The Best Online MPH Programs
- Best Online MPH Programs and Schools
- Program Overview
- Applying to an Online MPH Program
- Program Accreditation
- FAQ
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Credit: Solskin / DigitalVision / Getty ImagesPublic 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.
Featured Online MPH Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
At a Glance: The Top Online MPH Programs
- University of California-Berkeley
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- University of Florida
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of Southern California
- University of South Florida-Main Campus
- Florida International University
- The University of West Florida
- Excelsior College
- University of Missouri-Columbia
Learn More About the Best Online MPH Programs and Schools
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$41,196
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$26,544
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate17%
- Students Enrolled42,327
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,019
- Out-of-state$34,198
- In-State$10,552
- Out-of-state$28,278
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate25%
- Students Enrolled30,092
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment91%
- AccreditationYes
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,477
- Out-of-state$25,694
- In-State$10,770
- Out-of-state$27,335
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate31%
- Students Enrolled53,372
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$54,160
- Out-of-state$54,160
- In-State$57,010
- Out-of-state$57,010
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate11%
- Students Enrolled28,890
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment88%
- AccreditationYes
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$59,260
- Out-of-state$59,260
- In-State$47,880
- Out-of-state$47,880
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate16%
- Students Enrolled46,287
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment89%
- AccreditationYes
University of South Florida-Main Campus
- Tampa, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,559
- Out-of-state$15,473
- In-State$8,350
- Out-of-state$19,048
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled50,626
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment90%
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,721
- Out-of-state$16,529
- In-State$8,912
- Out-of-state$21,393
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled58,836
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,735
- Out-of-state$16,004
- In-State$7,088
- Out-of-state$22,166
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled13,061
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Excelsior College
- Albany, NY
- 4 year
- Online
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled21,974
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
University of Missouri-Columbia
- Columbia, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,330
- Out-of-state$27,612
- In-State$9,478
- Out-of-state$25,946
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled31,089
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment87%
- AccreditationYes
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.
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 degree 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.
Admission Materials
Transcripts from an accredited bachelor’s degree; letters of recommendation; personal statement or essay; some schools require GRE test scoresGPA 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.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.
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.
