Online MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The University of Georgia’s College of Public Health aims to prepare students to confidently engage in complex public health issues and create a meaningful impact. The Online Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is designed for individuals dedicated to helping people live healthier and safer lives, providing training for service and leadership in public health.

Students in the Online MPH program learn foundational theories and skills in core public health areas, including health policy and management, health promotion, environmental health, biostatistics, and epidemiology. The program emphasizes tackling important contemporary challenges through research, community programming, education, policy implementation, and advocacy.

Accreditation

The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of Georgia College of Public Health, which offers the MPH program, is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) , an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Delivery Modes

The Master of Public Health program is delivered fully online, providing flexibility for students, particularly working professionals, to advance their careers from any location.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum requires a total of 44 credit hours. This includes 15 credits of core courses in public health disciplines, 21 credits covering various public health domains, and 8 credit hours dedicated to professional training and applied practice experience. The first year follows a cohort model where students take the same courses.

A required component of the program is a 300-hour, semester-long applied practice experience (internship). This internship can typically be completed in the student's geographic region and may be extended to two semesters with prior approval. Students may complete this under their current employer if the duties are new and supervised by someone different from their regular supervisor.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and relevant course history are recommended. Admissions decisions are based on an evaluation of the applicant's educational background, work experience, past performance, and potential in public health. Preference is given to working professionals, especially those in public health or related fields.

Key application components include:

• Completed Graduate School Admissions online application ($75 fee).

• Current résumé or curriculum vitae.

• One to two-page statement of purpose detailing academic/professional background, interests, and goals.

• Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended (official transcripts required upon admission).

• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate scholarly ability and potential for success.

International applicants must also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. Application deadlines are July 1 for domestic applicants (Fall intake) and April 15 for international applicants (Fall intake).

Cost & Financial Aid

The estimated tuition for completing the 44-credit hour Online MPH program is $30,668, based on 2024-25 credit-hour costs. This program is an E-Rate program, and tuition rates may change annually. Current credit hour rates can be found on the Bursar's Office E-Rate sheet . Fees for students enrolled exclusively in online programs are $411 per semester.

Potential additional costs include textbooks, exam proctoring fees, and technology upgrades. The complete cost of attendance can be found at the OSFA website . Information about financial assistance is available from the Office of Student Financial Aid . Other forms of assistance may include corporate tuition reimbursement, military benefits, and the University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).

Career & Practical Experience

The demand for public health professionals is growing. Graduates of the Online MPH program are prepared for a variety of roles. Potential job titles include:

• Epidemiologist

• Environmental Health Scientist

• Health Data Analyst

• Healthcare Administrator

• Health Educator

• Public Health Program Manager

• Healthcare Consultant

• Policy Analyst

The required 300-hour applied practice experience provides crucial hands-on training, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world public health settings.