Are Online Public Health Degrees Legitimate?
This page includes details on whether online public health degrees are legitimate and commonly asked questions about what to consider when choosing a program.
Earning public health degrees through online education is legitimate, and several options are offered by accredited institutions nationwide for you to select from to set your career aspirations in motion. An online public health degree is respected and effectively prepares students for jobs as public health professionals, including as community health workers or health education specialists.
Discover what employers think of online public health degrees and if obtaining one through distance education is possible and legitimate with these frequently asked questions.
Do Employers Respect Online Public Health Degrees?
Yes, an online public health degree is respected by employers who see the value of obtaining an education through distance learning, especially since its popularity has increased in recent years.
Students engaging in online coursework develop important project management and planning skills and utilize technology to collaborate with diverse individuals, which applies to the success of many job roles in public health.
What To Look For in an Online Public Health Degree Program
When selecting an online public health degree, it is essential to consider a few factors to ensure the program meets your educational and career goals.
Accreditation
Accreditation is important to look for when choosing an institution of higher learning as this ensures you are obtaining a quality education that meets certain standards and that your degree is valid for practicing in the public health field.
Reputation
Selecting a college with an excellent reputation helps make an online public health degree more legitimate and seen as more credible, especially one that has garnered high rankings for its distance education and academic offerings.
Nonprofit Vs. For-Profit Degrees
A nonprofit degree program gears more of a focus on offering high-quality education for its public health students and can be more affordable than a for-profit degree, which concentrates on turning a profit and can be more selective with admissions.
Graduation Rates
Students should consider enrollment in colleges with graduation rates of 70% or higher for their online public health degrees to ensure they earn a valuable education ideal for meeting their career goals.
Differences Between Online Public Health Degrees and Traditional Public Health Degrees
There are few differences between obtaining a legitimate public health degree through online education and a traditional program, as many offer the same instructors and follow an identical curriculum.
On-campus degrees may provide students with the potential for more in-person networking or internship opportunities, but online programs offer much more convenience for busy students needing flexible schedules.
Benefits of Earning Your Public Health Degree at an Online School
Earning your public health degree at an online school is legitimate and presents several benefits. Obtaining your bachelor's degree through distance learning is valuable because:
- It provides flexibility for studying around the busy schedules of adult learners
- Online degrees can cost less, given there are no room and board charges or meal plans to consider
- Working professionals can easily advance their careers while still holding their full-time job
Time management and organizational skills are essential for succeeding as an online student, and individuals must prepare to work independently to complete projects and meet coursework deadlines to earn their public health degree.
Featured Online Public Health Degree Programs
With this list of featured programs, you can find a legitimate online public health degree and embark on an exciting career today.
1. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and has an online Bachelor of Science in public health that meets standards set by the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH).
2. Capella University
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and provides a Bachelor of Science in public health through online learning taught by qualified faculty members with extensive experience in their respective fields.
3. South University
South University has expert instructors who deliver a Bachelor of Science degree in public health, which is backed by accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
4. Arizona State University
The Higher Learning Commission accredits Arizona State University (ASU) and offers options for obtaining a bachelor's degree in public health through flexible online education taught by highly supportive professors.
The following public health degrees are offered online at ASU:
- Public Health - BS
- International Public Health - BS
- Public Health Education & Health Promotion - BS
5. Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University is SACSCOC-accredited and offers a top-ranking online Bachelor of Science degree in public health with skilled instructors experienced in providing valuable education through distance learning.
6. Oregon State University
Oregon State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and, per US News & World Report, provides the best online programs, including its Bachelor of Science degree in public health.
7. The University of Alabama
The University of Alabama is SACSCOC-accredited and considered a top-tier school, according to US News & World Report, and delivers an online Bachelor of Science degree in public health taught by expert staff members.
8. Bellevue University
Bellevue University offers an online Bachelor of Science degree in public health backed by accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, with a reputation for being one of the nation's top colleges for distance education.
9. Campbellsville University
Campbellsville University is SACSCOC-accredited and has highly skilled faculty members with real-world experience in their respective fields, delivering an online Bachelor of Science degree in public health.
10. Walden University
Walden University's online Bachelor of Science degree in public health is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and taught by expert instructors who have earned high credentials.
Find a Legitimate Online Public Health Degree Today
Are you interested in a public health professional career? Begin your educational journey by contacting an accredited college on our list of programs to enroll in a legitimate online public health degree today.