With the rise of technology, the face of education has changed – people can get a degree in just about anything online. Among these emerging degree programs are online master’s in public health (MPH) programs, and with such a crowded field of online education options, it is important to thoroughly research an online institution prior to enrollment. 

This guide includes pertinent information about online master’s in public health degrees. From the difference between on-campus and online MPH programs to admissions requirements and available programs with accreditation status, this resource may help students decide if a master’s in public health online is right for them. 

A master’s in public health from an accredited online program may help set you up for an exciting career change. This list of online MPH programs was curated to provide the most up to date and helpful information on Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accredited degree programs online. In order to help you find the best online public health programs for you, we’ve listed programs that have a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 and do not require prerequisite courses or professional health experience for admission into the program. 

Since technology has contributed so much to education over the last decade, the prevalence of students attending online degree programs has increased. Online degree programs receive the same accreditation review process as their on-campus counterparts in order to ensure that the curriculum is up to date and the education is of the highest quality. There could be a lot of self-instructions involved in online courses, which could allow students to experience intellectual growth, independently. Online degrees are no longer something to be afraid of – the large numbers of successful online graduates each year are representative of how far technology has come in education. Here are some benefits of an online master’s in public health for you to consider:

When choosing an MPH degree program, it is worth the effort to find one that is accredited in public health to best set yourself up for success in the field. According to the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), an independent accrediting agency for the field of public health, an accredited MPH program must be evaluated to meet their standards of educational programs pertaining to public health – this is the best way to assure programs are of a high quality to best meet student needs. Accredited online MPH programs have also recently become prevalent as CEPH reviews online programs as well to ensure that they uphold the same standards as their on-campus counterparts.

There are many different types of online MPH programs to consider, and different program experiences within those types. Explore the following options and formats to see which MPH program type is best suited to your needs.

To help find the right school environment and program format that fit your needs, we have provided a breakdown, along with the benefits of the different MPH program options available.

Depending on the type of learner you are, you may find different online instructional methods more appropriate for your learning style.

Asynchronous programs are some of the most popular for online degree programs. In programs that present themselves as asynchronous, students are given the most freedom and ability for self-learning. These programs usually provide instructions via an online course room, without any direct interaction from instructors. Asynchronous learning environments are usually more suitable for students that need the freedom to complete courses at their own pace.

Synchronous programs are a more instructor-guided option for students who like a more engaged environment. This type of degree program may include social aspects such as virtual discussions, live instructor lectures and group assignments. All of these are conducted in the online classroom and may require students to be involved virtually. Synchronous online MPH programs closely mirror the traditional version – as interaction with both peers and professionals is typically emphasized.

The prerequisites for a master’s in public health online will be similar to those of a traditional school or program, with most programs requiring:

Many schools also require prerequisite courses in math or statistics, biology and/or social sciences, and they should be completed prior to online MPH applications. Some programs may also ask for health-related work experience before applying.

While completing online MPH programs, students will take courses that both directly and indirectly pertain to public health. Some of the many areas that typical MPH programs touch upon include: 

Once coursework has been completed, online MPH students often are required to complete a comprehensive exam and/or a research paper in which they attempt to demonstrate their mastery of the entire public health program accompanied by an internship or practicum. Practicum and internship experiences are often found by the student, sometimes with assistance from their school or faculty, and set up in coordination with a practicum specialist to ensure the student will be able to successfully meet all the requirements.

Public health professionals have many different responsibilities throughout their careers and, as a result, the coursework is extremely diverse.

An online master’s in public health might take anywhere from 12 months to three years to complete. Since this is a master’s-level program, there are many different topics to cover, and online MPH programs typically attempt to condense the wide amount of information in efficient and effective ways. If a student chooses to take classes at a regular pace, overall completion time will usually be around two years. There are many different factors that can change the completion time of the average online MPH program, including family, work, or personal commitments.

Students who choose to enroll in dual-degree programs may find that the length of completion time may increase due to the additional course requirements for graduation. Master’s-level programs typically do not exceed three years in length.

There are great degree and career options for those interested in improving the healthcare system. The more prominent fields that focus on this are public health and healthcare administration. MPH and MHA programs have similarities; however, there are distinct differences when it comes to areas of study and career opportunities.

An online MPH program prepares individuals to work with specific populations and communities to improve their health through awareness, education, policy and research. During the course of study, students develop skills and gain advanced knowledge in biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, health policy and administration, and social and behavioral sciences, with the opportunity to select a specialty. Depending on the university, the MPH program may offer a concentration in healthcare administration. This allows students to develop the skills for research and programming and other skills to advance their career specifically in the healthcare administration field.

Online master’s in health administration programs are designed to teach students to manage healthcare systems and take on leadership/management roles within healthcare organizations. Throughout this program, students will learn about finance, marketing and human resources. Plus, students will develop advanced skills in communication and strategic decision-making. An MHA degree program is better suited for those interested in the business and policy side of healthcare.

Researching master’s degree programs can lead to interested students having many questions. Below, we curated answers to some common questions relating to master’s in public health online programs.

Last updated July 2023.