Online Master of Public Health (MPH)

The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is a graduate-level degree in public health. While students may enter the program with a bachelor’s degree in public health, for many, the MPH degree will be their first formal instruction in the field of public health. In fact, MPH students come from many different backgrounds including healthcare, public health, government, nonprofit, social work, and other disciplines.

When reviewing public health degree programs to find the best fit for your life and lifestyle, you’ll want to verify that the programs you’re considering are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). CEPH is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit public health programs, ensuring that they provide rigorous preparation to meet the needs of the profession and the health and safety of society. This accreditation is important to MPH programs because it ensures that they meet specified criteria and standards for quality. It is considered the benchmark of quality in the evaluation of public health programs, as accreditation ensures the MPH degrees offered provide the highest caliber of education possible, preparing competent public health professionals to enter the field. Walden University received CEPH accreditation for its MPH program in September 2019. 

Graduates can qualify for an expansive range of employment opportunities. Some employers, such as the U.S. Public Health Service, U.S. military, and state and local government agencies, may require that MPH-level jobs be filled by graduates of CEPH-accredited schools or programs.

Additionally, graduates of CEPH-accredited MPH programs are eligible to sit for the Certified in Public Health exam administered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) without needing five years of public health work experience after earning their bachelor’s degree.

A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is very versatile and can lead to opportunities in a variety of areas and industries. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, epidemiologists have become much more prominent in the public eye. However, public health remains essential even when a crisis has passed and the spotlight fades. Clinicians and other medical professionals appreciate the focus on prevention and the balance that the MPH degree gives to their professional practice. Some of the key roles in which you can find MPH-prepared individuals include positions as health educators, scientists and researchers, community health planners, biostatisticians, social and behavioral health workers, environmental and occupational health and safety professionals, and public health policymakers.

While some universities may require the examinations, Walden University does not require GRE scores for admission into the MPH program.

Earning your MPH degree online has a number of great advantages. Most significant is the flexibility to log in to the classroom from home and complete work on your own schedule within the stated deadlines, enabling you to work full time or pursue other activities while you earn your degree. The Walden MPH program of study also incorporates a required practicum, which allows students to get hands-on experience in an approved public health setting that aligns with their academic and professional goals.

• Walden’s MPH faculty are all public health practitioners with relevant terminal doctoral-level degrees (such as PhD or DrPH). This can differ from many other programs that may be taught by research-based faculty or adjunct faculty who don’t have relevant terminal degrees.
• Walden’s MPH program is truly global. With students from all over the world and highly skilled faculty who are not limited to any geographic area, our program offers a comprehensive and robust learning environment.
• Walden’s MPH program is adaptable and relevant, with a focus on up-to-date instruction. Faculty bring their professional expertise and can incorporate current events into the curriculum to really bring the mission of public health and the program to life.
• The Walden MPH program is individualized in that students can determine the focus of their research and practice in public health.

Public health careers offer all of the challenges and rewards that come with a dedication to improving the health and safety of others. There is a wide range of jobs in public health in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, and while it’s possible to gain valuable experience working in the field, many of those career paths require a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. That’s because a high-quality MPH program prepares burgeoning public health professionals to address health issues around the globe. In addition, earning your master’s demonstrates to employers that you’re committed to furthering your knowledge in the field.

Walden’s MPH program is 64 quarter credits. The program is designed to be completed in eight quarters, which generally equates to two years. At Walden, we understand that adult learners are often juggling many priorities such as work and family, and students have up to seven years to complete the program.