Online MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Northeastern University trains knowledgeable, professionally educated public health practitioners to meet the growing demand for leaders at local, regional, national, and global levels. The program equips graduates with technical expertise to tackle complex health problems and cultural sensitivity to advocate for diverse populations. Students examine how the built environment affects wellbeing through the lens of social determinants of health.

The MPH in Public Health program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) and is a member of the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health.

Key program benefits include:

• Fall and spring entry dates.

• Online format provides the most flexibility for working professionals.

• Elective courses may be taken on a wide range of public health topics, including cross-departmental offerings from Northeastern’s other colleges (law, business, social sciences, and more).

• Graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified in Public Health (CPH) Exam, the only professional certification specific to the field of public health.

Delivery Modes

The MPH program is offered fully online. Students can pursue the program on a part-time or full-time basis.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum trains individuals with skills to improve public health, focusing on applying research and evaluation skills to projects in health policy, health technology and informatics, mental health, social justice, urban health, environmental health, and public health leadership and advocacy.

Students engage in a required 200-hour community-oriented practicum (internship) with a public health organization to apply skills and knowledge. A capstone project allows students to integrate theory and practice experiences in a major research, program planning, policy development, management, service delivery, or evaluation project.

Elective courses are available on a wide range of public health topics. For detailed curriculum information, see the Program Curriculum .

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must submit the following through the SOPHAS application:

• Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources only.

• Transcripts from all institutions attended.

• Personal statement that describes your interest in and commitment to urban public health.

• Resumé/CV.

• TOEFL or IELTS for applicants who do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution and whose native language is not English.

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is required. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to request an in-person or telephone interview with certain candidates.

Application Deadlines:

• Fall Entry: Priority Deadline - February 1; Final Deadline - June 1.

• Spring Entry: Final Deadline - December 5.

Cost & Financial Aid

The estimated total tuition for the Master of Public Health program for the 2025-2026 academic year is $81,732 USD. This estimate does not include any fees or other expenses, and tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time.

Northeastern University offers various financial aid options, including scholarships. Students are encouraged to connect with a financial counselor. For detailed information, please visit the Student Financial Services website and the Tuition & Financial Aid page .

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates with an MPH degree are employed in varied professional settings including federal, state, and local health agencies; universities and colleges; hospitals; ambulatory medical centers; nonprofit organizations; community-based agencies; insurance and pharmaceutical industries; health maintenance organizations; and private foundations. The program prepares graduates with the technical expertise and cultural competency to address urban health issues and advocate for diverse populations.

Students complete a required 200-hour community-oriented practicum (internship) in a professional public health setting, applying classroom skills and knowledge.