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Kemar Reid, 2020 graduate of the online Master's in Public Health program, standing in front of a government building in his graduation cap and gown.

Master of Public Health Online MPH Degree Program

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Register By: December 02 Classes Start: December 04

Why earn an online MPH from SNHU?

  • Affordable MPH: $637/credit (42 credits total)
  • Transfer up to 12 credits
  • Applicant for CEPH accreditation
  • Gain resume-building field experience
  • Choose either the general degree or global health concentration
  • No GRE/GMAT required

Online Master of Public Health Program Overview

Tackle complex public health challenges and transform lives with an online Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program.

You can choose the general MPH degree, which includes three required courses in healthcare informatics, research methods in public health and the economic principles of healthcare, or you can focus your studies further with a global health concentration, which includes three required courses in global health policy, practice and partnerships, and case studies in global health.

You'll learn how to act swiftly to help control illness and disease outbreaks, develop and enact wellness programs for communities, recommend and champion policy changes with global implications and track progress toward your goal of improving the population's health. You'll be ready to implement effective campaigns, shape public policy, analyze evidence-based research and monitor epidemiological findings – all while earning the widely recognized credentials needed for elevating the health of individuals and populations globally and locally.

"We look at the issues that are going on in our communities through a social justice lens," said SNHU adjunct instructor Dede Teteh, a certified health education specialist and public health researcher. "The main difference between [public health] and medicine is we don't look at people one by one. We work with communities and examine trends in behaviors and health outcomes."

There is no greater example of the need for public health professionals than the COVID-19 pandemic. In what felt like a blink of an eye, they became a guiding light, sought after by government officials, organizations and non-profits to provide advice, data, public health updates, and recommendations for various populations on how the public could remain safe, protecting themselves and others. From wearing masks to social distancing to limiting gatherings, they were trusted partners in stopping the spread and keeping populations safe. 

SNHU has designed our purpose-built program to align with competencies defined by the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) and incorporated the World Health Organization (WHO) core functions - so you'll graduate ready to make a difference in a range of industries, from nongovernment industries to national research institutes.

CEPH Accreditation: Southern New Hampshire University is an applicant for accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health. The accreditation review will address the Master of Public Health and the Master of Public Health with a concentration in Global Health programs. Other degrees and areas of study offered by this institution will not be included in the unit of accreditation review. Additional information can be found on the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) website.

Program vision: Champion public health and health equity through education empowerment, inclusivity, and capacity-building.

Program mission: Empower professionals across the country to advance their communities’ health, through the delivery of high quality, affordable and innovative learning experiences, scholarship, and community engagement.

How to get a public health degree online | SNHU grad shares his story

Growing up, Jamaican native Kemar Reid ’18 ’20G knew he had a passion for public health. Once he discovered Southern New Hampshire University, he found a path to pursue his goals.

Concentration Options

To better fit your career goals and areas of interest, SNHU offers a general MPH degree, in addition to an MPH with a concentration in global health. Both programs provide knowledge of core public health topics — like biology, epidemiology, and biostatistics — as well as two terms of practical experience in public health. Their main difference lies in the required courses, outlined in the sections below.

Career Outlook

As the social and economic impacts of public health continue to grow, community leaders are turning to qualified professionals who can help guide their path toward wellness.

Take, for example, the annual costs for treating diabetes or smoking and vaping-related illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these treatments cost hundreds of billions of dollars per year. However, research has shown that states with strong control and prevention programs can cut back significantly on those expenditures.1

For these reasons and more, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for health educators and community health workers will grow in a wide variety of settings.2

Job Growth

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career opportunities for health education specialists are expected to grow 12% — much faster than average — through 2031.2

Salary

The median annual salary was $60,600 for health education specialists in 2021.2

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

Dr. Sabrina Pink with the text Dr. Sabrina Pink

Students should research specific public health jobs and the educational requirements within each public health discipline as some may require specific degrees or additional education.

"After I graduated with my bachelor’s, it was hard for me to transition into the positions I wanted," said Dr. Sabrina Pink '18. "After graduating with my master’s degree from SNHU, more doors started opening."

Ultimately, Pink moved on to a doctorate program after completing her degree at SNHU – but her master's degree had made a huge difference in the meantime.

"My degree from SNHU has landed me final-stage interviews and the jobs that I wanted," she said. "Since graduating in 2018, I have worked as a scientist, consulting epidemiologist and lead epidemiologist for the Department of Health and major pharmaceutical companies."

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, public health professionals were thrust into the spotlight.

"With the recent happenings of COVID-19, I drew a lot of ideas and knowledge from the coursework I did during my public health degree," said Kemar Reid '20. "It feels amazing to actually have a better idea of how pandemics work and what can be used to mitigate."

Earning his degree helped Reid feel more empowered in the job search and application process.

"When looking for careers, I no longer just send out a million applications," he said. "I am more directed toward what my role will be and how that lines up with my previous experience as well as the coursework that I've completed with my degrees."

Dr. Jamie Ritchey with the text Dr. Jamie Ritchey

There are many paths to becoming an epidemiologist, but most begin with a master of public health degree.

“(An MPH degree) is a requirement to work for many health departments, non-profits, universities or other government jobs as an epidemiologist, but not always. Public health nurses frequently work as epidemiologists as well,” said Dr. Jamie Ritchey, epidemiologist and adjunct faculty at Southern New Hampshire University.

Where Could You Work?

Private Companies

Partner with clients/non-profits to provide consulting, funding, research and program development to help improve the health populations.

Nonprofits

Create programs/materials about health issues in the community you serve and help organizations obtain funding. 

Military

Develop the skills needed to address public health challenges, improve the well-being of service members and contribute to the effectiveness of operations.

Universities

Investigate patterns and causes of disease/injury, with the goal to reduce the risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes.

Scientific Services

Analyze data and apply mathematical theories/computational techniques to help identify sources of illnesses and beyond.

Clinics

Identify health-related issues, collect data, address barriers to care and discuss health concerns within the community.

Start Your Journey Toward an Online Master's of Public Health Degree

What SNHU Students Are Saying

Sabrina PinkDr. Sabrina Pink '18

"My instructors were very educated and knowledgeable about what it takes to make it across the finish line. They were committed to my success as a student. I could tell they genuinely wanted me to win."

Courses & Curriculum

As is the case with many of our programs, authentic learning experiences are a valuable part of the public health curriculum.

Dr. Gail Tudor with the text Dr. Gail Tudor

“Each course is set up with a project, based on what a real-world person does. We’re training them to have the skills to do this out there,” said Dr. Gail Tudor, MPH program director at SNHU. “It used to be, the degree focused on five core areas of public health and everyone wrapped their programs around them: statistics, health policy, environmental science, epidemiology and health behavior/health education. But in 2016, the Council on Education for Public Health introduced 22 competencies students should have as graduates."

“They’re very different; they’re grouped into eight categories that, instead of focusing solely on course content, focus on specific skills and best practices,” Tudor said. “For example, learning evidence-based approaches and how public health organizations run. The pillars of public health and what people in that field actually do. It’s a different time in academia nowadays; we’re teaching people broader skills for a changing world.”

Dr. Kelley Sams with the text Dr. Kelley Sams

Each course is taught by instructors with real-world expertise, such as Dr. Kelley Sams, an adjunct instructor for anthropology and public health programs.

"For me, the most impactful moments occur when my students realize that the information we are covering is not just about someone else, but it’s about them," she said. "Public health and the cultural aspects of health and illness are about the human experience, which means they are about us all."

Kemar Reid with the text Kemar Reid

Kemar Reid '20 said gaining the knowledge recently has better positioned him among his colleagues.

"I have spoken to other people that have completed their Master of Public Health years ago, and a lot of the concepts they're not familiar with, or they're not sure how it works in modern-day public health issues," he said.

Applied Practice Experience

As part of the MPH program, you must also complete a practice experience over 2 terms, where you'll gain real-world, onsite fieldwork skills. Similar to an internship, this experience offered in both PHE 680 and PHE 685 courses allows you to apply your knowledge in a public health setting and learn from working professionals in the field while networking and adding valuable experience to your resume. You will locate, select and confirm a site along with guidance and support from program staff, faculty and administration prior to enrolling in PHE 680.

You'll focus on preventative measures that can help you make a real impact – even before you graduate.

In addition to required fieldwork, this public health degree program culminates with a capstone project that synthesizes coursework with real-world experiences.

Note: Your practice experience must be completed in the United States. Virtual opportunities are available. If you'd like to learn more, ask your admission counselor or advisor for more information.

University Accreditation

New England Commission of Higher Education Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer a 25% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.

Online Graduate Programs Per Course Per Credit Hour Annual Cost for 15 credits 
Degree/Certificates $1,911 $637 $9,555 
Degree/Certificates
(U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)*
$1,410 $470 $7,050 

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
*Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional Costs:
Course Materials ($ varies by course). Foundational courses may be required based on your undergraduate course history, which may result in additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References

Licensure and Certification Disclosures

SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.