Best Online Master’s in Public Health Programs of 2024
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2024Public health professionals investigate infectious diseases, develop and implement programs to prevent disease or injuries, detect preventable conditions early, educate the public about health and wellness, and implement policies that improve community health.
So what can you do with a public health degree? A master’s in public health leads to careers in health promotion and education, public health management, policy-making, research, and consulting.
If that sounds like the career you want, an online master’s in public health might be the best fit.
Explore Top Online Master’s in Public Health Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master’s in Public Health Programs
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Houston, TX- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,841
- Out-of-state$34,020
- In-State$8,524
- Out-of-state$32,673
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,796
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment6%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- Little Rock, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,708
- Out-of-state$14,448
- In-State$7,934
- Out-of-state$16,124
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,088
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,019
- Out-of-state$34,882
- In-State$10,552
- Out-of-state$28,844
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate20%
- Students Enrolled31,641
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
- Lubbock, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,665
- Out-of-state$19,344
- In-State$6,360
- Out-of-state$16,176
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,378
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Omaha, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,340
- Out-of-state$30,510
- In-State$9,207
- Out-of-state$26,379
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,750
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment16%
- AccreditationYes
University of Nevada-Reno
- Reno, NV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,923
- Out-of-state$24,013
- In-State$5,625
- Out-of-state$21,715
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled21,034
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- 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 Rate30%
- Students Enrolled55,781
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Purdue University-Main Campus
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,718
- Out-of-state$28,520
- In-State$9,718
- Out-of-state$28,520
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled50,344
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
University of Missouri-Columbia
- Columbia, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,017
- Out-of-state$28,992
- In-State$9,950
- Out-of-state$27,245
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled31,401
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
MCPHS University
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$34,700
- Out-of-state$34,700
- In-State$22,950
- Out-of-state$22,950
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate98%
- Students Enrolled7,304
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment21%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Public Health?
What It’s About: These programs teach you how to improve the health and wellness of individuals and entire communities. With this degree, you may address life-changing issues such as the spread of infectious diseases, nutritional deficiencies, injuries and violence prevention and inadequate healthcare.
Purpose: A bachelor’s in public health can give you access to entry-level positions, but many jobs in public health require a master’s degree. These programs help you develop essential research, data analysis, program development, and policy management skills.
Place of Work: This degree can prepare you for a career in government, nonprofits, healthcare, education, or social services. You can work as an epidemiologist, health service manager, health promotion interventionist, or healthcare consultant.
Why Should I Get a Master’s in Public Health Degree?
The degree will give you the knowledge and skills to pursue jobs in public health and healthcare. If you’re still on the fence, consider the benefits of earning your master of public health degree — and why many grad students choose an online format.
“A career in public health is very rewarding. There are opportunities to address important issues facing the country and your community. There are a variety of positions so people with different interests and skills can find rewarding careers in a variety of employment settings…”
— Randy Schwartz, MSPH
Benefits of a Master’s in Public Health
- Many in-demand public health jobs require a master’s degree, including epidemiology positions.
- Strengthen your research and analytical skills during graduate-level public health courses.
- A master’s degree helps you stand out in a competitive job market when you’re competing with bio and chem majors.
- You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience through field placements and practicums.
Reasons to Get Your Master’s in Public Health Degree Online
- Getting your master’s in public health online means more flexible options that fit your schedule.
- An online format makes it easier to compare programs and choose the best fit for your budget.
- You can earn a top-ranked public health degree without having to move or quit your job.
- Online programs connect you with local organizations to gain experience and build your network.
How Much Does an Online Master of Public Health Degree Cost?
Based on the 2020 NCES National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (2020 Graduate Students), the median annual tuition for all online health programs was $9,310. Although the study doesn’t provide specific tuition costs for an online master’s in public health specifically, this figure still gives you an idea of how much you can expect to pay per year in tuition and fees.
When researching online MPH programs, students should consider non-tuition expenses that can significantly increase the cost of completing any program. The NCES estimates that the average annual non-tuition costs (e.g. books, supplies, transportation) amount to about $12,985. An online program will not involve transportation costs unless there is an internship or externship requirement that involves in-person experiences.
Online in-state students attending public colleges tend to pay the lowest tuition rates, while students at private colleges often pay much more. Research to find out if certain schools grant waivers or don’t charge out-of-state fees for online programs.
Median Annual Tuition Cost of an Online Master’s in Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences
Public Institution
$7,850
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$10,500
Median Tuition Cost of an Online Master’s in Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences (Two Years)
Public Institution
$15,700
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$21,00
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s Degree in Public Health?
Online master’s in public health programs require about 42 credits and take two years of full-time study to complete. However, some accelerated tracks can lead to a degree in one year.
Required Course Credits
30-40*
*Depending on your program and specialization
Field Study Requirements
Yes*
*Depending on your program and specialization
Concentrations for a Master’s in Public Health Degree
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Healthcare Management
- Nutrition
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Global Health
- Community Health Sciences
- Spatial Data Science
- Health Policy and Administration
- Environmental Health
How Much Money Can I Make With a Master’s in Public Health Degree?
Salaries vary based on location, position, and experience level. For example, the BLS reports that epidemiologists earned a median annual salary of $81,390 in May 2023, with the top 10% boasting a yearly wage of $132,230.
However, those who work in scientific research services saw an average annual salary of $126,970, while epidemiologists who work in hospitals earned about $104,690.
“Salaries in public health vary by geography, setting, and experience. In some states, governmental public health positions pay very well … while similar positions in other states may not pay at the same level. Positions in the private sector generally have better salary levels than governmental and nonprofit organization positions.”
— Randy Schwartz, MSPH
What Jobs Can I Get With a Master’s in Public Health Degree?
With an MPH degree, you can pursue careers like epidemiologist, public health manager, health education specialist, or public health consultant. You can also work as a public health researcher, environmental health scientist, or biostatistician.
Your concentration and field placements during your MPH program will prepare you for particular jobs in public health. For example, you can emphasize leadership and administration during your coursework if you’re interested in management roles.
| Occupation | Annual Salary (2024) |
|---|---|
| Epidemiologist | $81,390 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $110,680 |
| Health Promotion Specialists | $62,860 |
| Community Health Workers | $48,200 |
| Senior Policy Analyst | $84,340 |
| Healthcare Consultant | $86,340 |
| Social and Community Service Manager | $77,030 |
Everything Else You Need to Know About Master’s in Public Health Degrees
The answer depends on your unique circumstances, interests, and career goals. If you’re interested in public health careers in fields like epidemiology, a master’s in public health will help you reach your goals.
“Public health is team and relationship-oriented and involves solving important issues such as reducing health disparities in populations. The opportunity to contribute to solutions on leading public health and health care issues makes for a rewarding job,” said Randy Schwartz.
Earning your master’s in public health online can pay off. Accredited online MPH programs meet the same high academic standards as in-person programs. And an online format makes it easier for many grad students to finish their degree.
Once you’re ready to apply to programs, look for accredited programs with concentrations that match your interests. Ask programs about online student services and graduate placement data to find the right option for you.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges.
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