Key Takeaways:
- University of Southern California is the top school for an accelerated online MPH program.
- Accelerated Online MPH programs offer a faster route to earning a Master of Public Health, typically taking 12-18 months.
- These programs provide flexibility for working professionals, with asynchronous coursework and part-time options.
- Accredited by CEPH, these programs ensure quality education in public health, preparing graduates for leadership roles.
Accelerated online MPH programs can boost the career of Public Health professionals and also help them earn a higher salary with a master’s degree. Professionals who are looking into an accelerated online MPH program may have concerns about their ability to keep up with the program while managing a career or other responsibilities. But, when you understand each program’s advantages, determining which program is a good fit for personal goals is easy.
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, but accelerated programs are intensive programs. Students can move forward by obtaining a degree in half the time. Thus, students find the accelerated format is a good choice if they have the skills to keep up with the fast-paced environment.
Since many students are professionals, these public health programs give students credit for experience. Additionally, some programs now waive the GRE or GMAT tests. This helps 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 detail, 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 we list below have accreditation and are reputable. We rank them according to tuition cost, salary potential, and also 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. USC’s Public Health Department addresses health outcome inequalities and trends. Furthermore, the school’s accelerated MPH online program has six concentrations that students can complete in 1 year.
Areas of study include a General degree for advanced graduate students. Other specialization areas are Epidemiology & Biostatistics, GeoHealth, Global Health, Community Health Promotion, and also Health Services and Policy. 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 is located in the heart of LA, so activities abound in this city. No other college has more international students. And it is a cultural hub for technology, art, business, and also communications. The school also has high marks from Forbes magazine as #27 in Private Colleges, #22 in Research Universities, and #30 in Top Colleges. Additionally, US News ranks the USC Masters of Public Health program #37, and the school as #22 in National Universities and #5 in Best Colleges for Veterans. If you like athletics, USC has more Olympic medalists than any other college in any country.
Degree: MPH – 6 concentrations 1 year
Click here to learn more about the accelerated online MPH program!
2. Drexel University
Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health is the place to go for an online MPH degree programs on the East Coast. Students may choose between two areas of concentration in either Global Health or an Executive MPH.
The online program has an average completion time of 2 years and requires 56 quarter credit hours and also practicum experience. So, if you are considering this school, they also offer online open houses to answer any of your questions.
Drexel University is a top-rated private college. It is in Philadelphia, 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. Drexel ranks #97 in National Universities from US News and also #19 for Public Health schools.
Degree: MPH – Global Health or Executive 1 year
Click here to learn more about this accelerated MPH degree program!
3. George Washington University
George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health is in the heart of Washington DC. The school offers one of the best online MPH degree programs in the country. Its Master of Public Health is an intensive 1-year program that also has two tracks. One requires 11.5 credit hours per quarter and the other is an 18-month program that requires 7.5 credits per hour.
GW’s program has six areas of concentration. They include Program Planning and Evaluation, Health Communication, Global Health, Epidemiology in Public Health Research Methods, Health Policy, and also Environmental and Occupational Health. Both programs have the same curriculum as the other online MPH programs and require a practicum. So, if you qualify for either program, you will not be able to work on a full-time basis.
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 George Washington University is one of the most expensive universities to attend, the employment opportunities are high with one of the highest salary incomes of alumni. US News ranks George Washington University as the #12 Public Health university in the nation.
Degree: MPH program, 12-18 months
Click here to learn more about the online MPH program!
4. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University offers accelerated MPH Online Programs that students can complete in 15 months. The program requires 36 credit hours over 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 also 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. Furthermore, tuition at SNHU is one of the lowest tuition rates in the nation. In addition, qualified military service members get a tuition discount of up to thirty percent (30%). US News ranks SNHU #1 Most Innovative University and it is also one of Fast Company’s Top 50 Universities of Innovation.
Degree: MPH program, 15 months
Click here to learn more about the online MPH program!
5. University of Vermont
The University of Vermont’s Robert Larner College of Medicine offers a 15-month accelerated MPH online program. Courses start in the summer and graduation is upon the end of the next summer.
Graduates complete a practicum and 42 credit hours. The Generalist MPH degree offers focus areas in Epidemiology, Environmental Public Health, Quantitative Public Health Sciences, and also Health Policy, Leadership & Advocacy. UVM MPH graduates in the health field contain the largest amount of students entering the Peace Corps.
UVM opened in 1791 and is one of the oldest public colleges in the US. It is known for experience-based learning and dedication to sustainability, which is a part of the core curriculum. Forbes ranks UVM #48 in public colleges. Additionally, over 92% of UVM graduates are employed in the first 6 months of graduation with a 95% rate of satisfaction.
Degree: MPH program, 15 months
Click here to learn more about the online MPH program!
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 and the courses are different for each degree. But, there are seven common core classes all students complete. Students must 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. The school opened in 1989. Its campus is the third newest campus with state-of-the-art technology and modern medical facilities surrounding the Southern California city. Additionally, CSUSM has a 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 program, 16 months
Click here to learn more about the online Master of Public Health (MPH) program!
7. University of New England
University of New England’s UNE Online is an entity of its own that students can access anywhere and at any time. It’s Maine’s first 100% online college with an online MPH degree program that fits virtually anyone’s needs. The UNE online MPH graduate program is 46 credit hours and students can complete 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.
The University of New England has three physical locations in Biddeford and Portland, MN, and Tangiers, Morocco. The university focuses on health and medical-related fields and also has Maine’s only medical and dental schools. Furthermore, the school has national recognition. It is a Top College of Forbes magazine, one of Money magazine’s Best College, US News’ Best Regional North Universities, and one of the Princeton Review’s 385 Best Colleges.
Degree: Master of Public Health (MPH), 18 months
Click here to learn more about the online Master of Public Health (MPH) program!
8. Simmons University
Simmons University delivers one of the most current and innovative accelerated MPH online master’s programs available. Students can complete this graduate degree in 21 months with a total of 45 credit hours. 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 credit hours 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
Click here to learn more about the online MPH program!
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 Institute’s accelerated online master’s programs are for busy 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 master’s program together. Students will attend online coursework with two brief three-week residential per year. Additionally, 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 its 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
Click here to learn more about the online MPH program!
10. Liberty University
Liberty University Online Programs has offered 100% accelerated MPH online programs since 1985. Their MPH is for working professionals. Courses are 8 weeks and require no set log-in times. Furthermore, students can complete it 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 has politically conservative views. In fact, Trump delivered the commencement speech in 2017.
Degree: MPH transfer 50%
Click here to learn more about the online MPH program!
What Is an Accelerated MPH?
The accelerated MPH is an intensive, fast-tracked program designed for highly motivated professionals seeking to earn an advanced degree in public health in a short time. Many accelerated MPH programs can be completed in 1 year, and the curriculum is usually similar to the curriculum of traditional MPH programs, which takes around 2 years to complete.
Why Earn an Online MPH?
Public health degree programs train individuals to work in community health, health education, and public health roles. A master’s in public health degree allows you to develop as a professional. With this graduate level education, you will gain new knowledge and skills to advance your career in the public health field.
Earning your MPH gives you many new career opportunities. In addition, if you specialize in public health, you may increase your job prospects and earning potential. Furthermore, one year mph programs prepare students for public health practice in a very short time. An online education in the field of public health also qualifies graduates for leadership positions.
A variety of opportunities are available for graduates with an MPH degree. The key is clarifying the type of career you want and then focusing on accomplishing your goals. You can find your dream career by obtaining a degree and applying for appropriate positions.
How Long is an Accelerated MPH?
Most traditional master’s degree programs are two years. An MPH program can range from 1 to 4 years, depending on the type of program and the school you attend. Some online colleges allow students to complete the courses at their own pace or through an accelerated format.
These formats can be both longer and shorter than traditional degree programs. The time it takes to complete a program depends on whether it is accelerated and if you attend full-time or part-time. Full time students complete the degree much faster than part time students.
How Do you Find the Best Accelerated Program?
The program focus or concentration, format, cost, and time frame are some factors that may determine the program for you. Another thing to consider is if the program has accreditation from Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
Are there CEPH-accredited accelerated MPH programs? Yes. There are some accelerated programs with CEPH accreditation. One of CEPH’s criteria for accreditation is by credit hours, not time. So, all MPH degrees must have 42-semester credits of coursework or more.
What Do You Learn in an MPH Program?
Students in an MPH program learn theories, concepts, and practices of public health. Graduates research, analyze, create, and implement various techniques involving public health.
Most Masters of Public Health (MPH) curriculums have a foundation in the core public health disciplines. These include behavioral science/social and behavioral health, epidemiology, curriculum design in health education, biostatistics, and also environmental and occupational health.
In addition to core classes, most programs require a practicum. And many also have focus areas students can choose for an area of specialization.
What Specializations are in a 1 Year MPH Program?
A generalist program is a good choice if you are unsure about the area of Public Health where you may want to focus. With an MPH Generalist Track, graduates take roles like project managers, program managers, healthcare consultants, program coordinators, health educators, or a program director.
However, for individuals who know the area of Public Health where they want to work and practice, there are many degree options. These are called focus areas, concentrations, and specializations. But, they all have classes specific to the area of study that students must complete to graduate.
- Generalist MPH / Health Administration & Management
- Community Health MPH
- Disaster Management and Emergency Preparedness
- Public Health Education
- Global Health / Global Public Health
- Health and Human Services
- Health Sciences MPH
- Public Health Policy
- Social Behavioral Health MPH
- Biostatistics MPH
- Clinical MPH
- Occupational Health and Environmental Health MPH
- Epidemiology MPH / Infectious Disease
- Nutrition MPH
- Public Health Promotion
- Social Health MPH
- Dual / Joint MPH
How Much Does an MPH Program Cost?
How much does a master’s in public health cost? It varies from school to school. Annual tuition costs can be as low as $10,000 to as much as $60,000. Furthermore, there are many factors in evaluating tuition costs. So, when you compare schools, make sure you are comparing apples to apples.
Below are a few general rules to guide you in your research. Of course, there are some exceptions to these.
- online degree programs are less expensive than traditional college programs
- In-state tuition costs less than out-of-state tuition
- undergraduate tuition is lower than graduate tuition
- public universities are less expensive than private colleges
- military service members and veterans have discounted tuition at many schools
- beware of quarter credits vs. semester credits and find the total program cost to compare
What are the MPH Admissions Requirements?
Admissions requirements for an accelerated MPH program vary from program to program. However, accelerated MPH programs are intense, so schools want prospective students with strong academic backgrounds and professional experience. Below are some of the common expectations.
- an undergraduate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher
- resume or CV showing work experience in public health or a related field
- Graduate Record Exam or GRE scores (some schools)
What Can I Do with an MPH?
Public health careers offer a variety of opportunities for students who are looking into their options. Thus, the key to evaluating a public health job description is attention to detail to ensure it is a good fit for your goals.
An MPH career may focus on research roles in the health science field to identify public health concerns within different populations. It may also emphasize scientific exploration and assisting scientific professionals in areas like environmental health 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. Health management jobs focus on the operations of health systems.
Job Outlook in Public Health
The BLS expects Public Health jobs to steadily grow in the next ten years. So, Public Health professionals will have numerous job opportunities. Additionally, the May 2024 report from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the median pay for the jobs below.
- Community Public Health Worker – $51,030 per year
- Epidemiologist – $83,980 per year
Is an Accelerated Online 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 master’s in public health in the 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.
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