While a Masters of Public Health may be the same degree that students can earn from multiple schools, the programs can be vastly different in their scope, prestige, affordability and other factors. Using an array of metrics, we ranked the top 25 online mph programs. Each school has its own appeal and reason for being chosen, such as: the amount of time it takes for both the fast-paced full-time students as well as the more measured part-time students, the cost of the program, the types of concentrations within the MPH degree, and the breadth of certificates concurrently offered or earned alongside the degree.
In order to differentiate from other schools, each program has unique aspects that they advertise, for instance, as Fort Hays State offers an MPH degree for the lean requirements of 30 credit hours to complete a degree. They do require at least a 3.0 to graduate, however, so prospective students seeking to capitalize on the smaller requirements need to be dedicated to achieving.
The University of West Florida offers a diversity of specializations by offering certifications in Emergency Management, Environmental Health, Infection Control, and Occupational Safety and Health, all accredited by the Council on Education of Public Health. Similarly, prospective students who have a strong idea of what sector they want to work in after earning the degree should consider the University of Alabama Birmingham for its dual MPH and Master of Social Work degree program.
One of the more difficult obstacles between working professionals and achieving an MPH degree is the demands of real-life limiting how much time they can spend on their coursework. That’s why online programs that offer flexibility can be such a massive appeal- George Washington University has a one year program for folks trying to smash through a condensed and intense program to reap the benefits of the masters degree as soon as possible.
In contrast, the University of Florida allows students up to seven years to complete their degree requirements, allowing students to chip away at their degree without being overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life.
Creighton University offers a unique eight-week rolling term where students finish one course at a time in eight-week increments. This simplifies the workload and breaks the degree into smaller and more numerous goals, which can be encouraging for people who like to chart their growth.
While most programs require 40 credit hours on average for the degree, some schools insist that their degrees be accompanied with a higher level of preparation and academic exposure. A.T. Still University, Benedictine University, and Purdue University Global require 64, 66, and 56 credit hours, respectively, to complete their MPH curriculum. It would follow that their graduates are among the most prepared to tackle the challenges of healthcare going forwards.
For the fiscally limited students, it’s ideal if you are from North Carolina. UNC is our #1 ranked Online MPH program only charges $230 per credit hour for in-state students, compared to $1077 for non-residents. The University of Alabama Birmingham is very financially accessible for both in- and out of state students, with tuition being $9,063 or $16,259 respectively. Finally, Des Moines University makes a call for the cost-conscious ringing in tuition at $15,000. Most schools rate in the $20k-$40k range, with the University of Southern California topping the charts at $76,000.
To learn more, and find the school that’s right for you, check out our ranking of the top 25 Online MPH Programs.
