If you are interested in the field of public health, an online Master's in Public Health (MPH) degree, can help you qualify for meaningful and lucrative careers in healthcare, as well as nonprofit organizations and the public sector. Given the expansive nature of healthcare work, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the field to grow by 15% and add 2.4 million jobs by 2029 — this includes a list of various jobs that require post-secondary education in public health.
And while a bachelor's degree is enough to enter the field, a graduate degree will provide you with the opportunity to make a lasting impact and earn a higher wage. If you're a working professional seeking a career change or advancement, read our guide to learn more about affordable programs, admission and licensure requirements, cost of tuition, and common areas of study.
Accredited online programs that may interest you.
These accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.
Most Affordable Master's in Public Health Online 2021
Career and Salary Outlook for Public Health Graduates
No matter what your interests or abilities, a master's in public health online can prepare you for careers in healthcare and nonprofit organizations. Some titles you can hold, depending on your specialist include public health manager, administrator, and epidemiologist.
| Career | Median Annual Salary |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $104,280 |
| Health Educator and Community Health Worker | $48,140 |
| Epidemiologist | $76,560 |
| Biostatistician | $92,030 |
| Public Health Practitioner | $69,870 |
Source: BLS
Although there are many fields within the public health umbrella, you can expect an average salary listed below after you've graduated with your MPH and worked for about one year in the field. Location in the U.S. (or abroad), company or institution, and specialization within a specific field all determine your final salary.
One example for MPH grads is the epidemiology career path that offers promising career growth and high compensation. Epidemiologists earn, on average, amedian annual salary of $70,990, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The field of epidemiology is also expected to grow by 5% between 2019 and 2029, which is faster than most other career fields.
Online Master's in Public Health Requirements
To enroll in a master's in public health, you must earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university. Most graduate programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0 and competitive test scores like the GRE and the MCAT.
The program's curriculum might vary across schools and concentrations.The MPH curriculum requires at least 42 credit hours, according to the ASPPH, and should be similar across most online programs. However, it's not uncommon to see the number of credits needed for an MPH to range from 42 to 80 credits.
If you're seeking admissions into a MPH, expect to submit a statement of purpose, to demonstrate your personal internal and commitment to the program. Each school may have different admissions requirements so it's essential that you work with an admissions advisor to meet all the requirements.
Online Master's in Public Health Accreditation
The only accreditation body that matters in this particular field is the Council of Education for Public Health (CEPH). This council consists of experts who are members of the American Public Health Association and the Association of Schools of Public Health, both professional organizations that tout entities and agencies amongst its members.
Programs that hold this accreditation are competitive, especially online programs, but they do provide you with a rigorous curriculum and a comprehensive set of field experiences.
This is not to say that a program without accreditation from the CEPH; indeed, many programs are high quality and even adhere to the council's public health graduate program guidelines. But in order to seek preference with employers, the successful completion of an accredited program is advised.
What Concentrations Are Offered in Master's Degree in Public Health Programs?
Environmental Health Gives you a firm foundation in environmental health and includes subcategories like Occupational Epidemiology, Environmental Infectious Diseases, Regulatory Toxicology, and Risk Assessment.
Leadership and Public Health Practice This program prepares you for leadership positions in public health organizations in government, health care, government, for-profit, and non-profit industries.
Health Care and Prevention A degree in this discipline can save lives by helping to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. You will explore the importance of preventive health care from a public health perspective and look at statistics showing the importance of safeguarding your health with frequent checkups.
Occupational Health Nursing You will explore a wide variety of human health-related topics, such as climate change, emerging infectious diseases, water and food systems, and the environment.
Epidemiology You will conduct advanced research and cultivate the epidemiological skills you need to pursue senior positions in hospitals, public health systems, academia, the private and nonprofit sectors, and in non-governmental organizations.
Food, Nutrition, and Health Explores how nutrition impacts the health and well-being of people around the world. It recognizes the influences on nutrition, diet, and health and includes socioeconomic, environmental, cultural, and political factors.
Global Environmental Sustainability & Health You will discover the relationship between the environment and society and how sustainability affects global health.
Women's and Reproductive Health This MPH explores all of the nuances of women's health and reproduction issues, like infertility.
How Has the Pandemic Affected Public Health Majors?
The global coronavirus pandemic has intensified the appeal for careers in public health and for college-level programs. A staff person at Agnes Scott's public health department says an MPH has become "one of the most popular majors at the college".
In fact, a survey by the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health(ASPPH), reports that applications to undergraduate programs at member schools have more than doubled in the past five years, with nearly 64% of all public health majors going straight into a job upon graduation, and 26% pursuing graduate education.
Why Should I Get an Online Master's in Public Health?
Besides building confidence and working with people from all walks of life in the public health sector, earning your MPH can also provide a number of skills to carry with you in life and in your career, such as:
A better understanding for cultures and populations which are underserved
Provide knowledge to successfully change your career goals or go into another field within the public health sector
A strong academic foundation to put into practice if you're interested in teaching at the college level
Problem solving and communication skills to help you prepare for leadership roles, as well as future promotions
Allow you to explore the various specialties within the public health sector
