Master of Public Health
Master of Public Health In Context

For those wishing to pursue a career in public health research or public health management, a Master of Public Health degree may be an exciting choice.

Available to study both online and on campus, this multidisciplinary program is typically taught by epidemiologists and specialists — many of whom have made groundbreaking discoveries globally. A Master of Public Health helps provide the opportunity to make a difference in the world. It can equip you with a range of specialist skills and knowledge, which are often required for working in various public health disciplines.

Is a Master of Public Health program right for me?

Given the hugely valuable work conducted by those who have studied public health at a graduate level, there is always the demand for a new generation of professionals and leaders to continue this research and knowledge.

The work conducted by the public health sector is largely focused on assessing health problems and risks on a local, regional, national, and global scale. [2] [3] Those working within this sector look to create policies and strategies that can help to solve or alleviate health problems and prevent epidemics from occurring.

Having a master’s degree in public health facilitates this work, allowing those in the public health sector to utilize a statistical approach. The insight an MPH brings can also help in the development, management, and operations of health care systems, with the focus being primarily wellness promotion, disease prevention, and health research to determine illness susceptibility in unique populations. [17]

A Master of Public Health degree often addresses the combination of science and politics and may also include investigation into public health policy. The World Health Organization’s definition of health is at the heart of all work conducted in the public health sector: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” [4] [5]

Those looking to work within public health likely have a deep-rooted desire and passion to help improve the world and its people. They often want to make a difference in all aspects of life and typically strive to find ways of ensuring our population is continually made healthier and has better well-being than past generations.

When undertaking a public health master’s degree, you may find it involves studying:

  • Communicable diseases
  • Tropical diseases
  • Implementing nutrition programs
  • Policy
  • Working with the mentally ill
  • Working in developing countries to help find and provide vaccinations

There are a number of career paths available for those who have graduated from a Master of Public Health program, and these depend on your interests and specialisms. For example, they may include:

  • Epidemiology and biostatistics
  • Health education or environmental health
  • Child health
  • Disease prevention

Those who follow this path often have interests in statistics, research, and working with data.

Through courses such as data analysis, policy examinations, research methods, current topics, public health interventions, and clinical trials, you may be able to explore a variety of topics and issues. Based on a survey of online Master of Public Health programs, the most common topics covered include: [8]

  • Global health
  • Vaccines
  • Racism and health
  • Social determinants of health
  • Environmental issues in health
  • Ebola
  • Prescription drug overdose
  • Reproductive and sexual health
  • Zika virus
  • Infectious and noninfectious diseases
  • Health reforms
  • Injury and violence prevention
  • Mental health
  • Social vs. scientific MPH degree
    When considering a master’s in public health (MPH) degree, you may also be aware of the Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) degree. These are two distinct degrees, and identifying the differences will help ensure that you study the course that is best suited to your interests and career aspirations.
  • Master of Public Health (MPH)
    Essentially, a Master of Public Health degree provides broad understanding and knowledge of many areas within public health practice. It generally takes two years to complete and requires a student to earn a bachelor’s degree prior to being accepted into the program. The coursework tends to be less focused on research, with the curriculum including areas such as: [10] [11]

    • Statistical thinking
    • Research methods
    • Ethics and public health
    • Behavioral/social science
    • Biostatistics
    • Environmental health
    • Epidemiology
    • Public health administration and policy

    Upon graduating with an MPH, you will be expected to have the tools required to work toward solving public health problems. You may be able to design public health studies, capturing data that can then be analyzed and interpreted. You’ll then report your results and work toward putting them into action in a practical and useful way.

This degree is fairly broad and can provide a solid understanding of how public health works on all levels. It highlights how improving human health in populations can be used as a way of treating and preventing illness and disease. The MPH is designed for those seeking a career as a health scientist, community health educator, or health care analyst in public policy, education, or administration.

  • Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH)
    This academic public health degree can be more research-oriented than a Master of Public Health degree and is particularly suited for students looking to pursue a career in academia or research, such as working as an educator, publisher, or researcher. [6]

 

The MSPH can provide students with the tools and skill set required for examining existing standards within public health, researching and exploring data to extrapolate ways in which it can be used to find new solutions for existing problems, and establishing ways in which health services and administrations can be improved.

Often those studying for an MSPH degree will be required to write a thesis in order to fulfill degree requirements and can expect to participate in the program for an average of two years.

MSPH and MPH programs are often similar. However, the MSPH degree will often focus more on scientific-led areas such as research methods, epidemiology, and biostatistics, weighting these more heavily. The MSPH program tends to spend less time exploring the more social and political aspects, such as community health, health communication, health policy, and health education. [6]

In short, an MPH degree is more about social concerns and public health as a more generalized area, while the MSPH degree focuses on scientific and research areas. [6] Knowing your interests and career projections can help you determine which type of degree is right for you.

Who might pursue a master’s in public health degree?

If you have an interest in health from a social and scientific angle and want to work in a profession that services the population with life-changing results, you may be well-suited to pursue a public health degree.

The majority of those with a master’s in public health degree have five to nine years of experience in the field. [40]

While many potential students will have recently earned a bachelor’s degree in a related subject, a large number will be working professionals who require the flexibility of online learning. Additionally, those who choose to pursue this degree often have an inherent desire to serve the greater good and make an impact upon the world.

Like those wishing to continue their education, many potential students will already be working within a public health field and hoping to advance to a leadership position. A master’s degree can afford you the opportunity to expand your knowledge and skill set, develop the core tools required, and demonstrate to potential employers that you have reached a specific level of study.

Some students seeking an MPH might come from a different sector and be looking for a career change. Fortunately, admission requirements for an MPH degree are fairly flexible in terms of background experience. As there is a strong financial opportunity within this field, the incentive to earn a Master of Public Health degree and pursue a public health career is compelling.

Why earn a Master of Public Health?
  • Good salary
    A master’s in public health is one of the top degrees to earn in terms of employment. Graduates are able to work for health organizations — both public and private — earning a starting salary of approximately $48,000 and a mid-career salary of around $100,000. This compares with degrees in law, medicine, and public policy, which have an average starting salary of around $40,000 and a mid-career level average salary of $83,000. [12]
  • Career change
    Earning an MPH degree can help you make a career change, equipping you with the necessary knowledge and skills required to be hired within this sector. An MPH curriculum’s focus on social and behavioral sciences, environmental health, health policy, health systems, and ethics aligns well with top-level jobs in a number of social, political, and scientific sectors. The breadth of the subjects studied can make graduates highly employable and enable students to focus their studies onto a core subject matter in order to become experts within a field.
  • Employment prospects
    Public health is a sector with huge potential for employment. As the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) found in 2016, degrees that use statistical methods to collect and analyze data and then use this data to solve real-world problems in health care and other fields are promising higher job growth than in recent years. [13] [14]In fact, degrees that were associated with statistics offered a projected 14% job growth, strong marks on job satisfaction, and a slightly higher mid-career salary than other similarly popular degrees. Public health itself ranks 17th on the list for the best master’s degrees for jobs in 2016, with a 74% satisfaction rate and 86% achievement for “high meaning.” [15]Epidemiology ranks No. 12 with a 78% satisfaction rate and gaining 72% on how meaningful a degree it was. [16]
  • Professional value
    An MPH degree can be the key to securing a promotion or being able to change career fields. For many occupations, particularly those in community health education, health promotion, or research, a master’s degree is also considered a basic requirement. [39]
  • Personal development
    For many who study public health, there is a strong desire to gain the knowledge needed to help change the world, impact the greater good, and understand public health issues in order to make a difference. It is about serving a population and impacting people’s lives in a positive way. [17]
Master of Public Health Career Advancement

There are a number of career paths available to a public health professional, largely determined by whether they want to work within the public or private sector. These can include jobs in:

  • Public policy
  • Education
  • Administration
  • Lecturing
  • Health science
  • Community health education
  • Health care analysis

The public health sector is absolutely booming, and an MPH offers a high rate of employability and job satisfaction for those entering the public health field.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that from 2014 to 2024, there will be a 19% job growth across core health care careers. In addition, within the same time frame, 2.3 million new jobs will have been created. [18]

The BLS has also predicted that between 2014 and 2024, there will be 56,300 new medical and health service managers in action, with 15,600 new jobs available for health educators and community health workers. [19]

It is a sector on the incline, and the many opportunities it affords graduates makes earning a Master of Public Health degree an exciting proposition. An MPH also can offer a high return on your investment — in terms of promotions, salary, overall satisfaction, and the ability to move around the public health sector and take on new roles as they’re created. [1]

Careers in public health
When considering pursuing a master’s in public health, it is important to research the career options available to you, the type of knowledge and skills required, and how these options can help you achieve your goals. Knowing the career path you desire can provide you with a clear understanding of what the right decision is for you.

Some of the job titles you may want to consider researching further include:

  • Occupational health and safety specialist
  • Community health worker
  • Health care social worker
  • Health educator
  • Community health coordinator
  • Public health nurse
  • Environmental scientist and specialist

As a public health professional, you could have the opportunity to work in different areas and settings in which opportunities are growing. They can include government, health care, educational institutions, corporations, nonprofits, and managed care organizations.

Some of the jobs you may consider after graduating with an MPH include:

  • Epidemiologist
    According to the BLS, this role has a median salary of around $69,450, and the highest 10% can expect to earn $114,550. [20]
  • Public health analyst

    You can anticipate earning a median salary of $60,973, while, according to self-reported data provided by PayScale, the highest 10% earn $94,300 per year. [21]
  • Public health advisor
    In a similar bracket to the other positions, the median salary is $61,281, and, as PayScale recognizes from self-reported data, the highest 10% earn $105,403. [22]
Master of Public Health Curriculum

The university at which you choose to study will determine how the MPH program functions and what the curriculum covers, as well as the intensity of the program, the delivery method, and other specific differences.

There are, however, a few typical core courses that you can expect to find in most master’s in public health curricula. An analysis of various online MPH programs revealed these typical core courses:

  • Biostatistics
  • Social and behavioral sciences
  • Epidemiology
  • Environmental health
  • Health policy management
  • Health systems
  • Quantitative methods
  • Ethics in public health

Each course you take serves as a building block of learning and helps ensure you have the key skills required for a career in public health. Alongside these key courses, you will often be able to choose optional classes that will help you to define your specialization and key areas of interest. The work you do will be assessed independently.

  • Core courses
    According to the Council on Education for Public Health criteria for accreditation, all MPH students should attain a total of 22 competencies across eight domains. [42] These are:

    • Evidence-based approaches to public health
    • Public health and health care systems
    • Planning and management to promote health
    • Policy in public health
    • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Interprofessional practice
  • Systems thinking

You can find a list of MPH programs accredited by the CEPH at the organization’s website. [43]

  • Concentrating your studies in public healthBeyond the foundational core competencies listed above, concentrating on particular areas of study allows students to develop specializations. The CEPH requires students to complete at least five concentration competencies in order to gain accreditation. [44] You can achieve a specialized focus by taking the concentration courses offered with each degree.Some specializations may hold a clinical focus, climate focus, or administrative focus. Others may combine all of these to provide a more comprehensive overview. Whatever you choose to study, it is important that the concentration supports your goals and interests.Based on a survey of online MPH degrees, typical concentrations include:
    • Biostatistics
    • Environmental health sciences
    • Applied epidemiology
    • Health policy and management
    • Health informatics
    • Public health law, ethics, and policy
    • Health services administration
    • Health education and promotion
    • Global health leadership

 

  • Infectious diseases
  • Food systems and public health
  • Public health practice
  • Women’s and reproductive health

You may also be able to develop and expand your studies through fieldwork or practicums. Your particular MPH program will dictate the fieldwork details. The start time for fieldwork should be outlined in the course prospectus, but if you’re not sure, speak with your course moderator.

  • Practicums
    Many online Master of Public Health programs require a practicum, or a course designed to help students apply classroom learning in real-world settings under direct supervision similar to internships. [41] A practicum can help you build field experience, make professional connections, and satisfy some curriculum requirements, depending on your chosen program. [47]Based on a survey of several online MPH programs, the most common practicum settings include:

    • Hospitals
    • Medical centers
    • Federal, state, or city health agencies
    • Health-focused nonprofits
    • Insurance companies
    • Global health organizations
    • Environmental health companies
Master of Public Health Program Length

The length of an online master’s degree program can depend on a number of variables, perhaps the most prominent of which is the pace at which you choose to study. You can finish a typical master’s degree program in about two to three years if you choose to study full-time, although some accelerated programs may be able to help you finish more quickly.

Online master’s degree programs tend to offer flexibility suitable for students who choose to study part-time. This option will likely extend your time to completion, but it can allow you to study while fulfilling your familial, social, and professional obligations.

You can find more information on this topic at our program length overview page.

    • How many credit hours are required?

It is important when choosing your program that you research the time commitment. In terms of CEPH criteria, all Master of Public Health degrees must include at least 42 semester credits of coursework to comply with their regulations. [50] As a result, it may be challenging to complete a degree within one year, although it is possible depending on the curriculum model and whether or not you complete more than one class at a time. Based on a survey of online MPH programs, there are programs available specially designed to help students graduate in one year or less.

If a program is shorter than most, it is a good indicator that it is either very intense or isn’t accredited.

Master of Public Health Admission Requirements

While each program will set its admission requirements based on its own criteria, many requirements are universal across all programs. No matter where you apply, you can expect to provide items like transcripts from previous degrees or coursework; standardized test scores; a personal statement or essay; letters of recommendation; and an overview of relevant work experience.

In certain cases, some of these requirements may be waived.

For more information about admissions, please visit our admissions requirements page.

Master of Public Health Alternative Degrees/Fields of Study

There are many different degrees that offer similar experiences to a master’s in public health. These include:

You do not need a specific degree in order to qualify for CPH certification as long as you have five years’ work experience within the public health sector and can demonstrate the scope of your foundational knowledge. [46]

Master of Public Health Relevant Industry Associations and Organization

When you are conducting your public health degree research, or when you begin your search for employment upon graduation, you may find the following associations and organizations useful:

  • Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) [52]
  • American Public Health Association (APHA) [53]
  • Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) [54]
  • American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) [55]
  • Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) [56]
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH) [57]
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [58]
  • World Health Organization (WHO) [45]
Master of Public Health Accreditation Overview

Regional accreditation is the most prestigious type of accreditation that an online or traditional college or university can receive. It is granted only after careful consideration by private, not-for-profit organizations tasked with evaluating educational quality.

Regional accreditation is particularly important if you anticipate that you might want to transfer credits from one online degree program to another or use those credits to pursue another degree. Most regionally accredited schools will only accept credits from other regionally accredited institutions of higher learning.

You can learn more on this topic at our regional accreditation page.

Specialized Accreditation
When it comes to public health degrees, the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is the only independent agency that is recognized for accrediting graduate schools of public health and graduate public health programs. They have accredited 180 schools and programs (of which 59 are schools of public health, 112 are public health programs, and eight are standalone baccalaureate programs). [7] Having this accreditation attached to the institution that you study at is crucial and certainly something to consider in your degree research.

Some MPH programs are not CEPH-accredited; these won’t necessarily have undergone rigorous testing and review. These programs also won’t have the same curriculum restrictions.

The result of this non-accreditation can be lower graduation and job placement rates. For example, the U.S. Public Health Service, many military public health roles, and some the government agencies only hire MPH graduates from CEPH-accredited programs. [9] Accreditation provides a level of guarantee about the education and skills received. The criteria for accreditation for both schools of public health and public health programs can be read in full at the CEPH website. [51]

Master of Public Health Certification/Licensure

A certification from the Certified in Public Health (CPH) National Board of Public Health Examiners is valuable. This credential helps to distinguish public health professionals as being at the cutting edge of a constantly developing sector. Holding this certification demonstrates a high level of knowledge of key public health sciences and a commitment to constantly pushing the boundaries of knowledge for advancement.

If you have a graduate degree in public health, you are eligible to take the CPH certification exam. [48] Applications are assessed and reviewed prior to the exam, and graduates must be able to show the scope of their foundational knowledge. The exam covers the main areas of public health knowledge, which align closely with an MPH degree.
These include:

  • General principles
  • Biostatistics
  • Environmental health sciences
  • Epidemiology
  • Health policy and management
  • Social and behavioral sciences
  • Communication and informatics
  • Diversity and culture
  • Leadership
  • Public health biology
  • Professionalism
  • Programs planning
  • Systems thinking

While a graduate degree is not a core requirement for certification, an MPH can fully prepare you to pass the exam. A master’s in public health provides a solid grounding and preparatory level of study that will give you the knowledge and skill set needed for certification. You don’t need to specialize in a certain concentration in order to take the CPH certification exam.

It is important to note before signing up for any degree program that only students who have attended a CEPH-accredited program or school are eligible to take the national exam and become certified in public health. Continued education is required to maintain the certification and includes earning 50 CPH recertification credits every two years. This may involve attending public health events, taking university courses, writing dissertations, taking part in fellowship training programs, or contributing professionally, which may include participating in grants, peer-review, or a mentorship program. [49]

Tuition and Fees Overview

There are a number of factors that can greatly affect how much your education will cost. These include whether you attend a public or private institution; whether you attend as an in-state or out-of-state student; and whether you qualify for financial aid like grants or scholarships.

For a more detailed breakdown of tuition, fees, and other financial issues, please visit our tuition and fees page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The primary focus of a master’s degree in public health is to gain a general understanding of public health, as well as to focus specifically on behavioral/social science, biostatistics, environmental health, epidemiology, and public health administration and policy. [59] Students in an MPH program will be exposed to the five core public health disciplines and can expect to complete their core coursework in these areas to round out their public health knowledge:

Biostatistics
Epidemiology
Environmental Health
Public Health Policy and Health Administration
Social and Behavioral Sciences

MPH programs offering concentrations or specializations provide students the opportunity to dive deeper into a specified area, which may aid in career advancement or growth.

If you are looking to expand your knowledge and horizons, develop a core understanding of public health, and use this education to treat and prevent illness and disease, a master’s in public health degree is for you.

Here are seven key reasons to consider an MPH degree:

Career advancement
Improved pay
Personal satisfaction
Professional value
Availability of leadership roles
Better employability
As a positive life change

While students cannot guarantee career success with a graduate degree, an MPH aims to help prepare students for leadership and management roles within their chosen career field.

No, a bachelor’s in public health is not a requirement to apply to an MPH program. The field of public health spans across multiple domains of study, and institutions see a variety of educational backgrounds from their graduate students. Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in an area related to their field of graduate study may benefit from the core knowledge acquired during that study.

Key attributes to look for in an MPH degree include:
Accreditation: What accreditation(s) does the program and school hold?
Support Network: What support systems are in place to keep you connected with fellow students and faculty?
Delivery Method: How flexible is the program — is it fully online, on campus, or a hybrid?
Learning Experiences: Will the program offer real-world experiences?
Affordability: Can I afford the program?
On-Campus Requirements: Are there any requirements for me to attend on-campus workshops or sessions?
Reputation: Does the school and program have a good reputation and ranking?
Faculty Experience: Are there faculty with a broad array of experience across multiple disciplines?
Specializations/Concentrations Offered: What specializations or concentrations are offered in the program?

Some online MPH programs are 100% online, while others are more of a hybrid model. Hybrid programs may require two to three extensive campus visits throughout the length of the program. Students should ensure they fully understand these requirements and determine if they will have the flexibility and funding required for campus visits prior to applying to their program of choice.

Students enrolled in an MPH program may also be required to complete an internship component to the program where they practice the skills they are learning in class in a real-life, supervised setting.

Most MPH programs — both on-campus and online — are around two years in length. The time it takes to complete a program will depend on the number of courses you enroll in for each term. Some MPH programs may allow flexibility with your curriculum load, meaning you can take longer to complete the degree if necessary.

Many MPH programs offer concentrations for their students, while others are more general. Of those that offer concentrations or specializations, some of the more popular are:

Biostatistics
Community Health
Disaster Management and Emergency Preparedness
Epidemiology
Environmental Health Sciences
Global Health
Health Policy
Health Promotion/Health Behavior
Health Services Administration
Maternal and Child Health

A master’s degree in public health can help to prepare you for a career in public policy, education, administration, lecturing, or occupational health as a health or environmental scientist, community health educator or worker, or as a health care analyst — to name just a few. MPH graduates may find they have the opportunity to work for a number of employers and in various settings:

Public: Government jobs include health department administration, public nursing, or disaster preparedness.
Nonprofit: Jobs in this setting often focus on a particular population, such as minorities or mothers, or address specific health disparities.
Academic: Public health professionals working in academia typically focus on research. In addition, they may also be teaching students enrolled in public health-related degree programs.
Private: Within the private sector, jobs may be available at insurance companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, or health care facilities. Another option for private employment is consulting work performed on a contract basis.

Holding an MPH degree can help you stand out from the crowd and may significantly improve your employability. Not all roles require you to hold a master’s degree, but it can help to improve your knowledge, skill set, and worldview — these are all positive attributes to hold.

Whether or not you require a master’s degree in public health depends on the job in question. For example, to apply for an entry-level job in health and safety engineering, the lowest qualification you may likely need is a bachelor’s degree in public health (or other related degrees). [23] For a job in environmental science, the same applies. [24]

The vast majority of biostatistician jobs will require a master’s degree, often in statistics and paired with public health. [25] For epidemiologists, a master’s degree is a requirement. This could be in epidemiology or within a related public health subject field. [26]

There is huge growth and development in the public health sector. Many new jobs are becoming available, and the projections for the next five years are particularly promising for high employment opportunities. For epidemiologists, the job outlook is set to increase by 6% between 2014 and 2024. [27] For health educators, it is set to increase by 13%. [28] For statisticians, it is much faster at 34%. [29]

It can exponentially help in improving your earning potential. Depending on what career you choose, the BLS identifies your average salary as being:

Epidemiologist: $69,450 [30]
Community health worker: $43,840 [31]
Environmental scientist and specialist: $67,460 [32]
Health educator: $43,840 [33]
Medical and health services manager: $94,500 [34]
Health care social worker: $55,510 [35]
Mental health and substance abuse social worker: $47,880 [36]
Mental health counselor: $43,190 [37]
Natural sciences manager: $120,160 [38]

Depending on the businesses and organizations in your area, career opportunities in the public health sector will vary. If you are planning on living in a particular state upon graduation, it is important to realize what jobs will be available to you and what types of skills your community needs most. This can improve your chances of employability and reduce your need to move to find work.

If there is a shortage of mental health and substance abuse social workers, for example, focusing on this area of study can give you a significant advantage. Likewise, if there are no research and development labs or government organizations in your area, the need for epidemiologists may not be as high.

No — attaining management/senior positions is not guaranteed through the completion of a master’s degree. However, a master’s degree can provide you with the skills and knowledge to qualify for advanced responsibilities or leadership positions.

While students cannot guarantee career success with a graduate degree, an MPH aims to help prepare students for leadership and management roles within their chosen career field.

No, a bachelor’s in public health is not a requirement to apply to an MPH program. The field of public health spans across multiple domains of study, and institutions see a variety of educational backgrounds from their graduate students. Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in an area related to their field of graduate study may benefit from the core knowledge acquired during that study.

MPH tuition varies greatly from university to university. Among a sample of CEPH-accredited MPH programs — both on-campus and online — the average cost of tuition was found to be between $40,000 and $85,000. [60]

Generally there are supplementary costs apart from tuition. The tuition does not usually include the cost of books or additional fees. These additional costs will vary from program to program.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid office is the largest provider of student financial aid in the country. To find out whether you are eligible to apply for federal student aid for your MPH, visit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website here. [64]

There are numerous other scholarships available, but you will need to research which opportunities you’re qualified to pursue. Many states, associations, websites and businesses award scholarships based on specific criteria. Be sure to do your research and apply for any scholarships you’re qualified to be awarded.

A minimum GPA of 3.0 is generally what online MPH programs are looking for in their applicants. However, universities look at a number of factors when determining an applicant’s eligibility. Applicants with a lower GPA should not be discouraged from inquiring about a program they are interested in.

Whether you will need to complete the GRE prior to applying for a program will largely depend on what school you have chosen to apply to. There are many programs that do not require a GRE. Check the admissions requirements for your school before applying.

While this will depend on your course load and the familiarity you have with the given subject, most MPH students typically spend anywhere from 20-25 hours studying each week

This will vary by university, but most programs stipulate you must enroll in two courses per semester. Be sure to discuss the course load requirements with your guidance counselor prior to applying to ensure the program meets your schedule requirements.

Asynchronous coursework can be completed on your own time — a big plus for many online graduate students. Synchronous coursework has to be completed within a set timeframe. This is typically done for group projects, seminars, presentations, and other learning initiatives that require multiple attendees. The elements of asynchronous and synchronous learning in your online program depend on the professor and class itself. Once you enroll, reach out to teachers for specifics, but remember that the curriculum may be divided into these two subsets.

Many institutions offer MPH degrees online.

Most institutions do not indicate on the degree that it was earned online.

Yes, typically schools follow the same curriculum for their online programs as they do for their campus-based programs.

Students should research schools and programs that are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). [62] Programs with CEPH accreditation have been evaluated and meet expected industry standards for preparing students to make valuable contributions to and impacts on the field of public health. [61]

Accreditations are a strong indication of quality excellence, but are also a requirement for students who plan to apply for federal financial aid. Accreditation ensures that your degree is recognized by employers, professional associations, and other accredited institutions of higher education.

SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) applies only to distance education programs in the United States that cross state lines. This agreement is made between member states and establishes comparable postsecondary national standards for distance education courses.

Not every state is a SARA member. Through SARA, member states only have to receive authorization in their home state. Without SARA, non-member states would have to receive authorization in their home state and the state of each of their online students. [66]

Every school has a department or team responsible for online education. This department will be able to answer questions regarding compliance for your home state. Additionally, you can locate the school through SARA (if it is a SARA institution) to confirm compliance.

Other graduate programs that may offer coursework in similar areas may include [65]:
Master of Health Administration
Master of Science
Master of Health Sciences

References

[1] http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Public_Health_(MPH)/Salary#by_Years_Experience
[2] http://www.who.int/healthinfo/global_burden_disease/GlobalHealthRisks_report_full.pdf
[3] http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/85/3/06-039503/en/
[4] http://www.who.int/governance/eb/who_constitution_en.pdf
[5] https://www.cdcfoundation.org/content/what-public-health
[6] http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-mph-and-vs-msph/
[7] https://ceph.org/accredited/
[8] http://www.who.int/phe/health_topics/en/
[9] https://ceph.org/constituents/students/faqs/
[10] http://bulletin.printer.yale.edu/htmlfiles/publichealth/master-of-public-health.html
[11] https://www.brown.edu/academics/public-health/education-training/masters/mph-program-about-us/mph-core-courses
[12] http://college.usatoday.com/2016/03/25/best-colleges-for-a-major-in-public-health/
[13] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/statisticians.htm
[14] https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2016/article/high-paying-business-careers.htm
[15] https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathryndill/2016/08/12/the-best-and-worst-masters-degrees-for-jobs-in-2016/#710790b77435
[16] https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathryndill/2016/08/12/the-best-and-worst-masters-degrees-for-jobs-in-2016/#710790b77435
[17] https://www.apha.org/what-is-public-health
[18] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm
[19] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm
[20] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm
[21] http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Public_Health_Analyst/Salary
[22] http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Public_Health_Advisor/Salary
[23] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/health-and-safety-engineers.htm
[24] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-scientists-and-specialists.htm
[25] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/statisticians.htm
[26] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm
[27] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm
[28] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm
[29] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/statisticians.htm
[30] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm
[31] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm
[32] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-scientists-and-specialists.htm
[33] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm
[34] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm
[35] https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211022.htm
[36] https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211023.htm
[37] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/mental-health-counselors-and-marriage-and-family-therapists.htm
[38] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/natural-sciences-managers.htm
[39] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm#tab-4
[40] http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Public_Health_(MPH)/Salary#by_Years_Experience
[41] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/practicum
[42] https://ceph.org/assets/TA-Webinar-Dec-2016.pptx
[43] http://ceph.org/accredited/
[44] https://ceph.org/assets/TA-Webinar-Dec-2016.pptx
[45] http://www.who.int/en/
[46] https://www.nbphe.org/app/uploads/2017/05/CPH-Candidate-Handbook.pdf
[47] http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/worklife/04/14/cb.why.internships.important/
[48] https://www.nbphe.org/eligibility.cfm
[49] https://www.nbphe.org/staycertified.cfm
[50] https://ceph.org/assets/2016.Criteria.pdf
[51] http://www.ceph.org/assets/SPH-Criteria-2011.pdf?pageid=3350
[52] http://www.aspph.org/
[53] https://www.apha.org/
[54] https://www.hrsa.gov/index.html
[55] http://www.aspanet.org/
[56] http://www.sophe.org/
[57] https://www.nih.gov/
[58] https://www.cdc.gov/

[1] https://www.apha.org/what-is-public-health
[2] http://ceph.org/
[3] http://ceph.org/constituents/students/benefits-of-accreditation/
[4] http://www.aspph.org/study/what-is-ceph-accreditation/
[5] http://www.aspph.org/study/before-you-apply/
[4]https://fafsa.ed.gov/
[5] http://ceph.org/constituents/students/benefits-of-accreditation/
[6] http://www.aspph.org/study/#areas-of-study
[7] http://nc-sara.org/