Best Online MPH Programs in 2023: Find Accredited Schools for Your Master's

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The public health industry has a wide range of career paths in client care and health research alike. An online master’s in public health is a great degree option for health professionals who are looking to enhance their knowledge and prepare for leadership roles in the field without leaving their current jobs. However, enrolling in an online MPH program takes careful consideration, so doing ample research is essential. On this page, we’ve collected some of the most useful information on online MPH programs, careers for MPH graduates, and financial aid. We’ve also put together a list of this year’s best accredited online MPH programs, accounting for quality, convenience and cost, to make finding the right school a little easier. Explore the top schools, find the ones that tick all the right boxes for you, and get started on your path towards a master’s degree.

#	School Name	Type	Cost	Online Programs	School Information	Online Students	Academic Counseling	Career Placement	Students w/Institutional Aid
1	East Carolina UniversityGreenville, NC	Public	$	1	Students in the Master of Public Health program at East Carolina University, a public school located in Greenville, North Carolina, have the option of completing all coursework entirely online, entirely on-campus, or through a combination of online and on-campus classes. The program’s curriculum consists of 24 credit hours of required core foundational public health courses, six credit hours in applications (consisting of a field placement and capstone professional paper), and 15 credit hours of required and elective coursework in one of three concentrations: epidemiology; health policy, administration, and leadership; or community health and health behavior. In addition to instructional coursework, all MPH students must complete an in-person field placement experience of 280 hours with an approved public health agency in the school’s or student’s local area. Both full-time and part-time study options are available. Students can begin their programs in either the fall or spring semester. Program Highlights: Master of Public Health Credits: 45 Cost: $263.83/credit (resident), $994.33/credit (non-resident) Length: 2-4 years Mode: fully online or partially online, plus in-person field placement	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
2	Indiana University-Purdue University-IndianapolisIndianapolis, IN	Public	$$	2	IUPUI offers two of the six concentrations in its Master of Public Health program online. The MPH in Epidemiology teaches students how to design and carry out studies, analyze data, and integrate the results in plans to protect and prevent detriments to health in populations. The MPH in Health Policy & Management offers a balance of academic theory and real-world applications to prepare graduates for positions in health services administration and management. Both programs feature online coursework along with a 240-hour in-person practical experience with an approved public health agency. Both programs also include a culminating activity, which is a capstone experience for health policy and management students and a final concentration project for epidemiology students. Both full-time and part-time study options are available. Program Highlights: Master of Public Health Credits: 45 Cost: $556/credit (resident), $1,350 (non-resident) Length: 2-3 years Mode: online coursework with in-person practical experience	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio14/1	AccreditationHLC
3	University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia, SC	Public	$$$	3	The University of South Carolina offers two online options for Master of Public Health students. The MPH in health promotion, education, and behavior professional online program is designed to prepare public health leaders in community, health department, school, and worksite settings. The 45-credit hour curriculum is delivered 100% online in an asynchronous format that allows students to access coursework at anytime. The MPH in health services policy and management via the school’s distance education program prepares students for public administration leadership positions with government agencies and private sector health-related organizations. This MPH program also requires completion of 45 credit hours of coursework that can be accessed entirely online. Program Highlights: MPH in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior Professional Online Program; MPH in Health Services Policy and Management via Distance Education Credits: 45 Cost: $572.25/credit (resident); $1,240.00/credit (non-resident) Length: 24 to 26 months Mode: fully online	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
4	University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC	Public	$$$	2	The online Master of Public Health program offered by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill aims to provide students with a strong integrated foundation in public health along with knowledge and skills in a specialized area of the public health field. Studies begin with the completion of the “Gillings Core” consisting of 15 credits of foundational public health coursework. This is followed by a comprehensive exam and completion of required and elective coursework in one of four concentrations: applied epidemiology, dietetics, leadership, or nutrition. All coursework is completed online. However, students are required to complete in-person practice experiences, which consist of 1000 hours for dietician concentration students and 200 hours for all others, at a program-approved agency typically in the student’s local area. Program Highlights: Online Master of Public Health Credits: 42 Cost: $1,023.23/credit (resident), $1,997.40/credit (non-resident) Length: 16 to 36 months Mode: online coursework, in-person field work/supervised practice experience	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementImplied no	Student/ Faculty Ratio13/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
5	Ohio University-Main CampusAthens, OH	Public	$$	2	Ohio University, a public research university located in the southeast Ohio community of Athens, offers an online Master of Public Health degree designed to prepare leaders dedicated to the protection and promotion of health in rural and other vulnerable communities. With the exception of the applied practice field experience of 200 clock hours attended at a program-approved public health agency, all courses in the 74-credit program are delivered 100% online in an asynchronous format allowing students to access and complete their coursework at their convenience. Studies culminate with the completion of the MPH integrative learning experience (ILE) in which students apply the knowledge and skills gained in the program in a semester-long project. Program Highlights: Online Master of Public Health Credits: 42 Cost: $654/credit (resident); $673/credit (non-resident) Length: 2-3 years Mode: online coursework, in-person practicum/field experience	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationHLC
6	Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterLubbock, TX	Public	$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio7/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
7	The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa, AL	Public	$$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
8	Northeastern State UniversityTahlequah, OK	Public	$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationHLC
9	New Mexico State University-Main CampusLas Cruces, NM	Public	$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationHLC
10	Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater, OK	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1	AccreditationHLC
11	Augusta UniversityAugusta, GA	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
12	University of FloridaGainesville, FL	Public	$$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
13	University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis, MN	Public	$$$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationHLC
14	University of South DakotaVermillion, SD	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1	AccreditationHLC
15	Missouri State University-SpringfieldSpringfield, MO	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1	AccreditationHLC
16	The University of MontanaMissoula, MT	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1	AccreditationNWCCU
17	Walden UniversityMinneapolis, MN	Private for-profit	$$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementImplied no	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationHLC
18	University of South FloridaTampa, FL	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio22/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
19	University of Nevada-RenoReno, NV	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationNWCCU
20	University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmaha, NE	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio2/1	AccreditationHLC
21	Florida Agricultural and Mechanical UniversityTallahassee, FL	Public	$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio14/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
22	Utah State UniversityLogan, UT	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationNWCCU
23	Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette, IN	Public	$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio28/1	AccreditationHLC
24	Grand Canyon UniversityPhoenix, AZ	Private for-profit	$$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementImplied no	Student/ Faculty Ratio21/1	AccreditationHLC
25	Youngstown State UniversityYoungstown, OH	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1	AccreditationHLC
26	Southern Connecticut State UniversityNew Haven, CT	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio12/1	AccreditationNECHE
27	Mississippi University for WomenColumbus, MS	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementImplied no	Student/ Faculty Ratio12/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
28	University of KansasLawrence, KS	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationHLC
29	Lamar UniversityBeaumont, TX	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
30	University of Illinois SpringfieldSpringfield, IL	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio12/1	AccreditationHLC
31	Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids, MI	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1	AccreditationHLC
32	University of Arkansas for Medical SciencesLittle Rock, AR	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementImplied no	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationHLC
33	North Dakota State University-Main CampusFargo, ND	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementImplied no	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationHLC
34	University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia, MO	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1	AccreditationHLC
35	Liberty UniversityLynchburg, VA	Private not-for-profit	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
36	University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham, AL	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
37	Indiana State UniversityTerre Haute, IN	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1	AccreditationHLC
38	The University of West FloridaPensacola, FL	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
39	South Dakota State UniversityBrookings, SD	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationHLC
40	Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb, IL	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationHLC
41	Concordia University-NebraskaSeward, NE	Private not-for-profit	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio14/1	AccreditationHLC
42	University of MemphisMemphis, TN	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
43	American Public University SystemCharles Town, WV	Private for-profit	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementImplied no	Student/ Faculty Ratio23/1	AccreditationDEAC
44	University of Southern MississippiHattiesburg, MS	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
45	Cleveland State UniversityCleveland, OH	Public	$$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1	AccreditationHLC
46	Saint Mary’s University of MinnesotaWinona, MN	Private not-for-profit	$$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementImplied no	Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1	AccreditationHLC
47	Florida International UniversityMiami, FL	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio25/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
48	Louisiana State University-ShreveportShreveport, LA	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio28/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
49	Lake Erie College of Osteopathic MedicineErie, PA	Private not-for-profit	$$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio1/1	AccreditationMSCHE
50	Columbia Southern UniversityOrange Beach, AL	Private for-profit	$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementImplied no	Student/ Faculty Ratio39/1	AccreditationDEAC

Online MPH Program Spotlights

Still can’t find that one online MPH program that meets all of your criteria? Not to worry. We’ve profiled three additional programs in detail from three nationally-recognized universities. Take a look at what they have to offer in our write-ups below.

Dartmouth College

Dartmouth offers a 22-month hybrid master’s in public health. While the program combines online and on-campus work, Dartmouth’s MPH is a low-residency program, with students spending three weeks per year on campus. This time on campus is minimal enough that professionals don’t have to leave work for extended periods but still gives students the opportunity to meet their peers and instructors in person and have live, face-to-face classes. The rest of their program is completed online using virtual classes, video lectures, case studies and problem sets as modes of learning. Dartmouth admits students in cohorts of about 40 peers and boasts a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Students take one course at a time in addition to a practicum course that spans the duration of the program. Dartmouth’s practicum combines elements of a traditional master’s thesis with internship. Students address a healthcare issue and produce an academic product, like a grant proposal or policy white paper, which they present at the end of their program.

The George Washington University

George Washington University offers multiple online MPH programs to meet the needs of different students, including two accelerated tracks. The 18-month accelerated online track gives students the opportunity to earn their MPH faster than usual while still being able to work part-time. Students who want to finish their degree in an even shorter amount of time or fill a gap year before starting med school can enroll in GWU’s 12-month accelerated program. Prospective MPH students who prefer to take as little time off work as possible have options at GWU, too. The school’s customizable master of public health program allows students to earn their degree on a full-time or part-time basis over 2-5 years. All programs have the same curriculum; the number of credits taken each term is the only thing that changes. After choosing the right program length, MPH students can choose courses from six specialization tracks. Students can take all courses from the same track, giving them a highly specialized degree, or they can build a broader degree and choose courses from multiple specializations. Students must also complete a practicum at a local, national or international organization.

University of California Berkeley

UC Berkeley’s online MPH program is designed for mid-career professionals who want a flexible degree program that doesn’t take them away from work. The program takes about 27 months to complete, but with permission from an academic advisor, students may be able to graduate in as few as 20 months. Berkeley combines synchronous and asynchronous elements to give students a dynamic online learning experience. Along with live video interactions each week in small working groups and larger lecture set-ups, students access readings, take quizzes, post to discussion boards, listen to lectures and watch videos online on their own time. Berkeley’s MPH features two on-campus learning experiences in the program’s summer terms and provides opportunities for degree specialization. Students may choose from five interdisciplinary concentrations: health policy and management (HPM), global health, community health sciences, epidemiology and spatial data science for public health. The required practicum is self-directed but with structured guidance from the school. Students gain in-field experience at partner organizations both nationally and internationally.

CEPH Accredited Online MPH Programs

When browsing online MPH programs, students should make sure their potential schools and MPH programs are accredited. Accreditation shows that institutions and programs of study have undergone standardized quality assessments determined by a board of field experts. Regional accreditation is one of the most widely recognized forms of accreditation in the U.S. Seven regional accrediting bodies governed by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) evaluate colleges and universities holistically. This is known as institutional accreditation, and it plays an important role in students’ financial aid. Students must be enrolled in a regionally accredited school in order to receive federal financial aid.

Individual programs of study within an institution can also undergo accreditation. The organization in charge of accrediting public health programs is the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). CEPH accredits both schools of public health and specific public health programs, like online Master of Public Health degrees. Those who enroll in a CEPH-accredited online MPH not only get an education evaluated on multiple levels by public health academics and professionals, they may also have more job opportunities. Many public health careers limit employment or give strong preference to applicants who have graduated from CEPH-accredited programs and schools. Also, those looking to earn the Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential may not sit for the CPH exam unless they graduated from a CEPH-accredited program.

Understanding the Master’s in Public Health Online

Applying to an online master’s in public health program is an important decision that should be given careful thought. All programs are different, so prospective MPH students should take time to familiarize themselves with different options. Being adequately informed can help ensure students enroll in an online MPH that works for them. Here are some key things to consider when comparing online master’s of public health programs.

What will you learn in online MPH programs?

A helpful way to determine whether or not an MPH is the right program of study for you is to check out the curriculum and see if the courses may help you in your educational and career goals. Curriculum specifics vary between programs, but many online MPH programs have some core courses in common.

Epidemiology

Introductory epidemiology courses introduce students to basic epidemiology principles and methods, like creating research questions and assessing the distribution of health and disease within populations. Students may learn about causal relationships, study design methods and other practical epidemiological techniques and concepts.

Course titles to look for: Epidemiologic Methods; Epidemiology of Health & Healthcare

Research Methods

Research courses often provide an essential framework for MPH final projects. Students learn about research design, data collection and analysis for public health research. They may also go over inferential best practices and learn different techniques for qualitative and quantitative research.

Course titles to look for: Research Methods in Public Health; Qualitative & Survey Research Methods

Health Policy

These courses focus on health policy and finance in the United States. Students may examine how concepts from other disciplines, like economics and political science, are applied to health policy as they learn about the nature of policy-making and the effects of implementing health policy.

Course titles to look for: Health Policy and Management; Health Policy

Program Planning

As the name suggests, students in these courses typically learn how to plan public health programs. Planning methods and research techniques may be introduced and assessed to help students create and evaluate health plans. Collaboration and communication are often featured prominently in program planning courses.

Course titles to look for: Program Planning; Program Planning and Evaluation; Planning, Implementing, and Evaluating Change

Environmental Health

This entry-level course typically covers common environmental factors that contribute to disease. Students may be introduced to exposure assessment, toxicology and risk assessment. Some courses may also explore occupational health issues.

Course titles to look for: Intro to Environmental Health Science; Introduction to Environmental Health; Environmental and Occupational Health

While taking their public health courses, MPH students also gain a range of skills that may help them in their careers. These skills are often developed throughout the course of a program across multiple classes and capstone experiences. When comparing MPH programs online, students can see whether skills and competencies like the ones below have a significant place in the curriculum.

Project development and research
Analytical and quantitative analysis of health care data
Strategic decision-making
Communication, teamwork and leadership
Programmatic improvement

What concentrations can I choose in an MPH program?

For many students, a bachelor’s degree provides the foundational knowledge needed to enter a career field, and their master’s degree allows them to deepen their knowledge in a particular area of interest within that field. Focusing their studies on a particular demographic or other aspect of public health may help graduates land jobs that require specialized knowledge and skills. These are just a handful of the concentrations available through different online MPH programs.

Aging & Public Health

This concentration may be good for students interested in studying aging populations and understanding the process of aging from their point of view. This area of focus may include studies in health issues for aging populations, changes in the brain and behavior and assessment of policy to better serve diverse aging populations.

Child & Adolescent Health

Students who focus their studies on child and adolescent health may examine a variety of environmental, socioeconomic, demographic and cultural factors to gain specialized knowledge on health issues that affect young people. Students may use their capstone project to study and address a particular issue that affects children’s health.

Health Policy and Management

Through a health policy and management concentration, students have the chance to gain focused knowledge on organizational behavior and management in healthcare, the systems through which health policy decisions are made, health policy evaluation methods, economics and financing of health policy.

Epidemiology and Biostatistics

This may be a good specialization for students drawn to quantitative data and analysis. Studies in biostatistics help students interpret statistical data and assess its validity and relevance, while epidemiology involves using data to track diseases and study correlations between disease and other factors. Students typically choose a research question to apply data gathering and analysis skills throughout their program to draw conclusions.

Global Health

Students interested in developing skills and gaining knowledge they can use to improve the health of underserved populations around the world may want to pursue an MPH with a global health focus. Students may spend a significant amount of time learning about global health policy development and implementation.

Program planning and evaluation

Those who are particularly interested in developing and improving health programs can focus their studies on creating health promotion and education programs. Students may take marketing classes alongside courses centered around issues that affect specific populations, like reproductive health in low-income areas, to help them develop and implement effective health programs.

How long do online MPH programs take to complete?

Many online MPH programs are designed for students who have jobs and need a flexible way to advance their careers, so they’re often intended to be completed on a part time basis. This often takes around 22-27 months, but MPH programs typically require in-field practicum hours, which may push graduation for students with tight schedules or who currently work outside of healthcare. Some schools offer accelerated degree programs, which can cut completion time to around 18 months, and highly motivated students can seek out full-time online MPH programs, which take about a year to complete.

The One Year Online MPH

One-year online master’s of public health programs aren’t as common as their part-time counterparts, but options exist for those who want to earn their degree as quickly as possible. While students can earn their degree quickly, one-year online MPHs can make it difficult to work while taking classes. Typical one-year degree course loads are on-par with a full-time job. However, these accelerated programs can be an excellent fit for students taking a gap year while applying to med school.

One program to consider is the University of Southern California’s one-year online MPH. The program is fully online with no residency requirement, and students can choose from six concentrations to sharpen their expertise:

Biostatistics and Epidemiology
Community Health Promotion
Global Health
GeoHealth
Health Services and Policy
Generalist

The course load is about 40 hours per week with students taking 2-4 classes a term. During their final semester, students complete a practicum. The program starts in May, but applicants are accepted on a rolling basis. USC advises that students not work while completing their accelerated MPH. However, a few scholarships are available for the Master of Public Health Online program, which can help offset tuition costs while students are away from work.

How much will a master’s in public health online cost?

The cost of an online MPH degree depends on a mix of factors, like which school you attend, your financial aid package and how long it takes to complete your degree program. Some online programs even have different tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. Berkeley’s online MPH program doesn’t differentiate between in-state and out-of-state tuition, but online students must still pay campus fees each term. Tuition for their online MPH costs $1,277 per credit with a $728 campus fee per semester. Therefore, students who take longer to graduate may end up paying more overall. When determining costs, it’s best to check with individual online MPH programs and seek out cost breakdown details. If you’re looking for schools that have reasonable tuition costs while still delivering on quality, check out our ranking of most affordable online MPH programs.

Do I need to take the GRE for an MPH program?

GRE requirements for online MPHs depend on the program. Some schools do require GRE scores while others waive the score requirement if applicants have a certain amount of relevant professional experience. There are plenty of master’s of public health degrees that don’t require GRE scores that may be great fits for mid-career professionals or those who have taken a significant gap between their undergraduate and graduate programs.

What’s does a practicum entail?

As with traditional master’s of public health degrees, online MPH programs have a practicum requirement. The practicum allows students to gain hands-on experience in an area of public health that aligns with their career aspirations, conduct thesis-style research and apply their classroom knowledge in a practical setting. Most master’s of public health online weave the practicum component throughout the entire program, but accelerated degrees may focus on coursework first and dedicate the final semester to research and hands-on experience. Students may work with a faculty mentor to develop their practica, which typically focus on a specific public health issue, and then conduct research and use the skills gained in class to create one or more solutions to their proposed issue. Some practica focus more heavily on in-field work, where students work with public health organizations to apply their knowledge to real issues. Students are usually required to write a report, proposal, grant, plan or other publication and present it to faculty and peers. Presentations may occur during short, on-campus residencies.

Paying for Your Online Public Health Degree

Before enrolling in an online MPH program, prospective students should make sure they have their finances together and can pay for their degree. Figuring out how to pay for college can be intimidating, but getting everything sorted out in advance can be a huge stress relief when it comes time to begin classes. There are a range of financial aid options to help students plan for their MPH degrees.

Scholarships

Public health master’s students can apply for a variety of merit- and need-based scholarships. While applying for them can take time, scholarships are a great form of financial aid. They don’t need to be repaid, and many of them can be renewed for multiple terms. Visit our scholarships page to find some of the top scholarships for medical and health students.

Financial aid

Filling out the FAFSA is a relatively straightforward way for students to open themselves to multiple federal financial aid opportunities. Students may be eligible to receive grants, scholarships, work-study funds and subsidized loans. Many institutions use the FAFSA to determine their financial aid packages, too, so it’s definitely worth filling out. Learn more about the FAFSA and other forms of financial aid.

Grants

The FAFSA considers students for federal grants, but MPH students can seek out grants elsewhere, too. Professional organizations and non-profits can be excellent sources of gift aid like grants.

Private Loans

If after pursuing other forms of financial aid students still need tuition assistance, they can apply for private loans. These must be paid back, and they tend to accrue interest even while a student is in school.

Employer Sponsorship

Sometimes employers will provide tuition assistance to employees who want to advance their educations. Typically, students have to at least be able to explain how the additional education would benefit their employer, but some tuition sponsorship agreements are a little more involve. Berkeley provides some helpful tips on requesting employer sponsorship on your online MPH.

What’s After Your Online MPH?

It’s a smart move to think about what comes after an MPH well before enrolling in an online program. Understanding potential careers and getting a feel for the industry’s future before starting an online MPH can help prospective students make informed decisions about their career and degree paths. Career options, role expectations, industry growth and salary potential are important pre-enrollment considerations.

Are there any certifications or licenses I need with an MPH?

While there aren’t any required certifications or licenses for public health professionals, graduates of online MPH programs may opt to get a Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential from the National Board of Public Health Educators (NBPHE). Those who hold this credential indicate advanced public health knowledge and a commitment to continued professional development and industry advancement. A CPH credential also shows potential employers that MPH graduates maintain national standards for public health professionals and are committed to upholding professional values. To earn the CPH credential, graduates of CEPH-accredited online MPH programs must pass an exam administered by the NBPHE.

What can I do with an online MPH?

Public health is a broad and varied industry, so those with advanced degrees like an MPH can explore many career paths upon graduation. With backgrounds in research, policy and healthcare, MPH graduates may pursue a range of careers within non-profit, government and private organizations. After earning their master’s of public health online, students may track and study health data as epidemiologists or biostatisticians. They may conduct essential research and add to the body of public health knowledge. Others might work in the public sector to develop and implement public health policy. Graduates can also continue their educations and pursue a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) or a PhD in Public Health, both of which can open up even more career opportunities. The following chart gives prospective master’s of public health students a small sample of the career possibilities available to MPH graduates.

How much can you earn with an MPH degree?

Those who hold an MPH degree can take on a wide range of careers, so earnings vary. Healthcare administrators, for instance, had a median annual wage of $99,730 in 2018, while the median wage for epidemiologists was $69,660. (Bureau of Labor Statistics) Regardless of their specific career paths, salaries for public health professionals generally increase with higher education levels and more job experience. Use the table below to see how education, experience and location affect earnings for various public health careers.

Career	# Employed	Entry-Level	Early Career	Mid-Career	Experienced	Late Career
Medical and Health Services Managers	372,670	$58,680	$76,050	$99,730	$130,820	$182,600
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary	199,480	$43,370	$61,280	$97,370	$160,580	–
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health	80,480	$42,520	$53,580	$71,130	$94,590	$124,620
Epidemiologists	7,060	$42,240	$54,930	$69,660	$89,950	$112,600
Healthcare Social Workers	168,190	$34,210	$43,530	$56,200	$70,280	$84,870
Health Educators	58,780	$32,030	$39,800	$54,220	$74,660	$98,530
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors	267,730	$28,240	$34,950	$44,630	$57,580	$72,990
Community Health Workers	56,130	$26,070	$32,280	$39,540	$51,650	$65,890

Further Education & Related Degrees

Those interested in public health aren’t limited to online MPH programs, so if a master’s in public health doesn’t seem like the right degree path, there are plenty of other options to explore. Some degree programs hone in on more specific aspects of public health or may have a stronger focus on client care over research and policy. Some prospective students may want to explore their options after completing an MPH. Those who aren’t sure if an online MPH program is the best fit for them may find these other health degrees worth looking into.

Continuing Education

Online Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

An Online Doctor of Public Health is a great degree for professionals who have earned their MPH but want to continue their educations and prepare themselves for advanced leadership roles in public health sectors. Students focus their training on a specific area of public health while also developing their leadership, management and communication skills.

Prospective students who are drawn to the business side of healthcare may be better suited to an online MHA. Healthcare administration programs involve study in finance, human resources and marketing essential for keeping healthcare facilities functioning. Students also explore ethics, emerging technologies and leadership issues in healthcare.

Online Master’s in Health Science

Students who want to earn a specialized degree in a specific area of health science may be good candidates for online master’s in health science degrees. Schools offer many different specialization areas to prepare students for subject-specific research or clinical careers.

Inside the Best Online MPH Programs for 2023