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Why Earn an Online Master of Public Health?


With continued global connectivity through travel, cooperative research, and international trade, the topics of public health and environmental health are more important than ever. The need for more people to obtain a degree such as a Master of Public Health is ever-increasing. These master of public health degrees can be gained from a campus or online master of public health program (Online MPH program) or a relevant degree in health sciences.

This is an ever-expanding field with many subjects that may be part of the core courses in a university program that reaches well beyond an individual's physical health. This may include subjects of water safety, childhood obesity, which environmental factors affect health, biostatistics, community health or population health, community health education, health promotion and public health education, mental health, maternal and child health, safe housing, occupational health and safety, health systems, health management, epidemiology health policy management, and much more. This specialization covers the economic, environmental, and social health of local and global communities alike.

By pursuing a public health education from a school of public health to obtain a Master of Public Health, you are committing to a life of making a positive difference in the lives of every human on the planet.

A Master of Public Health degree may be available from a local state university or a school dedicated to the healthcare field with either on-campus or online programs format. No matter where prospective students choose to earn their public health education, they must make sure that there is appropriate accreditation. Students who attend in-person or online schools with accreditation enter with some public health professional experience and leave with practicum experience that will help them succeed in the real world at public health organizations, advance their public health career and increase their annual salary as well.

These freshly minted MPH graduates will work as public health professionals and work directly with public health practitioners and community health workers to focus on public health promotion, maintain the health of communities, improve public health outcomes for the health of populations, maintain health equity and lower health disparities, face various public health challenges including rampant mental health issues and infectious disease prevention, and much more.

PROS

To advance your career in this field you must have at least a Master of Public Health. This degree may increase your pay significantly, even if you were already in a health promotion or human health services administration position. Depending on the job, public health practitioners could quickly earn at least $20,000 more a year with a master’s over a bachelor’s degree and, if they choose to earn their degree online, they may do so without ever leaving their current job. An MPH program offers students with an on-campus or online public health master's degree the option to select a specialization or concentration in the public health field such as those in global health, environmental and occupational health and safety, health management, public health educator, and more.

As a public health practitioner, these unique areas of expertise will also provide an illuminating culminating experience and help you increase your pay, even if you already had professional experience in the field. If prospective students select a combined or dual degree program that provides them with expertise in another area, this is also a bonus. You also must have a bachelor’s degree or master’s and several years of work experience in the real world if you want to achieve any of the professional certifications such as the Certified in Public Health (CPH), Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), or the Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES).

CONS

A Master of Public Health degree provides tremendous career and financial advantages; however, it does not come without challenges and potential setbacks. These master’s degrees often take significantly longer to complete than master’s degrees in other fields, even if you're earning your degree online. You will have to commit at least two to three years of your life to an epidemiology health policy management program or something similar. The content of the curriculum is high-level and will provide access to clinical studies and leadership methods. It could be even longer if you cannot take the courses full-time each term and must instead attend part-time, as many online students do.

Many Master of Public Health degrees also require several years of work experience before you can apply to a program, though not necessarily leadership experience. Therefore, you cannot continue your community health education immediately following your undergraduate degree. Also, if you are unable to secure a higher-level position such as health services administration, you may not be able to make enough money to justify your educational investment. Be sure to speak with your employer about tuition reimbursement opportunities to help eliminate some of the financial burdens of a graduate degree and ensure that the program you are considering is fully accredited.

Compare Popular Online Public Health Programs

Top 25 Best Online Masters in Public Health Programs


1

University of California-Berkeley

Score: 93.73

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,700
    • Out-of-State: $26,802
  • Net Price: $19,257
  • Acceptance Rate: 11%
  • Retention Rate: 96%
  • Graduation Rate: 94%
  • Total Enrollment: 45,307
  • Undergrad Students: 32,479
  • Graduate Students: 12,828
  • Grads Salary: $94,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • University of California-Berkeley
2

Johns Hopkins University

Score: 92.9

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $60,480
    • Out-of-State: $60,480
  • Net Price: $24,034
  • Acceptance Rate: 7%
  • Retention Rate: 97%
  • Graduation Rate: 94%
  • Total Enrollment: 31,275
  • Undergrad Students: 6,044
  • Graduate Students: 25,231
  • Grads Salary: $92,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 6:1
  • Johns Hopkins University
3

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Score: 90.06

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $25,894
    • Out-of-State: $52,124
  • Net Price: $19,318
  • Acceptance Rate: 18%
  • Retention Rate: 97%
  • Graduation Rate: 93%
  • Total Enrollment: 51,225
  • Undergrad Students: 32,695
  • Graduate Students: 18,530
  • Grads Salary: $85,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
4

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Score: 87.71

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,552
    • Out-of-State: $28,844
  • Net Price: $10,614
  • Acceptance Rate: 17%
  • Retention Rate: 96%
  • Graduation Rate: 91%
  • Total Enrollment: 31,705
  • Undergrad Students: 20,029
  • Graduate Students: 11,676
  • Grads Salary: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
5

University of Washington

Score: 86.98

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $17,004
    • Out-of-State: $30,477
  • Net Price: $10,603
  • Acceptance Rate: 48%
  • Retention Rate: 94%
  • Graduation Rate: 84%
  • Total Enrollment: 52,319
  • Undergrad Students: 36,213
  • Graduate Students: 16,106
  • Grads Salary: $83,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 21:1
  • University of Washington
6

University of Southern California

Score: 86.1

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $63,468
    • Out-of-State: $63,468
  • Net Price: $36,808
  • Acceptance Rate: 12%
  • Retention Rate: 97%
  • Graduation Rate: 92%
  • Total Enrollment: 48,945
  • Undergrad Students: 20,699
  • Graduate Students: 28,246
  • Grads Salary: $89,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • University of Southern California
7

University of Maryland

Score: 86.09

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $16,238
    • Out-of-State: $35,388
  • Net Price: $16,210
  • Acceptance Rate: 45%
  • Retention Rate: 95%
  • Graduation Rate: 89%
  • Total Enrollment: 40,792
  • Undergrad Students: 30,353
  • Graduate Students: 10,439
  • Grads Salary: $81,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of Maryland
8

New York University

Score: 84.64

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $37,332
    • Out-of-State: $37,332
  • Net Price: $29,499
  • Acceptance Rate: 12%
  • Retention Rate: 95%
  • Graduation Rate: 87%
  • Total Enrollment: 59,144
  • Undergrad Students: 29,401
  • Graduate Students: 29,743
  • Grads Salary: $83,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 8:1
  • New York University
9

Northeastern University

Score: 82.73

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $26,715
    • Out-of-State: $26,715
  • Net Price: $35,827
  • Acceptance Rate: 7%
  • Retention Rate: 97%
  • Graduation Rate: 91%
  • Total Enrollment: 30,013
  • Undergrad Students: 16,302
  • Graduate Students: 13,711
  • Grads Salary: $82,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Northeastern University
10

San Diego State University

Score: 81.99

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,176
    • Out-of-State: $16,680
  • Net Price: $13,017
  • Acceptance Rate: 39%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 78%
  • Total Enrollment: 37,402
  • Undergrad Students: 32,194
  • Graduate Students: 5,208
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 25:1
  • San Diego State University
11

San Jose State University

Score: 81.46

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,176
    • Out-of-State: $16,680
  • Net Price: $14,219
  • Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 68%
  • Total Enrollment: 35,751
  • Undergrad Students: 26,863
  • Graduate Students: 8,888
  • Grads Salary: $89,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 22:1
  • San Jose State University
12

University of Rochester

Score: 80.47

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $41,888
    • Out-of-State: $41,888
  • Net Price: $39,775
  • Acceptance Rate: 39%
  • Retention Rate: 92%
  • Graduation Rate: 90%
  • Total Enrollment: 12,197
  • Undergrad Students: 6,767
  • Graduate Students: 5,430
  • Grads Salary: $84,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • University of Rochester
13

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Score: 79.6

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,364
    • Out-of-State: $31,489
  • Net Price: $22,291
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%
  • Total Enrollment: 32,229
  • Undergrad Students: 24,391
  • Graduate Students: 7,838
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of Massachusetts-Amherst
14

University of South Florida

Score: 78.36

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,350
    • Out-of-State: $19,048
  • Net Price: $11,004
  • Acceptance Rate: 44%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 74%
  • Total Enrollment: 49,600
  • Undergrad Students: 38,047
  • Graduate Students: 11,553
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 22:1
  • University of South Florida
15

Indiana University-Bloomington

Score: 78.17

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,033
    • Out-of-State: $31,932
  • Net Price: $16,234
  • Acceptance Rate: 82%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 81%
  • Total Enrollment: 47,005
  • Undergrad Students: 35,660
  • Graduate Students: 11,345
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Indiana University-Bloomington
16

University of Florida-Online

Score: 78.05

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: N/A
    • Out-of-State: $0
  • Net Price: $10,791
  • Acceptance Rate: 65%
  • Retention Rate: 92%
  • Graduation Rate: 79%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,356
  • Undergrad Students: 5,356
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 54:1
  • University of Florida-Online
17

Michigan State University

Score: 76.6

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $20,202
    • Out-of-State: $39,696
  • Net Price: $22,803
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 82%
  • Total Enrollment: 50,023
  • Undergrad Students: 39,201
  • Graduate Students: 10,822
  • Grads Salary: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Michigan State University
18

George Mason University

Score: 76.46

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,426
    • Out-of-State: $35,377
  • Net Price: $18,479
  • Acceptance Rate: 90%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 71%
  • Total Enrollment: 39,049
  • Undergrad Students: 27,014
  • Graduate Students: 12,035
  • Grads Salary: $79,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • George Mason University
19

University of Arizona

Score: 75.88

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,348
    • Out-of-State: $32,290
  • Net Price: $17,075
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 68%
  • Total Enrollment: 49,403
  • Undergrad Students: 38,751
  • Graduate Students: 10,652
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • University of Arizona
20

George Washington University

Score: 75.79

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $33,930
    • Out-of-State: $33,930
  • Net Price: $42,723
  • Acceptance Rate: 49%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 85%
  • Total Enrollment: 25,939
  • Undergrad Students: 11,482
  • Graduate Students: 14,457
  • Grads Salary: $81,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • George Washington University
21

University of Illinois Chicago

Score: 75.69

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,181
    • Out-of-State: $25,346
  • Net Price: $10,384
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%
  • Total Enrollment: 33,747
  • Undergrad Students: 21,807
  • Graduate Students: 11,940
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of Illinois Chicago
22

Florida International University

Score: 75.38

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,119
    • Out-of-State: $21,600
  • Net Price: $9,881
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 55,609
  • Undergrad Students: 45,688
  • Graduate Students: 9,921
  • Grads Salary: $68,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 24:1
  • Florida International University
23

Mercer University

Score: 75.11

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $15,531
    • Out-of-State: $15,531
  • Net Price: $22,087
  • Acceptance Rate: 75%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 74%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,889
  • Undergrad Students: 4,859
  • Graduate Students: 4,030
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Mercer University
24

Oregon State University

Score: 74.68

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,446
    • Out-of-State: $28,242
  • Net Price: $21,163
  • Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Graduation Rate: 70%
  • Total Enrollment: 34,292
  • Undergrad Students: 28,905
  • Graduate Students: 5,387
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Oregon State University
25

Saint Francis University

Score: 74.65

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $21,290
    • Out-of-State: $21,290
  • Net Price: $27,459
  • Acceptance Rate: 73%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 72%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,857
  • Undergrad Students: 2,461
  • Graduate Students: 396
  • Grads Salary: $78,999
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Saint Francis University

Overview of an Online Master's in Public Health


What Online Public Health Master’s Degrees are Available?


There are multiple online public health programs (online MPH programs) available. Here are some examples of degree titles you will find from a school of public health:

  • Online Master of Public Health (MPH)
    Of all the types of master of public health programs, this public health degree is considered a professional online master’s degree rather than educational, liberal arts, or scientific-based degree. Most MPH degree programs only take two years to complete and they often focus on biostatistics, environmental health, epidemiology, health care administration, policy and behavioral, and social science.
  • Online Master of Arts in Public Health (MAPH)
    Master of Arts in Public Health Programs (MAPH programs) will often focus more on social issues, such as state and federal health law, healthcare providers, and more when compared to other public health programs. They also have a more general focus rather than a specialized approach. Many people who graduate with this type of master of public health degree will work for government agencies, health-related organizations, or for community health programs to evaluate public health programs, health policy, and the performance of other public health professionals in order to determine where to best to allocate resources to improve global health, human health, health equity and health services to the best of their organization's ability.

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  • Online Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH)
    Compared to other school of public health programs, the MSPH focuses on an in-depth, academic and research-based degree rather than a professional degree. You might work to solve existing global health problems like environmental health by examining data. You might be required to complete a thesis and the program can be completed in two to five years, depending on the program.
  • Dual Degrees
    The dual degree is becoming an increasingly popular choice of public health master's degree, particularly within the field of public health. With many public health programs to choose from, public health professionals can combine the previous degrees with any number of additional graduate degrees, including an MD, PharmD, veterinarian degree, law degree, MBA, and more.

Admission Requirements for a Master of Public Health


The requirements for admissions to a master of public health online programs in this field will vary greatly based on the type of online master’s degree it is. All master of public health degrees; an online master of public health or on-campus MPH program, will require a bachelors in public health or a related field with a minimum GPA for an application to be successful, as established by the program. Some online programs will require a graduate degree entrance exam and others will not. If you do require one, the required exam will be dependent on the program type.

The usual options are the GRE, GMAT, MCAT, or LSAT. Public health programs may also require several years of relevant work experience and letters of recommendation. If you wish to gain entry into the best online programs, you should also participate in giving back to the community and extracurricular activities either within the U.S. or in needy places in other countries. Keep in mind that if you wish to take a dual or combined degree program, you will have to apply to the two educational programs at the same time to qualify for this special opportunity.

How long does it take to earn an Public Health Online Master’s?


A standard Master of Public Health online degree from a school of public health will take between two and three years. Many online school of public health programs will offer or require an internship before you graduate. Some online degree programs will take up to five years to complete. Each of these educational programs will be different based on whether or not it is a public health online degree or not. The required time will also depend on the number of courses you can commit to each term and whether or not you work or have other family or social obligations.

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Potential Careers in Public Health with an Online Master’s


  • Public Health Program Director
    A program director in this field will oversee all healthcare facilities and services in public health practice for their employer. You might work for a clinic or work in health information. If you work in a clinic, you will be responsible for the policies and procedures all doctors must follow. If you work in health information, you will enforce all federal regulations.
    Average Income: $83,500
  • Public Health Director
    A director is responsible for all administrative activities in regard to public health. You will establish the vision and goals of policies you design within a community. You must monitor and report on the results.
    Average Income: $83,500
  • Healthcare Administrators
    A healthcare administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operations of various public health practice of medical facilities, such as a hospital, doctor’s office, or research lab. You will establish goals and budgets in patient care.
    Average Income: $69,500
  • Epidemiologists
    An epidemiologist is a large part of public health. These individuals work to establish disease patterns, prevent outbreaks, and educate local communities. You might also be responsible for policymakers, medical professionals, creating educational awareness programs and communicating information to the public on topics such as maternal and child health, and more.
    Average Income: $64,700
  • Health Informatics Manager
    A health informatics manager works in biostatistics and performance analysis. You will analyze and manage health and patient information. These positions are essential for public health practice with the improvement of patient care, healthcare efficiency, and financial savings.
    Average Income: $68,400

Annual Salary by Occupation


Occupations Entry Level Salary Range Mid-Career Salary Range Late Career Salary Range
Health Educator $38,500 $50,500 $56,800
Epidemiologist $51,500 $75,400 $96,800
Environmental Scientist $43,600 $59,000 $81,700
Medical Laboratory Scientist $51,000 $60,200 $67,200
Health and Safety Specialist $56,300 $65,900 $78,600
Health Informatics Specialist - - -
Healthcare Administrator $55,400 $75,000 $91,800
Biostatistician $67,000 $86,500 $113,700

Options to Advance


You can become an executive and hold C-level positions with an online Master of Public Health. If you wish to keep ahead of the competition for these types of business-related positions, you should have a dual degree in an MBA and an MPH or a similar combination. Any individual who wishes to advance their career in public health to the highest levels will require a PhD or a doctorate degree, as such positions usually require medical and laboratory work. You might also wish to conduct medical research or become a professor. If so, both positions often require additional graduate degrees. Also, for any high-level position, work experience will be equally as important as a graduate degree.

Frequently Asked Questions


What are my options for concentrations in this field?

There are, of course, many concentrations in nearly any master’s degree you consider. However, the actual classes required for a concentration in one school might be different in another, even if the concentration title is the same. If you are interested in a specific concentration that is available in several of your prospective programs, you should read through their course catalog to see what the requirements are for each one. This can help you make a decision when all other factors are similar. Here's a list of concentrations in public health, though this is by no means comprehensive.

  • Biostatistics
  • Community Health Promotion
  • Environmental Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Generalist
  • GeoHealth
  • Global Health
  • Health Education
  • Health Management
  • Health Policy
  • Health Services Administration
  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences

Will I need to complete an entrance exam to gain admission to a school of public health master’s program?

To obtain your master's in public health degree, it is certainly possible that the programs you are considering for your master’s will want you to complete the GRE before they grant you admission to the program. However, this will not necessarily be the case for every public health program. There are some that are exceptions to this rule or who have moved away from the GRE requirement. If you are aiming to avoid taking a standardized test, you will simply have to look for a public health degree or program that does not require it.

Will I need to complete a practicum in my master’s program?

While it is not a requirement, it is nearly universal that a master’s program in this field will require students to complete a practicum or internship before they graduate. These are required in order to ensure that graduates truly have the experience and knowledge necessary to succeed in the field.

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