Online MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is offered by the renowned UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. UNC Gillings is consistently ranked among the top public health schools, recognized as the No. 1 public school of public health and No. 2 overall by U.S. News & World Report (2024). The program is designed to prepare practical idealists to combat society’s most urgent public health challenges and bridge the gap between academic research and practical public health solutions.

Key program highlights include:

• Global Alumni Network: Connect with public health leaders across 53 countries.

• No GRE Required: Admission focuses on your passion for advancing health over standardized test scores.

• Flexible Start Dates: Three start dates per year (Fall, Spring, Summer) for specific program tracks.

• Comprehensive Support: Benefit from admissions guidance, faculty mentoring, academic planning, and career services.

Accreditation:

• The MPH Leadership in Practice, MPH Nutrition, Food Systems and Health, and MPH Applied Epidemiology concentrations are CEPH-accredited (Council on Education for Public Health).

• The Nutrition and Dietetics track is ACEND-accredited (Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics).

Delivery Modes & Duration

The MPH program is delivered fully online, offering flexibility for working professionals.

• Formats: Online, with full-time and part-time options available.

• Duration: Program completion times vary by concentration. The MPH Nutrition, Food Systems and Health can be completed in as few as 16 months; the MPH Leadership in Practice and MPH Applied Epidemiology tracks can be completed in as few as 20–24 months. The overall program can typically be completed in 20-36 months, with options to take up to five years.

Curriculum Overview

The online MPH curriculum consists of 42 credit hours. It begins with the Gillings Core, establishing an integrated foundation in public health, followed by concentration-specific courses and electives to build focused expertise.

Key curriculum components:

• Gillings Core: Foundational public health coursework.

• Concentrations: Students choose from specialized tracks including MPH Leadership in Practice, MPH Nutrition, Food Systems and Health, and MPH Applied Epidemiology. A Nutrition and Dietetics track is also offered.

• MPH Practicum: A 200-hour planned, mentored, and evaluated work experience in the student's local community, allowing application of public health concepts, values, and skills in a real-world setting.

Admissions Requirements

The Gillings School of Global Public Health seeks candidates whose academic background, professional experience, and leadership abilities meet the demands of the online MPH program. Key requirements include:

• Educational Background: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required.

• Work Experience: No minimum work experience is required.

• Standardized Tests: GRE scores are not required for admission.

• Application Materials:

  • Online application

  • Résumé or CV

  • Transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended

  • Statement of purpose

  • Letters of recommendation (typically three)

Cost & Financial Aid

The estimated tuition range for the online MPH program is $72,870 to $85,394. This range is subject to change and does not include additional student fees, technology platform licensing, or support services. Students are also responsible for any costs associated with in-person immersions or residentials.

For detailed information on tuition, fees, and financial aid options, please visit the official tuition and financial aid page . Admissions counselors are available to discuss financial aid questions, and application fee waivers may be available.

Career & Practical Experience

The MPH@UNC program is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in various public health settings, working to eliminate health disparities and improve well-being globally and locally.

Career Support:

• Career Services: Comprehensive career services are available, including guidance on job searching, resume building, and networking.

• Alumni Network: Graduates join an extensive global network of over 22,000 Gillings School alumni, representing 53 countries across six continents.

Practical Experience:

• MPH Practicum: A core component of the program, requiring 200 hours of mentored fieldwork in the student's local community. This experience allows students to apply their knowledge, hone career goals, and collaborate with public health professionals in organizations actively advancing public health.