Online MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

American Public University's (APU) Master of Public Health (MPH) program aims to provide a deep understanding of the scientific, psychological, and sociological elements that influence public health policy and practices. As a student in this Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH®)-certified online program, you will be challenged to develop solutions for complex health issues, exploring key areas such as community and global health, biostatistics, environmental health sciences, epidemiology, health policy and management, and social and behavioral sciences.

This research-based, interdisciplinary master's degree features courses like Quarantine and Disaster Health Management and includes a public health practicum for hands-on learning. The mission of the program is to prepare and educate students to promote health and well-being as public health practitioners through excellence in teaching, research, and service, equipping them for leadership opportunities in a diverse and global society.

The Master of Public Health program is accredited by The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH®) through December 31, 2029. CEPH® is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools of public health and public health programs.

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Evaluate screening methods of epidemiology using statistical analysis and the impact of disease occurrence on population health.

• Evaluate the effects of environmental factors on population health and discuss policies to prevent and manage environmental hazards.

• Apply emergency preparedness and disaster health management to public health and healthcare settings.

• Analyze health policies or regulatory systems to address population health management.

• Develop programs and/or interventions that effectively address social determinants of health and health disparities.

Delivery Modes

The Master of Public Health program is delivered fully online, offering flexibility for working professionals. Courses start monthly and vary in length from 8 to 16 weeks.

Curriculum Overview

The program requires a total of 47 semester hours. Students may transfer up to 15 credits from an accredited institution, subject to university policy. The curriculum covers core areas including community and global health, biostatistics, environmental health sciences, epidemiology, health policy and management, and social and behavioral sciences.

Core Requirements (44 semester hours) include courses such as:

• PBHE501 Public Health in America (3 credits)

• PBHE502 Health Policy (3 credits)

• PBHE520 Biostatistics with Lab (4 credits)

• PBHE526 Public Health and Environment (3 credits)

• PBHE527 Social and Behavioral Aspects of Health (3 credits)

• PBHE531 Public Health Program Planning and Evaluation (3 credits)

• PBHE607 Epidemiology (3 credits)

• PBHE697 Public Health Practicum (4 credits, 180-200 hours of supervised practical application over a 16-week course).

Final Program Requirement (3 semester hours): Students choose either PBHE696 Public Health Comprehensive Examination or PBHE699 Public Health Capstone.

There are no formal elective credits required within the 47-semester hour program structure.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The following documentation is required:

• Official transcripts showing a conferred bachelor's degree or higher.

• Resume/CV.

• Statement of purpose and interest.

There is no GRE/GMAT requirement and no application fee for this program. Courses in this program are open only to students admitted to the program. Applicants must also provide a legible copy of a valid government-issued photo ID (civilian students) or government-issued JST or CCAF transcript (military students).

Cost & Financial Aid

The standard cost per credit hour is $455. Discounted rates are available: $250 per credit hour with the Preferred Military Rate, $386.75 with the Veteran Grant, and $409.50 with the APUS Opportunity Grant. There is a technology fee of $85 per course. Most courses utilize Open Educational Resources (OER), minimizing textbook costs. A one-time fee for Typhon student practicum tracking software is also required (paid directly to Typhon group, specific cost not listed). Information on financial aid options, including Federal Student Aid, Military Tuition Assistance, Veteran Benefits, and scholarships, can be found on the university's website.

Career & Practical Experience

The MPH program prepares students for roles as public health practitioners and for leadership opportunities. A key component is the Public Health Practicum (PBHE697), which provides 180-200 hours of supervised, hands-on experience in a public health setting. This allows students to apply previously studied theory in a practical environment.