Guide to Best Online Public Health Degrees

Public health degrees can be found online at every degree level. Some of these programs exist fully online while others combine online classes with coursework taught at the school’s brick-and-mortar location. Below you’ll find a rundown of the most common public health degrees online, including what they entail and whom they’re best for.

• Online Certificate in Public Health
  Given the breadth of the public health field, many schools offer certificates in more nuanced subjects to help students build skills and knowledge in a particular area. Most certificate programs last anywhere from one to three semesters and require participants to already possess at least a bachelor’s degree. These programs also appeal to individuals with unrelated academic backgrounds who are considering a career change but not yet ready to commit to a degree.
  
• Online MPH Programs
  The most well-known program within the world of public health, master’s of public health (MPH) degrees allow graduate learners to begin specializing their knowledge in niche areas of the field. Most programs require two years of full-time study and offer specializations in areas of community health, health policy, infectious diseases, and global public health, to name a few. Learn more about earning your master’s in public health online.
  
• Online PhD in Public Health
  Students who pursue an online Ph.D. in public health know they want to work in a research and/or faculty role after graduating. These programs provide coursework that emphasizes skills in research methodologies, analytical frameworks, and teaching experience to prepare alumni for positions in colleges or research institutions. A Ph.D. in public health usually takes five to six years to complete and requires you to write a dissertation. See if earning a Ph.D. in public health online is right for you.
  
• Online DrPH Programs
  Offered as a professional degree, the DrPH program exists for students who want to build skills in areas of program direction, leadership, policy development, and advocacy. Learners study topics related to communication strategies, working with diverse populations, leading and managing teams, developing policy proposals, and harnessing health information. Most programs last between four and six years. Read what it takes to earn a doctor of public health online.
  

Admission requirements for online public health bachelor’s degrees vary by school, so it’s important for students to check with the admissions office or program administrator to determine specific requirements. However, many departments request similar information from applicants. Students should be prepared to submit official transcripts from all previously attended schools, official ACT/SAT scores, a personal statement outlining their reasons for wanting to study public health at that particular school, and two or three letters of recommendation from former professors, supervisors, or mentors who can attest to their readiness for higher education. Some highly competitive programs may also require an online or in-person interview to differentiate candidates. In terms of academic expectations, many departments set minimum GPA and coursework requirements. Highly selective programs typically seek GPAs of 3.0 or higher, while less selective schools may accept GPAs of 2.0-2.5. Additionally, some schools may require candidates to complete general education and program-specific prerequisites, typically in science and math, to ensure that they possess the necessary skills to complete the program.

The cost of an online bachelor’s in public health ranges significantly based on whether learners attend a public or private institution, if they transfer credits from a school previously attended, and if they receive funding. Check out the table below to get a sense of what to expect.

Pursuing a master’s in public health (MPH) after completing a bachelor’s degree in public health can qualify you for more advanced roles with greater levels of responsibility and autonomy. MPH graduates often hold titles such as public health educator, policy advisor, epidemiologist, healthcare administrator, and researcher. Specializing in a specific area of public health can further solidify your career path and signal to potential employers your expertise. Many MPH programs offer various specialty tracks that enable students to gain specialized knowledge and skills in their desired field.

To learn more, visit our page dedicated to what jobs you can get with a public health degree.