biddeford, Maine campus. You'll complete an integrated learning experience as a capstone course.
UNE does not require the GRE or a specific undergraduate degree. To apply, you must submit two recommendations, an essay, a current resume, and transcripts. The school accepts applications on a rolling basis six times each year.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,735
Out of State | $1,735
Credits to Graduate
42
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Education for Public Health
UNC-Chapel Hill's public health degree features a 200-hour work experience with a professional mentor. The master's in public health program offers 12 concentrations, including leadership, nutrition, epidemiology, and nutrition and dietetics. The nutrition and dietetics track meets the requirements for becoming a registered dietitian.
As an online student, you can take part in student organizations, receive career coaching, and participate in university events. Digital events include the National Health Equity Research Webcast.
UNC-Chapel Hill offers rolling admissions, full-time and part-time enrollment, and three annual start dates. You can complete the program in as few as 16 months.
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $627
Out of State | $627
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Education for Public Health
Oregon State's online master's in public health focuses on public health practice with a six-credit internship. You'll take courses that cover case studies and evidence-based public health strategies. Electives allow you to focus on topics of interest, like health policy or disaster management.
To apply to Oregon State's master's in public health program, you should have a bachelor's degree from an accredited school with at least a 3.0 GPA. The school uses a centralized application platform, SOPHAS, and a supplemental application. Oregon State does not require the GRE. You can gain admission for the fall term each year.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced and Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $877
Out of State | $877
Credits to Graduate
42
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Education for Public Health
Graduates with a master's in public health from UND report a 100% employment rate in health-related careers. The curriculum also prepares you for the Certified in Public Health Exam.
The UND public health degree offers asynchronous online tracks in health management and policy and indigenous health. The school also offers a population health research track online with scheduled classes. The curriculum allows you to earn graduate certificates in policy analysis, public administration, and geographic information science.
UND does not require the GRE. However, you should have an undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission. You must also provide a written statement, a resume, and three recommendation letters.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Lubbock, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $217
Out of State | $738
Credits to Graduate
45
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Education for Public Health
Based in Lubbock, Texas, TTUHSC's public health program explores how to achieve better health outcomes. The school's graduate curriculum offers you a comprehensive understanding of public health concepts.
Earning a master's in public health from TTUHSC requires hands-on learning. You'll complete a final project that showcases the skills and knowledge you gained through the program's curriculum. Final project options include a thesis, a professional project, a comprehensive exam, or a capstone course.
Admission to TTUHSC requires an undergraduate degree. Only international students must submit GRE scores. You can finish the accelerated online program in only 15 months.
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $950
Out of State | $950
Credits to Graduate
42
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Education for Public Health
MCW's master's in public health focuses on community health assessment. This concentration looks at assessing community needs, planning programs to impact those needs, and evaluating data.
In the master's in public health program, you'll work with community health organizations on special projects. You'll also complete a capstone project on a public health issue.
The school accepts applications year round. To receive admission to the program, you need an undergraduate degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher. You do not need to submit GRE scores.
University of Illinois Springfield
Springfield, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $411
Out of State | $411
Credits to Graduate
48
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
UIS offers a multidisciplinary public health curriculum. This approach encourages you to consider health policy and theory but also cultural competencies and historical views.
You can choose a general public health master's curriculum or concentrate on environmental health. The program requires you to complete an internship and a comprehensive exam. You can also get a joint degree in public administration or human services.
UIS requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, three recommendation letters, and an essay.
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $700
Out of State | $700
Credits to Graduate
42
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Education for Public Health
KU offers an online master's in public health in collaboration with the KU Medical Center. The online master's program at KU features a general public health curriculum, hands-on internship, and capstone experience. Internships require 192 hours of service learning.
The online graduate certificates in public health essentials, epidemiology, and public health practice allow you to craft a degree aligned with your career goals.
Admission to the program requires a 3.0 GPA in undergraduate study, with one year of professional experience preferred. You must also submit a resume and three letters of recommendation.
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
Many online master's in public health programs offer concentrations that enable you to align your academic studies with your career goals. Some of these concentrations include:
Common Master's in Public Health Concentrations
- 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?
Median annual wage for medical and health services managers
$101,340
(Data from Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Salaries vary based on location, position, and experience level. For example, the BLS reports that epidemiologists earned a median annual salary of $78,830 in May 2021, with the top 10% boasting a yearly wage of $130,050.
However, those who work in scientific research services saw a median annual salary of $126,470, while epidemiologists who work in hospitals earned about $83,230.
"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?
A master's in public health will prepare you for many career paths. 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.
During your MPH program, your concentration and field placements will prepare you for particular jobs in public health. For example, if you're interested in management roles, you can emphasize leadership and administration during your coursework.
Careers You Can Pursue With a Master's in Public Health
- Epidemiologist
- Medical and Health Services Managers
- Health Promotion Specialists
- Community Health Workers
- Senior Policy Analyst
- Healthcare Consultant
- Social and Community Service Manager
Check out these Featured Programs in Public Health
Is an Online Master's in Public Health Worth It?
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.
Everything Else You Need to Know About Master's in Public Health Degrees
What are the highest-paying jobs with a master's in public health?
The highest-paying jobs with a master's in public health include epidemiologist and public health administrator/ manager. The best-paid epidemiologists reported a median salary of over $130,000 in May 2021. And the highest-paid medical and health services managers earned more than $205,000.
Environmental health scientists also report a high potential salary. The field's median pay was around $76,500 in May 2021, but the highest-paid environmental health scientists earned around $129,000 per year.
How do I become a public health nurse?
You can become a public health nurse by earning your RN license and studying public health. Many public health nurses enroll in BSN programs and take classes in community health, health science, and public health.
After completing the licensure process, nurses can also pursue training in public health. The Certified in Public Health credential is one option. Nurses can also earn a public health degree. Alternatively, if you have a public health degree, you can enroll in a second degree BSN program to qualify for an RN license.
Is a master's in public health a hard major?
A master's in public health can be challenging. The degree requires strong analytical and research skills. Grad students examine complex health challenges that require understanding microbiology, data analytics, policy implementation, social and behavioral sciences, and epidemiology.
You'll also need solid communication and teamwork skills for your fieldwork requirement. Programs help students succeed by providing advising, mentoring, and support services. And a master's in public health is a rewarding degree that makes a difference in people's lives.
