Professionals who are looking into an accelerated MPH program may have concerns about their ability to keep up with the program when managing a career or other responsibilities. By clarifying the advantages of the program, it is easier to determine if it is a good fit for personal goals. The obvious advantage of the accelerated format is the ability to move forward with personal plans at a faster pace. The degree only takes one year to finish, so students can move to the next stage of their careers without wasting time on unnecessary course material. It allows students to complete work at a fast pace. Accelerated programs are intensive programs. It focuses on helping students move forward by obtaining a degree in half the time. Students will find that the accelerated format is a good choice if they have the skills to keep up or are looking for a fast-pace environment for their degrees.
Since many students are also experienced professionals, it allows students to get credit for experience or avoid GRE or GMAT tests in some situations. That may help students who do not have time to sit for an exam or who have specialized skills due to their work experiences that may apply to the courses. While each school and program may vary in the details, it may offer options to further reduce the time required for the degree through credits, transfers, and related solutions.
Our Method: Ranking the Best Accelerated MPH Online Programs
Obviously, students interested in accelerated online MPH degrees are primarily concerned with how quickly they can complete the program, so the Fastest Online Master’s in Public Health ranking emphasizes time to completion. But speed isn’t everything; all programs featured are accredited and reputable, and have been ranked according to cost, salary potential, and student satisfaction.
1. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine is located in the hills of Hollywood in Los Angeles, CA. USC’s Accelerated MPH Online Program has six concentrations that are finished within 1 year. Areas of study include a General degree that is geared towards advanced graduate degrees, Epidemiology & Biostatistics, GeoHealth, Global Health, Community Health Promotion, and Health Services and Policy. US News ranks USC Masters of Public Health #37. Even though this program is online, students have the opportunity to develop competency in real-world research both at home and around the globe. USC’s Public Health Department is known for addressing health outcome inequalities and trends.
USC is located in the heart of LA, so activities abound in this city. No other college has more international students, making it a cultural hub for technology, art, business, and communications. USC has received high marks from Forbes (#27 Private Colleges, #22 Research Universities, #30 Top Colleges) and US News (#22 National Universities, #5 Best Colleges for Veterans). If you like athletics, USC has more Olympic medalist than any other college in any country.
Degree: MPH – 6 concentrations 1 year
2. Drexel University
Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health is known as the place to go for Accelerated MPH Online Programs on the East Coast, ranking at #19 by US News for Public Health schools. Students may choose between two areas of concentration: Global Health or Executive MPH. The online program has an average completion time of 2 years with 56 quarter hours required. Dornsife requires practicum experience. If you are considering going here, they also offer online open houses to answer any of your questions.
Drexel University is a top-rated private college that ranks #97 in National Universities from US News. It is located in a major city that offers a lot of employment opportunities. In fact, half of the students that work in a full-time co-op have received job offers on the East Coast. The arts and intramural sports offer a lively campus to feel like you are a part of something big.
Degree: MPH – Global Health or Executive 1 year
3. George Washington University
George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health in the heart of Washington D.C. is one of the best accelerated MPH online programs available. Their Master of Public Health is offered as an intensive 1-year program that requires 11.5 credit hours per quarter or 18-month program that requires 7.5 credits per hour. GW has six areas of concentration, including Program Planning and Evaluation, Health Communication, Global Health, Epidemiology and Public Health Research Methods, Health Policy, and Environmental and Occupational Health. Both programs require the same curriculum as the other online MPH programs along with a practicum. If you qualify for either programs, you will not be able to work on a full-time basis. They are rated by US News as the #12 public health universities in the nation.
GW University offers some of the best practicums available due to its location because of their number of government agencies and nonprofit organizations in the area that they have developed close relationships with since 1821. While GW is one of the most expensive universities to attend, the employment opportunities are high with one of the highest salary incomes of alumni.
Degree: MPH 12-18 months
4. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University offers accelerated MPH Online Programs that can be completed in 15 months with 36 college credits through 10-week terms. Their two accelerated online programs offered are Masters in Public Health or Masters in Public Health with a concentration in Global Health. Other areas of online public health courses include Public Health & Policy Management, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Behavior Sciences, and Occupational & Environmental Health Sciences.
SNHU is known for its online degrees. The campus has 3,000 students while the online university contains up to 90,000 students at any time. US News ranks them the #1 Most Innovative University and it even made Fast Company’s top 50 universities of innovation. Tuition at SNHU is one of the lowest tuition rates in the nation. Accelerated MPH Online Programs. Military discounts of up to 30% are offered.
Degree: MPH 15 months
5. University of Vermont
The University of Vermont’s Robert Larner College of Medicine offers one of the most well-known 15-month accelerated MPH online programs. Courses start in the summer and graduation is upon the end of the next summer after completion of the practicum and 42 credit hours.The Generalist MPH degree offers focused areas of Epidemiology, Environmental Public Health, Quantitative Public Health Sciences, and Health Policy, Leadership & Advocacy. UVM MPH graduates in the health field contain the largest amount of students entering the Peace Corps.
UVM is one of the oldest public colleges in the US, established in 1791. They are known for experience-based learning and dedication to sustainability, which is a part of their core curriculum. Forbes ranks UVM #48 in public colleges. Over 92% of UVM graduates are employed in the first 6 months of graduation with a 95% rate of satisfaction.
Degree: MPH 15 months
6. California State University, San Marcos
California State University, San Marcos offers one of the most valuable accelerated MPH online programs in the US. The two extended learning MPH accelerated degrees offered are Health Promotion & Health Education and Global Health Students will complete their MPH in 16 months with 42 graduate credit hours. The program is cohort-based with courses specific to each degree and seven common core classes. Students are required to complete 6 units every 8 weeks. CSUSM offers online Q&A webinars for their MPH program semi-annually.
CSUSM is one of California State University’s 23 campuses established in 1989. The campus is the third newest campus with state-of-the-art technology and modern medical facilities surrounding the Southern California city. CSUSM is known for its low student-faculty ratio. Expert faculty comes from all parts of the world with valuable knowledge in the constantly changing world of public health. They received a rating of #20 in Top Public Schools from US News.
Degree: MPH 16 months
7. University of New England
University of New England’s UNE Online is considered an entity of its own that can be accessed anywhere at anytime. It’s Maine’s first 100% online college with accelerated MPH online programs that fit virtually anyone’s needs. The UNE online MPH is a 46-credit graduate program that can be completed in 19 months. The MPH degree is a generalized MPH that allows the student to pick its specialized areas of study in a dynamic field that is constantly changing.
University of New England has three physical locations in Biddeford and Portland, MN and Tangiers, Morocco. The university is highly focused in health and medical related fields with Maine’s only medical and dental schools. They are nationally recognized as a Forbes’ Top College 2019, Money’s Best Colleges 2019, US News’ Best Regional North Universities 2019, and Princeton Review’s 385 Best Colleges 2020.
Degree: 18 months
8. Simmons University
Simmons University delivers one of the most current and innovative accelerated MPH online masters programs available. The graduate degree can be completed in 21 months with a total of 45 credits. Every student takes 12 core courses and 2 elective courses in the areas of health equity and social justice. Simmons participates in a two-course Health Equity Change Project in the last four credits of the degree and 2 in-person immersions worth 3 credits total.
Simmons University is a very small private university with huge accolades that include US News ranking in National Universities, #35 in Best Value Schools, and #70 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. Located in one of the best college towns in the world, Simmons University enjoys all the educational value of Boston while having a small faculty ratio of 11:1. The undergraduate population lives mostly on campus and is all-female with 74% of faculty being female, too. Graduate degrees are open to all. Simmons’ graduates have a 91% rate of furthering degrees or receiving employment opportunities within 6 months.
Degree: MPH – Health Equity 21 months
9. Dartmouth College
Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine at The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice offers a hybrid Online/On-Campus MPH. The Dartmouth’s Institute’s accelerated online masters programs were conceptualized specifically for working professionals that are passionate about their jobs and desire to challenge the norm in their fields. The program is 22 months long and taken one class at a time with 40 cohorts that follow you through your online masters program together. Students will attend online coursework with two brief three-week residential per year.Students complete their degree with a practicum project that they design themselves mentored by Dartmouth Institute faculty.
Dartmouth is the smallest of the Ivy League colleges, but their accomplishments are big, including status in Forbes as #10 Top Colleges, #10 in Research Universities and #18 in America’s Best College Values. Geisel has 18 clinical and science departments in biomedical, public health, and health care delivery science.
Degree: MPH Hybrid – 3 weeks on campus per year – 22 months
10. Liberty University
Liberty University Online Programs has offered 100% accelerated MPH online programs since 1985. Their MPH is specifically designed for working professionals with 8-week courses that require no set log-in times and can be completed in as little as 2 years. Liberty’s MPH is AffordableColleges.com’s Best Value Online for those seeking an MPH in 2019. The accelerated online MPH program consists of 6 core courses and 3 areas of specialization: Global Health, Nutrition, and Health Promotion.
Liberty University is a Christian-based non-profit private university. Most of the 100,000 students attend online, but they also offer on-campus options. Some 400 online options require face-to-face meetings occasionally. The school is known for its politically conservative views. In fact, Trump delivered the commencement speech in 2017.
Degree: MPH transfer 50%
What Can I Do with an MPH?
Public health careers offer a variety of opportunities for students who are looking into their options. The key to evaluating a public health job description is paying attention to the details and ensuring that it is a good fit for your goals.
An MPH career may focus on research roles to identify public health concerns within different populations. It may also emphasize scientific exploration and assisting scientific professionals in areas like environmental science or related fields.
Students may also work directly in the healthcare industry and assist medical professionals with their roles. Taking on an organizational role for medical facilities, assisting medical doctors, or even focusing on disaster preparedness and relief efforts after an emergency may require an MPH degree.
A variety of opportunities are available for students who have an MPH degree. The key is clarifying the type of career you want and then focusing on accomplishing your goals by obtaining a degree and applying for appropriate positions.
Is an MPH a Good Choice for International Students?
International students may have concerns about their options for a degree when focusing on options in the United States. A masters in public health in USA for international students allows you to learn relevant skills that may apply in a home country.
Public health impacts every country around the world. By studying public health, students are able to use their skills in a variety of different environments and areas. The skills may apply to a home country and allow students to focus on improving a specific area by identifying health concerns and taking measures to address the problems. International students can benefit from MPH degree programs by focusing on research roles, positions in the public health sector of a government organization, or even global public health working with international businesses or organizations. The opportunities for international students make the degree program a good choice for those who are planning to make a difference in their home country or who plan to focus on global organizations or businesses.
How Do I Get an International Public Health Job?
International public health jobs offer an opportunity to travel to a new country, learn about different cultures, and explore new ideas. The challenge is finding entry level international public health jobs that fit your long-term goals and interests.
The first step to getting a public health job for a global organization is obtaining an appropriate degree. Students need the right type of degree program based on their goals. In many cases, an MPH degree program offers the training students need for their job responsibilities. In the case of entry-level positions, the education level may vary based on job responsibilities.
Students will want to focus on networking with appropriate professionals within the public health sector. Focus on professionals who work with non-profit organizations that work abroad, NATO, the United Nations, or similar organizations. Apply to positions that emphasize working at an international level.
Emphasize skills that make you suitable for an international job. For example, students who speak more than one language will want to mention the languages they speak on an application. It will help companies recognize professionals who have useful skills when working in different countries. Students may also want to highlight any relevant travel experiences that may help shape their perspectives. For example, students who have studied abroad for an extended period will want to showcase that experience to help highlight personal capabilities.
Related Rankings:
25 Best Master’s in Public Health