The Best Online MPH Programs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.