Top 25 Best MPH Online Programs for Value in the United States

Find your perfect value college

ValueColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

In the 21st century, public health is one of the fastest-growing and most critical fields of study. While the US population continues to grow steadily, population growth in the developing world is exploding; an increasingly interconnected world means that public health no longer happens at just the local and community level, but in a vast network of communities across the globe (global health andenvironmental health). Improving the health of populations – and keeping them healthy over generations – isn’t just the work of doctors and hospitals. It takes the cooperation of healthcare professionals, educators, governments, nonprofits, researchers, volunteers, and many more.

Why Get an Online MPH Degree?

mph programs rankings

Anyone thinking about their career, or looking into higher education, knows by now that healthcare is one of the most secure and growing industries, but what many people do not realize is that the healthcare field is more than nurses and doctors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the growth of the healthcare industry at 18% between 2019 and 2029, but some of the careers in the public health field are even higher: 20% for Medical and Health Service Managers, for instance, or over 30% for biostatisticians. Other master’s degree career paths, like health educators and health promotion (16%) and nutritionists (15%) are growing well above the job market average.

Featured Programs

All of that opportunity means that it’s a good time for public health careers. For working professionals in the lower and middle rungs of the public health field – the RNs, the administrative assistants, the middle managers – an online MPH degree program can be a gateway to advancement over a bachelor’s degree. Working adults in areas related to public health (but not in healthcare) – like civil servants, community organizers, health promotion, and education – could look to an online MPH degree as potential for a rewarding career shift. A master’s in public health is even a smart choice for doctors, nurse practitioners, and upper-level professionals to add credentials and flexibility to their career. In many areas, the MPH is becoming an entry-level standard for public health careers.

Choosing the Right Online MPH Degree for You

Master’s in Public Health online programs come in many different forms, from many different kinds of institutions. Professionals in a wide variety of roles could benefit from an online MPH degree: instead of earning an online MSN degree,  for instance, working nurses with a bachelor’s degree may consider earning an MPH with a nursing specialization like global health or environmental health; even those looking at a DNP program may add on an MPH, or find a dual degree program. Professionals who don’t feel cut out for direct patient care may be considering a healthcare administration master’s, but an MPH program with an administration concentration opens up even more opportunities – as does a advanced degree specializing in health informatics, one of the fastest-growing health-related careers.

Ranking the Best Value Online MPH Degrees

At Value Colleges, our mission is to guide prospective students to the best use of their time and money in their school search – whether they are working adults, first-gen public health students, nontraditional, and any other student who cares about value. The Value Colleges ranking of the Best Value Online MPH Degrees provides a thorough survey of the most reputable, proven master of public health. Ranking order is based on three metrics:

  • Reputation (based on U.S. News & World Report)
  • ROI (based on Payscale data)
  • Cost (based on online tuition as reported to IPEDS)

All of the colleges and universities featured by Value Colleges are regionally accredited, and most of the schools in the Best Value Online MPH Program ranking are accredited by the CEPH, the standard for public health education.

Rank School Name Description
1

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University was the first university founded in Texas, beginning under the Morrill Land Grant as the Agricultural & Mechanical College. From the very first, in 1876, TAMU was dedicated to the practical and civic use of research and learning, with its earliest degree programs in agriculture and engineering. Today, that mission continues; as a land, sea, and space-grant university (the only school in Texas with all three responsibilities), Texas A&M is central to research and professional learning in the state. With close relationships with agencies like the National Institutes of Health, and the Texas A&M Health Sciences Center, TAMU is especially significant to public health, as the School of Public Health – ranked in the top 25 nationally by U.S. News – attests. Working health services managers who want to earn the Texas A&M Masters in Public Health online can trust that their fully online master’s degree will not only teach them what they need to know, but carry its weight on the job market. The online MPH in Epidemiology is designed specifically for working professionals in the health field who are highly motivated, but cannot relocate for a traditional on-campus program. The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics focuses on using statistics and research to recognize the causes of disease, and work within the public health field to prevent illness. It’s an online master’s in public health program that defines quality for professionals looking for advancement or a career change. Online Master of Public Health Programs:

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH in Epidemiology
2

San Jose State University

The oldest public university in California, and the flagship of the California State University system, San Jose State University dates all the way back to 1857, when it began as an evening teacher training school to serve the growing pioneer communities. Today, SJSU is one of California’s preeminent public research universities, especially as Silicon Valley has grown up around San Jose; in fact, Silicon Valley firms hire more SJSU graduates than any other single school. San Jose State is also notable for the CEPH-accredited MPH program, which began in 1970. SJSU is regularly ranked one of the top regional universities in the West, and has long been recognized as a best value by publications like Forbes. San Jose State’s online MPH degree in Community Health Education provides educators and health science professionals alike with the expertise and skills to increase public awareness of health and wellness. In San Jose State’s tradition, as one of the most diverse, community-focused colleges in California, the online master’s in public health program is focused on developing community programs and advocating for health in a variety of communities. All coursework is delivered fully online, but graduate students must meet for on campus sessions once a year for 4-5 days; accelerated 5-week and 7-week public health core courses allow graduate students to complete their online master’s in public health in just two years. Online Master of Public Health Programs:

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH in Community Health Education
3

University of Florida

One of Florida’s two flagship universities (along with Florida State University), the University of Florida is a land, sea, and space-grant institution dating back to 1853. For more than a century and a half, UF has been central to Florida’s professional education and scientific research, especially in areas related to health – one of the state of Florida’s most crucial industries. That includes UF Health, one of the nation’s top-ranked academic medical centers, with hospitals in Gainesville, Jacksonville, and across the state; it also includes the CEPH-accredited College of Public Health and Health Professions. The University of Florida online MPH degree program allows current and future public health professionals to earn the next level of credentials in a convenient, flexible format. This online master’s in public health programs offers two concentrations: Public Health Practice or Social and Behavioral Sciences. With working professionals in mind, the UF online MPH degree is designed for convenience, with recorded lectures, weekly due dates, and no on-campus sessions required, ever. The program is 48 credits, though graduate students who already have a doctorate may qualify for an accelerated credential. Coming from one of the South’s premiere health universities, the UF master’s in public health is a value worth investing in. Online Master of Public Health Programs:

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH in Public Health Practice or Social and Behavioral Sciences
4

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is one of the foremost names in health and medical education, founded by the philanthropist of the same name in 1876. Often regarded as the first modern research university, Johns Hopkins University was radical in its time for combining scientific research with university education; faculty both taught and performed original research, setting the model for the future of higher education. JHU’s Bloomberg School of Public Health was the first independent public health school in the US, and remains one of the largest and most respected in the world, ranked #1 in U.S. News for more than 20 years. Obviously, with Johns Hopkins’ reputation, the JHU online MPH degree program must rate as one of the best in the world. Working health services managers with the ambition to earn a master’s in public health online may not even realize that an institution as prestigious as Johns Hopkins is an option. The part-time online MPH program has all of the quality and reputation as the on-campus program, but all coursework is online for convenience. Graduate students will need to attend 1-2 week on-campus sessions each year, and as a part-time program, graduate students take 3-8 credits for each 8-week term. The master’s in public health online can be completed in just 2-3 years, and graduate students gain with it the Johns Hopkins’ name and all the networking potential that includes. Online Master of Public Health Programs:

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH
5

University of California, Berkeley

Long ranked the top public research university in the US, the University of California, Berkeley, has been a center of learning, research, discovery, and culture since it was founded in 1868. California’s flagship, UC Berkeley is also recognized as a Public Ivy, a public research university with the quality and influence of the Ivy League. Berkeley’s importance in California cannot be overstated, but one crucial area of influence is in health sciences, especially public health. UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health is one of the nation’s oldest, beginning as the college’s hygiene program in 1919, just three years after Johns Hopkins introduced public health education. Today, it’s one of the highest-ranked public health schools in the nation. UC Berkeley’s Master’s in Public Health degree gives prospective students anywhere the opportunity to earn a degree from one of the world’s highest-ranked public health schools. The online MPH program from Berkeley is taught by the same faculty, and online students have access to the same resources, as the on-campus program, but all coursework is fully online; however, public health students do have to make 2 on-campus visits during the 27 months of the program. Two concentrations are available: Health Policy and Management, or Global Health. In all, UC Berkeley’s online MPH program will get experienced professionals where they want to go. Online Master of Public Health Programs:

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH in Health Policy and Management or Global Health
6

New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University, New Mexico’s oldest public university, was founded in 1888 to teach agriculture and mechanical engineering as a federal land-grant college – decades before New Mexico was admitted to the union. With its roots in practical, applied sciences, NMSU became one of the Southwest’s leading research universities, focusing on preparing scholars and professionals in critical occupations like engineering and healthcare. NMSU is also the only large research university on the US-Mexican border recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the federal government, providing opportunity for Hispanic students to enter professional careers. NMSU’s Master’s in Public Health online degree program provides prospective students in the health field to earn their MPH degree entirely online. The NMSU online MPH degree is designed for the convenience of working professionals, with asynchronous delivery and fully online coursework. The CEPH-accredited online MPH program offers two concentrations: Community Health Education (CHE) or Health Management, Administration, and Policy (HMAP); the HMAP concentration is only available online. Out of state students get the first 6 credits at in-state tuition rates, just part of why NMSU’s master of public health degree is a best value. Online Master of Public Health Programs:

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH in Community Health Education or Health Management, Administration, and Policy
7

University at Albany (SUNY)

Located in New York’s capital city, the University at Albany is part of the State University of New York system, one of the world’s foremost public higher education systems. Founded in 1844, the University at Albany was originally an independent teacher training school, but since joining the SUNY system in 1948, SUNY Albany has been crucial to professional education for the state’s capital area. With its location, UAlbany is at the center of areas like government, public policy, and public health, with the School of Public Health located just across the Hudson River at the Health Sciences Campus in Rensselaer, NY. The CEPH-accredited School of Public Health partners with the New York State Department of Health to increase public health and wellness throughout the state. UAlbany’s online MPH degree program is designed for the convenience of prospective students in public health or related fields, giving busy adults the opportunity to increase their pay and job market advantage in an online format. All coursework is fully online, with no on-campus visits required, and internship opportunities are flexible. The UAlbany master of public health degree offers a concentration in Public Health Practice, preparing professionals to enter the field as leaders, analyzing the needs of communities and putting initiatives into action. UAlbany’s connections to the DOH and throughout New York make UAlbany’s master’s in public health degree a solid investment. Online Master of Public Health Programs:

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH in Public Health Practice
8

University of Massachusetts Amherst

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is New England’s foremost public research university, a center of research and learning in a region dominated by the Ivy League and elite private institutions. A top-tier research institution, UMass dates back to 1863, when it was founded as Massachusetts’ land-grant agricultural and mechanical college, but the university has been crucial to everything from business and education to health sciences. The School of Public Health and Health Sciences began in 1938, and UMass offered one of the first fully online MPH degrees from a public research university in 2001, graduating nearly 600 public health leaders in the last two decades. The CEPH-accredited UMass Master’s in Public Health online degree program provides public health professionals all over the US the opportunity to earn their online MPH degree. With UMass’ long-standing excellence and reputation, students trust the MPH in Public Health Practice to provide them with the knowledge and marketability they need to advance. The fully online program never requires students to attend on-campus, so the UMass online MPH program is a solid choice for anyone, anywhere (except for Alabama and Arkansas). Asynchronous public health core courses allow online learning students to do their coursework on whatever schedule works for them, making the UMass master of public health degree a convenient investment sure to pay off for graduates. Online Master of Public Health Programs:

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH in Public Health Practice
9

University of South Florida

The University of South Florida was founded in 1956 as the 20th century’s first public research university started from the ground up. As Tampa grew in importance, so did USF, reaching Carnegie Foundation status as a top-tier research university in just a few decades – an unprecedented growth. It’s one of Florida’s most productive and accomplished institutions, from Fulbright Scholars to patents on numerous discoveries. USF is also one of the most diverse universities in the nation, and has earned accolades for its impact on Hispanic and African-American professional education, including public health. Research institutes like the Center for Biological Defense and the Chiles Center for Healthy Mothers and Babies make USF a crucial public health institution in Florida and nationwide. USF’s online MPH degree program is one of the most innovative and advanced programs of its kind in the South. Not content to simply offer a run-of-the-mill online MPH program, USF’s College of Public Health partners with the Office of Educational Technology and Assessment to create a cutting-edge online program based in the most current educational and multimedia design. This student-centered program offers 7 concentrations: Epidemiology; Global Disaster Management, Humanitarian Relief, and Homeland Security; Health, Safety, and Environment; Infection Control; Public Health Administration; Nutrition and Dietetics; and Social Marketing (to advocate and lead in the new media environment). A reputation as a best value only adds to the investment in a master of public health degree program from USF. Online Master of Public Health Programs:

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH with 7 concentrations
10

University of Alaska Anchorage

First founded as a community college for servicemembers stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, today the University of Alaska Anchorage is the state’s largest university, particularly among veterans and military personnel. UAA remains open-access, allowing any student in the state who wants an education to attend, and more than 17,000 students are enrolled. As a primarily commuter college, UAA is especially important for working adults and professionals in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city (with more than 40% of the state’s population), and has a significant impact on health care and health science education through the College of Health. UA Anchorage’s Master’s in Public Health online degree program is particularly designed for public health practitioners and experts in Alaska. The diversity and complexity of life in Alaska, with its large rural communities and sparse population, creates unique challenges for public health that the UAA online MPH program is uniquely qualified to prepare graduates for. All coursework is fully online, but students must attend on-campus once a year for the Alaska Public Health Summit, as well as personally presenting their final project. With a thorough training and low tuition rates, UAA’s master of public health online program is perfect for Alaska. Online Master of Public Health Programs:

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH in Public Health Practice
11

University of Southern California

One of the world’s most prestigious private research universities, the University of Southern California has been at the center of cutting-edge discoveries from entertainment, computer science, and health. From its founding in 1880, USC has been crucial to development in Los Angeles, Southern California, and throughout the Pacific Rim, with deep partnerships with government, industry, and NGOs worldwide. USC is also the home of California’s oldest medical school, the Keck School of Medicine, and USC Health, an academic health system including three hospitals and numerous clinics. The Keck School is the home of USC’s Master’s in Public Health online degree program, a CEPH-accredited program recognized as one of the top public health degree programs in the nation. All coursework for the online MPH degree is fully online, and online students learn from the same world-renowned faculty as traditional on-campus students. One generalist concentration, and 5 specialties are available: Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Community Health Promotion, GeoHealth, Global Health, and Health Services and Policy. Students can also take part in faculty-led service trips to places like Uganda and Costa Rica to experience the impact of global public health initiatives, making USC’s master of public health online program a model for the world. Online Master of Public Health Programs:

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH with 6 specializations
12

University of South Carolina

South Carolina’s flagship public research institution, the University of South Carolina is one of the state’s two Carnegie Classification top-tier universities, and one of the few R1 universities also recognized with the Carnegie Community Engagement classification. USC has made service to the people of South Carolina one of its highest priorities since its founding in 1801, and today it stands as the largest university in the Carolinas. USC is particularly highly regarded – and highly ranked – for its public health degree program, led by the Arnold School of Public Health. The University of South Carolina’s online MPH degree provides working professionals in public health, or related fields like education and community action, to earn a master of public health online. With a concentration in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, the USC online MPH degree is intended for those who intend to work directly in the community, creating public health initiatives, evaluating existing programs, and promoting knowledge and prevention. Students complete the 2-year, 45-credit program entirely online, and with out-of-state tuition only slightly higher than in-state, public health professionals from all over can benefit. Master of Public Health Program:

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior
13

West Virginia University

Founded as an agricultural college under the Morrill Land Grant in 1867, West Virginia University is the Mountain State’s top public research university and a center of learning, culture, and health for the Appalachians. With its location in the Appalachian Mountains, WVU has made outreach central to its mission, providing services throughout the state; WVU is particularly crucial to health and medicine in the region, through the state’s main schools of medicine, nursing, and public health. The WVU School of Public Health is nationally renowned for rural health, standing as the leading health advocate in the Appalachians. WVU’s online MPH degree program comes from the only comprehensive School of Public Health in West Virginia. The master’s in public health online program is taught by the same internationally recognized faculty, all built around WVU’s focus on community wellness. While WVU’s MPH program has several concentrations, only the MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences is available fully online. This specialization provides professionals with the knowledge and leadership skills to implement plans that encourage healthy behavior among populations. With WVU’s reputation, it’s a perfect master of public health online program for the mountain region.

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences
14

Emory University

Dating back to 1836, Emory University is one of the exclusive Southern Ivies, the select private research universities (such as Duke, Vanderbilt, and Rice) that rival the Ivy League for quality and influence. As the city of Atlanta has grown into a global metropolis, so Emory has grown into one of the South’s foremost institutions, especially in health. Not only is Emory Healthcare the largest medical system in the state of Georgia; Emory is also home to the International Association of National Public Health Institutes, while both the CDC and the American Cancer Society are headquartered on adjoining campuses. Obviously, few institutions are as significant to public health degree programs study and practice as Emory, making the Emory University online MPH degree one of the strongest possible for working professionals. Emory’s Executive MPH is specifically designed for working professionals in leadership positions who want a higher degree to solidify their place in the higher reaches of administration. The EMPH combines interactive online coursework with two on-campus meetings each semester to more fully develop connections and support. Emory’s master of public health online program is for those who have what it takes to make a difference.

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: Executive MPH
15

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Founded in 1789, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was the first public university to admit students, and remains one of the nation’s most advanced, innovative, and influential research universities. UNC is particularly significant in health, from UNC Health Care – one of the largest and highest-ranked academic medical systems in the nation – to the Gillings School of Global Public Health. The first public health school founded in a public university (in 1936), the Gillings School has long been a trendsetter in the field, establishing one of the finest online learning MPH programs in the world. As a major research university, UNC-CH is unparalleled. The UNC online MPH degree program includes two possible concentrations: Leadership in Practice, for working professionals who intend to take on management and administrative positions in public health; and Nutrition, for students who wish to work educating and advocating for healthier eating on a community level. Students attend live classes in an online format, and use the online format to develop relationships with their professors and classmates. Full-time students complete the program in less than two years, while part-time students can finish in just 28 months. One of the first master of public health online programs ever, UNC’s online MPH degree is also one of the smartest values.

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH in Leadership in Practice or Nutrition
16

University of Nevada, Reno

Nevada’s online land-grant institution, and the state’s only Carnegie Foundation R1 research university, the University of Nevada, Reno was the first university founded in the newly-formed state in 1874. For nearly a century UNR was the state’s only public university, until the UN branch campus in Las Vegas (UNLV) became an independent university in 1964. As such, UNR has been the most important institution in the state, educating the bulk of Nevada’s professionals and skilled practitioners, especially in health. UNR’s School of Medicine was the first med school in the state, and remains the main source for doctors in Nevada, while the School of Community Health Sciences recently became its own independent academic unit. The School of Community Health Sciences offers the UNR online MPH degree, a fully online, no-residency program designed for working professionals in the field. No GRE is required to apply, and students complete the program in less than 2 years; multiple start dates throughout the year ensure that students complete the program at their convenience. With CEPH accreditation and a nationally-ranked program, students can trust the UNR master of public health online program to provide the knowledge and skills they need to reach the next level of their education.

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH in Public Health Practice
17

Western Kentucky University

Dating back to a private teacher training and business school established in 1876, Western Kentucky University became public in 1907, and established itself as the crucial higher education institution in the region. WKU is especially important to the professional workforce of western Kentucky, including nursing, public administration, health equity, and social work. U.S. News has ranked WKU as one of the top regional universities in the South, but perhaps more importantly, WKU has received high rankings for social mobility and community engagement for its ability to improve health disparities in the lives of Kentuckians. WKU’s online Master’s in Public Health degree program is a crucial part of educating public health leaders and advocates for the Bluegrass State. The first and only fully online, CEPH-accredited MPH in Kentucky, WKU’s online MPH degree is competency-based, requiring students to demonstrate their understanding and abilities in particular functions of public health leadership. Students work with advisors to tailor their electives to their current or preferred careers, and the 42-credit program emphasizes applicable skills students can use right away, making the WKU online MPH degree a sound value.

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH
18

University of Illinois at Chicago

The University of Illinois at Chicago began as a two-year branch campus of the University of Illinois in 1946, in an attempt to keep up with the extensive demand for college courses from returning WWII veterans. What was intended as a temporary stopgap for GI Bill students turned into the largest university in Chicago, and one of the most productive public research institutions. UIC is especially important in medicine, with the nation’s largest medical school (originally belonging to UI Urbana-Champaign before being taken over by UIC). UIC is also one of the highest-ranked schools in the nation for public health degree programs. UIC’s Master’s in Public Health online programs are developed along the same exacting guidelines – and carry the same exceptional reputation and job-market pull – as UIC’s on-campus programs. Students in the online MPH degree program can choose from two concentrations: Community Health, or Health Policy and Administration. Two specializations within the MPH HPA degree include the Professional Enhancement Program MPH, and the Public Health Informatics MPH – the only CEPH-accredited, online Public Health Informatics degree in the nation. UIC’s name makes the master of public health online program a best value investment.

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH in Community Health or Health Policy and Administration
19

University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham began in 1936 as a small extension campus of the ‘Bama flagship in Tuscaloosa, when the growing city of Birmingham showed a need for higher education. Alongside Birmingham, UAB grew in a big way, and today is the state’s only Carnegie Classification R1 university, the largest employer in the state, and the state’s leader in medicine. The UAB Health System is one of the nation’s largest academic medical centers, while the School of Public Health has been ranked as one of the best public health schools in the US. The UAB online MPH degree program is one of the best in the nation, from quality to student support to options. This online master’s in public health program is designed specifically for working professionals, and in addition to being fully online, is extremely adaptable to students’ career goals. MPH students can choose from 7 concentrations: Environmental and Occupational Health; Epidemiology; Health Behavior; Health Care Organization and Policy; Maternal and Child Health Policy and Leadership; and Occupational Health and Safety. UAB is also a leader in public health research, giving students in the master of public health online program direct access to the most current information in the field.

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH with 7 concentrations
20

University of North Texas Health Science Center

The University of North Texas Health Science Center is one of the graduate schools associated with the UNT system. Originally founded as a private osteopathic school in 1970, the Health Science Center became the medical school of what was then North Texas State University in 1957. Today, the UNT Health Science Center consists of five colleges of its own, as well as UNT Health, an academic medical center; it is also the fastest-growing of Texas’ research institutions, and was awarded R1 status by the Carnegie Foundation in 2016. The UNT Health Science Center online MPH degree program comes from the CEPH-accredited School of Public Health, and offers two distinct paths depending on the students’ background. The MPH Online Professional Option is for current professionals who have at least three years of experience in the public health field, while the second option is designed for new graduates or career-changing adults. The general option also includes three optional specializations: Food Security, Geographic Information Systems, or Global Health. It’s one of the best values in Texas for a master of public health online.

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH
21

University of San Francisco

The University of San Francisco began as a one-room school, founded by the Jesuit order in 1855 to educate the children of the gold-rush boomtown. Within a few years, demand for education had grown enough for the Jesuits to establish a college, and the University of San Francisco grew along with the city. Today, USF overlooks the San Francisco Bay and remains one of the most important institutions in the city, with deep ties to government, industry, and culture. It’s also one of the most diverse universities in the nation, known for its community engagement and opportunity. The USF online MPH degree has been ranked one of the best in the nation by numerous publishers, and it more than lives up to the reputation. While USF does not have a school of public health, the online master’s in public health program is an interdisciplinary program led by the School of Nursing and Health Professions, incorporating the whole scope of political, social, economic, and medical elements of public health. This fully online, generalist degree is focused on applicable, practice-oriented skills and expertise in public health research methods to make practitioner leaders of its graduates. Online MPH Programs:

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH
22

University of Arizona

The first university founded in what was then the Arizona Territory, the University of Arizona has been educating the state’s professionals since 1885. Part of the Association of American Universities, and long ranked a top-tier public research university by publishers like U.S. News & World Report, UA is also crucial to health and medical education in Arizona. UA operates two medical schools – the College of Medicine-Tucson, and the College of Medicine-Phoenix – and each of these schools is located in its own UA Health Sciences Center. Both are ranked among the best medical schools and academic health centers in the US. The College of Medicine offers the University of Arizona Master’s in Public Health online program, one of the best online MPH degree programs in the nation. The CEPH-accredited program is ranked in the top 25 nationally, according to U.S. News, and UA’s faculty are internationally acclaimed and productive as human health researchers. Students complete all coursework fully online, and students complete the program in less than 2 years; concentrations include Applied Epidemiology, Health Services Administration, and Health Promotion. The online master’s in public health program is a real value for Arizona’s public health professionals. Online MPH Programs:

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH with 3 concentrations
23

Tulane University

Louisiana’s foremost private research university, and one of the renowned Southern Ivies, Tulane University has been central to higher education in the Deep South since its founding in 1834. Public health is written into the deepest parts of Tulane’s history; it was founded as only the second medical school in the South, primarily to prepare doctors who could fight the spread of population-wide diseases like smallpox and cholera. Today, Tulane follows in that tradition; the university was crucial to reconstruction and health services after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and is one of only a few high-level research universities to require service of all students. Tulane’s Center for Applied Public Health, part of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, began offering online options way back in 1994, and remains one of the highest-quality online public health educators. The Tulane online MPH program offers three concentrations for public health professionals: Disaster Management, Occupational and Environmental Health, and Occupational Health and Safety Management. Students are expected to be mid-career professionals in public health or a related field, such as child health, program planning, or rural and underserved communities. The master’s of public health will prepare them for leadership in higher-level positions – with the Tulane reputation to launch them into those jobs. Online MPH Programs:

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH with 3 concentrations
24

North Dakota State University

Founded in 1890 as a land-grant agricultural college, North Dakota State University makes a massive impact on the Peace Garden State. In over a century, NDSU has grown into a major public research university, educating North Dakota’s professionals in a variety of fields. As one of the largest employers in the state, NDSU creates an economic impact of more than $1 billion, and the university’s growth in the 21st century has been impressive. With more than 14,000 students, NDSU is becoming one of the leading institutions in the Dakotas, especially in the health sciences. Most students receive federal financial aid. NDSU’s Master’s in Public Health online degree offerings include three concentrations: American Indian Public Health; Community Health Sciences; and Management of Infectious Diseases. With its location, and its outreach meeting public health challenges of the indigenous population of North Dakota, NDSU’s unique concentration in American Indian Public Health make it a national leader in an underdeveloped niche. The online MPH program lets students complete class online from anywhere, though it must be at the set class time. This interdisciplinary degree is taught by experts from pharmacy, nursing, social science, health communication, community health promotion, health behavior, health management, infection control, and others for a fully-rounded, best value master’s of public health. Online MPH Programs:

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH with 3 concentrations
25

Florida A&M University

Florida’s only public historically black college, Florida A&M University has been one of the most important institutions for African-American education since its founding in 1887, when it became Florida’s land-grant university for black students. Today, Florida A&M is ranked as the top public HBCU by U.S. News & World Report, and has been named the top research universities among HBCUs by the National Science Foundation. Among other strengths, FAMU is one of the nation’s top producers of black public health professionals, through the FAMU Institute of Public Health. The FAMU online MPH degree program is the first offered online by an HBCU, from the first CEPH-accredited public health program in the region. FAMU’s Institute of Public Health offers online students the advantages of its deep connections with agencies like the CDC, the EPA, and the Florida Department of Health. Designed for the convenience of working professionals, the online master’s in public health program consists of 50 credits, which can be completed in just 5 semesters. One of the most affordable tuition rates – a hallmark of FAMU – helps make the FAMU online MPH program one of the best values in its class. Online MPH Programs:

  • Annual Tuition: $$$$$
  • Degree: MPH

Are Human Resources Bachelor’s Programs also Valuable in terms of Return on Investment?

For individuals seeking the best value online hr bachelor’s programs, considering the return on investment is crucial. These programs provide a solid foundation in human resources management and equip graduates with the skills needed to excel in the field. By investing in these programs, students can expect great career prospects and opportunities for advancement, making them a valuable choice in terms of return on investment.

What are the Most In-Demand Specializations in Public Health?

An online master of public health is a big commitment, and there are many directions an advanced degree could take your career. Public health professionals address public health challenges in all kinds of contexts – not all of them medical. Even if an online master of public health program doesn’t offer specific concentrations (for instance, in accelerated programs), elective courses can help a prospective public health professional focus.

  • Global Health
  • Environmental Health Science
  • Health Promotion
  • Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Health Policy
  • Global Disaster Management
  • Health Communication
  • Human Health
  • Health Services Administration
  • Program Planning
  • Social and Behavioral Science

Do you have a bachelor’s degree and want to earn a master’s degree? Online learning provides a convenient way to earn these credentials with an online master’s degree. George Washington University, New York Medical College, and Florida International University are also known for their online MPH programs.

Related School Rankings:


Tuition Key: Online Tuition Per Credit

$ – <$250

$$ – $251-$500

$$$ – $500-$1000

$$$$ – $1001-$1500

$$$$$ – >$1500

Featured Programs


Aya Andrews

Editor-in-Chief

Aya Andrews is a passionate educator and mother of two, with a diverse background that has shaped her approach to teaching and learning. Born in Metro Manila, she now calls San Diego home and is proud to be a Filipino-American. Aya earned her Masters degree in Education from San Diego State University, where she focused on developing innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students.

Prior to her work in education, Aya spent several years as a continuing education consultant for KPMG, where she honed her skills in project management and client relations. She brings this same level of professionalism and expertise to her work as an educator, where she is committed to helping each of her students achieve their full potential.

In addition to her work as an educator, Aya is a devoted mother who is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive home environment for her children. She is an active member of her community, volunteering her time and resources to support local schools and organizations. Aya is also an avid traveler, and loves to explore new cultures and cuisines with her family.

With a deep commitment to education and a passion for helping others succeed, Aya is a true inspiration to those around her. Her dedication to her craft, her community, and her family is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.

Find your perfect value college

ValueColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Enter a search word or phrase