Earning your online master of public health degree has never been more achievable than it is right now. Each of these affordable online MPH programs in the East can be completed independently of your locale. This enables students to study when and where they wish. Not only that, but they can do it at a price that is easier on the wallet. Are you currently employed or do you have responsibilities that keep you from relocating to a brick and mortar program? If so, then perhaps one of these affordable online MPH programs can help you. Choosing any one of these programs will help to pave your way to a rewarding career in public health. If you are interested in becoming more marketable in this growing field, check out these online master of public health programs in the East. It is likely that you can find one that fits your education goals and as well as your budget.
You may be interested in a career path that enables you to make a difference in your local community or around the world by protecting and promoting health. If so, then an affordable online master of public health (MPH) degree from the East may be your ticket to get there. The MPH degree is the professional degree that prepares degree holders to solve public health issues. These health issues are urgent both at home and abroad. The MPH online will equip you with the skills needed to succeed in a variety of environments. These environments can include local, state or national public health agencies. They can also include domestic and international health care organizations.
This list of the 10 most affordable online MPH programs in the East can help guide you to a flexible and affordable degree program. Finding the right program can help you get your start in this exciting field. Keep reading to find a program that not only meets your academic and career goals, but is affordable as well.
Methodology for Most Affordable Online MPH Degrees in the East
Out of an initial pool of 18 accredited online master of public health programs, 10 were chosen as the most affordable online MPH degrees in the East. Each one of the programs in the initial pool is accredited by the Council of Education for Public Health (CEPH). Schools in the Northeast and South were included in the initial pool and include the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington DC, and West Virginia. College Navigator was used to determine tuition rates. Programs are ranked according to tuition rate. Where both in-state and out-of-state tuition are listed, we used the out-of-state tuition rate for ranking purposes. Program information was compiled using school websites.
- #10 Eastern Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
- #9 Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
- #8 The University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL
- #7 Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL
- #6 Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA
- #5 Florida International University, Miami, FL
- #4 University of New England, Biddeford, ME
- #3 University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL
- #2 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AK
- #1 University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
#1 University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
Online MPH
Tuition: In-State $8,514 (online students pay in state tuition rate)
Out-of-State $10,514
Are you are searching for an affordable pathway to accomplish your academic goals? If so, then take a look at the University of Southern Mississippi’s MPH online degree program. They offer our top online MPH program in the East. Southern Mississippi offers quality online courses at a low cost. The school waives out-of-state tuition for this fully online degree program. This Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Administration promises to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to coordinate activities essential to delivering effective health services and programs. This affordable and flexible online program consists of 42 credit hours. This program also includes a 400-hour internship in a health facility during the final semester. Internships are designed to provide valuable hands-on work experience and professional networking opportunities. Student advisors assist in coordinating internship placements. These are designed to fit student career goals and interests. It is possible to complete this online MPH in Health Policy and Administration in 15 months. This can be done by taking 4-5 courses per semester on a full-time schedule. At the conclusion of the final semester, a comprehensive examination is required to complete the degree. This examination is taken online at an approved proctoring site. The exam is given over two days during the last semester of the program. This final exam allows students to prove their understanding of public health as well and apply knowledge gained during the program. No thesis is required.
#2 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AK
MPH Online
Tuition: In-State $7,687
Out-of-State $15,817
This affordable and accessible Master of Public Health concentration in Rural and Global Public Health provides students with in-depth training in public health issues in rural populations. This MPH degree is a 42-credit program that includes core public health concepts used in practice. Courses are accessible in web-based format using Blackboard. This allows students to complete this program from any location. Two final project requirements ensure that all graduates have mastered the MPH core competencies and Rural and Global Public Health competencies. These two final project requirements are The Applied Practice Experience (APE) preceptorship, and the Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) culminating experience. Prior to or within the first semester of coursework for the Master of Public Health, students are required to pass three biology competency exams. They also have the option to complete the coursework to fulfill the Biology Competency Requirement. These courses do not count towards the 42 credits required for the online MPH program.
#3 University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL
Online MPH
Tuition: In-State $8,100
Out-of-State $18,540
University of Alabama Birmingham’s affordable online Master of Public Health program is well known. The program is often seen in national rankings. This robust program promises to guide their students to become bold and innovative public health professionals. Their online MPH degree program is available in six different concentrations. Each one of these concentrations covers the same content as their brick and mortar MPH degrees. Concentrations include: Population Health, Environmental & Occupational Health, Epidemiology, Health Behavior, Health Care Organization & Policy, and Maternal & Child Health Policy & Leadership. Population Health is a generalist degree. This degree trains the public health student to not only plan, design, implement, monitor and evaluate public health programs. The student will also be able to tailor the degree to their individual interests and career aspirations.
#4 University of New England, Biddeford, ME
Online MPH
Tuition $19,852
This Master of Public Health from UNE is a 46-credit graduate program. It is designed to strengthen student skills in a variety of public health areas. The online format is perfect for employed professionals working to get ahead in the field of public health. It is also very convenient that the University of New England’s affordable program can be completed on either a full time or part time schedule. The UNE MPH online program boasts a distinguished faculty. They are known as leaders in public health research. Not only that, but they have wide-ranging partnerships in the public health community. UNE’s expert faculty engage with online students through online group discussion, email, and office hours. Students are encouraged to get to know each other by working collaboratively in online groups and discussion. A required culminating experience provides students with the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge learned in the program. It also allows them to exhibit communication, leadership and teamwork competence. The only CEPH-accredited totally online MPH program in the state of Maine, UNE’s Master of Public Health program is a generalist degree. It promises to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to find meaningful employment in the field of public health.
#5 Florida International University, Miami, FL
Online MPH
Tuition: In-State $8,912
Out-of-State $21,393
FIU’s Master of Public Health online is affordable and robust. The program offers faculty, staff and students who are currently fueling groundbreaking research. The diverse pool of faculty members at Florida International University are respected scholars, practitioners, and experts in the field of public health. FIU’s Online Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is one of the most respected MPH programs in the country. As a top-tier, public research university, FIU boasts the highest Carnegie classification for Institutions of Higher Education. Florida International’s MPH program is a generalist degree that promises to prepare students for public health careers. Graduates will be prepared for success in public health careers that investigate social and environmental health determinants in diverse populations. The school offers the only generalist MPH online program offered in South Florida under the Florida State University System (SUS). FIU’s online MPH degree is an affordable and flexible program tailored to student interest and career goals. FIU awards some scholarships to students in online graduate programs. These scholarships are for students who exhibit strong academic credentials.
#6 Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA
Online MPH
Tuition: $21,510
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers a widely respected online MPH program. In this 42-credit affordable online MPH program, students can study on a full time or part time basis. They also have the option to begin in the fall, spring or summer semester. Graduates are well prepared by this MPH program to address complex health issues. They are also prepared to pursue a meaningful career in Public Health. Students can expect to complete this program in two or more years. Topics in quantitative and qualitative research methods, environmental health sciences, health policy, and community health opens students’ eyes to the varied areas of Public Health. Incoming students must attend orientation either on the Boston campus or online orientation. This orientation includes synchronous and asynchronous components. This robust MPH program promises to help fulfill students’ desire to build a career centered on preventing transmission of disease, advocating health and wellness, and advancing health equity at home and around the world.
#7 Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL
MPH Online
Tuition: In-State $8,019
Out-of-State $22,108
Florida A & M’s 50-credit online Master of Public Health program trains students to be culturally competent professionals. Graduates of the program will be equipped to provide the leadership and expertise needed to make meaningful contributions in poor and underserved communities. FAMU’s Institute of Public Health is ranked #5 in producing African Americans with a degree in public health. FAMU’s motto, “Excellence with Caring!” shines through their MPH program. This is done through training, evidence-based research, and service to the community. In addition to university application requirements, the Institute of Public Health requires MPH candidates to submit a statement of interest. They also need to submit three letters of recommendation. Online MPH applicants need a minimum of three years of experience in a health related field to be considered for the program. MPH students will strengthen their foundation in public health through courses in the area of specialization. They will also take part in field experience and a required internship. Students will need to conduct an applied public health research project. They also must pass the written comprehensive exam before being awarded the MPH degree.
#8 University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL
MPH
Tuition: In-State $7,088
Out-of-State $22,166
University of West Florida’s affordable online MPH program promises a high quality, competency based and interdisciplinary understanding of public health. This 42-credit program provides courses that help students address workforce and public health needs. They will be prepared to do this on the local, regional, national and global level. Students need to complete 15 credits in foundational coursework. The remainder of their credits can be completed in the area of chosen concentration. Concentrations include: General Practice; Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior; and Global Health. Master of Public Health candidates are required to complete a two semester, six credit hour practicum experience in their area of interest in public health. Also, prior to being awarded the MPH, students must complete comprehensive exams. These final exams are designed to assess the student’s mastery of public health foundational competencies.
#9 Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Online MPH
Tuition: In-State $16,488
Out-of-State $22,698
Temple’s online 45 credit Master of Public Health online program is designed to be completed over three years while studying part time. Features include an accelerated six-week course format. This accelerated program uses a three-part learning structure. This consists of the live streaming of course delivery, asynchronous online learning for flexibility in schedule, and local fieldwork experience. This MPH program is designed with the working professional in mind. The program offers the same quality of training as an in person program. Temple’s Online Master of Public Health (MPH) program has two available concentrations. These are Social & Behavioral Sciences and Health Policy & Management. Temple MPH program graduates are leaders in private, public, nonprofit and government agencies. Some students continue their education into medicine and research after earning the online MPH. Others use their MPH skills developed at Temple as data analysts, program managers or research specialists.
#10 Eastern Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
Online MPH
Tuition: In-State $8,460
Out-of-State $23,598
Eastern Tennessee State University’s online MPH degree from ETSU’s College of Public Health may be your affordable school of choice. ETSU seeks to provide its students with a high quality educational experience. The program focuses on excellent teaching and training in research as well as developing practical public health skills to prepare for the workforce. The online MPH has a concentration in Biostatistics. This concentration is designed to utilize quantitative methods to analyze population health data. Students graduate with a practical understanding of statistical tools, research methods, and analytics. The Capstone project requirement gives the MPH candidate the opportunity to develop an evidence based paper useful in the field of public health. Field experience occurs through work in the public health setting. Here students have the opportunity to observe and participate in the operations of a public health organization. Students with more than 4 years of professional full time public health experience may be eligible to substitute a portion of contact hours with alternate learning to build on past experiences and interest.
FAQ
How will an online Master of Public Health degree from the East advance my career?
A MPH degree can help prepare you for work in a community health related agency or organization. With an MPH, you will be prepared to work in a leadership capacity. The Master of Public Health can also prepare you for a career in Public Health research or further education in medicine. The concentration area of study chosen will help guide your career opportunities in public health. It is also worth considering that not only will a MPH help to advance your career, but it will also greatly increase your earning potential. Even though some programs may seem to cost a lot, it is clearly worth it in the long run. This is because having a MPH will automatically qualify you for positions earning a lucrative salary.
Who should consider an online degree in public health?
The field of public health offers job opportunities to suit a variety of interests and skills. Whether you are more interested in crunching numbers, conducting research, or working with people, people in public health gain satisfaction in knowing they are working to help improve the lives of others. There are many concentration areas in the public health field. This means that many different types of people can find a niche in the public health field in which they can work for something that matters to them.
What are the benefits to earning a degree in an MPH in an online format?
Maybe flexibility is what you need. Or it’s possible that you are not able to pick up and relocate due to work or personal responsibilities. In either case, a good online program may be your ticket to advancing in the field of public health. Most programs are asynchronous. However, some online MPH programs are synchronous and require scheduled times in class. An online program is also a good option for those who are already active in the workforce but want to earn an MPH to further their degree. There are many part time community health programs designed specifically for this situation. More and more schools are offering solid, online programs, making it a great option for furthering your education.
Why would I care what state the program is in if it’s an online program?
It may seem that when choosing to study online, the location of the program doesn’t matter. In most cases, that isn’t true. This is mostly because tuition is based on state residency in most programs. This means that choosing an online program within your state of residence could save a great deal of money. Also, there are cases in which students may need to be on site for some campus requirements. If that would not be possible for you, be sure the program is 100% online with no campus requirement for comprehensive exams or other obligations.
Do I have to have computer skills to complete my Master of Public Health degree online?
Basic computer skills help online students to be successful and confident from the start. Experience and knowledge in how to use the internet to find needed information is a good skill to have. Additionally, a working knowledge of Word and Excel will help you to be efficient in the use of your study time. It is good to know what computer knowledge is required to complete the program before beginning the first course. If you lack computer skills, find a way to gain some experience before beginning your online MPH program. Many schools offer tutorials for online students. These are designed to help students understand how to navigate their particular online format.
How do I know if I’m a good fit for an online MPH degree program?
Students that are successful in completing an online degree have a variety of important qualities. These include good academic skills, the ability to learn and study on your own, organizational skills, and basic computer and technical skills. Students in an online degree program need to be willing to devote the time and effort needed to be successful as in a traditional course. It is also important to have good time management skills. This because online students won’t have the typical classroom structure to keep them on track.
What kind of bachelor’s degree is most beneficial to being accepted into an affordable and top notch MPH program online?
Online MPH programs are typically interested in a candidate’s past academic performance coupled with experience in public health rather than the title of the degree. There is no best degree to pursue as a bachelor’s degree. Some of the most common bachelor’s degrees to get before pursuing a MPH are degrees in the medical field, as well as in law and social sciences.
How long does the online MPH degree take to complete?
Full-time programs are typically 2-2.5 years long. Many schools offer part time programs, part-time students may take up to 7 years to complete, depending on the university. Some accelerated programs may be completed in just about one year.
What is an entry level pay scale for a professional with an online MPH?
A wide range of salaries can be expected when entering the field of public health, depending on which direction you choose. Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics at BLS.gov provides more information about the pay scale in your area of interest. Pay scale can also vary widely depending on the geographical area. Graduates of an online MPH can expect to earn a higher salary than those who have not earned a master’s degree in the field.
How can I finance my online MPH degree?
Online graduate programs may be financed through a variety of methods. These may include loans, scholarships, savings, employer financing, or other means. Speak with someone at your school of interest about your financial needs and educational goals.
What kind of title would I have once I earn my MPH degree online?
Job titles for MPH graduates can vary widely. They can include health communications specialist, health research scientist, program director, director of services, public health management analyst, as well as many others. MPH degree holders work in the public or private sector, governmental agencies, academia, and research. They can also hold positions in industry or community based organizations.
What can I do with an online degree in Public Health?
With your Master of Public Health degree, you will have the skills to address Public Health issues and concerns. Communication skills, leadership skills, and evaluation and analysis expertise will help you solve problems and make decisions in your role in public health. MPH degree holders can go on to practice and research opportunities in academia, government agencies, private industry as well as community based programs.
Can an online graduate degree in Public Health really make a difference in the world today?
Public Health initiatives have added 25 years to the life expectancy of people in the United States in the last 100 years. The Center for Disease Control tells us that public health’s greatest health improvements in the last century include: Workplace safety, infectious disease control, food safety, mother baby health, decline in death from heart disease and stroke, motor vehicle safety, immunizations, family planning, fluoridated drinking water, and the hazards of tobacco use. What community health initiatives will make this next century a healthier one, and what role will you play?
What is the professional organization for Public Health?
The American Public Health Association (APHA) is the Public Health organization for Public Health professionals. Their vision is to “Create the healthiest nation in one generation,” and they champion the health of all people and all communities. They strive to strengthen the public health profession and speak out for public health issues and evidence based policies. APHA influences federal policy and has close to 150 years of perspective, bringing together members from all areas of public health. APHA’s mission is to improve the health of the public and achieve equity in health status. Their values represent the beliefs of their members from all disciplines of public health and over 40 countries. Check out APHA at https://www.apha.org/about-apha.
By Carol Dolan BS RN BSN CDE
Carol graduated with her BS in Nutrition from Montclair State University and her BSN in Nursing from Rowan University. She is a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) currently working with adults and children living with Diabetes in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
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