Earning your epidemiology master’s online can help you prepare for advanced work in the world of infectious diseases. This guide highlights top programs, including the cost and curriculum information needed to choose the school that’s right for you.
Author: Kari Scare
Expertise: EditorialGraduate Ed.Online LearningEditor: Jordan Cosselman
- Program Spotlights
Online MPH in Epidemiology Programs: A Closer Look
Read more - Degree Benefits
Key Benefits of Earning Your Master's in Epidemiology Online
Read more - What You'll Learn
What You'll Learn in an MPH in Epidemiology Program
Read more - Accreditation
Accreditation for Online Epidemiology MPH Programs
Read more - Career Options
What You Can Do with a Master's in Epidemiology
Read more - Top Schools
Best Online MPH in Epidemiology Programs
Read more
If you’re interested in a career that positively impacts public health, an online master’s program in epidemiology teaches the skills necessary to plan and direct the study of public health problems, as well as find solutions to prevent and treat diseases. As an epidemiologist, you’ll study the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in society. You may also have the opportunity to influence public policy and improve preventative healthcare.
Before you can begin improving public health inititatives, you’ll need to earn your MPH in epidemiology. Earning a degree online is a great way to improve your career prospects while saving time and money; however, you’ll want to choose the best program for your timeline and budget. To help you, we’ve listed this year’s best master’s programs in epidemiology available online. Below, we discuss popular courses, accreditation, financial aid, admissions requirements, and potential careers for epidemiology majors.
Online MPH in Epidemiology Programs: A Closer Look
Our college rankings represent the very best online MPH in epidemiology programs, but they’re not the only ones you should add to your shortlist. We’ve spotlighted three additional quality programs below. All three are accredited by the Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH) and excel in learning flexibility and education quality. See if one has what you’re looking for.
Drexel University
An online MPH in epidemiology from Drexel University prepares you for tackling pressing urban, global, and public health issues. It combines biostatistics, a public health foundation, and practical experience to develop expert researchers and public health workers who can investigate complex health challenges and develop preventative strategies.
The MPH program at Drexel requires 120 hours of hands-on, practical experience that can be obtained through your current employer or another organization and either online or in person. A 3-credit integrative learning experience (ILE) is also required during your final quarter. This ILE involves writing a high-quality paper illustrating mastery of core public health and epidemiology competencies.
Drexel’s MPH in epidemiology online program involves 56 quarter credits and can be completed in as few as 12 months for full-time students who won’t be working outside the program. Longer and more flexible time frame options are also available. The program is completely online and does not require a GRE for admittance.
Harvard University
The Master of Public Health in epidemiology program at Harvard University combines online, in-person, and field learning and takes two years to complete. It provides the advanced research and epidemiological skills needed for pursuing senior positions in a variety of settings. Two intensive on-campus sessions are required, one at the beginning and one in the middle of the program, and about two-thirds of credits are earned online. The program culminates with a year-long practicum that involves an integrative learning project and presentation.
Harvard’s MPH in epidemiology program is designed for those who want specialization in advanced quantitative methods of epidemiology and want to apply what they learn to clinical and population health research, policy, and programs. It also provides a public health framework for current epidemiologists.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a related field.
University of South Florida
The University of South Florida designs its MPH with a concentration in epidemiology for those wanting a broad understanding of public health alongside an emphasis on epidemiologic principles and methods. This program gives you the knowledge and skills to evaluate the health status of communities, consider related research, and develop strategies for health-related interventions and preventions.
USF’s online MPH with a concentration in epidemiology requires a minimum of 42 credits. Applied practical experience and an integrated learning experience are also required in addition to core and concentration courses. Epidemiology concentration courses depend upon your concentration focus. Concentration options are epidemiology, epidemiology and global communicable disease, epidemiology and global health, epidemiology, and maternal and child health. Students must also pass a comprehensive exam to graduate.
Ideally, applicants possess an undergraduate degree in science, math, or a health-related field. The ability to communicate well and think abstractly are also important.
Key Benefits of Earning Your Master’s in Epidemiology Online
Epidemiology is a high-demand career, and earning an MPH in epidemiology online can set you apart from others and make you more marketable because it shows you are serious about the field. The benefits of earning an online master’s in public health concentrated in epidemiology also include flexibility and convenience.
- Marketability
By pursuing an online MPH in epidemiology, you can potentially secure higher-paying roles with increased authority. This degree signifies your dedication to enhancing your expertise and making a substantial impact in the field. Additionally, it opens doors to positions that specifically demand a master’s degree. - Flexibility
Most online MPH programs recognize the need for flexibility, particularly for students who must work full time while earning their degrees. Many reputable MPH programs offer a range of flexible timelines that cater to your needs and preferences. These flexible options include high-accelerated and flexible timelines to suit your lifestyle and academic pursuits. Additionally, many MPH programs offer field experience requirements that are adaptable and can be completed either on-campus or online. - Convenience
The many high-quality MPH in epidemiology programs available means you can find one that is most convenient for you. Whether you need to work full-time and take classes or want to finish as quickly as possible, a program exists to fit your unique needs. You can also find programs that are 100% online and ones with in-person practicums.
What You’ll Learn in an MPH in Epidemiology Program
An MPH in epidemiology online program develops skills in research, analysis, and big-picture thinking. This degree teaches you to analyze health conditions and develop strategies for preventing and managing disease spread. All online epidemiology master’s programs teach essential skills in public health, but each program provides a unique approach to epidemiology. One program might emphasize understanding the role epidemiology plays within the broad context of public health, while another is intended for public health professionals interested in developing quantitative and analytical skills in epidemiology and biostatistics. Several popular courses in online MPH epidemiology programs are profiled below to give you a general sense of what you may study.
Popular Courses
Practicum
A practicum, also known as applied practical experience, is a capstone course that involves field training with a public health agency like a health department or community-based organization. This hands-on course is designed for students to apply the competencies learned in their MPH in epidemiology programs in a real-world setting. By getting real-world experience in a fast-paced agency, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the challenges faced today by public health professionals. Some programs allow students to complete practicums with their current employers.
Environmental Health
Many MPH in epidemiology programs have multiple courses focused on different areas of environmental health. Overview courses look at fundamental topics like air pollution, water pollution, solid and hazardous waste, and ethics. They identify issues in assessing the effects of exposure and look at interventions for reducing adverse health risks.
Data Analysis
Though found within many MPH in epidemiology courses, most programs also have one course focused only on data analysis. Data analysis courses cover the computer packages and the statistical tools used in biomedical research and teach fitting data with linear and nonlinear regression models. Emphasis is on problems arising in epidemiology, public health, and medicine.
Biostatistics
Biostatistics courses teach simple and multiple linear regression, ANOVA (analysis of variance), and ANCOVA (analysis of covariance). They also emphasize basic statistical theory, parametric statistics, and other quantitative methods. Biostatistical courses also often use hands-on experience in statistical analysis and interpretation of data. Public health professionals use biostatistics to analyze large amounts of data related to health outcomes, disease prevalence, and risk factors. This helps them identify patterns, trends, and potential causes of health issues, allowing for evidence-based decision-making and effective public health interventions.
Infectious Disease
Infectious disease courses survey the history of infectious disease and discuss disease control and outbreak investigation. They look at infectious disease from a global perspective, consider its dynamics within different transmission routes, and analyze modeling approaches. They also use case studies to discuss theory and emphasize practical application.
Accreditation for Online Epidemiology MPH Programs
Any quality MPH in epidemiology online program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. The CEPH is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools of public health and public health programs outside of public health. CEPH accreditation is important because some employers only want to hire graduates of CEPH-accredited programs, and some fellowships are only available to those attending CEPH-accredited schools and programs. Attending a CEPH-accredited program tells employers your degree program has been subject to a multi-level review and meets nationally-agreed-upon standards developed by public health academics and practitioners.
Schools should also have regional accreditation through one of seven agencies. A searchable listing of regional accreditations can be found at the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
What You Can Do with a Master’s in Epidemiology
An MPH in epidemiology gives you the skills, expertise, knowledge to work in hospitals, government health agencies, pharmaceutical companies, academia, and insurance companies. Epidemiology professionals focus on a wide range of health issues, including infectious and chronic diseases, environmental health, occupational health, and injury prevention. They also investigate the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations, identify health disparities, and design and implement interventions to improve public health outcomes. Epidemiologists must have solid communication skills, be critical thinkers and detail-oriented, and be skilled in math and statistics. Since many positions require educating the public, teaching skills also are important.
Potential careers for graduates with an MPH in epidemiology are profiled below to give a sense of the skills needed and this degree’s potential.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in humans to reduce the risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes. They do research, educate the community, and develop health policy. Epidemiologists must have at least a master’s degree, and most have an MPH.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| $44,000 | $70,990 | $119,290 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Clinical Data Analyst
Clinical data analysts manage and examine clinical data. They coordinate with relevant departments to determine areas needing analysis and the best approach for doing so. These analysts also perform data validation and handle data reconciliation. Some employers require or prefer an MPH along with familiarity with common computer systems.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| $49,000 | $70,000 | $89,000 |
Source: PayScale, 2019
Healthcare Risk Management Director
Healthcare risk management directors are responsible for protecting the institution they work for from possible loss by developing effective risk management programs. They analyze data to identify potential risks, evaluate the effectiveness of risk management programs, and make recommendations for improvement. They work closely with healthcare providers and staff to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices for patient safety and quality care. Because of the complexity of the role, a master’s degree is typically required to pursue a career in healthcare risk management.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| $77,000 | $106,000 | $152,000 |
Source: PayScale, 2019
Public Health Analyst
In addition to analyzing public health data, public health analysts work with community organizations, local governments, and healthcare providers to develop and implement public health programs and policies. They evaluate program effectiveness and make recommendations for improvement, often leading to significant advances in population health outcomes.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| $48,000 | $65,000 | $102,000 |
Source: PayScale, 2021
Clinical Research Coordinator
A clinical research coordinator coordinates clinical and administrative tasks for research processes. They form, carry out, and organize the research process for clinical trials. They also perform administrative tasks for studies.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| $39,000 | $51,000 | $68,000 |
Source: PayScale, 2021
Costs and Financial Aid for Online MPH Programs in Epidemiology
It’s crucial to understand the total financial commitment of earning your MPH in epidemiology online before you enroll in any program. By knowing exactly what’s expected of you financially ahead of time, you’ll be able to develop a plan to pay for your degree and look at all possible financial aid sources. Financial aid options include grants, scholarships, assistantships, associateships, and federal student aid. In addition to financial aid offered through a university’s graduate school, some individual schools of public health offer additional opportunities. Most schools also provide detailed funding tips, like those offered by the University of Arizona, that include internal and external financial aid opportunities. You can also find information on our financial aid page.
What Your Online MPH in Epidemiology Could Cost
The following table gives an idea of the cost of obtaining an online MPH in epidemiology. These top schools show how cost varies significantly. It’s also important to keep in mind that by the time you factor in all of the financial aid you don’t have to pay back, your program could cost considerably less that the school’s published price.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M | 45 | See estimated total cost, which includes all fees. | $30,120 (resident) $38,550 (non-resident) |
| The University of Arizona | 42 | $950 (changes based on # of credits enrolled) | $39,900 |
| University of Southern California | 42 | $1,995 | $83,790 |
FAQs About Earning Your Master’s in Epidemiology Online
Best Online MPH in Epidemiology Programs
Navigating the sea of online master’s degree programs can be overwhelming, especially in a field as crucial as epidemiology. Whether you’re passionate about tracking disease trends or safeguarding public health, there’s an online MPH in epidemiology program for you.
By choosing the right program, you can embark on an educational journey that prepares you for a meaningful career in the world of public health. Below, we break down the best online master’s programs for epidemiology, addressing concerns like cost, program quality, and specialization options to help you make an informed decision.