Top Online MPH Programs in New York & NYC

Though a bachelor’s degree can open the door to a career in public health, earning a master in public health (MPH) can further boost your income and career potential. It can also help you better the health of many others through policy changes and leadership of people who make a difference in their communities.

Potential students who live in NYC or anywhere else in the state will be pleased to know there are plenty of potential MPH options available. One real challenge, though, is simply narrowing down the options for your master of public health. This guide can help you focus your goals, give you details on what you need in an online program, and point out what criteria matters most to you.

Read on to discover the wide variety of online MPH programs NYC and New York have to offer.

Best Colleges to Earn an MPH Degree Online in New York

Earning a master’s degree in anything is much easier than it used to be, thanks to online programs. Many online master’s degrees are designed for working professionals and people who have family and social obligations. Aspiring students in those situations will be pleased to find many online master’s in public health programs in New York and NYC.

Online learning allows you to attend class and complete your work anytime or anywhere, as long as you have a stable internet connection. Imagine completing that thesis while sitting in a comfortable café or watching that lecture from your favorite chair in the living room.

If you still want some face-to-face interaction in a traditional classroom, look for hybrid programs. They offer most classes online but allow for in-person intensives, conferences, and other meetings at your chosen school.

Let’s take a look at the best online MPH programs in New York State. We took into account factors such as affordability, flexibility, accreditation, and available student services. While we chose schools from the entire state, we also found great ones based in NYC, which we will detail in the sections below.

New York Medical College

Part of Touro University, New York Medical College in Valhalla is home to a strong Master of Public Health Program. The public health programs are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health and are offered as online programs or with a hybrid approach featuring evening classes to accommodate people who want face-to-face learning.

There are two options here: The generalist program and the epidemiology program. Though each program usually takes about two years to complete, there is an accelerated hybrid option for the generalist program that allows students to complete their work in one year. The 42 credits can be completed in three semesters (spring, fall, and summer).

Students in this program can arrange their electives to earn certificates in global health, health education, emergency management, and health administration while earning their MPH.

Admission to either program requires completing an application through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS) program, a personal statement, transcripts from previous schools, and a resume.

University at Buffalo

The School of Public Health and Health Professions at University at Buffalo is home to a robust Master of Public Health program. This fully-accredited program offers some of the lowest tuition in the state and a global health focus, preparing students to work anywhere in the world. People who attend the MPH program at University at Buffalo also have great potential for success, as the school boasts a 99% job placement for graduates,

The university also features top-notch faculty with experience from all over the world. The school is a member of the Association of American Universities, which recognizes the University of Buffalo and its programs as research leaders. Though most of the concentrations for this program are available on campus, one of them – the MPH in Health Services Administration – is available entirely online.

Diversity scholarships are available to give underserved populations an opportunity to boost their career prospects as they learn and grow alongside their peers. As another show of commitment to diversity in the public health world, the school also offers a micro-credential in Eliminating Health Inequities, which can be earned alongside the MPH.

University at Albany

Part of the State University of New York, University at Albany offers a wide variety of degrees that focus on health, including the online Master of Public Health. This fully accredited program focuses on a concentration in public health practice. The core courses consist of 21 credits, while the concentration requires nine credits. Another 12 credits are electives chosen by the student, allowing them to tailor their degree to their interests.

Students must complete 720 hours of a professional internship, though people with experience in the field might be able to cut those hours significantly after demonstrating recent employment or volunteer work in public health.

There is also tuition assistance for people who already work in the health department in New York State or the NYS Department of Health to help them through the program.

To get into the program, students must complete the SOPHAS application process, have earned a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 average, have one semester of social science study in their background, and have earned a B grade or higher in a college-level mathematics course. The GRE is not required for admission to this school.

Financial Aid for MPH Students in New York

When you reach the graduate level, much of the federal financial aid that was plentiful as an undergrad is no longer available to you. To that end, many students must find other ways to fund higher education.

Public health students in New York and NYC might be eligible for a variety of help, including scholarships, loans, fellowships, paid internships, and similar options. Some schools provide a wealth of assistance, such as the CUNY Graduate School of Health and Health Policy.

Scholarships are the most advantageous way to receive help as they do not have to be paid back. There are many scholarships intended just for public health students. And there are other ways to get financial aid as you go through the two years or so that it takes to earn your degree.

Job Outlook for MPH Graduates in New York

The job market for people with a master in public health in New York or NYC is robust, with job growth rates well above the national average for all occupations. This means that graduates with the credentials should have little problem finding work and might even find themselves in a bidding war for their skills and services.

Speaking of income, that’s also in a good place. Though the mean annual wage might not be enough to meet the steep income requirements to live in some parts of NYC, such as Manhattan, the income is respectable enough to create a good living in other areas across the state. As interest in public health rises in the wake of the pandemic, expect to see even higher job growth rates and income in the future.

Sources: Projections Central; Bureau of Labor Statistics

New York Public Health Professional and Student Resources

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.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 in the state, this association is dedicated to the well-being of communities.