Public health and its importance have been in the spotlight more often since the COVID-19 pandemic. The field can be a great option for students who want a career that blends science and medicine with politics and public policy. Earning an online master’s degree in public health (MPH) can help students obtain a position and career in the field in a convenient, flexible manner. In this STEPS guide, we’ll discuss several top online MPH degree programs in the state.Best Online MPH Degree Programs in Florida (FL)
A Look Inside Florida’s Online MPH Programs
Aspiring MPH students in Florida have a variety of degree programs to choose from, and differentiating between them can be daunting. You might have certain requirements for a program based on personal circumstances. But, you should also consider general factors like class requirements, whether or not the program has practical elements like mandatory internships (which might not be online), and tuition costs, plus the program’s academic reputation and which support services are offered.
You’ll need to decide for yourself which elements are most important as you submit applications. To help you get started in your research, we listed three high-quality online MPH degree programs in Florida to consider.
University of Florida
The University of Florida is the flagship public university in the state. It offers an online Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program that can be completed in two years of full-time study. After they are enrolled, students can choose a concentration in Population Health Management, Public Health Practice, or Social and Behavioral Studies.
Students must complete an applied practical experience and a capstone project before graduating from the program. Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university (or be on track to hold one by the start of the program) to be considered.
Duration: Two Years
Mode: Online
Cost: $550 per credit hour (tuition only)
Curriculum:
- Foundations of Public Health
- Public Health Methods 1: Quantitative Foundations
- Public Health Methods 1 Programming Lab: Statistical Applications
- Social Determinants of Health
- Public Health Leadership
- Public Health Methods 2: Applications for Practice
- Designing and Implementing Public Health Solutions
- Professional Series (ProSeries) in Public Health
- Concentration courses
- Applied practice experience
- Capstone project
Florida International University
Florida International University (FIU) offers an online Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program. However, online courses are only part of the program. A practicum is also required; it can be completed over 200 hours. Before beginning the practicum, students must pass required core courses with a grade of B or higher. The program is capped off with a culminating experience – an integrative seminar in public health.
Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (or the international equivalent) with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the final 60 credits of the program.
Duration: Two Years
Mode: Online
Cost: $600 per credit hour (tuition only)
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Public Health Epidemiology
- Health Policy in a Global Context
- Health Behavior and Public Health
- Introduction to Environmental Health Sciences
- Biostatistics I
- Data Management and Applied Epidemiologic Analysis
- Community Health Promotion Planning and Research
- Health Demography
- Public Health Management and Leadership
- Health Promotion Communication
- Environmental Health and Safety
- Environmental Disasters
- AIDS Epidemiology
- Health Promotion in Culturally Diverse Communities
- Practicum in Public Health (200 hours)
- Integrative Seminar in Public Health
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is a public HBCU. It offers the first accredited online Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program in North Florida. The program is offered fully online, but does require a practicum in the last semester.
This is an advanced degree, so applicants should have at least three years’ work experience in public health, health care, or medicine. They should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0 GPA and/or meet minimum GRE score requirements. Financial aid might be available, and there are some state restrictions on who can enroll in this program.
Duration: Five semesters
Mode: Online
Cost: $3,651 per semester (tuition and fees for in-state/off-campus students)/$9,198 per semester (tuition and fees for out-of-state/off-campus students)
Curriculum:
- Contact an advisor for full curriculum details.
Online MPH FAQs from FL Students
How long does it take to complete an online MPH degree program in Florida?
As noted above, it takes two or two and a half years of full-time study to complete an online MPH degree program in Florida. Some programs might offer accelerated options, but you’ll need to look for them. If a program offers a part-time study option, it might significantly lessen the weekly time requirements (when compared to a full-time program), but it will take longer to complete such a program.
Where do MPH graduates work in Florida?
There are many places where graduates of online MPH degree programs can apply for jobs, both in Florida and out-of-state. Public health workers can be employed as consultants by the state government in Tallahassee and by local and county governments.
Graduates should also consider working in a hospital, a non-governmental organization (NGO), or a non-profit organization. These types of jobs are often concentrated in large urban centers like Miami and Orlando.
How much does it cost to complete an online MPH degree program in Florida?
As noted above, tuition for online MPH degree programs varies substantially, especially between public and private universities. It also varies depending on whether or not students are eligible for in-state tuition.
While online MPH degree programs can help students save money on living expenses, they should account for those expenses plus any forms of financial aid (from the school or elsewhere) that they might be eligible for.
Are online MPH degree programs in Florida accredited?
It is crucial that an online MPH degree program in Florida comes from an accredited school. This proves that the school met the standards required to award master’s degrees, and the degree will be recognized as legitimate by future schools and employers.
It is a mark of quality and prestige for an MPH degree program to hold programmatic accreditation, in addition to the school’s accreditation status.
Can I work while studying in an online MPH degree program in Florida?
Many students in online MPH degree programs work while enrolled at a school. This provides valuable work experience for a resume and is a source of income to help cover expenses for the program. However, it’s important that students ensure they can keep up with the requirements of both the degree program and the job, which can be a challenge.
Public Health Careers for FL MPH Grads
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Epidemiologists | $54,950 | $132,230 | $81,390 |
| Florida | Epidemiologists | $61,490 | $112,460 | $91,220 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | Epidemiologists | $49,920 | $112,460 | $95,340 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | Epidemiologists | $74,610 | $106,820 | $88,070 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | Epidemiologists | $45,430 | $106,530 | $85,940 |
Source: Epidemiologists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Epidemiologists | 10,000 | 12,700 | 2,700 | 27.00% |
| Florida | Epidemiologists | 280 | 330 | 50 | 17.90% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Helpful Public Health Resources
Completing an online MPH degree program in Florida can be a daunting task. But, it’s important to remember that plenty of help is available. Check out the following resources for current and future MPH students and graduates for financial aid options, mentorship opportunities, job listings, and more.
- Florida Blue Foundation: This non-profit organization partners with local organizations to advance innovative programs that address health equity, food security, mental well-being, health literacy, hurricane relief, and more. MPH students should note its public health initiatives.
- Florida Chapter of the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE): The Florida chapter of SOPHE is an independent professional organization that’s devoted exclusively to health education and health promotion across all settings. Resources for students and graduates and information on upcoming meetings is available.
- Florida Health: This agency has promoted health across the state since its inception in 1996. Students of online MPH degree programs in Florida should bookmark its Grant Opportunities and Notice of Awards page.
- Florida Public Health Association (FPHA): This agency is an affiliate of the American Public Health Association. It promotes the profession through education, advocacy, and collaboration. The group provides a scholarship to support professional development opportunities for women in the public health field.
- Public Health On Call Podcast: This podcast, which is produced by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, features conversations that provide a realistic look at topics in the public health field.
Top Online MPH Programs in Florida
Students should consider some objective factors when deciding on an MPH degree program in Florida. So, we ranked schools by the ease and availability of online learning, student resources, financial aid, the average amount of time required to complete a program, and more.
Check out the methodology tab to learn more about how schools were ranked and read on to discover the best online MPA degree programs in Florida.
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Public
The University of West Florida
Pensacola, Florida
Public
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
Public
Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Public
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Tallahassee, Florida
Public
Everglades University
Boca Raton, Florida
Private
