Online MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

Drexel University's online Master of Public Health (MPH) program is offered through the Dornsife School of Public Health , ranked by U.S. News & World Report as #1 in the Philadelphia region and in the top 15% nationwide for Best Graduate Schools. The program focuses on health and human rights, urban health, global health, executive training, and translating policy into practice. Key features include:

• Multiple MPH concentrations: Epidemiology, Executive MPH, Global Health, and Urban Health.

• Accredited by the Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH); Drexel was the first institution in Philadelphia to receive this accreditation for its public health programs.

• No GRE required for admission.

• Opportunities to add secondary focus areas such as Maternal and Child Health and LGBT Health.

• Ability to transfer credits from Drexel’s online public health certificates.

Delivery Modes

The MPH program is primarily delivered online, offering flexibility for working professionals and recent graduates. Hybrid options are also available. Students can choose from full-time or part-time plans of study. Online classes are conducted asynchronously, meaning students are not required to be online at specific times for instruction, though some courses may include group work requiring scheduled online meetings. Various completion timelines are offered, including 12-month (accelerated), 18-month, 21-month, and 33-month (part-time) plans, as well as a flexible plan of study customizable to individual needs.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH program requires a total of 56 quarter credits for completion, structured on a quarter-term basis with 10-week courses. The curriculum generally covers core public health disciplines such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, environmental health, and social and behavioral sciences. For example, the Global Health concentration includes required courses in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Qualitative Data and Mixed Methods Analysis, and Public Health Foundations. All MPH students complete an Integrative Learning Experience (ILE), a capstone project culminating in a high-quality research paper, and a Practical Experience, which involves 120-240 hours of field-based work. Students also take 22 credits of electives to tailor their studies to their interests.

Admissions Requirements

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or an equivalent international institution.

• A GPA of at least 3.0 is preferred. Applicants with a lower GPA are encouraged to apply and should highlight relevant work experience, professional certifications, or continuing education in their personal statement.

• Standardized test scores (e.g., GRE) are NOT required, but may be submitted to strengthen an application.

• Required Documents: A completed application, official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, two professional letters of recommendation, a resume, and an essay of approximately 500 words discussing interest in public health, career goals, and reasons for choosing Drexel University.

• Additional requirements apply for international students.

• Computer Requirements: Working knowledge of and access to a personal computer (no more than 4 years old), high-speed internet connection, and Microsoft Office applications.

Cost & Financial Aid

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition rate for the online MPH program is $1032 per credit, reflecting a 25% tuition savings off Drexel's regular rate. There is an additional graduate online program fee of $125 per year. With 56 total credits, the estimated total tuition is approximately $57,792, excluding annual fees and other potential costs. The program is eligible for Financial Aid. Special tuition rates may be available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of partner organizations. Tuition rates are subject to increase annually. For details on tuition savings, applicants can contact [email protected].

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates of the MPH program are prepared for a wide range of careers in local, national, and global public health organizations, government agencies, universities, clinical practices, and research organizations. Potential job titles include Health Educator, Community Health Worker, Medical and Health Services Manager, Epidemiologist, Policy Analyst, Program Manager, and Clinical Research Professional. Drexel provides comprehensive career services through the Steinbright Career Development Center and Symplicity , a portal managed by Dornsife’s Office of Practice. The program includes a required Practical Experience component, consisting of 120-240 hours of field placement, which can often be completed near the student's home. Drexel Dornsife assists students in finding these opportunities. Additionally, students complete an Integrative Learning Experience (ILE), a capstone project demonstrating mastery of public health competencies.