An MPH is one of many online public health degree programs that provides critical skills in areas like health policy, leadership, epidemiology, and program implementation, preparing you to effectively address urgent community health needs. Thankfully, there are numerous flexible online MPH programs across New York designed specifically to accommodate busy schedules and diverse career paths. With many choices available, narrowing down the right program can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you clarify your goals, understand key program features, and identify what matters most in your decision. Keep reading to explore top-rated online MPH programs in New York, discover valuable resources, and find the perfect fit to advance your public health journey.Top Online MPH Programs in New York & NYC
Inside New York’s Online MPH Programs
An online Master of Public Health (MPH) equips you with advanced expertise in disease prevention, epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and health promotion—all through flexible virtual learning. Programs typically combine online coursework with hands-on experience through local internships or practicums, ensuring you develop practical skills.
Most students complete their credits in two years full-time, though part-time options spanning three to four years and accelerated one-year tracks are available. These programs serve diverse professionals, from healthcare workers seeking specialization to career-changers passionate about public health impact. Whether you’re a busy professional or recent graduate, or you’re looking to transition between careers, an online MPH offers a pathway to advance your career goals in public health.
New York Medical College
New York Medical College, part of Touro University, offers a flexible Master of Public Health program designed for busy professionals. You can choose between online or hybrid formats, with evening classes available if you prefer face-to-face interaction. The program, which is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), provides two distinct paths: a generalist track and a specialized epidemiology track. Both typically take two years, but an accelerated one-year hybrid option is available for the generalist program. Additionally, you can enhance your MPH with targeted electives, earning certificates in areas like global health, emergency management, or health administration. Admissions require applying through SOPHAS and submitting transcripts, a personal statement, and your resume.
Duration: 2 years or 1 year (accelerated)
Mode: Online/Hybrid
Cost: $53,340
Curriculum:
- Health Care in the United States
- Applied Biostatistics and Epidemiology
- Behavioral and Social Factors in Public Health
- Public Health in Action
- Applied Practical Experience
- Evaluating Public Health Programs
- Grant Writing
- Community Health Assessment & Planning
University at Albany (SUNY)
The University at Albany, part of the respected State University of New York (SUNY) system, provides a fully online MPH focused specifically on public health practice. CEPH-accredited and highly customizable, this program blends foundational public health coursework with electives tailored to your professional interests. You’ll complete a professional internship totaling 720 hours, though students with industry experience can significantly reduce these hours. An added benefit, current employees of the New York State Health Department or local health departments may be eligible for tuition assistance. Admission is straightforward, as there’s no GRE required. But you’ll need a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA minimum, social science coursework, and a “B” grade or higher in college-level math.
Duration: 2.5–3 years
Mode: Online
Cost: $29,555 NY residents, $58,582 nonresidents
Curriculum:
- Professional Practice in Public Health
- Principles and Methods of Epidemiology
- Principles in Statistical Inference I
- Biological Basis of Public Health
- Social and Behavioral Aspects of Health
- Introduction to Environmental Health
- Health Care Organization, Finance, and Delivery
- Program Development in Health Promotion
- Program Evaluation
- Public Health Leadership
Columbia University
Columbia University’s Advanced MPH Online program combines the prestige of an Ivy League education with flexible online delivery. Offered by Columbia’s renowned Mailman School of Public Health, the program is fully accredited by CEPH, ensuring that your degree is highly respected. The comprehensive curriculum covers core public health disciplines like epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and social determinants of health, blending live virtual sessions with self-paced coursework. Practical, real-world projects integrated into your classes let you immediately apply your learning to pressing public health issues. Additionally, Columbia provides robust career support services and an extensive alumni network, making this MPH ideal if you’re pursuing leadership roles in public health.
Duration: 2 years
Mode: Online
Cost: $94,048
Curriculum:
- Ethics of Public Health
- History of Public Health
- Human Rights
- Qualitative Foundations
- Biological Basis of Public Health
- Environmental Determinants of Human Health
- Social Determinants of Health
- Applying Theory to Interventions
- Program Planning and Evaluation
- Systems Thinking
- Globalization and Global Health
- Life Course
- Comparative Healthcare Systems
- Health Economics
- United States Public Health and Healthcare Systems
Quick Guide: FAQs for MPH Students
1. Are online MPH programs in New York accredited and respected?
Many online MPH programs in New York are respected as long as they’re accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). CEPH accreditation means a program meets rigorous academic and professional standards that are highly valued by employers, including state and city health agencies. Accreditation also qualifies you to sit for the Certification in Public Health (CPH) exam, further enhancing your career opportunities.
2. Can I work full-time while enrolled in an online MPH program?
Yes. Online MPH programs in New York are designed with working professionals in mind, allowing you to maintain full-time employment while studying. Courses are typically delivered online, accessible evenings or weekends at your convenience. Though you’ll complete a practicum, programs often offer flexible scheduling or let you use vacation time to fulfill this requirement. That said, it’s important to consider your capacity to maintain both a full-time work and a full-time courseload.
3. What are the admission requirements for online MPH programs in New York? Do I need the GRE?
Many reputable MPH programs in New York no longer require GRE scores, making the application simpler and more accessible to applicants from various professional backgrounds. Admission requirements usually mirror those of on-campus MPH programs. You’ll usually need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of around 3.0. While degrees in health sciences or social sciences are common among applicants, many programs accept diverse academic backgrounds. Typically, you’ll need prior coursework in math, statistics, or social sciences. Applications usually require transcripts, a resume, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement outlining your public health goals.
4. What can I do with an MPH in New York?
An MPH opens numerous rewarding career paths across New York’s public health landscape. Graduates often become epidemiologists, biostatisticians, public health program managers, policy analysts, or health educators. Potential employers include prestigious hospitals like NYU Langone and Mount Sinai, city and county health departments, and influential nonprofits like the New York Public Health Association.
5. Are there funding options available for MPH students in New York?
Yes, MPH students in New York have multiple funding options, including scholarships, fellowships, paid internships, and student loans. Many universities, such as CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, offer targeted financial aid specifically for public health students. You can also research financial aid resources online that provide guidance on understanding financial aid options. Finally, don’t forget to research expert tips for completing the FAFSA so you can maximize any federal aid you may receive.
New York’s MPH Salary & Career Comparison
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Epidemiologists | $54,950 | $132,230 | $81,390 |
| New York | Epidemiologists | $65,950 | $156,000 | $87,130 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | Epidemiologists | $74,780 | $149,990 | $101,260 |
Source: Epidemiologists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
New York Resources for MPH Students & Professionals
Public health is a strong field with a good number of reliable professional resources for experts. These are also available to students in New York and beyond. Here are some excellent places that can help you boost your education and support you after you graduate.
- New York State Association of County Health Officials: This organization is dedicated to health departments across the state and provides training and resources for those who work there. From in-depth research to helping students find jobs in public health, this association is dedicated to the well-being of communities.
- New York State Public Health Association: This organization supports public health workers across the state, not just in NYC. Expect to see health promotions, advocacy for members, professional development, and networking opportunities for anyone in the field, from seasoned professionals to students just starting out.
- NYC Public Health Corps: This joint effort among public health officials and experts aims to ease inequities in public health, especially in times of pandemics and other health emergencies. This group promotes and protects the health of NYC residents and the surrounding areas through research and outreach.
- Public Health Association of New York City: This is the NYC chapter of the American Public Health Association, where professionals can find support in their endeavors and students can find the assistance they need from people who have already walked that path. This group is also open to healthcare providers, administrators, researchers, scientists, and activists.
- The Healthcare Association of New York State: This association is for anyone in the healthcare field, including people in public health sectors. Membership conferences, networking, advocacy work, continuing education, and business assistance for those in the field can be found here.
Ranking the Best Online MPH Programs in New York
To help you in your search for a top-notch school MPH program in New York, we ranked the schools based on criteria such as student outcomes, affordability, and the percentage of online course offerings. And before we even a consider a school for our rankings list, we check to make sure it’s accredited and offers essential student services such as academic and career counseling. For more detailed information, view the methodology link below.
SUNY Brockport
Brockport, New York
Public
University of Rochester
Rochester, New York
Private
St. John’s University-New York
Queens, New York
Private
New York Institute of Technology
Old Westbury, New York
Private
