MPH Programs · Verified September 2026

Online MPH Programs

258verified programs
202at CEPH-accredited schools
258offered online
$686median tuition per credit

What Are the Best Online MPH Programs?

The best online MPH programs are CEPH-accredited, fit the schedule you actually have, and cost what you can pay. This site tracks 258 online MPH programs at 214 schools, and 202 of them sit at CEPH-accredited schools. Estimated tuition (published per-credit rate times credits, before fees) runs from $12,915 at UTHealth Houston for Texas residents to $116,640 for the Johns Hopkins part-time/online MPH.

Researched and edited by · Updated

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Online MPH programs are now the most common way to earn a Master of Public Health. This site tracks 258 of them at 214 schools across 49 states, and 170 are fully online with no campus version at all. The rest share a curriculum with a campus program: 64 online MPH programs also run on campus, and 49 also run in a hybrid format.

Most are public. 155 online MPH programs sit at public universities, 86 at private nonprofits and 17 at for-profit schools. That mix matters for price, because the lowest per-credit rates come from public universities and a few for-profit schools, while the most expensive come from large private research universities.

Are Online MPH Programs Accredited?

Yes, the good ones are, and by the same body as campus programs. The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) doesn’t issue a separate “online” accreditation. When a CEPH-accredited school offers its MPH online, the online degree must meet the same criteria as the campus one, plus a distance education standard (Criterion D19). That standard requires regular, substantive interaction between you and your instructors, the same quality control the university applies to its other degrees, and a way to confirm the person enrolled is the person doing the work.

Of the 258 online MPH programs here, 202 are at CEPH-accredited schools. Eight more are at schools in CEPH’s applicant stage, and two are at schools on probationary accreditation. Applicant status isn’t accreditation: CEPH says the process typically takes about three years and isn’t guaranteed. The CEPH accreditation guide explains how to check a school’s status yourself.

Why this matters: the US Public Health Service, some military public health jobs and some state and local health agencies only hire MPH graduates from CEPH-accredited schools and programs. A CEPH degree is also your route to the CPH certification exam.

Online MPH Programs at the Largest Schools of Public Health

How this list is ranked: most public health master's degrees awarded in 2022-23 first (U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS), among CEPH-accredited schools with an online MPH. Size tells you how established a program is and how many classmates and alumni you'll have, not how good it is for you.

  1. GW (George Washington University): Master of Public Health (MPH@GW, Online)Master of Public Health (MPH@GW, Online)

    1,100public health master's awarded, 2022-23

    GW (George Washington University) (Washington, DC, private nonprofit) offers this online program in 45 credits. At $2,000 per credit, estimated tuition is $90,000 before fees. No GRE required; you apply directly to the school. Concentration areas include global health, environmental and occupational health, health informatics and maternal and child health. CEPH accredited, next review 12/31/2031.

    School's tuition wording: $2,000 per credit (45 credits) (2026-27)

    Total cost of the GW (George Washington University) MPH with loans · All 4 programs at GW (George Washington University)

  2. UNC Chapel Hill: Online Master of Public Health (MPH@UNC)Online Master of Public Health (MPH@UNC)

    1,028public health master's awarded, 2022-23

    UNC Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC, public) offers this online program in 42 credits (24-36 months; up to five years allowed). At $1,735 per credit, estimated tuition is $72,870 before fees. No GRE required; you apply directly to the school. Concentration areas include epidemiology, health policy and management and nutrition. CEPH accredited, next review 7/1/2032.

    School's tuition wording: $1,735 per credit

    Can 2026 federal loans cover the UNC Chapel Hill MPH? · Compare UNC Chapel Hill's other programs

  3. Johns Hopkins University: Master of Public Health (part-time/online)Master of Public Health (part-time/online)

    954public health master's awarded, 2022-23

    Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD, private nonprofit) offers this online and hybrid program in 80 credits (typically 2-3 years; up to 4 years). At $1,458 per credit, estimated tuition is $116,640 before fees. CEPH accredited, next review 7/1/2031.

    School's tuition wording: $1,458 per credit hour (part-time Master's in Public Health) (2026-27)

    Monthly payment on the Johns Hopkins University MPH · Johns Hopkins University school profile and CEPH status

  4. Columbia University: Advanced MPH OnlineAdvanced MPH Online

    858public health master's awarded, 2022-23

    Columbia University (New York, NY, private nonprofit) offers this online program (two years (4 semesters)). GRE optional; applications go through SOPHAS. CEPH accredited, next review 12/31/2032.

    School's tuition wording: 2026-2027 tuition: $39,276 (across two semesters); estimated program fees $1,674 (2026-27)

    Columbia University MPH cost with fees and living costs · All 16 programs at Columbia University

  5. Emory University: Online Part-Time MPHOnline Part-Time MPH

    848public health master's awarded, 2022-23

    Emory University (Atlanta, GA, private nonprofit) offers this online program in 42 credits (varies; 3-7 credit hours per semester, within a five-year limit). At $2,060 per credit, estimated tuition is $86,520 before fees. No GRE required; applications go through SOPHAS. Concentration areas include epidemiology, health policy and management, global health and environmental and occupational health. CEPH accredited, next review 7/1/2027.

    School's tuition wording: $2,060 per credit hour (online part-time MPH, under 9 credit hours) (2026-27)

    Emory University MPH debt next to what the job pays · Compare Emory University's other programs

  6. Harvard University: Online Master of Public Health - GeneralistOnline Master of Public Health - Generalist

    800public health master's awarded, 2022-23

    Harvard University (Cambridge, MA, private nonprofit) offers this online program in 45 credits (2 years, part time). GRE optional; applications go through SOPHAS. CEPH accredited, next review 7/1/2032.

    School's tuition wording: $38,700 per year (part-time, billed in three equal amounts) (2026-27)

    Total cost of the Harvard University MPH with loans · Harvard University school profile and CEPH status

  7. Boston University: Online Master of Public HealthOnline Master of Public Health

    674public health master's awarded, 2022-23

    Boston University (Boston, MA, private nonprofit) offers this online program in 42 credits (24 months to 5 years). No GRE required; applications go through SOPHAS. CEPH accredited, next review 7/1/2026.

    School's tuition wording: $25,000 total tuition, regardless of time to complete

    Can 2026 federal loans cover the Boston University MPH? · All 6 programs at Boston University

  8. UC Berkeley: Online Master of Public HealthOnline Master of Public Health

    590public health master's awarded, 2022-23

    UC Berkeley (Berkeley, CA, public) offers this online program in 42 credits (27 months (7 semesters, year-round), about 90% online with two required on-campus summer visits in June). At $1,629 per credit, estimated tuition is $68,418 before fees. You apply directly to the school. Concentration areas include epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and management and nutrition. CEPH accredited, next review 12/31/2030.

    School's tuition wording: $1,629 per credit unit (listed as the current rate)

    Monthly payment on the UC Berkeley MPH · Compare UC Berkeley's other programs

  9. UAB: Master of Public HealthMaster of Public Health

    554public health master's awarded, 2022-23

    UAB (Birmingham, AL, public) offers this online and on campus program in 42 credits (epidemiology concentration: typically five semesters (20 months) full time; part time at least six to eight semesters). At $526 per credit, estimated tuition is $22,092 before fees. No GRE required; applications go through SOPHAS. Concentration areas include epidemiology, health policy and management, environmental and occupational health and community health and health promotion. CEPH accredited, next review 12/31/2030.

    School's tuition wording: $526 per semester hour in-state, $1,284 per semester hour out-of-state (School of Public Health on-campus rates); $624 per semester hour for School of Public Health online courses (2026-27)

    UAB MPH cost with fees and living costs · UAB school profile and CEPH status

  10. CUNY Graduate School and University Center: 1 Year MPH (Accelerated, Fully Online)1 Year MPH (Accelerated, Fully Online)

    540public health master's awarded, 2022-23

    CUNY Graduate School and University Center (New York, NY, public) offers this online program (three semesters (summer, fall, spring); summer start only). That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. Applications go through SOPHAS. Concentration areas include epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and management and environmental and occupational health. CEPH accredited, next review 7/1/2032.

    School's tuition wording: 2026-27 MPH online degree program: $620 per credit (NYS residents), $745 per credit (non-residents)

    CUNY Graduate School and University Center MPH debt next to what the job pays · All 11 programs at CUNY Graduate School and University Center

  11. USC: Online Master of Public HealthOnline Master of Public Health

    524public health master's awarded, 2022-23

    USC (Los Angeles, CA, private nonprofit) offers this online program in 42 credits (as few as four semesters on the accelerated fast-track option). At $2,539 per credit, estimated tuition is $106,638 before fees. You apply directly to the school. CEPH accredited, next review 7/1/2031.

    School's tuition wording: $2,539 per unit (2026-27)

    Total cost of the USC MPH with loans · Compare USC's other programs

  12. Liberty University: Master of Public Health (Online)Master of Public Health (Online)

    502public health master's awarded, 2022-23

    Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA, private nonprofit) offers this online program in 42 credits. At $600 per credit, estimated tuition is $25,200 before fees. You apply directly to the school. Concentration areas include global health, environmental and occupational health, community health and health promotion and nutrition. CEPH accredited, next review 7/1/2032.

    School's tuition wording: Graduate full time $600 per credit; part time $665 per credit; military $310 per credit (2026-27)

    Can 2026 federal loans cover the Liberty University MPH? · Liberty University school profile and CEPH status

  13. Colorado School of Public Health (CU Anschutz): Master of Public Health (Online)Master of Public Health (Online)

    472public health master's awarded, 2022-23

    Colorado School of Public Health (CU Anschutz) (Denver, CO, public) offers this online program in 42 credits (designed to be completed in two years; must be finished within five years). At $995 per credit, estimated tuition is $41,790 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. No GRE required; applications go through SOPHAS. Concentration areas include epidemiology, health policy and management, health informatics and maternal and child health. CEPH accredited, next review 12/31/2031.

    School's tuition wording: $995 per credit hour (resident); $1,566 per credit hour (non-resident); online course fee of $100 per course charged separately (2026-27)

    Monthly payment on the Colorado School of Public Health (CU Anschutz) MPH · All 5 programs at Colorado School of Public Health (CU Anschutz)

  14. Rutgers University-New Brunswick: Online Master of Public HealthOnline Master of Public Health

    458public health master's awarded, 2022-23

    Rutgers University-New Brunswick (New Brunswick, NJ, public) offers this online program in 45 credits (5 semesters full time; 8 semesters part time). At $1,406 per credit, estimated tuition is $63,270 before fees. GRE optional; applications go through SOPHAS. Concentration areas include global health and maternal and child health. CEPH accredited, next review 7/1/2031.

    School's tuition wording: $1,406 per credit (plus $84 per credit general service fee) (2026-27)

    Rutgers University-New Brunswick MPH cost with fees and living costs · Compare Rutgers University-New Brunswick's other programs

  15. UIC: Online Generalist Master of Public Health (Online MPH in Community Health Sciences)Online Generalist Master of Public Health (Online MPH in Community Health Sciences)

    456public health master's awarded, 2022-23

    UIC (Chicago, IL, public) offers this online program. GRE optional; applications go through SOPHAS. Concentration areas include community health and health promotion. CEPH accredited, next review 7/1/2030.

    UIC MPH debt next to what the job pays · UIC school profile and CEPH status

15 Lowest-Cost Online MPH Programs

How this list is ranked: lowest estimated tuition first. Estimated tuition is the school's lowest published per-credit rate times the credits it requires, before fees, for CEPH-accredited programs that publish both figures (one program per school). Rates were read on each school's site in September 2026.

  1. The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston: Master of Public HealthMaster of Public Health

    $12,915estimated tuition

    The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (Houston, TX, public) offers this on campus, hybrid and online program in 45 credits (18-24 months full time (most students)). At $287 per credit, estimated tuition is $12,915 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. GRE optional; applications go through SOPHAS. Concentration areas include epidemiology, health policy and management, environmental and occupational health and community health and health promotion. CEPH accredited, next review 7/1/2027.

    School's tuition wording: $287 per semester credit hour (Texas resident); $1,124 per semester credit hour (non-resident); plus $85 per credit hour academic and technology resource fee (2026-27)

    Total cost of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston MPH with loans · Both programs at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

  2. University of West Florida: Master of Public Health (Online)Master of Public Health (Online)

    $16,206estimated tuition

    University of West Florida (Pensacola, FL, public) offers this online program in 42 credits (18-24 months (estimated)). At $386 per credit, estimated tuition is $16,206 before fees. You apply directly to the school. Concentration areas include global health and community health and health promotion. CEPH accredited, next review 07/01/2029.

    School's tuition wording: $385.85 per credit hour (Florida in-state, 2026-27 online graduate tuition; out-of-state with waiver $494.22; full out-of-state $1,144.43)

    Can 2026 federal loans cover the University of West Florida MPH?

  3. University of Nevada-Las Vegas: Master of Public HealthMaster of Public Health

    $18,013estimated tuition

    University of Nevada-Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV, public) offers this on campus and online program in 47 credits (2 years full time). At $383 per credit, estimated tuition is $18,013 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. GRE optional; you apply directly to the school. Concentration areas include epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and management and global health. CEPH accredited, next review 12/31/2031.

    School's tuition wording: $383.25 per graduate credit plus fees (resident); nonresident graduate students taking 7 or more credits pay $10,094.50 plus $383.25 per credit plus fees

    Monthly payment on the University of Nevada-Las Vegas MPH

  4. Georgia State University: Master of Public HealthMaster of Public Health

    $19,488estimated tuition

    Georgia State University (Atlanta, GA, public) offers this on campus and online program in 42 credits (approximately two years). At $464 per credit, estimated tuition is $19,488 before fees. No GRE required; applications go through SOPHAS. Concentration areas include epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and management and environmental and occupational health. CEPH accredited, next review 12/31/2028.

    School's tuition wording: $464 per credit hour for fully online students (residency-neutral), plus a $660 per-semester online learning fee

    Georgia State University MPH cost with fees and living costs

  5. SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University: Master of Public HealthMaster of Public Health

    $19,782estimated tuition

    SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University (Brooklyn, NY, public) offers this on campus and online program in 42 credits (as few as one year (three academic semesters) to as many as six years; full or part time, mostly weekday evening courses). At $471 per credit, estimated tuition is $19,782 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. Applications go through SOPHAS. Concentration areas include epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and management and environmental and occupational health. CEPH accredited, next review 12/31/2030.

    School's tuition wording: School of Public Health tuition: $5,655 per semester full time or $471 per credit part time (NYS residents); $12,620 per semester or $1,052 per credit (non-residents)

    SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University MPH debt next to what the job pays

  6. Augusta University: Master of Public HealthMaster of Public Health

    $20,025estimated tuition

    Augusta University (Augusta, GA, public) offers this online program in 45 credits (two years full time (9 credits per semester); part-time allowed, five-year maximum). At $445 per credit, estimated tuition is $20,025 before fees. You apply directly to the school. Concentration areas include epidemiology, health policy and management, community health and health promotion and health informatics. CEPH accredited, next review 12/31/2029.

    School's tuition wording: $445 per credit in-state; $1,249 per credit out-of-state; $1,284 per credit out-of-country

    Total cost of the Augusta University MPH with loans · Augusta University school profile and CEPH status

  7. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale: Master of Public Health (Online)Master of Public Health (Online)

    $20,118estimated tuition

    Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (Carbondale, IL, public) offers this online program in 42 credits (as few as 16 months). At $479 per credit, estimated tuition is $20,118 before fees. You apply directly to the school. CEPH accredited, currently on probation.

    School's tuition wording: $479 per credit hour

    Can 2026 federal loans cover the Southern Illinois University-Carbondale MPH?

  8. The University of Alabama: Master of Public Health in Health Education and PromotionMaster of Public Health in Health Education and Promotion

    $20,160estimated tuition

    The University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL, public) offers this on campus and online program in 42 credits. At $480 per credit, estimated tuition is $20,160 before fees. You apply directly to the school. Concentration areas include community health and health promotion. CEPH accredited, next review 7/1/2028.

    School's tuition wording: $480 per credit hour (UA Online listing for the online program)

    Monthly payment on the University of Alabama MPH · Compare the University of Alabama's other programs

  9. University of Kansas: Master of Public Health (KU-MPH)Master of Public Health (KU-MPH)

    $20,391estimated tuition

    University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS, public) offers this on campus, hybrid and online program in 42 credits (two years full time; at least three years part time). At $486 per credit, estimated tuition is $20,391 before fees. Applications go through SOPHAS. Concentration areas include epidemiology. CEPH accredited, next review 12/31/2032.

    School's tuition wording: $485.50 per credit hour in-state; $1,141.00 per credit hour out-of-state; $485.50 per credit hour online (plus campus fees) (2026-27)

    University of Kansas MPH cost with fees and living costs · University of Kansas school profile and CEPH status

  10. South Dakota State University: Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)

    $20,819estimated tuition

    South Dakota State University (Brookings, SD, public) offers this online program in 42 credits. At $496 per credit, estimated tuition is $20,819 before fees. You apply directly to the school. CEPH accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $495.70 per credit hour (graduate online/off-campus rate, effective fall 2026) (2026-27)

    South Dakota State University MPH debt next to what the job pays

  11. Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville: Accelerated Online Master of Public HealthAccelerated Online Master of Public Health

    $20,962estimated tuition

    Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (Edwardsville, IL, public) offers this online program in 42 credits (16-22 months). At $499 per credit, estimated tuition is $20,962 before fees. GRE optional; you apply directly to the school. CEPH accredited, next review 12/31/2027.

    School's tuition wording: $499.10 per credit hour (same for in-state and out-of-state; includes all fees)

    Total cost of the Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville MPH with loans · Compare Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville's other programs

  12. USF: Online Master of Public HealthOnline Master of Public Health

    $22,050estimated tuition

    USF (Tampa, FL, public) offers this online program in 42 credits (epidemiology concentration can be completed in as little as 21 months). At $525 per credit, estimated tuition is $22,050 before fees. GRE optional; applications go through SOPHAS. Concentration areas include epidemiology, global health, environmental and occupational health and community health and health promotion. CEPH accredited, next review 7/1/2026.

    School's tuition wording: $525 x 42 credits (online MPH); $30 per credit Distance Learning Fee not included

    Can 2026 federal loans cover the USF MPH? · USF school profile and CEPH status

  13. American Public University System: Online Master of Public HealthOnline Master of Public Health

    $22,090estimated tuition

    American Public University System (Charles Town, WV, private for-profit) offers this online program in 47 credits (8- to 16-week courses; monthly starts). At $470 per credit, estimated tuition is $22,090 before fees. No GRE required; you apply directly to the school. CEPH accredited, next review 12/31/2029.

    School's tuition wording: $470 per credit (standard master's rate); $250 Preferred Military Rate; grants reduce the rate to $399.50 or $423 for eligible students; technology and graduation fees extra

    Monthly payment on the American Public University System MPH

  14. UAB: Master of Public HealthMaster of Public Health

    $22,092estimated tuition

    UAB (Birmingham, AL, public) offers this online and on campus program in 42 credits (epidemiology concentration: typically five semesters (20 months) full time; part time at least six to eight semesters). At $526 per credit, estimated tuition is $22,092 before fees. No GRE required; applications go through SOPHAS. Concentration areas include epidemiology, health policy and management, environmental and occupational health and community health and health promotion. CEPH accredited, next review 12/31/2030.

    School's tuition wording: $526 per semester hour in-state, $1,284 per semester hour out-of-state (School of Public Health on-campus rates); $624 per semester hour for School of Public Health online courses (2026-27)

    UAB MPH cost with fees and living costs · Compare UAB's other programs

  15. Eastern Kentucky University: Master of Public Health (Online)Master of Public Health (Online)

    $22,680estimated tuition

    Eastern Kentucky University (Richmond, KY, public) offers this online program in 42 credits (as few as 24 months). At $540 per credit, estimated tuition is $22,680 before fees. You apply directly to the school. Concentration areas include environmental and occupational health and community health and health promotion. CEPH accredited, next review 7/1/2028.

    School's tuition wording: Online tuition rate $540 per credit hour

    Eastern Kentucky University MPH debt next to what the job pays

258 MPH programs

Program facts come from each school's own program pages, reviewed September 2026. Tuition is the school's published figure with its basis; per-credit sorting uses programs that publish a per-credit rate. CEPH status comes from the CEPH accredited list.

What an Online MPH Costs

Among the 136 online MPH programs that publish a per-credit rate, the middle half charge between $570 and $1,003 per credit, and the median is $686. The range is wide: $235 at the low end and $2,644 at the top. Multiply by credits and the estimated tuition (published per-credit rate times credits, before fees) has a median of $30,912 across 124 programs.

Here are the online MPH programs with the lowest estimated tuition:

Program Rate Credits Estimated tuition CEPH
UTHealth Houston MPH $287 per credit (Texas resident) 45 $12,915 Accredited
Columbia Southern University Online MPH $359 per credit 36 $12,924
Rasmussen University MPH $235 per credit 56 $13,160
Lamar University Online MPH $360 per credit 42 $15,120
University of West Florida Online MPH $385.85 per credit (Florida resident) 42 $16,206 Accredited

A blank CEPH cell means the school doesn’t appear on CEPH’s accredited list. The affordable MPH programs page covers the cost side in more depth.

Three things change these numbers. First, residency: UTHealth charges $1,124 per credit to non-residents, and West Florida charges $1,144.43 at full out-of-state rates. Second, online-specific fees: Georgia State adds a $660 per-semester online learning fee to its $464 per-credit rate, and Colorado adds $100 per online course. Third, some universities price online and campus courses differently. UAB charges $624 per semester hour for online public health courses against $526 for in-state campus courses.

Fully Online vs Online With Campus Visits

“Online” doesn’t always mean you never travel. CEPH notes that some distance programs require occasional trips to campus, such as an orientation or a summer intensive. Before you apply, find out whether the program is fully online, has short required visits, or is really a hybrid.

Program How it’s delivered Length
UC Berkeley Online MPH About 90% online, with a 5 to 6 day visit in June of year one and a 10-day visit in June of year two 27 months, year-round
San Jose State MPH (online format) Cohort meets once a year for 4 to 5 days in San Jose 24 months
CSUN Online MPH, Community Health Education Asynchronous, cohort capped at 37 students 2.5 years (seven terms)
Touro University California MPH Live virtual classes 2 or 3 afternoons or evenings a week 5 semesters
University of Arizona Online MPH Fully online, 7.5-week courses As few as 2 years

The difference between asynchronous and live classes is the one that decides whether a program fits your job. Asynchronous courses let you watch lectures and post work on your own schedule within weekly deadlines. Live sessions, like Touro’s, fix you to a time slot every week.

How the Practicum Works When You Study Online

Every CEPH-accredited MPH includes an applied practice experience, and online students complete it too, usually at an organization near where they live. CEPH lets the practice experience happen in government, nonprofit, industry or for-profit settings, all at once or spread across the program. What it requires is that you show at least five competencies, three of them foundational, through at least two real work products made for the site’s use, such as a program plan, a grant proposal or a training manual.

Programs set their own hours. Berkeley’s online MPH, for example, requires 130 hours of practicum, starting in the second semester and finished by the sixth. Plan for the practicum early: if you work full time, you’ll need a site and a supervisor who can fit your schedule.

You’ll also finish with an integrative learning experience, a capstone that produces a substantial written product such as a program evaluation report or a policy statement. CEPH doesn’t accept a poster presentation for this.

What You’ll Study in an Online MPH

The core of an online MPH is the same as a campus MPH. CEPH requires every MPH student to be assessed on 22 foundational competencies, from applying epidemiological methods and analyzing data to designing a program, evaluating policy and applying a systems thinking tool. It also requires grounding in 12 knowledge areas, such as the causes and trends of disease, environmental and biological factors in health, and the social and economic determinants of health.

After the core comes a concentration. The most common concentration names among online MPH programs here are Epidemiology (48 programs), Global Health (20), Community Health (14), Public Health Practice (13) and Generalist (12). Biostatistics, Health Informatics and Nutrition show up less often online. If you want a quantitative concentration, compare epidemiology programs and check which of them run online.

The degree itself is at least 42 semester credits or 56 quarter credits. Among online programs that publish credits, the middle half require 42 to 45.

Is an Online MPH Worth It?

An online MPH is worth it when it’s CEPH-accredited, when its total cost is in line with the jobs you’re aiming for, and when you can realistically finish the practicum. The diploma itself doesn’t carry a separate label for online study, and the same criteria apply.

The jobs that most clearly call for the degree are the analytical ones. The BLS says epidemiologists typically need a master’s degree and names the MPH as a common path. Epidemiologists earned a median of $87,220 in May 2025, with the middle half between $71,090 and $112,640. Most work in state government (33%) or local government (22%), which is exactly where CEPH accreditation gets checked. Health education specialists, by contrast, typically enter with a bachelor’s degree, though some positions require a master’s; their median was $64,070.

For a fuller look at pay against cost, read is an MPH worth it and the MPH salary page.

How to Choose an Online MPH Program

  • Accreditation first. Pick from the 202 programs at CEPH-accredited schools unless you have a specific reason not to.
  • Total cost, not the rate. Multiply the per-credit rate by the credits, then add online fees and any out-of-state rate. A $235 rate over 56 credits can cost more than a $287 rate over 45.
  • Travel. Confirm whether campus visits are required, how long they last, and when.
  • Class format. Asynchronous suits shift workers and parents. Live sessions suit people who want a cohort and fixed deadlines.
  • Practicum support. Look for a named practicum office or placement process for distance students, and a published hour requirement like Berkeley’s 130 hours.
  • Admissions. 94 online programs take applications through SOPHAS and 143 apply directly to the school.

If you’d rather have some face time, compare hybrid and executive MPH programs. If time is the constraint, the accelerated MPH programs page lists the fastest options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an Online MPH Respected by Employers?

CEPH accredits online MPH degrees against the same criteria as campus degrees, and the diploma doesn't carry a separate accreditation. What employers screen for is CEPH accreditation itself: the US Public Health Service, some military public health jobs and some state and local agencies require MPH-level hires to come from CEPH-accredited schools and programs.

How Long Does an Online MPH Take?

Most online MPH programs run about two years. Arizona's online MPH takes as few as 2 years, San Diego State's Global Campus MPH takes at least 22 months, and Berkeley's online MPH runs 27 months year-round. Accelerated online options such as Nova Southeastern start at a minimum of 11 months.

Can I Get Federal Loans for an Online MPH?

Yes, if the school takes part in federal aid and you're enrolled at least half-time. New graduate borrowers from July 1, 2026 can borrow up to $20,500 a year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans, up to $100,000 in total, and Grad PLUS loans are no longer available to them.

Do Online MPH Programs Require the GRE?

Rarely. Of the 258 online MPH programs on this site, 97 say the GRE isn't required, 23 make it optional and 10 let you waive it. See the no-GRE MPH programs for the full list.

Do Online MPH Programs Charge Out-of-State Tuition?

Many public universities do. The University of West Florida charges $385.85 per credit to Florida residents, $494.22 to out-of-state students with a waiver and $1,144.43 at the full out-of-state rate. Georgia State, by contrast, charges fully online students a residency-neutral $464 per credit.

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Sources

  1. Official program pages of each school listed, reviewed September 2026
  2. Council on Education for Public Health, accredited schools and programs
  3. CEPH: Accreditation Criteria for Schools and Programs (2024)
  4. CEPH: Student FAQs
  5. UC Berkeley School of Public Health: Online MPH
  6. Federal Student Aid: One Big Beautiful Bill Act updates
  7. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Epidemiologists
  8. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Health Education Specialists and Community Health Workers

Every program here was checked against the school's own website. Accreditation comes from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) list, and graduate counts from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS). Sponsored listings are labeled and never change which programs we list. How we verify programs