What are the best options if you’re looking to break into public health and don’t have time for in-person classes? To answer that question, Fortune built our first-ever ranking of online master’s of public health (MPH) programs.
A master’s of public health, or MPH, is an interdisciplinary graduate-level degree that’s designed to educate students about a range of public health issues, including: epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy, and community health. Students in MPH programs will learn how to improve a community’s health and prevent disease and illness.
No, but some top-ranked programs are looking for applicants who have post-baccalaureate experience working in a health-related field, as well as coursework in biology, math and a health-related science.
Some public health programs would like applicants to have some relevant experience, though that can be broadly defined, and the requirement isn’t strict. George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health, for example, is looking for applicants who are primarily excited about public health.
A master’s degree in public health can open more doors to career opportunities and higher salaries than simply an undergraduate degree. The average salary for someone with a bachelor’s degree in public health is $50,000 per year, and it’s $67,000 per year for someone with an MPH, according to data from Payscale.
In addition to learning a specialized set of skills, which can command bigger salaries and potentially fetch more interest from employers, students in MPH programs may complete internships or experiential learning components. What’s more, there’s growing demand for health care industry workers.
Salaries for graduates of master’s degree programs in public health can vary widely, depending on a student’s chosen specialization and career path. While community health care workers earn an average salary of about $33,300, according to the latest available figures from Indeed, the average pay for biostatisticians is more than three times as high, at about $120,000.
Yes, there are numerous public health programs that offer online options which typically allow students to continue working full-time while pursuing the degree. These programs are growing in popularity; among the 15 online MPH programs in Fortune’s ranking, schools have seen their combined enrollments soar 39% over the past year.
Costs for online master’s degree programs in public health vary widely. At No. 1-ranked George Washington University, the tuition is $81,000 while that amount falls to about $32,000 at places like Central Michigan University or Louisiana State University. Scholarships are available, though most students obtain loans to cover the cost of the degree.
Master’s degree programs in public health are rigorous, and students must complete foundational classes and may select from nearly 50 concentrations for specialization. In addition to coursework, students may need to juggle other school-related obligations, including internships or integrative learning experiences.
Some aspiring doctors are trying to get a leg up on their peers by first earning a master’s degree in public health to give themselves a competitive edge in the admissions process for medical school. These students may choose to pursue an MPH before, during, or even after their schooling or residency.
