Public health professionals want to make a difference in health practices and policies in their communities. Earning a master of public health (MPH) serves as an entryway to the profession. Students become experts in public health theory and practice and move into careers, such as epidemiology or healthcare consulting.
This page offers insight into the best online MPH programs and guidance on how to choose the best program for your goals.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online MPH programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
At a Glance: The Top Online MPH Programs
Learn more about the key factors to consider when choosing a program, or go straight to our full ranking of the best online MPH programs.
Featured Online MPH Programs
How Do Online MPH Programs Work?
MPH programs prepare students to work in public health. Because the profession is so broad, degrees sometimes require learners to choose concentrations, such as health promotion, global health, epidemiology, health policy, or nutrition and dietetics.The curriculum comprises theory classes and supervised clinical experience.
Online MPH programs include the same curriculum requirements as traditional on-campus options, but students get more autonomy and flexibility with online learning. That said, distance learners still complete any clinical components on site.
Students can find both part- and full-time online MPH programs. Some schools offer accelerated options, and formats can be either synchronous or asynchronous. Students can complete the program in about two years.
Applying to an Online MPH Program
Applicants to online MPH programs need a bachelor's degree. Although schools don't always require an undergraduate major in public health, some education background in the field can help your admission chances. MPH programs typically do not expect applicants to possess work experience, but experience can enhance an application.
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Admission Materials
Transcripts from an accredited bachelor's degree; letters of recommendation; personal statement or essay; some schools require GRE test scores
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GPA Requirement
Typically schools require a minimum 3.0 GPA for bachelor's coursework, or at least a 3.0 in the last 60 credits of their undergraduate education.
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Other Requirement
Some schools may require students to have taken specific undergraduate courses.
Why Is Online MPH Program Accreditation Important?
When researching online MPH programs, always check a program's accreditation status. Accreditation ensures the school offers students a valuable education and that a degree adequately prepares students for their careers.
Accreditation can impact the graduate's career opportunities as well. Employers often seek job candidates who hold an accredited degree. Graduate schools do not acknowledge undergraduate credits from unaccredited programs. In the healthcare industry, licensure and certification requirements usually include an accredited degree.
Because of the importance of accreditation, all programs listed in this ranking hold accreditation.
Learn More About the Best Online MPH Programs and Schools
See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.
#1 The Best Online MPH Programs
University of California-Berkeley
- Berkeley, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Description:
The online master of public health (MPH) at University of California, Berkeley features concentrations in epidemiology and biostatistics, health policy and management, and public health nutrition. Students can also design their own interdisciplinary programs.
Most classes run asynchronously with online group activities and remote faculty office hours. Enrollees complete two on-campus summer intensives.
Details:
- Program: MPH
- Campus: Berkeley, CA
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health
- Tuition: $1,341 per credit
- Admission Requirements: 3.0 GPA; college-level statistics and epidemiology with a B+; for health policy and management concentration, two years of work experience
- Minimum Time Commitment: 27 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment
5%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 The Best Online MPH Programs
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Description:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a master of public health (MPH) degree online. Concentration options include applied epidemiology, leadership, nutrition, and registered dietician.
The 42-credit curriculum includes student-selected practicums in real-world public health environments. Learners complete a comprehensive oral assessment and a project-based culminating experience. The program offers full-time, part-time, and accelerated study.
Details:
- Program: MPH
- Campus: Chapel Hill, NC
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health
- Tuition: $1,997 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution; prerequisite classes
- Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $86,040 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
12%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 The Best Online MPH Programs
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Description:
University of Florida's master of public health (MPH) degree online requires 42-48 credits. Students complete asynchronous coursework and proctored online exams. The program offers concentrations in public health practice and social and behavioral sciences.
Students select and arrange an applied practice experience at a public health site and complete a capstone project.
Details:
- Program: MPH
- Campus: Gainesville, FL
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health
- Tuition: $550 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree; 3.0 GPA; for public health practice concentration, post-bachelor's professional work experience
- Minimum Time Commitment: Self-paced
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.9% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $91,130 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 The Best Online MPH Programs
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Description:
The master of public health (MPH) at Johns Hopkins University emphasizes a population perspective on public health. Johns Hopkins offers an online MPH program with content areas that include food systems, humanitarian health, and infectious diseases.
Students complete a population-based health practicum and a capstone project.
Details:
- Program: MPH
- Campus: Baltimore, MD
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health
- Tuition: $987 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Two years of post-bachelor's health-related experience or a doctorate in a field underlying public health; strong academic record shown on transcripts or GRE, MCAT, GMAT, or LSAT scores
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.5% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $95,360 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 The Best Online MPH Programs
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Description:
The University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine offers a fully online master of public health (MPH). One of the best online MPH programs, this program includes synchronous class sessions and industry expert mentorship. Enrollees can choose a one-year accelerated learning option.
Some concentration options include global health, geohealth, and health services and policy. Learners can also customize a generalist track.
Details:
- Program: MPH
- Campus: Los Angeles, CA
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health
- Tuition: $2,035 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree; 3.0 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
Percent Online Enrollment
17%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#6 The Best Online MPH Programs
University of South Florida-Main Campus
- Tampa, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Description:
University of South Florida's online master of public health (MPH) offers seven focus areas. Options include epidemiology, infection control, and social marketing.
Course delivery methods include blogs, discussion forums, podcasting, streaming, web conferencing, and wikis.
Details:
- Program: MPH
- Campus: Tampa, FL
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health
- Tuition: $431 per credit for in-state learners; $877 for out-of-state learners
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree; 3.0 GPA; for nutrition and dietetics concentration, completion of accredited didactic program in dietetics or registered dietitian with two years of experience
- Minimum Time Commitment: 30 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Minimal for some focus areas
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $97,850 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
55%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 The Best Online MPH Programs
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Description:
Florida International University offers a 45-credit master of public health (MPH) degree online. The curriculum blends coursework and lab research with a field practicum learners complete locally. Students end the program with a culminating integrative seminar experience.
Enrollees can earn optional certificates in epidemiology, environmental health sciences, or health policy with minimal additional requirements.
Details:
- Program: MPH
- Campus: Miami, FL
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health
- Tuition: $600 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution; 3.0 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.7% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $166,710 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 The Best Online MPH Programs
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Description:
The online master of public health (MPH) at University of West Florida features a generalist track and concentrations in global health or health promotion, education, and behavior. One of the best online MPH programs,the 42-credit program includes a two-semester practicum and applied practice experience.
Out-of-state learners may qualify for a 90% out-of-state tuition waiver.
Details:
- Program: MPH
- Campus: Pensacola, FL
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health
- Tuition: $385 per credit for in-state learners; $1,044 for out-of-state learners ($479 with waiver)
- Admission Requirements: Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution; 3.0 GPA; GRE verbal score of 150, quantitative score of 146 (may be waived for applicants with 3.2 undergraduate GPAs or terminal/advanced professional degrees)
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.5% first-time pass rate
Percent Online Enrollment
66%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 The Best Online MPH Programs
Excelsior College
- Albany, NY
- 4 years
- Online
Description:
Excelsior College's online programs include a master of public administration (MPA) that focuses on leadership and business in public service, including health policy. One of the best online MPH programs, the program includes a capstone solving real problems in public or nonprofit organizations.
Students can choose a cannabis control concentration or electives like critical issues in public health and communication strategy for the healthcare leader.
Details:
- Program: MPA
- Campus: Albany, NY
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition: $695 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree
- Minimum Time Commitment: Self-paced
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 77.8% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $97,960 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Out-of-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#10 The Best Online MPH Programs
University of Missouri-Columbia
- Columbia, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Description:
University of Missouri offers a master of public health (MPH) with emphasis areas in health promotion and policy or veterinary public health. The curriculum combines asynchronous and synchronous instruction, internships, and capstones.
Learners can pair this MPH degree online with a doctor of veterinary medicine or master's in journalism, public affairs, and social work.
Details:
- Program: MPH
- Campus: Columbia, MO
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health
- Tuition: $487 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Postsecondary transcripts; 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.4% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $89,560 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
32%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Frequently Asked Questions About Online MPH Programs
How long does it take to get an MPH?
The average MPH program requires 2-3 years of full-time study. Many online MPH programs offer part-time options, which may take longer to complete. Some schools offer accelerated options that allow candidates to graduate in under two years.
Are there any one-year MPH programs?
MPH programs take about two years to complete. However, some programs allow learners to follow a self-paced approach and complete the program in less time.
What can you do with an MPH?
MPH graduates can apply their specialized knowledge to fields like epidemiology and healthcare. MPH-holders become public health nurses, public health analysts, healthcare consultants, epidemiologists, health educators, and healthcare administrators. Some MPH graduates go on to earn a doctorate in public health.
What is the average salary for graduates with an MPH?
MPH graduates earn an average base salary of $70,000 per year, according to data compiled by Payscale in February, 2023. Healthcare consultants report average earnings of about $82,130. Epidemiologists earn an average $67,750, and health educators bring in a base average salary of about $48,450.
