Best Online Master's in Public Health Degrees

Public health professionals play an essential role in fostering global well-being. From implementing evidence-based practices to driving policy reforms, they work tirelessly to improve health outcomes and strengthen communities. Individuals working in this dynamic field gain satisfaction from knowing that their work extends beyond individual patients to benefit entire populations.  

Earning a graduate degree can significantly enhance a public health professional’s expertise, opening doors to advanced positions that drive meaningful change. Online public health degree programs provide high-quality education without the geographical and scheduling constraints often associated with traditional brick-and-mortar schools. This flexibility makes online learning ideal for busy professionals seeking career advancement or individuals with family or personal commitments. Continue reading to explore some of the top online degrees in public health and learn how they can unlock exciting career opportunities across various high-demand fields.

What Is a Master's Degree in Public Health?

Through a master’s degree in public health, students gain practical knowledge regarding public policy development, disease prevention, and strategies for improving health outcomes. They explore the biological, environmental, and societal determinants of health and learn ways to promote well-being locally and globally. Their studies equip them to thrive in a variety of fields, including healthcare administration, health policy and advocacy, education, and medicine. Graduates with a master’s in public health can excel in roles such as:

  • Epidemiologist  
  • Occupational health and safety specialist 
  • Healthcare administrator  
  • Public health educator  
  • Public health consultant  
  • Health promotion specialist  
  • Clinical research coordinator  
  • Biostatistician  
  • Health policy advisor 
  • Healthcare consultant 

Featured Online Master's in Public Health Degrees

The following master‘s in public health online programs have been selected based on their accreditation status, academic rigor, affordability, and length. Each degree program equips its students with the skills needed to address critical health challenges and improve community health outcomes through a career in public health.

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University of Arkansas

Master’s in Public Health

Location: Online (Based in Fayetteville, AR)

Acceptance rate: 77.7%

Graduation rate: 65.2%

Cost of attendance: $16,505 per semester

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission and Council on Education for Public Health

Admission requirements

Undergraduate

  • Meet general admission requirements
  • Submit high school transcripts
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.7
  • Submit ACT or SAT score if GPA is 3.2-3.6

Unique offerings

UAMS’s Master of Public Health degree program includes six concentration tracks: biostatistics; environmental health; epidemiology; health education; health policy; and climate, rural, and global health. The concentration in climate, rural, and global public health is available entirely online. This degree track provides a comprehensive overview of critical health issues faced by rural populations and the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities.

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Western Governors University

Master’s in Public Health

Location: Online (based in Salt Lake City, UT)

Acceptance rate: 100%

Graduation rate: 50%

Cost of attendance: Average yearly master’s tuition is $8,444

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Admission requirements

  • Application form
  • Official high school/college transcripts
  • Nonrefundable application fee of $65

Unique offerings

WGU’s master’s in public health provides students with advanced industry knowledge and skills in biostatistics, environmental health, epidemiology, healthcare policy and advocacy, and other essential domains. Graduates are prepared to excel in various public health fields, including infectious disease prevention, public policy, healthcare administration, and health education. While classes are online, WGU students can rest assured that they have access to a robust support system of Course Instructors, Program Mentors, Enrollment Counselors, and academic coaches who are dedicated to guiding and assisting them during their academic journeys.

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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Master’s in Public Health

Location: Online (based in Chapel Hill, NC)

Average time to graduation: 20 to 36 months

Graduation rate: 91.1%

Cost of attendance: $1,735 per credit hour

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Unique offerings

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers both in-person and online degrees and certificates, allowing students to align their educational journeys with their unique life circumstances. UNC Online presents several options for students seeking a distance-based education, including an online Master of Public Health program ranked second in the country by U.S. News and World Report. Through advanced academic study and practical skill development, the Master of Public Health degree equips students to combat critical public health challenges and contribute to improved health systems and health promotion strategies.

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University of New Mexico

Master’s in Public Health

Location: Online (based in Albuquerque, NM)

Average time to graduation: 36 Months

Cost of attendance: $428.12 per credit hour for accelerated online programs

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Unique offerings

UNM’s Master of Public Health teaches students a systems-based approach to wellness that focuses on chronic disease prevention, health education, and the impact of discrimination and bias in healthcare. Through this program, students learn strategies to promote wellness, mitigate health disparities, and empower individuals to make informed health decisions.

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Boston University

Master’s in Public Health

Location: Online (based in Boston, MA)

Average time to graduation: Two to five years

Graduation rate: 87%

Cost of attendance: TBD

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.

Unique offerings

Boston University’s online master’s degree in public health offers the option to be completed entirely online, allowing working professionals and other nontraditional students to finish the degree without committing to in-person classes. The program includes weekly live video sessions that cover crucial public health topics such as decision-making for health equity, applied methods in population health science, communication, and public health policy. Students can take classes on a timeline that works for them and have up to five years to complete the program.

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The George Washington University

Master’s in Public Health

Location: Online (based in Washington D.C., Washington D.C.)

Average time to graduation: 12-24 months

Cost of attendance: $1,700 per credit hour

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Unique offerings

GWU offers in-person, online, and hybrid degree programs. Its online Master of Public Health is ranked sixth on Fortune Education’s list of best online master’s of public health programs. Many of the course instructors for the public health degree programs are active healthcare leaders, ensuring that students receive practical instruction and develop real-world skills. Students pursuing the master’s of public health can choose from several scheduling formats, including accelerated one-year and 18-month programs, as well as full-time and part-time options.

How an Online Master's in Public Health Program Works

Online degree programs vary. Some have no set class times and allow students to complete coursework whenever it’s convenient for them. In these self-paced programs, students utilize prerecorded video lectures, e-learning modules, online forums, and other digital tools to study course material, take assessments, and interact with peers and instructors. Competency-based programs provide even greater flexibility. These programs allow students to take assessments and move on to the next course as soon as they’re ready.

By contrast, synchronous online programs adhere to scheduled class times. Students log in to virtual classrooms using platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. During class, they view live-stream lessons, ask questions, and participate in group discussions. Online master’s degree programs also vary regarding course load, with some allowing for part-time study. When choosing an online degree, prospective students should carefully consider the program’s format, cost, and flexibility to ensure that it aligns with their needs.