7 Best Online Public Health Degrees in 2025

Public health programs prepare students to teach communities positive health behaviors, write health policies, and determine ways to fight outbreaks. Learners develop the skills needed to make an impact through research, epidemiology, biostatistics, and beyond.

Do you want to study public health but have a busy personal or work schedule? Online learning is a great alternative to traditional on-campus learning. You can study the same coursework from reputable faculty members while enjoying flexible scheduling and the ability to learn from home.

Schools like Boston University and the University of West Florida offer top online public health programs with great academic reputations and affordable tuition. Below, we'll explore highly-ranked and low-cost online public health degrees with perks that make degree completion easier. We'll also answer frequently asked questions about these programs.

Best Online Public Health Degree Programs

Online programs can offer the same quality learning experiences as in-person programs. Explore some of the nation's best online public degree programs, including bachelor's and master's degrees in public health, by reviewing the list of schools below.

1. Boston University

Boston University, a top 10 school of public health, offers a flexible online Master of Public Health (MPH) that doesn't require in-person meetings, seminars, courses, or orientation. Online coursework teaches health communication, population health science, determinants for health equity, and real-world public health challenges.

This program, accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), requires at least two years of full-time work experience to apply. Students are assigned a Student Success Specialist and Learning Facilitator to navigate the program. The total cost of this degree is just $24,000.

2. University of West Florida

The University of West Florida's online MPH degree is a competency-based program preparing students for roles in population health. Enrollees study environmental health, biostatistics, and disease prevention. They can choose from three concentrations:

• health promotion, education, and behavior
• global health
• generalist MPH

This CEPH-accredited degree can be completed in as little as 18 months. In-state learners pay $384.60 per credit hour or $16,153.20 in total tuition. Non-Florida residents and international students admitted to online campus programs can receive a tuition waiver covering up to 90% of out-of-state tuition for a final cost of $478.83 per credit hour or $20,110.86 total.

3. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers an MPH program students can complete on campus or online. This two-year accredited program, boasting a 100% employment rate in health-related careers, prepares students to become public health professionals. Coursework explores healthcare systems, systems thinking, and evidence-based approaches to public health.

Enrollees can choose from specializations in health management and policy, Indigenous health, and population health research and analytics. A 135-hour practicum gives students real-world experience with a public health organization.

4. American Public University

The online Bachelor of Science in public health from American Public University prepares students for careers in community health, occupational health and safety, and other health services. Enrollees learn what it takes to advance public health education through coursework exploring health promotion and wellness, healthcare administration, and epidemiology.

This budget-friendly bachelor's degree offers affordable tuition at $350 per credit hour, no application fee, zero-cost textbooks and ebooks, and a generous 90 transfer credit policy to help students save. Admission requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED).

5. California State University, Northridge

California State University, Northridge offers an online MPH program that explores how to protect human health and promote healthy lifestyles. Asynchronous online courses also discuss cultural issues in healthcare and community health action. A fieldwork component in the public health sector is available to give students real-world experiences.

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in a related field, but they won't need GRE scores if their GPA is 3.0 or higher. This CEPH-accredited program can be completed in seven academic terms � or two and a half years.

6. University of Memphis

The University of Memphis's MPH-Generalist program helps enrollees develop strong critical thinking, strategic, and research skills while teaching them how to create health initiatives, combat health challenges, and disseminate health information. This degree is available online or in person as a traditional four-semester program or a 12- to 15-month accelerated program.

Online students can choose from MPH concentrations in epidemiology, biostatistics, social and behavioral sciences, and urban health. An Accelerated Bachelor to Master of Public Health (ABM) is also available for students interested in working in the field.

7. George Washington University

George Washington University's Milken Institute School of Public Health is ranked among the best public health graduate schools by U.S. News and World Report. The school offers an accelerated online MPH program with core courses and electives covering health policy, global health, and epidemiology. Concentrations are available in youth and child health, global health, health informatics, and climate health.

Students seeking enrollment can choose from four start dates and bypass submitting GRE scores. Learners accepted and enrolled in the program might qualify for up to $15,000 in scholarship funds.

Our Selection Criteria for Public Health Programs

Our team selected the schools in the rank list above using a rigorous vetting process. Every institution in this list has met the following criteria for delivering a quality experience in higher education:

• Accredited: The schools have earned accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, WASC Senior College and University Commission, New England Commission of Higher Education, and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, guaranteeing recognized academic standards.
• Reputable: We verified that the colleges and universities in this list are respected schools, considering factors such as rankings, acceptance rates, student outcomes, and graduation rates.
• Path to degree completion: Institutions in this list offer an accelerated degree path with generous transfer credit policies and flexible online options.
• Affordable: Schools above offer lower tuition rates, scholarships, and financial aid to reduce school costs.

FAQs About Online Programs in Public Health

Is earning an online public health degree right for you? Get more information about these programs by reviewing the following FAQs.

Are Public Health Degrees Worth It?

Yes, public health degrees are worth the time, effort, and cost. These programs offer well-rounded learning experiences through general education, major, and elective courses covering topics like health communication, population health science, and public health policy. Some offer practicums or internships giving students hands-on experiences that prepare them to work as public health professionals.

What Can I Do With an Online Public Health Degree?

Several career paths are available in the field of public health. Students with online public health degrees can pursue roles that include:

• health education specialist
• occupational health and safety specialist
• public health specialist
• policy analyst
• emergency management director
• community health worker

Epidemiology is another great field for public health degree holders. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for epidemiologists is projected to grow much faster than average at 19% from 2023 to 2033.

What Are the Public Health Degree Admission Requirements?

Admission requirements for public health degrees vary by school and degree type. Bachelor's degrees might require a high school diploma, minimum GPA, or specific ACT or SAT scores.

On the other hand, a master's degree could require a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA, and your resume, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.

Explore Online Bachelor's and Master's Degrees Today

Begin your journey toward a fulfilling career in public health by exploring the accredited degree programs offered by schools on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges today to learn how you can take the first step toward your career goals.