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Online Master’s in Public Health MPH Degree Online
Program Overview Why get an online master’s degree in public health?
If you're interested in medicine but would prefer to focus on the prevention of illness and injury instead of treatment, Southern New Hampshire University's online Master in Public Health (MPH) degree could be right for you. In this program, you'll learn to address the root causes of community health challenges as you explore the science and data behind national and global health initiatives.
Skills you'll learn:
- Strategies to improve community health
- Effective research application
- Policy analysis and outreach strategies
- How to help control disease outbreaks
- Wellness program development
- Tactics to influence policy changes
Courses & Curriculum Online public health courses that prepare you for your career
The Master of Public Health curriculum aligns with the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health and incorporates the World Health Organization's core functions. This means you'll graduate ready to implement effective campaigns, analyze evidence-based research and monitor epidemiological findings, setting you up for success in a public health career.
Master’s in public health concentrations
You can choose the general MPH degree or you can focus your studies further with a global health concentration.
Global Health
Apply global health concepts, theories and principles to effectively address global health issues with an online Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Global Health.
With billions of global citizens in an increasingly connected world, there's a heightened need for public health professionals who can develop innovative solutions that promote equitable access to care. From analyzing health trends in a public health office to implementing educational programs in the field, the global health degree concentration can help you focus on the issues in your community or take you to a country in dire need of assistance.
You'll learn how to raise awareness of health as a basic human right, whether it's through research, financial assistance or policy change. In addition, you'll learn how to navigate the complexities of working in a global health environment, critically examine pressing global health issues and create solutions that are meaningful, effective and ethically sound.
Career outlook:
A Master of Public Health with a concentration in Global Health positions you for success in several different professional environments, including:
- Disaster relief organizations
- Multilateral agencies
- Research institutions
- Governmental and non-governmental agencies
From designing educational platforms to analyzing today’s health issues, you’ll open yourself up to various roles in the field that allow you to serve globally.
The global health concentration has been developed by industry experts with relevant experience, including Dr. Sarah McCool, whose work in global health issues has taken her to Haiti and Bangladesh. The program pairs a solid foundation of public health issues with 3 courses that allow you to specialize in the principles and policies of the global health environment.
Required courses:
- Principles of Global Health
- Global Health Policy, Practice and Partnerships
- Case Studies in Global Health
Online public health courses
Courses in this 42-credit program are based on what a real-world public health professional does, training you to have the right skills for a changing world. Your program culminates with an applied practice experience and a capstone project that combines your course learning and real-world experience.
Courses may include:
Healthcare Informatics
Course ID:
HIM 500
Students will learn the history and current state of healthcare and how the industry uses information systems. Throughout the course students will discuss types of information systems, such as the electronic medical record (EMR), laboratory and radiology systems and more. Students will also study trends in new practices, such as telemedicine and home healthcare, and how they function in various healthcare settings. Finally, students will explore how these and other industry trends, with the use of technology, can improve patient care.
Population-Based Epidemiology
Course ID:
IHP 515
This course focuses on research designs and methods to describe measures of disease occurrence and risk factor associations utilizing quantitative information to ascertain whether relationships exist between risk or protective factors and diseases in population. When looking at potential causal associations, it explores the role of chance, bias, and confounding and effect modification and how this may influence the design and interpretation of epidemiologic studies.
Principles of Public Health
Course ID:
PHE 500
This course is a required, foundational course. It acquaints the student with the history of public health, the structure of the public health system, the ten essentials services, and the core knowledge areas in order to gain an understanding of the complex factors impacting health behaviors in the community. This course is designed to introduce the students to the range of public health professions and to motivate their interests in public health courses. The course also will introduce the development of a professional portfolio.
Research Methods in Public Health
Course ID:
PHE 505
The course introduces students to the basics of research design and methodology in public health. It provides coverage of quantitative and qualitative methods. Topics include: development of a hypothesis, sampling, data collection and structure, survey design and administration, and analytic interpretation. In public health, carefully designed research studies and their results are critical in the development of evidence-based policies, programs, and interventions. Students apply their knowledge acquired in the course by developing a research proposal. Research skills are in high demand by public health employers.
Principles of Environmental Health
Course ID:
PHE 540
This course offers students an overview of basic concepts in environmental sciences, an understanding of the health impact of various environmental exposures, and the public health approach to controlling and eliminating environmental health risks. The effects of agents on disease, water quality, air quality, food safety, and land resources are explored.
Health Policy and Management
Course ID:
PHE 610
Students in this course examine the health services system in the U. S., the role of healthcare policy and management, and the health delivery system. The recent healthcare reform legislation and its implications are explored. Topics include: the origins of the US healthcare system, health behaviors and disease, the management of health service personnel and organizations.
Visit the course catalog to view the full Master of Public Health curriculum.
Minimum Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i7 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7 5000 series
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Laptop GPU) or AMD Radeon RX 6750M+
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (32GB recommended for multitasking and creative work)
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (1TB recommended for longevity)
- Display: 15.6” FHD (1920x1080), 60Hz+ (QHD optional for creative/visual work)
- OS: Windows 11 Home or Pro
- Internet/bandwidth: 5Mbps download, 1Mbps upload and less than 100ms latency
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Where to purchase: You may purchase any computer brand you wish from any location/reseller, relying on the minimum specs provided to ensure the acquisition of an appropriate machine. We recommend asking your preferred vendor if they offer a student discount, since many do.
- Mac users: You must verify your machine offers comparable specs.
- Devices that don’t meet minimum requirements: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device.
- Microsoft Office software: Office 365 is available to all students for free. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion.
- Antivirus software: This is strongly recommended for online students. Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
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.
Get real-world experience before you graduate
As part of the MPH program, you're required to complete a practice experience over 2 terms. Similar to an internship, this experience 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'll locate, select and confirm a site along with guidance and support from program staff, faculty and administration.
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 academic advisor for more information.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: Feb. 2, 2026 | Apr. 20, 2026
Next term starts:
November 10, 2025
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 91.6% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2024 survey with 8,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
10-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
Learn from instructors with industry experience
Our online master's of public health faculty members are at the heart of SNHU's mission of student success. Whether they are engaging with students in discussion boards, communicating concepts and ideas or helping you explore your passions, our MPH instructors bring their decades of public health experience to make your program valuable and memorable.
Featured Faculty
Dr. Kelley Sams
As a former Peace Corps volunteer and Fulbright scholar, Dr. Kelley Sams brings decades of hands-on experience to her work at SNHU. Sams has taught in the U.S. and France, sharing her passion for field and research experience in the areas of public health and anthropology with countless students.
Position
Adjunct Instructor
Education
- PhD in Applied Cultural Anthropology from University of South Florida
- MPH in Global Health from Tulane University
- BFA from University Florida
"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. Public health and the cultural aspects of health and illness are about the human experience, which means they are about us all."
Dr. Leanne Skehan
Dr. Leanne Skehan has over two decades of experience in public health and more than 12 years in higher education. Her professional background includes roles in nutrition management, policy and population health. With a passion for student connection in online learning, Skehan fosters engagement through live chats and mentorship. Outside the classroom, she’s an avid competitive runner who finds joy in exploring new places on foot.
Position
Clinical Faculty, Master of Public Health
Joined SNHU
2015
Education
- Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition from Maryland University of Integrative Health
- MPH from University of New England
- MBA from Saint Joseph's College
"Most of my education has taken place in an online platform, so I have experience in knowing what worked for me as a student in regards to connecting with my peers and professors in a virtual space. This helps me today to understand how to connect with my students virtually, so they feel connected."
Read more about other online faculty at SNHU.
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 250,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Southern New Hampshire University’s Master of Public Health program (including the general and global health concentrations) is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. For a copy of the final self-study document and/or final accreditation report, please contact the Office of Academic Quality, Accreditation and Support at accreditation@snhu.edu.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online graduate tuition
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 42-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$659
$1,977
$27,678
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$19,740
*before previously earned credits are applied
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 vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$1,977 $3,954 $5,931 $7,908If 3 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $21,747
If 6 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $19,770
If 9 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $17,793
If 12 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $15,816
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a master's degree. Most master's degrees require 36 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 12 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Transfer your credits
Transfer credits toward your master's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Apply for financial aid
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Military discounts and credit
Earn credits in leadership, technology and more – while taking advantage of an online graduate tuition discount for active-duty service members and spouses.
Explore scholarships
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Earn credit for exams and certificates
Bring in credits from popular options like CLEP, Sophia Learning, Google and other common credit for prior learning (CPL) experiences.
Tuition Reimbursement
Learn how you can save money with tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Benefit from your employer
Take advantage of an online tuition discount through your organization’s partnership with SNHU. Check with your employer to see if your organization partners with us and if you’re eligible for additional tuition savings and partner education benefits.
Career Outlook What can I do with an online master’s degree in public health?
As the social and economic impacts of public health continue to grow, community leaders are turning to qualified professionals who can address the root causes of community health challenges. With a career in public health, you can make a powerful impact on the lives of others.
Industries
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for health educators and community health workers will grow in a wide variety of industries, such as:1
Private Companies
Partner with clients or non-profits to provide consulting, funding, research and program development to help improve the health of populations.
Nonprofits
Create programs and materials about health issues in the community you serve and help organizations obtain funding.
Federal & State Government
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 and injury, with the goal to reduce the risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes.
Scientific Services
Analyze data and apply mathematical theories and 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.
Learn more about what you can do with a public health degree.
$62,860
Median annual salary nationally for health education specialists in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau if Labor Statistics.1 Statistic not based on wage data for SNHU graduates.
7%
Projected increase nationally in career opportunities for health education specialists through 2032, according to the BLS.1
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 are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
I drew a lot of ideas and knowledge from the coursework. It feels amazing to actually have a better idea of how pandemics work and what can be used to mitigate them.
Kemar Reid '18 '20G
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers about the online master's degree in public health
What can I do with a master's degree in public health?
There are many opportunities for professionals with an MPH degree, both in the clinical and non-clinical space. Non-clinical can include working for government or non-government organizations, nonprofits, healthcare systems and private organizations. Many experienced clinicians — such as physicians, dentists, nurses and pharmacists — may also seek this degree as they see the value and find passion in illness and injury prevention.
“You can go a lot of different ways with an MPH degree,” said Dr. Gail Tudor, an adjunct instructor and former director of SNHU's online MPH program. “Policy or legislation development, or education of people and businesses. You could track diseases and do research, identifying how things spread. There are many different angles, but you'll be able to help a lot of people, and it feels good.”
When most people think about public health, they might think of healthcare facilities or government agencies with wellness programs. But that's not always the case.
“One of the benefits of having the MPH is how it fosters the potential and diversity of your career,” said Lyndsay Goss, director of continuing professional development for nursing and former faculty lead of nursing and public health at SNHU. “You could end up working at a federal health center, or more national, like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or National Institutes of Health (NIH). You could work in environmental health, food safety and so much more. It’s such a wide variety of directions you can go into, it makes it exciting. You could always go forward and educate others with that degree, as well.”
Kemar Reid '18 '20G has plans for where he'd like his career to take him.
"In the future, I would like to work with underserved populations," he said. "I would like to work in establishing policies and procedures that secure healthcare for people in underserved communities, as well as attract people that want to work in these communities."
Learn more about what you can do with a master's in public health.
Is a master of public health a good degree?
Yes, you can get your Master of Public Health online. While there are many online MPH programs available, not all are created equal — you'll want to do your research before enrolling.
Here are a few things to consider when looking at online MPH programs:
- Accreditation. Make sure the university has institutional accreditation. It's even better if the program itself is accredited as well.
- Career focus. A good public health program will outline how it can help you up for success after graduating.
- Cost. Online MPH programs may vary in cost. Compare cost per credit as well as the overall cost of earning your degree at each school.
Southern New Hampshire University checks all these boxes. SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), and our online Master of Public Health program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
SNHU's online MPH program includes a minimum of 120 hours of Applied Practice Experiences (APE) where you'll put your academic knowledge to work in the form of a real-world public health project. In this practical experience, you'll demonstrate specific competencies under the supervision of your instructor, a preceptor and a career advisor to — all helping you prepare for a career in public health.
Plus, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the U.S., and our friendly student financial services staff is happy to go over all of your tuition funding options with you.
How much does an online MPH degree cost?
That all depends on what you hope to do. If you want to address the root causes of health challenges in your local community and around the world, a master’s in public health could be a great first step in that direction.
“Oftentimes, public health is a very hidden profession, because its main goal is preventing something and providing resources for communities to keep healthy,” said Dr. Gail Tudor, an adjunct instructor and former director of SNHU's online MPH program.
"Without public health, it’d be a disaster. No clean water, no vaccinations. Many people don’t realize how much the field of public health has pushed these things forward."
Your master’s in public health will give you hands-on learning experience doing onsite fieldwork in a public health setting. You’ll learn from professionals in the field and add valuable experience to your resume, setting you up for success in a public health career.
Plus, with an optional concentration in global health, you can prepare to promote health as a basic human right around the world through research, financial assistance programs and policy analysis.
Is public health a good career?
While MPH degrees can vary in costs, SNHU believes that education should be accessible to all.
Currently, the MPH program requires 42 credits at $659 per credit hour, totaling $27,678 from start to finish.
That said, the actual cost of your degree will vary based on the courses you take, the materials they require and the credits you receive for prior learning.
"The actual cost for school at SNHU was amazing," said Kemar Reid '20G, who had earned his BA in Psychology here in 2018. "I compared the costs for each credit with other schools, and some were similar, but SNHU was actually very amazing. I was able to complete both degrees with what most people would probably pay for a bachelor's degree."
We accept up to 12 transfer credits toward our master's degree programs. That means, if you’ve completed some graduate courses already, you could save up to $7,908 on tuition.
It's also worth noting that, while some courses will require textbooks, our online college degree programs aim to make use of free resources whenever possible - including ebooks, websites, training videos and other interactive content.
"I think money is a worry for all students, but SNHU has very reasonable costs," said Erica Darling '21G, a graduate of the MPH program. "Education is an investment in yourself, your future and your career."
Which is better, MHA or MPH?
It can take anywhere from 1-3 years to earn a Master of Public Health. The time it will take you to complete your MPH depends on the program's curriculum and term structures as well as how much time you can commit to your studies.
If you're planning on being a full-time student, you may be able to take 2 courses per term, helping you earn your MPH faster. If you have a full-time job or other responsibilities to consider, taking 1 course per term might be more achievable.
At Southern New Hampshire University, the online Master of Public Health program is 42 credits. With 5 undergraduate term starts per year, you could earn your MPH in about 1.5 years by taking 2 courses per term. If you take 1 course per term, you could complete your MPH in just under 3 years.
Related Articles
Sources & Citations
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm#tab-5 (viewed June 4, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm#tab-5 (viewed June 4, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/OOH/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm#tab-5 (viewed June 4, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/community-health-workers.htm (viewed June 4, 2024)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
2 American Journal of Public Health, The State of the US Governmental Public Health Workforce, 2014-2017, on the internet, at https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/AJPH.2019.305011 (viewed Nov. 16, 2023).