Online MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The online Master of Public Health (MPH) from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is designed to deepen students' knowledge of key factors shaping healthcare systems. It focuses on advancing leadership and research abilities, exploring evaluation methods, strategies for public health interventions, and grant writing.

This CEPH-accredited program explores epidemiology, biostatistics, and environmental health sciences, preparing students for roles as strategic, research-driven leaders in this vital field. Students learn from the same supportive faculty who teach on campus and are prepared to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam.

The Master of Public Health at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) .

Delivery Modes

The program is delivered 100% online in an accelerated format, ideal for working professionals. It features six start dates each year, offering flexibility to begin when it best suits your schedule. The program can typically be completed in 14 to 22 months.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH online curriculum comprises 42 credit hours, including 33 credit hours of public health core courses and 9 credit hours of electives. Core areas include epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health sciences, social and behavioral sciences, health policy and management, and the critical examination of health disparities in diverse populations.

Key components include PBHE 560: Applied Practice Experience, where students complete an applied project/internship, and PBHE 599A: Capstone Project, involving 300 to 450 hours in an approved public health agency. The Capstone Project (PBHE 599A) is taken across two terms for a combined total of 6 credit hours.

Core Courses (33 credits):

• PBHE 500: Core Principles in Public Health & Public Health Leadership (3 credits)

• PBHE 520: Public Health Data Analysis (3 credits)

• PBHE 530: Epidemiology (3 credits)

• PBHE 540: Public Health Policy and Administration (3 credits)

• PBHE 550: Research & Evaluation Methods (3 credits)

• PBHE 560: Applied Practice Experience (3 credits)

• PBHE 570: Environmental Health (3 credits)

• PBHE 580: Public Health Interventions (3 credits)

• PBHE 598: Grant Writing (3 credits)

• PBHE 599A: Capstone Project (6 credits total, taken across 2 terms)

Elective Courses (9 credits, students must take the following):

• MBA 522: Decision Making in Organizations (3 credits)

• PAPA 566: Health Care Financing (3 credits)

• MBA 533: Leadership Influence & Managerial Influence (3 credits)

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the online MPH program is based on factors including undergraduate GPA, professional resume, and previous graduate work. Applicants need to submit:

• Graduate School application and $40 fee.

• Submission of all postsecondary academic transcripts (official transcripts must be sent directly from the school).

• Minimum GPA of 3.0.

• Personal statement (500-800 words) describing how the program relates to professional goals.

• Current resume. Applicants with significant public health work experience are encouraged to apply.

• Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are recommended, but not required.

Contact Graduate Admissions at [email protected] for questions. Review the SIUE Admissions Policy for more information.

Cost & Financial Aid

The total tuition for the online MPH program is $19,826.10 for 42 credit hours. The cost per credit hour is $472.05.

Tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students, and all fees are included. Tuition is subject to change without notice.

For financial aid, use Federal School Code 001759. Contact the financial aid office at 618-650-3880 or [email protected] .

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates will develop foundational public health knowledge and skills through real-world applications, engage in research addressing health disparities, and participate in service experiences improving health access for diverse populations.

Career opportunities include:

• Health Informatics Specialist

• Healthcare Administrator

• Epidemiologist

• Public Health Project Manager

• Public Health Educator

Practical experience is gained through the Applied Practice Experience (PBHE 560) and the Capstone Project (PBHE 599A), which requires 300-450 hours of project work in a public health agency.