Online MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The University of Kentucky’s online Master of Public Health (MPH) program offers a flexible and comprehensive education designed to equip students with the skills needed to address today’s most pressing public health challenges. The program focuses on improving community health outcomes through research, education, and policy implementation. Key highlights include a fully online delivery by expert faculty, an accelerated curriculum option, and the ability to tailor studies through three distinct concentrations. Students gain expertise in evidence-based approaches, public health systems, planning and management, policy, leadership, communication, inter-professional practice, and systems thinking.

The University of Kentucky College of Public Health is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) . More details can be found on the university's accreditation page .

Delivery Modes

The MPH program is delivered fully online, offering flexibility for working professionals and students from various locations. Classes are offered both asynchronously (no scheduled meeting times) and synchronously (virtual meetings at particular days/times). An accelerated curriculum allows completion in as little as 21-24 months. Students can enroll full-time (9 credit hours per semester is considered full-time for the graduate tuition cap).

Curriculum Overview

The program requires a total of 43 credit hours. Students explore all facets of health management and policy. Through the choice of electives, students can tailor their program to include training in developing, implementing, and evaluating policy.

Core course examples include:

• CPH 663 Foundations of Public Health

• CPH 605 Epidemiology

• CPH 603 Data Analysis

• CPH 650 Public Health Systems Administration

• CPH 621 Understanding and Communicating Environmental Health Risks

• CPH 672 Evidence-Based Public Health Planning and Practice

The curriculum includes a Public Health Practicum (CPH 609) and a Public Health Capstone (CPH 608) for applied learning experiences.

Focus Areas:

• Evidence-based approaches to public health

• Public health and health care systems

• Planning and management to promote health

• Policy in public health

• Leadership

• Communication

• Inter-professional practice

• Systems thinking

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A baccalaureate degree from a fully accredited U.S. institution or recognized foreign institution.

• An overall GPA of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work (if applicable).

• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.

Application Process:

1. Apply to the online MPH program using SOPHAS . Select MPH in Health Management and Policy-ONLINE.

2. Apply to the UK Graduate School following your SOPHAS application decision.

Required Admissions Materials:

• Official transcripts

• Personal statement

• Three (3) evaluations/recommendations

• Resume/CV

• Writing sample

Program Contact: Anna Hoover, Director Graduate Studies, [email protected] .

Application Deadlines:

For Fall 2025 admission: Application due July 1, 2025. Program starts August 25, 2025.

Cost & Financial Aid

The cost per credit hour is $767.00 (USD). With 43 total credits, the estimated total program tuition is $32,981. For fully online programs, the tuition rate is the same regardless of state of residency. UK Online offers a graduate tuition cap, where students enrolled in 9 or more credit hours per semester pay a flat tuition rate for 9 credit hours. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA for federal financial aid eligibility. Information on student funding is available through the Graduate School . Detailed Cost of Attendance information is also available.

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in government agencies, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, health policy think tanks, healthcare, education, and other public health settings. The program includes a Public Health Practicum (CPH 609) and a Public Health Capstone (CPH 608), providing valuable practical experience. Students have access to academic support services to maximize their success. An article on Exploring Career Opportunities with a Master's Degree in Public Health is available for further reading.