Online Public Health Degree
An online public health degree program may allow individuals to work in various areas of the health industry. The coursework typically allows students to pick and choose a concentration. Degree programs may differ significantly. Each may leads individuals to hold positions as public health professionals. Some concentration tends to be necessary.
What Is an Online Public Health Degree?
A person with a public health degree may work in a range of fields. This may include as a sanitarian, epidemiologist, or biostatistician. Some may work as a public health nurse or adviser. The type of degree you obtain may play a role in what you may do. Many may start with a bachelor’s degree. Then, they may move on to more advanced degrees depending on their focus. Some may work in a field requiring a license. Others may work as entry level positions with the goal of leadership positions.
Types of Online Public Health Degrees
Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health
A bachelor’s degree program generally takes four years to complete. Electives may allow students to pursue a field that interests them. Bachelor’s programs may range widely. Many may require specific GPA requirements to get into them. Online students may need to meet prerequisites to enter these programs. High school and higher education requirements may be necessary. An online bachelor of science may include a range of electives to choose from.
Course Examples:
- Healthcare Delivery Systems
- Principles of Epidemiology
- Fundamentals of Public Health
Master’s Degree in Public Health
The next step up is often in the area of master’s degree program. This type of graduate school may allow for new career paths. These tend to offer more advanced hands on education and concentration.
Course Examples:
- Biostatistics in Public Health
- Public Health Administration
- Health Care Systems
PhD in Public Health
Online courses may help students further their education even beyond a master’s degree. Some may complete a school of public health program and take advocacy positions. Others may desire to work in leadership or public policy positions. Some may work in research.
Course Examples:
- The Opioid Crisis
- Protecting the Environment and Safeguarding Workers
- Teaching, Learning and Leading
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health
An online bachelor’s degree in public health may come in two forms. This may include an online Bachelor of Arts and an online Bachelor of Science degree. Both may be valuable depending on the area a student wishes to study. Those with a long-term interest in public health, especially the sociocultural aspects of it, tend to benefit from a Bachelor of Arts degree. An online Bachelor of Science tends to focus more on the natural sciences.
This is often an entry level starting point. A bachelor of science in public health may allow students to enter entry level jobs.
Online Master’s Degree in Public Health
When looking to get an online master’s in public health you may be looking to get some type of management position in the field of public health. In many cases this degree may allow for the person who earned it to get into different levels of government and to be able to work more behind the scenes and organizing than be on the front lines.
With an online masters of arts degree it is more likely that you may be dealing with the community itself. There may be many different options when it comes to an online master’s of science degree. These may include research and development as well as analysis of data and statistics.
Online Ph.D in Public Health
Primarily with an online Ph.D in public health the goal may be to teach public health. There are other options to consider as well such as biostatistician or an epidemiologist. Regardless of the career goal with this degree finding the perfect focus area in order to optimize success may be imperative.
There may be a number of focus areas in this online Ph.D program to consider. Some schools may allow students to customize the program to fit their needs.
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Southern New Hampshire University
- Take advantage of some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates, while earning a degree from a private, nonprofit, NEASC accredited university
- Qualified students with 2.5 GPA and up may receive up to $20K in grants & scholarships
- Multiple term start dates throughout the year. 24/7 online classroom access.
Popular Programs
Business Administration, Psychology, Information Technology, Human Services…
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University of Arizona Global Campus
- 99% of University of Arizona Global Campus students study online
- University of Arizona Global Campus offers affordable tuition, so college is accessible to many students.
- he University of Arizona Global Campus (formerly Ashford University) is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Available Programs
Accounting and Finance, Information Technology, Political Science…
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Western Governors University
- Award-winning programs created to help you succeed.
- A quality education doesn’t have to be expensive. Earn an accredited degree for less.
- Programs start monthly – Apply free this week!
Sponsored Schools
What Classes Could I Take with an Online Public Health Degree?
Some common courses include:
Public Health in America: A course like this usually helps define what public health is. You may learn about Epidemiology and how it pertains to public health. You may gain an understanding of how the Food and Drug Administration plays a role in public health.
Introduction to Healthcare Administration: This class aims to provides an overview and insights into issues regarding the HealthCare Administration. The course may take a broad look at the operations and tools used in public health. The course may look at managerial relationships, tools and health service environments.
Healthcare Moral Issues: These types of courses may look at issues regarding morals in the healthcare industry. Paying attention to patient’s rights and social justice. The course may also look at how healthcare is evolving.
Health Economics and Finance: This course may allow students to see how the money side of healthcare works. They may learn to interpret data through charts, tables and reports. They will may use these tools to determine current and future plans.
Biostatistics: Aims to provide a foundation for biostatistics. May look at how it affects public health and health sciences. Often looks at theory, analysis, and interval testing.
Public Health Biology: This class may look at diseases and their biological basis. The class may look at how diseases could affect public health decision making. It may also look at how diseases develop and how to prevent them.
Health Policy and Management: This class may look at the overall healthcare system of the US. It may cover from how it is delivered to policy management. Current and recent healthcare legislation may also be covered.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Public Health Degree Online?
The time it takes to complete these degrees is usually variable. Primarily it is four years for a bachelors, and two years each for a masters and doctorate. The length may depend on if the student is attending full or part time and if the classes are offered year round or only at certain for each class during the year.
How Much Does an Online Public Health Degree Cost?
The cost of an online health degree varies. It may be dependent on the level of the program as well as the actual school attended. Prices for programs may vary greatly and could be reduced through the use of scholarships, grants and other forms of financial aid. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.
Top Schools with Online Public Health Degrees
School | 2021 Degrees Awarded | Grad Rate |
Johns Hopkins University | 1,002 | 99% |
George Washington University | 665 | 82% |
Rutgers University – New Brunswick | 670 | 93% |
University of California – Irvine | 526 | 84% |
University of South Florida – Main Campus | 555 | 75% |
University of Maryland – College Park | 516 | 87% |
University of Arizona | 443 | 65% |
University of Washington-Seattle Campus | 436 | 84% |
University of California – Berkeley | 477 | 93% |
Harvard University | 372 | 97% |
25 Schools with Online Public Health Degrees
We have ranked our top 25 schools based on the number of graduates from the program in 2022. Our process looks at 2024 data from the NCES. And, it may help you narrow your search down.
Accreditation
The CEPH is the accrediting body for those schools offering a degree in Public Health. The Council on Education for Public Health generally puts all accredited schools through a rigorous process. This accreditation allows for students to be assured they may be able to sit for the Certificate of Public Health Exam.