Are you considering a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree? Online MPH programs can be the answer to that. Online MPH programs are specifically accelerated one-year fast-track options. These programs provide a unique opportunity to earn your degree in a shorter amount of time and at a lower cost while maintaining the same high-quality education.
Online MPH programs provide the flexibility to manage these responsibilities while pursuing your academic goals. However, not all online MPH programs are created equal. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the world of accelerated MPH programs and find the perfect fit for your needs.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of accelerated MPH programs, what to look for when choosing a program, and highlight some of the top accelerated MPH programs available. By the end of this article, you’ll have the essential information to make an informed decision about pursuing an accelerated online MPH program.
What Is a Master of Public Health Online Degree Program?
The accelerated MPH is an intensive, fast-tracked program designed for highly motivated professionals seeking to earn an advanced online public health degree in a shorter time.
Many accelerated MPH programs can be completed in 1 year, and the curriculum is usually similar to traditional MPH programs, which take around 2 years to complete. Accelerated MPH online programs refer to courses delivered online through a synchronous or asynchronous format.
Many working professionals or those who don’t want to relocate may consider this option to enjoy the flexibility of online learning. While traditional program classes are usually 1.5 hours, twice a week, accelerated MPH classes may be up to 3 hours twice a week.
The reason for this difference is that accelerated programs are trying to provide more information within a shorter period of time so that students can graduate within their desired timeframe.
Admissions Requirements
The admissions requirements of accelerated MPH programs vary largely depending on how the programs are designed and who the programs are designed for.
Generally, because of the intensive nature of accelerated MPH programs, schools would expect prospective students to have relatively strong academic or professional backgrounds to successfully fulfill their commitment toward a degree.
Accelerated MPH applicants tend to be required to have a higher undergraduate GPA, often 3.25 or higher, to be competitive if they want to enroll in the accelerated track. GRE scores are not mandatory for some programs.
Some accelerated MPH programs are designed specifically for mid-career professionals, so schools may require applicants to have specific years of work experience related to public health sectors.
While it is uncommon, some schools may consider an accelerated MPH as a doctoral-level degree and require applicants to possess a terminal degree before applying.
Top 10 Accelerated Online MPH Programs
#1 Tufts University, Medford, MA
Tuition $54,196
Tufts University’s School of Medicine offers an online MPH program emphasizing equity and social justice in addressing public health issues. The program offers two concentrations, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, or Population Health Promotion, and can be completed in just 20 months.
To earn an MPH from Tufts, students must complete 42 credits, including 24 required credits and 18 related to their chosen concentration. This accelerated program is designed to be collaborative, with live online classes and one-on-one time with faculty.
Students also have access to virtual collaboration space and the opportunity to complete an applied learning experience.
The program allows online students to collaborate with their peers while still completing their studies remotely. Before graduating, students must complete an applied learning experience to gain valuable hands-on experience and solidify their knowledge and skills.
#2 Baylor University, Waco, TX
Tuition $33,408
Baylor University offers an accelerated online MPH program that can be completed in 18 months for full-time students or 24 months for part-time students. The program emphasizes the skills and knowledge needed to address complex public health issues and is designed to be service-oriented.
The program emphasizes collaboration and student engagement, with opportunities for students to complete a practicum experience in their community. Online students must also complete an on-campus immersion experience focusing on community health.
Baylor’s online MPH program provides the exact immersive experience as the on-campus program and includes a culminating graduate project for hands-on training in the field.
#3 University of New England, Biddeford, ME
Tuition $27,466
The University of New Hampshire’s online MPH program is designed to equip public health professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to promote health in the field. This accelerated program can be completed in 18 months, and all 42 credits can be earned online.
Students can choose between two tracks in this online MPH program – a health education track or an epidemiology track – with no on-campus requirements. The health education track prepares students for the Certified Health Education Specialist exam, and the program is offered both full-time and part-time in an asynchronous format.
With the flexibility of online learning, students can access their courses anytime, anywhere, with an internet connection. The program is led by a diverse and dynamic faculty of public health practitioners, researchers, and educators who guide students in an interactive learning experience.
This program provides essential knowledge and skills for students to become leaders in public health. A unique aspect of this program is the opportunity for students to participate in a two-week cross-cultural immersion trip to Ghana, Africa, providing a valuable hands-on experience beyond the classroom.
The online MPH program at UNH is an ideal fit for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in public health.
#4 The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
In-State Tuition is $10,552, and Out-of-State Tuition is $28,278
The Gillings School of Public Health at UNC offers an accelerated online MPH program that can be completed in 16-20 months. In 2021, the program was ranked as the top master’s in public health online program for public schools by U.S. News and World Report.
This program is ideal for professionals seeking to improve health policy and practice and eliminate health inequities locally and globally.
The program offers part-time and full-time formats and is delivered through live public health online courses. Students can expect a supportive community of academic, technical, and career support staff to help them through the rigorous program.
All coursework and UNC academic resources are available 24/7 from anywhere with internet access, thanks to a convenient app.
UNC’s online MPH program provides research opportunities focusing on important public health problems faced worldwide. Students will have access to a dedicated staff and the necessary resources to succeed in this challenging and exciting program.
#5 The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
In-State Tuition is $12,294, and Out-of-State Tuition is $30,960
The University of Vermont’s online MPH degree program empowers graduates to find solutions that improve quality of life through public policy, research, and population health sciences. This accelerated program is designed to be exciting and offers a strong foundation for students in this field.
The program can be completed in just 15 months of full-time study, with multiple starting dates throughout the year. Students who withdraw during the summer session can complete the program in four semesters. The 42-credit online program also offers the flexibility of part-time study, allowing students up to five years to complete the program.
Part-time students will explore crucial public health and policy issues while gaining a foundation in population health sciences. The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the field and prepares them to address current and emerging public health challenges.
Graduates of this program will earn a generalist MPH degree, focusing on environmental public health, epidemiology, quantitative public health sciences, health policy, leadership, and advocacy. This degree prepares students to become well-rounded professionals, ready to pursue their interests and make a difference in the public health field.
#6 The University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Tuition $47,880
The Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California offers a one-year MPH program online, with six concentrations to choose from. This top-ranked accelerated program provides students with a range of options to fit their interests.
The program requires no campus residencies, and students fulfill their practicum requirements at their chosen location. This means that online students can complete the program online, without ever having to report to campus.
Concentrations include biostatistics and epidemiology, community health promotion, global health, geohealth, health services and policy, and generalism.
The program has three entry opportunities each year (Spring, Summer, and Fall), with students taking two to four courses each term and the required practicum completed during the final semester.
While it is encouraged that students do not work during the program, USC also offers an MPH fast-track online program designed for medical students in their gap year or for those completing residencies who wish to speed up their entry into the workforce.
Graduates of any of USC’s online MPH programs become part of the 400,000-person USC alumni network. This exciting program offers a range of concentrations and flexible options to help students achieve their career goals in public health.
#7 The George Washington University, Washington, DC
Tuition $31,770
George Washington University offers an accelerated online MPH program that can be completed in just 12 months of intensive study. This top-ranked MPH online program allows students to customize their degrees according to their personal and professional preferences.
The program offers six concentrations, and elective options are incorporated into every track, allowing students to tailor their coursework.
The program’s concentrations include environmental and occupational health, epidemiology and public health research methods, global health, health communication, health policy, and program planning and evaluation. Students can customize their coursework with various electives to align with their specific interests and career focus.
Students can also add an optional health informatics concentration to further customize their degree. Students enrolled in this one-year program are not permitted to work to ensure they can fully devote themselves to their studies and graduate ready to work at their full potential.
This demanding program requires a significant commitment from students. The program offers two-time frames for full-time students: a one-year accelerated track or an 18-month accelerated track. The one-year program requires 60-80 hours of weekly coursework, while the 18-month program requires 40-60 hours of weekly coursework.
Students in the 18-month program can work up to 20 hours each week. The program provides students with a range of options to fit their needs and achieve their career goals in public health.
#8 New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
Tuition $25,338
New York Medical College offers a one-year, accelerated MPH program with two concentrations through its School of Health Sciences and Practice. The health policy and management concentration can be completed on-campus and online over three consecutive semesters (summer, fall, and spring).
This program concentration is designed to complement the education of healthcare practitioners, providing an understanding of the principles of public health, community outreach, and systems management. Students must complete 15 courses (42 credits) and a public health Applied Practice Experience for 43 credits.
The other program option is a one-year accelerated MPH concentrating on health behavior and community health. This hybrid program includes courses on campus and online and requires residency. Students must also complete 43 credits to graduate.
Students in this one-year, accelerated MPH program complete an applied practice experience and a comprehensive examination. The program is demanding but rewarding, preparing students for careers in public health.
#9 University at Buffalo State University of New York, Buffalo, NY
In-State Tuition is $11,310, and Out-of-State Tuition is $23,100
The University of Buffalo offers an accelerated MPH degree program that highly motivated students can complete in just one year. This one-year online MPH program is designed for students with a terminal degree and significant work or academic experience in public health or a related area.
The program requires students to complete their academic coursework, field training, and culminating project over the fall, winter, spring, and summer semesters, totaling one year of study. The program is offered in six concentrations, providing students with various options to align their degrees with their personal and professional interests.
The six concentrations offered by the program include biostatistics, community health and health behavior, environmental health, epidemiology, health services administration, and an individualized MPH. These concentrations equip students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in public health careers.
#10 Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Tuition $57,010
Johns Hopkins University offers an accelerated full-time MPH program that can be completed in just 11 months. With 12 concentrations, this exciting program prepares students to become leaders in public health through its robust curriculum.
The program consists of five eight-week terms, allowing students to complete 80 credits. While many of these credits need to be conducted on-site at the East Baltimore campus, students are challenged in a diverse and collaborative environment.
Students also have the opportunity to interact with world-renowned public health faculty members who practice and conduct ongoing research around the globe. The MPH program can be completed part-time faster for those not in a rush.
When choosing the slower option, completing this MPH degree program entirely online is possible. Part-time students have up to four years to complete the program. With a capstone project to apply knowledge and skills, students tackle a relevant public health issue that helps them meet their professional interests and goals.
The MPH program at Johns Hopkins University offers a range of concentration options, including:
- Aging and public health,
- Child and adolescent health,
- Epidemiologic and biostatistical methods for public health and clinical research,
- Food nutrition and health,
- Food systems,
- Global environmental sustainability and health,
- Health leadership and management,
- Health systems and policy,
- Humanitarian health,
- Infectious diseases,
- Social and behavioral sciences in public health, and
- Women’s and reproductive health.
Graduates have become part of the largest MPH alumni network in the world, and the program is known far and wide for its excellence.
What to Look for in an Accelerated Mph Program
There are several key factors to consider when researching accelerated MPH programs to ensure you find the best fit for your needs.
Accreditation
Accreditation is the first factor to consider. Look for programs that recognized agencies like CEPH or ACCME accredit. Accreditation ensures that the program meets certain standards of quality and rigor.
Curriculum and Course Offerings
Another important consideration is the program’s curriculum and course offerings. Look for courses that align with your career goals and interests, and consider the format of the classes and opportunities for collaboration with other students.
Faculty and Student Support
Faculty and student support are also essential factors to consider. Look for programs with experienced faculty members with expertise in your areas of interest and robust student support services like academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
Hands-on learning opportunities, such as internships, practicums, and research projects, can provide valuable real-world experience in public health. Look for programs that offer these types of opportunities, and consider the location of the program and the availability of public health agencies and organizations in the area.
Career Services and Job Placement
Finally, consider the program’s career services and job placement resources. Look for programs that offer assistance with job search strategies, resume building, and interviewing skills, and have connections with public health organizations and agencies that can help facilitate job placement after graduation.
Benefits Associated With an Accelerated MPH
To determine if an accelerated MPH program is suitable for you, it is crucial to evaluate the amount of time you can dedicate to your coursework every week and the objectives you intend to achieve at graduation.
Accelerated MPH programs provide three main advantages: the convenience of online instruction, the diversity of coursework available, and the shortened completion time. These distinctions are essential to consider when selecting an MPH program.
Accelerated MPH: Modality
Accelerated MPH programs are available in online and on-campus environments, making them accessible to a wide range of students.
Online programs are ideal for students who want to attend a specific school without having to relocate or prefer the flexibility of studying and submitting assignments from home. Online coursework offers convenience and flexibility to public health students, allowing them to study at their own pace and on their schedule.
With the ability to access course materials from anywhere in the world, students who are traveling or frequently on the move can maintain their studies without interruption. For students who prefer traditional classroom settings, on-campus accelerated MPH programs are a great option.
These programs provide the benefits of in-person instruction and interaction with classmates and faculty while still allowing students to complete their degree in about a year, compared to the standard two years for most master’s degrees in public health programs.
Accelerated MPH: Coursework
The coursework in an accelerated MPH program is typically similar to that of full-time or part-time MPH programs. However, the main difference is the program’s pace, with accelerated programs typically requiring students to take more courses each term than part-time programs.
For instance, a student in a part-time program may take one or two courses each term, while an accelerated program may require four or more courses per term.
MPH courses are similar to the following:
- Public Health Concepts in Epidemiology: In this course, students learn about key epidemiologic concepts and how they work in theory and practice.
- Public Health Assessment and Planning: This type covers how to assess public health needs and create intervention strategies.
- Public Health Leadership: This course includes topics like public health organizational structures, management, and ethical decision-making.
- Public Health Research Methods: Students learn topics such as research design, methodology, statistical analysis, and research reporting.
In addition to coursework, accelerated MPH programs may require students to complete a graduate project or participate in an internship to gain real-world experience in public health.
These experiences are essential components of the program and can require significant time and effort from students who choose to participate in an accelerated MPH program.
Accelerated MPH: Completion Time
Students often choose an accelerated MPH program instead of a traditional MPH program because of the shorter completion time.
Unlike full-time or part-time MPH programs, which can take two years or longer to complete, accelerated MPH programs offer a faster timeline for degree completion, allowing students to advance their careers more quickly.
The length of an accelerated MPH program can vary depending on the school. For example, Baylor’s online accelerated MPH program can be completed in 12 months, while other programs across the country can range from 11 to 18 months.
It is crucial to keep in mind that programs with shorter completion times may require a more intensive course load, which can be more challenging for some students. When researching MPH programs, it is important to consider the program’s structure and course requirements to determine if it fits your academic and career goals.
How Long Are Accelerated MPH Programs?
The duration of an accelerated online MPH program can vary depending on the institution, ranging from 12 to 18 months.
1-Year MPH Programs Online: The quickest type of accelerated MPH program is the 1-year program, with required credit hours typically ranging from 42 to 45. This means that students may need to take up to 12 credits per semester to finish the program within 12 months or four semesters.
15–18 Month MPH Programs Online: Other accelerated MPH programs may take between 15 and 18 months to complete, with a weekly workload of around 8 credits per quarter for students to earn their degree online.
There are different options available for online accelerated MPH programs, depending on the student’s level of commitment to coursework and class attendance.
What Makes an Accelerated MPH Program Quicker?
Completing an accelerated online MPH degree program in one year is possible due to several contributing factors, such as:
Constant Scheduling
Taking courses during long breaks, like summer, can help shorten the time spent in a traditional MPH program. However, in accelerated MPH programs, students take classes throughout the year, allowing for more efficient use of time.
Unlike traditional programs, accelerated MPH programs require students to take more courses at once and without significant breaks in between. This compressed schedule allows for a quicker completion time while still providing a comprehensive education in public health.
Shorter Class Duration
One factor that contributes to the fast completion of accelerated online MPH programs is the shorter duration of each course class compared to traditional courses. Accelerated courses typically last between 8 and 10 weeks, which is half the length of traditional semester-long courses.
This shorter duration enables students to complete twice the number of courses in the same amount of time as traditional programs.
However, this fast-paced schedule can be demanding for students, as it requires a significantly higher level of time commitment and dedication. Students enrolled in accelerated MPH programs must be able to handle the heavy workload and maintain focus throughout the program to successfully complete it within the accelerated timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated MPH Programs
Do accelerated MPH programs have accreditation from CEPH?
Yes, it is possible for accelerated MPH programs to be accredited by CEPH, as accreditation depends on factors such as required credits and other criteria rather than completion time.
What are the steps to finding the top online accelerated MPH program?
Choosing the best online accelerated MPH program is a personal decision, and students can consider factors such as CEPH accreditation, concentration offerings, and pacing to make an informed choice. Students should explore and compare different programs to find the best fit for them.
Are all MPH programs that can be completed in one year considered accelerated programs?
Not all one-year MPH programs are accelerated, as some programs may require fewer credits than traditional ones. Accelerated MPH programs are characterized by their intense and fast-paced coursework but can also have varying credit requirements and program structures.
Is it possible for students to work while enrolled in an accelerated MPH program?
Whether or not students can work during an accelerated MPH program depends on the specific program and its requirements. Some programs may require significant coursework and a high GPA for graduation, making it difficult for students to balance work and academic responsibilities.
What is the application deadline for online accelerated MPH programs?
The application deadline for accelerated online MPH programs varies by school and program. Some programs may offer two cohorts a year with final application deadlines in June/July and November/December, while others may have different deadlines. It’s important to check the specific school’s website for accurate information.
How do you decide which program is suitable for you: 1-year MPH or 2-year MPH?
Before deciding on an accelerated MPH program, students should consider their ability to commit to an intensive program’s time and academic requirements. Online MPH programs that don’t require GRE scores for admissions may be a good option for students looking to save time in the application process.
Get Your Degree Faster Through Online MPH Programs
By choosing an accelerated one-year fast-track program, you can obtain your degree in a shorter amount of time while still receiving a top-notch education. When researching programs, be sure to consider factors such as accreditation, curriculum, and student support.
With so many options available, it’s important to find a program that aligns with your career goals and provides the resources and supports you need to succeed.
Pursuing a degree in public health is a rewarding and fulfilling experience, and we encourage you to take the leap and start your journey today. Good luck!
