Top 8 Part-Time Master's in Public Health Degrees 2025

Public health is the study of improving the well-being of entire populations by preventing diseases, extending life expectancies, and promoting healthier lifestyles overall. If you are a working adult interested in pursuing a career in this vital profession, you may be curious about earning a part-time master's in public health.

Continue reading to learn about flexible, online master's degree programs offered by accredited universities.

Can You Earn a Master's in Public Health Degree Part-Time?

Yes, you can earn your master's in public health part-time. Many colleges and universities offer Master of Public Health (MPH) programs online, which can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. These degree programs are designed to accommodate working professionals who, in addition to their graduate studies, have work and family commitments.

How Long Does It Take to Finish a Part-Time Master's in Public Health Degree?

It can take anywhere from 15 months to six years to earn your MPH. Generally, MPH programs range from 42 to 60 credits; full-time students can complete their degree program in two years or less.

Part-time students will typically need more time to earn their degree. Depending on your course load and any applicable transfer credits, you may earn your MPH in three to six years on a part-time basis.

How Does a Part-Time Public Health Master's Degree Program Work?

Part-time master's degree programs vary according to individual schools and program structure. Some schools offer self-paced degree programs, which allow students to take courses at their own pace. Self-paced programs include asynchronous coursework and flexible deadlines.

Other programs may offer live (e.g., synchronous) online courses during the evening or weekends. This structure is designed to accommodate adults who have professional commitments during the weekdays. Another key feature of part-time graduate degree programs is the ability to take fewer courses per semester.

Best Part-Time Public Health Master's Programs

The following list highlights some of the top online programs where you can earn your Master of Public Health part-time. All of the schools listed here are accredited institutions and offer financial aid options.

1. Boston University

Boston University (BU) boasts the third-best online MPH program in the nation, as ranked by Fortune. Students enrolled at BU can earn their MPH on a part-time basis, thanks to the flexible timeline and coursework structure. The courses are offered entirely online, and part-time students have up to five years to earn their master's degree.

The curriculum consists of 42 credits. In this program, MPH students develop advanced knowledge and skills in data interpretation, community engagement, program management, and community health needs assessment. Students also benefit from virtual engagement with peers and networking sessions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $25,000 program total
• Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)

2. Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University is a private institution with a strong focus on healthcare. Chamberlain University's MPH program is designed to accommodate working professionals with 100% online, asynchronous coursework. Students may choose the accelerated program option, taking 12 to 13 credits per semester, or opt for the less rigorous track with six credits per semester.

Courses include biostatistics and epidemiology, environmental health in public health, cultural competency and global public health, and program planning and evaluation. MPH students participate in an Applied Practice Experience (APE), where they work alongside a public health professional and gain skills that align with their career interests.

• Estimated tuition cost: $590 per credit hour
• Accreditation: CEPH

3. The University of Arizona Global Campus

The University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) offers a flexible online MPH program that can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. Part-time students can choose to take only one course per semester and can transfer up to nine credits towards their master's degree. Graduate students choose between two tracks: a generalist track and a healthcare administration track.

Online courses include principles of epidemiology, applied behavioral science, and environmental health sciences. UAGC's MPH program requires that students complete an in-person practicum, where students gain real-world experience in professional public health settings.

• Estimated tuition cost: $600 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

4. Liberty University

Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University (LU) has an extensive online learning platform. LU offers an online MPH that is 42 credit hours and can be completed at your own pace. Graduate students enrolled in LU's MPH program learn how to develop solutions to address disease prevention, nutrition, and healthcare issues.

The courses are eight weeks long, and all coursework is conducted online. Courses focus on community health promotion issues, such as health program planning, health agency management, and health communication and advocacy.

• Estimated tuition cost: $645 per credit hour
• Accreditation: CEPH

5. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers a flexible online MPH program. SNHU's 42-credit program is designed to be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. Graduate students may choose to earn their general MPH degree or specialize in global public health.

The degree program is conducted in 10-week terms and has 14 courses total. The curriculum includes courses such as healthcare informatics, population-based epidemiology, and health policy and management.

• Estimated tuition cost: $659 per credit hour
• Accreditation: CEPH

6. George Mason University

George Mason University is a large public school with an online MPH program designed for working professionals. The master's degree program, which features flexible scheduling and online coursework, has been nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report.

The curriculum consists of core courses, electives, and a practicum. Core courses include foundations of public health, community assessments and partnerships, and applied public health leadership.

• Estimated tuition cost: $725 per credit hour
• Accreditation: CEPH

7. Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University (LSU) is a large public university that offers an online MPH program through its Shreveport campus. Fortune recently ranked LSU's online MPH program as #4 in the nation. Graduates move on to become epidemiologists, health education specialists, and more.

Admission requirements state that students must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA). Prospective students do not need to submit their Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores when applying to the program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $780 per credit hour
• Accreditation: CEPH

8. Rutgers University

Based in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University (Rutgers) has an online MPH program that can be taken on a part-time or full-time basis. Part-time students are required to take two courses per semester, for a total of six credits per term. Part-time students typically complete the MPH program in eight semesters.

Rutgers' MPH curriculum consists of core courses, electives, and a practicum. Core courses include health systems and policies, environmental health, and leadership and management essentials for public health.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,082 per credit hour (in-state); $1,412 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

How We Rank Schools

We consider factors like accreditation status, coursework delivery and flexibility, and reputation when deciding which schools to feature.

• Accreditation: All listed colleges and universities are regionally accredited institutions. Many of these programs boast additional accreditation status from the Council on Education for Public Health.
• Program flexibility: MPH programs must be available to take on a part-time or self-paced basis.
• Program reputation: A program's reputation is determined by its accreditation status, experienced faculty, and any special recognition or industry awards.

FAQs About Part-Time Master's in Public Health Degrees

Below, we answer frequently asked questions about part-time MPH degrees, from program costs to career opportunities.

How Much Does a Part-Time Master's in Public Health Cost?

The cost of a Master of Public Health varies greatly, ranging from less than $20,000 to more than $95,000 in total. Factors that affect cost include the type of school (i.e., public or private), any applicable transfer credits, and financial aid opportunities. Enrollment status can also affect cost, as some schools charge a higher tuition rate for part-time students.

What Careers Can I Pursue With a Part-Time Master's in Public Health Degree?

Graduates who hold their MPH work in a broad range of industries, including healthcare nonprofits, government and social service sectors, private corporations, and international organizations. MPH job opportunities include:

• epidemiologist
• healthcare administrator
• health educator
• biostatistician
• public health analyst
• nutritionist

Is It Worth Doing a Part-Time Master's in Public Health?

There are many opportunities for professionals who have earned their part-time master's in public health. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects a 19% job growth for epidemiologists through 2033; this rate is much faster than other professions.

However, the choice to pursue an MPH is highly personal. A master's degree is a big investment in both time and money. You must consider your personal commitments and capacity, alongside your professional goals.

How Hard Is It To Get a Job With a Master's in Public Health?

Earning your MPH gives you a greater advantage in the job marketplace, as compared to those who hold an undergraduate degree. Professionals who have their MPH work practice their expertise in a wide variety of settings at international, national, and local levels. Ultimately, your opportunities in the job market will depend on your local area and your professional goals.

What Is the Average Salary for a Master's in Public Health?

Public health jobs are diverse, and as such, it's difficult to specify one particular salary for all professionals who hold an MPH. However, we can share general information for popular MPH career paths; all of the following 2024 data comes from the BLS:

• epidemiologist median salary: $83,980 per year
• medical and health service manager median salary: $117,960 per year
• biostatistician median salary: $104,350 per year

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