Online MPH Program

IMPORTANT NOTE: Baylor University is not currently accepting new students into the online Master of Public Health program. Prospective students are invited to explore Baylor's residential Master of Public Health program.

Program Highlights

Baylor University's online Master of Public Health (MPH) program is designed for individuals seeking to improve the health and wellness of communities. The program emphasizes evidence-based, rigorous practice taught by public health experts within a community-driven online environment. It aims to equip students to address systemic health issues with a global impact, guided by a faith-based approach to education. Baylor University is recognized as an R1 institution ("Doctoral University: Very High Research Activity") by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The online MPH program was ranked #11 by Fortune's Best Online Master of Public Health Programs in 2024.

Delivery Modes

The Master of Public Health program is delivered fully online. Students can choose to complete the 42-credit program on a full-time, part-time, or accelerated basis.

Curriculum Overview

The online MPH curriculum requires 42 credit hours, with an optional 3-credit hour practicum. The curriculum explores a service-oriented approach to community health science and includes:

• Core Courses (27 credits): Foundations of Public Health, Theoretical Foundations of Health Behavior and Public Health, Public Health Concepts in Epidemiology, Assessment & Planning in Public and Community Health, Research Methods, Statistical Methodology, Evaluation in Public and Community Health, Administration and Leadership in Public Health, and Fundamentals of Environmental Health Science.

• Elective Courses (9 credits, choose 3): Current Topics in Public Health, Global Public Health, Determinants of Health and Health Equity, Public Health Policy and Practice.

• Immersion Experience (2 credits): All online MPH students visit Baylor’s campus in Waco, Texas, for a weekend-long immersion.

• Culminating Experience (4 credits): Graduate Project (Public Health Capstone Project), a minimum 150-hour internship.

• Optional Practicum (3 credits): An opportunity to apply learning in a local community setting, either in-person or virtually.

Admissions Requirements

As noted, Baylor University is not currently accepting new students into the online MPH program. When applications were being accepted, requirements included:

• Online Application.

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S.

• Resume.

• Official transcript(s) from all undergraduate/graduate degree(s).

• Two (2) required and one (1) optional letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources.

• Strong personal statement.

• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred.

• GRE scores are not required but recommended for applicants wishing to strengthen their application.

The Accelerated Track had additional requirements, including a formal writing sample and a letter of justification.

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition for the online MPH program is $1,785 per credit hour for the current school year. An additional administrative fee of $100 per term applies. Tuition and fees are subject to change and may increase each academic year. Baylor University’s online MPH program offers merit-based scholarships for incoming students; all admitted students are considered. Other funding options include personal resources, external scholarships, employer tuition assistance, and student loans.

Career & Practical Experience

The program reports a 93% employment rate within six months of graduation. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in the high-demand field of public health. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) certification exams.

Potential career paths include Health Education Specialist, Public Health Project Manager, Health and Safety Engineer, Environmental Scientist, Community Activist, Toxicologist, Mental Health Researcher, Emergency Response Specialist, Urban Planner, Community Health Educator, Public Health Administrator, Community Service Manager, and Clinical Research Coordinator.

Practical experiences include an on-campus immersion weekend, a 150-hour (minimum) Public Health Capstone Project (internship), and an optional practicum for further field experience.