[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a master’s in public health (MPH) can help you positively impact your community. With this degree, you can work across a variety of fields related to healthcare, including as a community educator, biostatistician, or epidemiologist.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This interdisciplinary master’s degree builds on various skills and offers you the opportunity to impact individuals, communities, and even national policy for generations to come. Additionally, the program’s scope widens your options and gives you transferable skills to work on many different issues.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Let’s dive into some of the best online MPH programs, how to choose one, and what you can do with your degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Best Online MPH Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we pride ourselves on our proprietary ranking methodology to help prospective students like you find the best fit. Our ranking system uses data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias while accounting for key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This ranking is from 2023. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Program Overview[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online master’s degree in public health trains you in epidemiology, public health policy, and environmental health. While pursuing your MPH degree, you can often choose a specialization like biostatistics, public health policy, or health administration.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most online MPH programs incorporate an internship or practicum experience. Depending on the program, your internship may require 6-12 months to complete. Earning a master’s in public health degree online typically takes two years of full-time study. However, some programs offer accelerated options to expedite the graduation timeline.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Common Courses in Online MPH Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Biostatistics: This course introduces the methods that public health researchers use to design research studies and analyze data to address public health challenges.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Epidemiology: This course explores the causes and impacts of diseases in humans. Coursework may cover examples of disease outbreaks and relevant case studies.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public Health Policy: This course provides a foundation in current health policy, including the development of existing laws and programs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public Health Factors: This course discusses prevalent public health theories. You’ll explore the cultural, social, and environmental factors that affect public health.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public Health Program Development: This course covers techniques for creating and implementing effective public health intervention programs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]MPH Joint/Dual Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning an MPH joint/dual degree can prepare you for specialized roles. For example, a dual MPH/master’s in healthcare administration program offers training for management roles in healthcare.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MPH dual degrees offer complementary graduate training in less time. Earning an MPH and a master of business administration (MBA) individually would likely take at least 3-4 years, but joint MBA-MPH programs usually require just two years. MPH dual-degree program options include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-mba/”]Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-healthcare-administration/”]Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-nursing-administration/”]Master’s in Nursing[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-public-policy/”]Master’s in Public Policy[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-masters-social-work/”]Master’s in Social Work (MSW)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose an Online Master’s in Public Health Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When choosing an online MPH program, you should consider factors like cost, program length, and specialization options. It’s also important to consider your career goals. By considering these factors, you can find the best fit for your professional goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Program Format[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The program format is an important consideration as you look at online MPH programs. Some questions to consider include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Can you complete the program part time or must you attend full time?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What are the considerations and accommodations for students with a learning disability?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What financial aid options does a program offer?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Are there additional academic help or tutoring resources available?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Does your program offer [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/synchronous-vs-asynchronous-programs-courses/”]synchronous or asynchronous[/hen-ui-link] classes?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Is there a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Accreditation[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You should also research [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]institutional and programmatic accreditation[/hen-ui-link] before submitting any applications. Accredited programs meet industry-specific standards for educating students in public health, and only accredited universities can distribute federal financial aid to students.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://ceph.org/” target=”/"_blank"”]Council on Education for Public Health[/hen-ui-link] grants programmatic accreditation to schools of public health and public health programs. Only graduates from accredited MPH programs qualify for professional certifications and licenses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Cost[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/paying-for-college/”]Online programs often cost[/hen-ui-link] less than traditional on-campus programs. One contributing factor to lower fees is far lower overhead costs, including building maintenance, student health, and campus security. Additionally, some public schools charge all online learners the same tuition rate, regardless of where they live.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Specializations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As an MPH candidate, you can focus your education on specializations that prepare you for unique roles within the public health sector. It is crucial to check that your prospective program has the specialization you want to pursue. Common specializations include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Biostatistics: Professionals in this field use statistics to answer research questions in medicine, biology, and public health.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Epidemiology: Epidemiologists produce research-backed data to help public health professionals make decisions about ongoing events and health policy.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Environmental Health: These workers focus on the relationship between the environment and people to promote human health and well-being and create safe communities.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Health Policy and Administration: These professionals deal with critical policies and program issues that impact illness prevention and health promotion in individuals and communities.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do With a Master’s in Public Health?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a master’s in public health degree prepares you for careers in healthcare settings, nonprofit organizations, and the public sector. An MPH degree can lead to job opportunities as a health educator, public health specialist, epidemiologist, or [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-healthcare-administration/”]healthcare administrator[/hen-ui-link]. This degree can also prepare you to pursue a doctorate in public health.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following table summarizes common public health careers, including median annual salaries and projected job growth rates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Public Health Careers and Salaries[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Public Health Careers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary (2022)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Growth (2022-2032)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Public Health Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm#tab-1/” target=”_blank”]Epidemiologist[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2022)”]$81,390[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Growth (2022-2032)”]27%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Public Health Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm#tab-5/” target=”_blank”]Health Education Specialist[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2022)”]$62,860[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Growth (2022-2032)”]7%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Public Health Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm#tab-1/” target=”_blank”]Medical and Health Services Manager[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2022)”]110,680[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Growth (2022-2032)”]28%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Public Health Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]Social and Community Service Manager[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2022)”]$77,030[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Growth (2022-2032)”]9%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Public Health Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm#tab-1/” target=”_blank”]Statistician (Biostatistician)[/hen-ui-link] [/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2022)”]$104,860[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Growth (2022-2032)”]30%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Public Health Job and Salary Outlook[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The typical salaries for MPH graduates encompass a wide range that depends on your position, geographical location, and experience. However, according to Payscale data from May 2024, the average annual salary for workers with an MPH was about [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Public_Health_(MPH)/Salary” target=”_blank”]$73,000[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many jobs in the healthcare field are projected to see increased demand in the coming years. This is especially true for epidemiologists, medical and health services managers, and biostatisticians — these positions are each projected to grow ~5-6 times faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Is a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) Worth It?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many professionals in the public health space have either an MPH or Ph.D. MPH programs emphasize the practical aspects of public health necessary to work as a researcher, disease investigator, educator, and/or advocate.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a master’s in public health, you can qualify for advanced positions in public health, including within healthcare centers, nonprofits, and government agencies. An MPH degree is often well worth the time and effort for those seeking a career in public health.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About MPH Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How long are MPH programs?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most MPH programs take around two years for full-time students. Programs that incorporate internships may require additional time. Incoming students with transfer credits and those who choose accelerated programs can earn MPH degrees in less time.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is an MPH degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree in public health (MPH) helps qualify you for meaningful public health leadership roles in the private and public sectors. The curriculum for a public health degree varies between programs, but most schools offer similar foundational coursework.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This typically includes training in areas like infectious diseases, public health policy, and public health education. These courses help strengthen your research and analytical skills to prepare you for advanced careers in the public health field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]MPH vs. MHA: Which is better?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The answer to this question depends on your goals. A [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/healthcare-administration-degree/”]master’s in healthcare administration[/hen-ui-link] is a more business-focused credential. However, both MPH and MHA degrees provide leadership skills and can be earned through an online program. Additionally, some dual-degree MPH programs also give you the option of completing an MHA degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]