The Best Online Public Health Nursing Programs
Credit: Courtney Hale / iStock / Getty Images PlusKey Takeaways
- An MPH, MSN, or DNP in public health nursing can lead to leadership roles, higher pay, and a broader variety of job options.
- Only accredited programs qualify students for licensure, certification, and financial aid.
- Most programs require a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an RN license, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and supporting materials such as references and essays.
If you’re looking to advance your career in public health nursing, particularly in a community or government setting, consider earning a master of public health (MPH), master of science in nursing (MSN), or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree in public health nursing.
While the minimum degree requirement to become a public health nurse is a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), earning an MPH enables you to specialize in public health and pursue more advanced roles .
When comparing an MSN with a concentration in public health vs. an MPH, it’s important to note that while these programs may overlap, they are not identical. A public health MSN better suits applicants who wish to remain in the nursing field, while an MPH may be a better option for those wanting to bring their nursing expertise to related fields like epidemiology or environmental health. Some students may be interested in earning both degrees through an MSN-MPH dual degree program.
Discover the best MPH programs for you in this ranking and career guide. Find out what to look for, how to pay for your degree, and potential career paths.
The Best Public Health Nursing Programs
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
At Alabama-based Jacksonville State University, students can enroll in a 38-credit master of science of nursing in population health. The program prepares learners to address the health needs of vulnerable communities.
Degree-seekers can enroll full or part time and participate in most of the program through online coursework. Courses include epidemiology and transcultural nursing in healthcare. In addition to a practicum, the curriculum may also require on-campus visits, such as orientation or on-site simulated experiences.
- Program(s): Master of science in nursing – population health
- Campus: Jacksonville, Alabama
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $410 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing; current RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: About 18 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 89.09% pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $63,997 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$9,720
- Out-of-state$19,440
- In-State$9,600
- Out-of-state$19,200
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled9,238
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
- Omaha, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in healthcare, including a doctor of nursing practice in healthcare policy. Specifically for nurses with a master's degree in nursing or public health, the degree offers both full- and part-time options. The full-time option lasts two years, while part-time students can graduate in 3-4 years.
The curriculum comprises 50 credits and 960 clinical practice hours. Degree-seekers take a combination of asynchronous and synchronous courses and participate in one on-campus intensive weekend. The program culminates in two practicum experiences in advanced public health and health policy.
- Program(s): Doctor of nursing practice – public health policy
- Campus: Omaha, Nebraska
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $817 per credit
- Admission Requirements: A BSN and/or an MSN or an MSN and a master of public health; minimum 3.0 GPA; current RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 95.12% pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $76,460 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$15,089
- Out-of-state$15,089
- In-State$12,038
- Out-of-state$12,038
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled1,212
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This ranking was created prior to 2024.
How Do Online Public Health Nursing Programs Work?
Many online programs offer 100% online coursework or asynchronous learning, which allows you to complete coursework on your own time while still meeting deadlines. Other programs are hybrid programs and require you to take courses in person and online.
If an online program is accredited, it must meet the same standards as an in-person program, including the number of clinical hours. Online public health nursing programs require that students get hands-on clinical experience by participating in clinical practices within their local community. MPH programs require field experience, but unlike an MSN in public health programs, this requirement doesn’t emphasize direct patient care.
Online programs usually provide students with access to online libraries, discussion boards, and digital resources to facilitate engaging learning experiences. In addition, students receive online support from faculty and academic advisors.
Applying to a Public Health Nursing Program
Finding the right online public health nursing program is a big decision. Typical steps include narrowing your search to just a few options, ensuring you meet the admission requirements, and submitting your application and all other required admission materials.
- Admission Requirements: Applicants typically need a BSN from an accredited program to apply for public health MSN programs. If you are applying for an RN-to-MSN or an accelerated or direct-entry MSN program, you will not be required to have a BSN. Most programs require a year or more of nursing experience.
- Admission Materials: You will likely need at least two professional references, transcripts from an undergraduate program, an active, unencumbered registered nurse license, a personal essay, a resume, and an application. Some programs also require background checks or certain immunizations
Why is Public Health Nursing Program Accreditation Important?
Nursing program accreditation demonstrates that the program meets quality standards. The accreditation process for graduate nursing programs involves a third-party review of its curriculum, courses, and instructors to ensure the program meets the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) standards of safe nursing practice.
There are several reasons accreditation is essential, including:
- Nurses must attend accredited programs to be eligible to take the NCLEX exam, become licensed, and obtain nursing certifications.
- Graduates from non-accredited BSN programs may not be eligible for graduate school.
- Credit transfers from an unaccredited school are generally not accepted.
- Federal aid and other lenders will only approve financial assistance for accredited programs.
- Many employers require that nurses complete accredited programs to ensure they have learned safe nursing practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Health Nursing Programs
A public health nursing degree focuses on public health nursing and is typically offered at the graduate level. An MSN focusing on public health is an example of a public health nursing degree. While an MPH is a popular option for nurses interested in public health, it’s not a public health nursing degree. People from various related backgrounds can earn an MPH.
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