Best Online MPH Programs in Florida for 2024: Online & On-Campus
If you are passionate about building healthy communities, then an online MPH program in Florida can give the degree you need to make a significant impact. Find out what the best online MPH Florida schools have to offer, as well as what jobs you can pursue after graduation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of public health took center stage as the world navigated a once-in-a-lifetime global healthcare crisis. But a health issue doesn’t have to be this drastic to get attention from public health experts in Florida. These professionals regularly help their community through warnings about mosquito-borne illnesses, evaluating healthcare in the state’s prison system, and emergency preparedness education.
So, if you’re passionate about keeping your community safe from illness as you help to improve health outcomes, Florida is a state always in need of more specialists with a passion for public health. And enrolling in one of the online MPH programs in Florida will give you the skills and expertise you need to prepare you for a rewarding job that makes a huge impact.
Continue reading to find out about Florida master’s in public health programs, including standout schools around the state. Here you’ll get an idea of what to expect when you enroll in MPH programs, and you’ll also learn how to pay for your education and what salary you may earn after graduation.
Best Colleges to Earn an MPH in Florida: Campus-Based
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, you’ll find about a dozen schools in the state that offer public health degrees. Some of these are online MPH programs in Florida, whereas others are based on campus. To get an idea of what programs are available, we have chosen the best master’s in public health Florida schools for your review. These programs were selected based on factors students weigh heavily, such as affordability, accreditation, and the support students can access.
After reviewing these standout on-campus and online MPH programs in Florida for 2024, you’ll have a good basis for judging others you find during your search. But be sure to bookmark this page and come back: This is just a preview of the full list of Florida’s best MPH programs, available later this year.
Let’s kick things off with spotlights on top campus-based programs.
University of Florida
The University of Florida offers several public health master’s degree options. In addition to choosing traditional or online learning for pursuing an MPH degree, you’ll also have the opportunity to pursue a combined Bachelor’s/MPH degree that allows students from any major to earn 15 credits toward their master’s while still completing their undergraduate studies. Similarly, the school has programs that combine an MPH with doctoral degrees in law, medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine.
UF students can also combine MA and MS degrees with an MPH. With the approval of both academic departments, they can conjoin an MPH with any other master’s degree discipline.
The school’s College of Public Health and Health Professions offers scholarships for graduate students and undergraduates in a combination program. Among these awards are the Judson A. Clements Memorial Scholarship, which is provided to students who demonstrate strong leadership skills, and the Ronald J. Spitznagel Service Fellowship in Health Sciences for those who volunteer in the community.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Public Health
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Public Health
Specialization Options:
- Biostatistics
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
- Population Health Management
- Public Health Practice
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
University of South Florida
The University of South Florida MPH program provides students with expert knowledge on the foundations of public health and how to navigate professional challenges. Students can choose from a variety of concentrations so they can tailor their education to match their goals and interests. For example, the concentration in Behavioral Health, which is offered on campus, examines mental health issues and drug and alcohol abuse from a public health perspective. The Social Marketing concentration, which is offered online, focuses on how marketing strategies are used to promote public health programs and policies.
USF’s College of Public Health has several services to help students succeed. The Center for Career & Professional Development positions students for success by providing career fairs, workshops, and career planning services. To cater to the unique needs of veteran students, the school has an Office of Veteran Success that not only helps those who’ve served in the military, but also delivers training for faculty members so they can best meet the needs of these students in the classroom.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Public Health
Specialization Options:
- Applied Biostatistics
- Behavioral Health
- Community Nutrition
- Environmental and Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Genomics
- Global Communicable Disease
- Global Disaster Management, Humanitarian Relief, and Homeland Security
- Global Health Practice
- Health Care Organizations and Management
- Health Policies and Programs
- Health Promotion and Behavior
- Health, Safety, and Environment
- Infection Control
- Maternal and Child Health
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Public Health Practice
- Social Marketing
Florida State University
The MPH program offered by Florida State University can be completed in two years on a full-time basis and three to four years part time. Students complete classes in health behavior, politics and policy, finance, and management. Also, students participate in an internship at local, state, national, or international health-related agencies.
To be admitted, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least a 3.0 grade point average. While GRE scores are currently not required for admission, students can choose to submit them.
In addition to its MPH program, FSU has a joint Master of Science in Planning and Master of Public Health Graduate Pathway. This unique combined program focuses on the relationship between urban development and health outcomes, addressing how enhancements in the planning process can contribute to improved public health. The program includes 66 hours of classroom instruction and 400 hours of hands-on experience. Students also choose to complete a capstone course, research paper, or thesis.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Public Health
Specialization Options:
- Health Policy
Top Online MPH Programs in Florida
If online MPH programs in Florida are a better fit for your lifestyle and you’re curious about how they differ from traditional options, look no further. Virtual learning can be an excellent alternative to attending school in person if you’re working or have other responsibilities that demand daily attention.
These programs can be extremely flexible; some have part- and full-time options, and you can choose to take classes with live lectures at set times (also called synchronous learning) or recorded lectures you can access at your convenience (asynchronous learning). Additionally, online learning sometimes offers more affordable tuition, plus you’ll save on relocation and transportation costs.
Below is a taste of some of the top online MPH Florida schools that provide convenience for busy students. Keep in mind that this is just a preview, and the full list of Florida’s best online master’s in public health programs will be released soon.
Florida International University
Accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health, Florida International University’s online MPH consists of 45 credits of coursework that covers health behavior, epidemiology, public health statistics, and environmental disasters. Students also complete 30 hours of experiential learning and a practicum.
Applicants are required to have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. During the selection process, you’ll submit your official transcripts, a statement of purpose, three recommendation letters, and a current resume.
The school charges $455.64 per credit for in-state tuition or $1,001.69 for out-of-state students. To help lower their education costs, FIU runs the Academic Works website, where students are matched with scholarship opportunities based on various criteria.
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Public Health
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fully Online
University of West Florida
After completing the Master of Public Health program at the University of West Florida, graduates can go on to become emergency management directors, epidemiologists, and health educators. To prepare students for these positions, the curriculum has core classes in environmental health, biostatistics, epidemiology, and social and behavioral sciences.
UWF offers a generalist degree, or you can choose from concentrations in global health or health promotion, education, and behavior. Those in the health promotion, education and behavior concentration learn about different social determinants of health and behavior, as well as how to help people in diverse communities understand chronic illnesses. The global health concentration focuses on evaluating and monitoring health outcomes worldwide and creating sustainable solutions to address medical issues.
Students from Florida pay $384.60 per credit for tuition, while out-of-state students are charged $1,044.24. The school offers payment plans to help students manage education costs.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Public Health
Program Options:
- Full-Time
- Fully Online
Specializations Offered:
- Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior
- Global Health
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s MPH program is designed for students seeking public health roles in government agencies, community health centers, pharmaceutical companies, and consulting firms, among others. Applicants should have completed a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and GRE score of 300.
This fully online program, which was created with the needs of working students in mind, provides the flexibility and resources students need to be successful. You’ll work independently at your own pace, and you’ll be able to easily access audio and video lectures when it’s most convenient. FAMU students also have access to virtual office hours, so you’ll get the support you need with coursework and free statistical analysis software. The program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Public Health
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fully Online
Financial Aid for MPH Students in Florida
Whether you choose to enroll in one of the online MPH programs in Florida or a traditional one, costs can add up quickly. Luckily, there are several types of financial aid opportunities for MPH students, such as scholarships, grants, and loans.
In many cases, you won’t have to look further than the Florida online MPH school you’ll be attending. For example, MPH students at the University of Miami can receive tuition scholarship awards of up to 20%. Similarly, the University of South Florida provides grants, fellowships, and scholarships to its graduate students.
In addition to these resources, industry organizations often provide education funding. Just as public health professionals want to keep their communities healthy, these organizations support students to help keep the profession strong. As a result, master’s in public health Florida students may be able to win scholarships from organizations like the Society for Public Health Education and the American College of Healthcare Executives.
For more information about the awards you can earn to pay for your degree, review our public health scholarships and resources page.
Job Outlook for MPH Graduates in Florida
If you’re reluctant about online MPH programs in Florida because you’re unsure if you’ll find a job after graduation, rest assured, there are plenty of opportunities. In fact, according to the de Beaumont Foundation, state and local health departments throughout the U.S. will need to hire 80,000 full-time employees to meet the demand for public health services in the coming years. Of course, different careers under the public health umbrella have different rates of growth. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that epidemiologists, medical and health services managers, and community health workers will see a significant amount of expansion between 2022 and 2032.
You may also be concerned about whether or not you’ll get a good return on your education investment from online MPH programs in Florida when you do land a job. The true ROI can also depend on what job you pursue, as well as your geographic location. For example, BLS Florida data show that epidemiologists earn slightly more than the national average — $92,110 per year versus $90,430. Also, at $103,570 annual earnings, emergency management directors in Florida get significantly more than the $93,690 national average.
For more information about the growth of specific public health fields, as well as the salaries professionals command, review the data below.
| Career | Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) | Average Annual Openings (2022-2032) | Annual Mean Wage (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epidemiologists | 27% | 900 | $90,430 |
| Community Health Workers | 14% | 8,600 | $52,610 |
| Health Education Specialists | 7% | 6,600 | $69,790 |
| Emergency Management Directors | 3% | 900 | $93,690 |
| Medical and Health Service Managers | 28% | 54,700 | $134,440 |
Sources: Projections Central; Bureau of Labor Statistics
Florida Public Health Student & Professional Resources
Whether you’re a student enrolled in one of the online MPH programs in Florida or you’ve completed your studies and begun your career, there is always more to learn outside of the classroom. You’ll find many resources out there that can help you further understand the public health field, and the following are just a few examples to get you started.
- Florida Blue Foundation
This non-profit partners with local organizations to advance innovative programs addressing health equity, food security, mental well-being, health literacy, hurricane relief, and more. The organization has made community investments that have helped more than 8 million people in Florida access essential health and well-being services. - Florida Chapter of the Society for Public Health Education
The Florida chapter of SOPHE is an independent professional organization devoted exclusively to health education and health promotion across all settings. You’ll find career and student resources, information on upcoming meetings, and resources for continuing education. - Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health has been promoting good health around the state since its inception in 1996. The agency’s website includes information about disease and injury prevention, environmental health, and programs and services run by the state. There is also information on the licensing requirements for regulated professions, such as social worker, registered nurse, acupuncture, and psychologist careers. Specifically, students of online MPH programs in Florida may want to bookmark this grants/notice of awards page. - Florida Public Health Association
The Florida Public Health Association, which is an affiliate of the American Public Health Association, promotes the profession through education, advocacy, and collaboration. The organization prides itself on its diverse membership, strong collegial relationships created through networking, public health innovation, and education. The group provides a scholarship to help women in the field participate in career development activities. - Public Health on Call Podcast
The Public Health on Call podcast, which is produced by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, features conversations that provide a realistic look at hot topics in the field. Recent conversations have addressed type 1 diabetes, adolescent health, food allergies, menopause, and hospital infection control.
