Epidemiology is a cornerstone of public health. Epidemiologists study the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in society. They influence public policy and improve preventative healthcare. A master’s in epidemiology online program teaches the skills necessary to plan and direct the study of public health problems and find solutions to prevent and treat disease. This guide spotlights this year’s best master’s programs in epidemiology available online and discusses the advantages of earning your degree via distance learning. It also discusses popular courses, and provides information on accreditation, financial aid, admissions requirements, and potential careers after graduation.
Best Online MPH in Epidemiology Programs for 2022
UAB’s MPH with Concentration in Epidemiology can be completed online, in class, on a fast track, or as an accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program. This degree prepares students for doctoral coursework and explores epidemiology as it relates to the broader field of public health. Unlike the Applied Epidemiology focus of the Master of Science in Public Health, this MPH does not require a research project. Instead, it involves an internship and usually takes about 20 months or five semesters of full-time coursework to complete.
Program Highlights:
MPH with Concentration in Epidemiology
- Credits: 43
- Length: 20 months (full-time); 6 to 8 months (part-time)
- Cost: $505/credit
- Mode: Fully-Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (school); Council on Education for Public Health (program)
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | #1 |
| Online Students | #3 |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | #2 |
| Institutional Aid per Student | #4 |
Indiana University’s MPH in Epidemiology concentration prepares students for careers in public health. By balancing academic theory with real-world experience, graduates are equipped to navigate an increasingly complex and important field. The curriculum emphasizes developing and conducting studies, analyzing data, and sharing study findings with other academics, the general public, and others. Students also learn to approach epidemiology using a variety of lenses, including sociology, biology, and environmental factors to build a comprehensive understanding of the factors impacting the health of different populations.
Program Highlights:
MPH in Epidemiology
- Credits: 45
- Length: 5 semesters (full-time); 8 semesters (part-time)
- Cost: $546/credit (resident); $1,325.00/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Fully-Online
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission (school) Council on Education for Public Health (program)
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | #1 |
| Online Students | #1 |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | #4 |
| Institutional Aid per Student | #7 |
Students looking for an innovative approach to learning should consider the MPH in Epidemiology at Texas A&M University. Graduates of this fully online program now work in research organizations and foundations, health services delivery organizations, and even international agencies. Coursework is taught by notable faculty with a wide range of familiarity in related fields like COVID-19 epidemiological surveillance, the relationship of air pollution to Alzheimer’s and dementia, adolescent mental health, vaccine development, genomics of cancer, tropical diseases, and more.
Program Highlights:
MPH in Epidemiology
- Credits: 45
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $732.50/credit (resident); $1,178.82/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Fully-Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (school); Council on Education for Public Health (program)
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | #1 |
| Online Students | #2 |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | #5 |
| Institutional Aid per Student | #6 |
With its affordability and emphasis on preparing graduates for leadership positions, the Master of Public Health in Epidemiology is one of the most comprehensive online MPH programs. Students need to complete 44 to 50 credits in classes where they examine disease trends and prevention, improve their research methodology, and learn about the ways societal and lifestyle factors impact health outcomes. Graduates of this program now work in public health or the private sector as well as in teaching and research positions at the university level.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Health in Epidemiology
- Credits: 44 to 50
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $503.71/credit (resident); $604.04/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Fully-Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (school); Council on Education for Public Health (program)
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | #1 |
| Online Students | #6 |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | #3 |
| Institutional Aid per Student | #3 |
Temple University’s Master of Public Health in Epidemiology is a unique and interdisciplinary program with a five to one student to faculty ratio. This means students have greater access to the faculty of respected professors with broad experience in health systems, international nongovernmental agencies, and federal, state, and local governments. Through a mix of hands-on experience, academic study, and synchronous classes, coursework prepares students for real-world application of the problem-solving, data management, and research skills learned in the program. Additionally, the online program is designed to be completed part-time in three years, ideal for working professionals or students with other obligations.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Health in Epidemiology
- Credits: 42
- Length: 3 years (part-time)
- Cost: $1,000/credit
- Mode: Fully-Online (synchronous)
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (school); Council on Education for Public Health (program)
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | #1 |
| Online Students | #4 |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | #1 |
| Institutional Aid per Student | #2 |
The MPH Epidemiology Concentration at East Tennessee State University offers both hybrid and fully online options. While there’s no GRE requirement, students with undergraduate GPAs of less than 3.2 may benefit from including such scores on their applications. Additionally, students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Epidemiology before being admitted can apply up to 16 credits from the certificate program towards their MPH degrees. ETSU’s MPH program is flexible and designed for working professionals and is still being taught by the same professors who teach on campus.
Program Highlights:
MPH Epidemiology Concentration
- Credits: 43
- Length: 3 years (part-time)
- Cost: $601/credit (resident); $751/credit (non-resident and 100% online)
- Mode: Fully-Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (school); Council on Education for Public Health (program)
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | #1 |
| Online Students | #5 |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | #7 |
| Institutional Aid per Student | #5 |
UNC Chapel Hill has offered classes on epidemiology since 1936. Built around the needs of full-time as well as part-time students, its MPH in Epidemiology provides flexible coursework rooted in experiential training. Graduates can tackle some of the most complex epidemiologic problems with evidence-based solutions. By prioritizing applied practice over research studies, the program seeks to have a greater effect on the health of communities and populations. All students admitted for May 2022 will receive a $12,000 tuition scholarship and should expect to investigate a variety of the most pressing public health topics, including COVID-19, the opioid epidemic, cancer treatment efficacy, environmental exposures, and cardiovascular disease.
MPH in Epidemiology
- Credits: 42
- Length: 24 to 28 months
- Cost: $1,997.40/credit
- Mode: Fully-Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (school); Council on Education for Public Health (program)
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | #1 |
| Online Students | #7 |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | #6 |
| Institutional Aid per Student | #1 |
Accredited Online MPH in Epidemiology Program Spotlights
The college rankings above 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. Though the 2021 application cycle does not require GRE scores, Harvard plans to reinstate this requirement for the next cycle.
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 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.
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Marketability
An online MPH in epidemiology could qualify you for higher-paying positions that give you more authority. It shows you are developing your expertise and want to make a significant impact in the field. It also gives you access to positions that require a master’s degree.
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Flexibility
Most programs offer flexible timelines for individuals who must work full time while obtaining their MPH. The variety of flexible options include MPH programs that allow you to pick a high-accelerated timeline, a flexible one, or somewhere in between. Flexibility also exists in most field experience requirements, with some allowing it completely online.
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Convenience
The many 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 you 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 Online 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
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Practicum
Sometimes called applied practical experience, a practicum is a capstone course involving field training in a public health agency like a health department or community-based organization. This capstone course provides a hands-on experience to apply the competencies learned in your MPH in epidemiology program. Some programs allow students to complete practicums with their current employers.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 are only open to 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 has met 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 and knowledge for work in hospitals, government health agencies, pharmaceutical companies, academia, and insurance companies. Common areas of focus include infectious disease, mental health, Alzheimer’s disease, and more. 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 are also 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 implement and enforce loss prevention and develop and implement infrastructures and systems geared toward patient safety. This career usually requires a master’s degree.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$77,000 |
$106,000 |
$152,000 |
Source: PayScale, 2019
Public Health Analyst
A public health analyst analyzes public health matters and oversees public health professionals in charge of communicating health issues and developing solutions for public health problems. They create activities for the general public and guide policy creation.
| 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
Understanding the total financial commitments of earning an MPH in epidemiology online before enrolling is important. It helps in developing a plan to pay for your degree and for considering 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.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
45 |
See estimated total cost, which includes all fees. |
$30,120 (resident) $38,550 (non-resident) |
|
|
42 |
$950 (changes based on # of credits enrolled) |
$39,900 |
|
|
42 |
$1,995 |
$83,790 |
FAQs About Earning Your Master’s in Epidemiology Online
What are the admissions requirements for an online master’s in epidemiology?
Most public health programs require application through SOPHAS, the centralized application service for public health. SOPHAS, which is powered by the Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health (ASPPH), allows you to apply to multiple institutions using one application. In general, application requirements include the following:
- Minimum GPA in a bachelor’s program
- English proficiency for international applicants
- Personal statement
- Recommendation letters
- Essay or purpose statement discussing public health interest and career goals
- Resume or CV
GRE scores are not always required, though some schools accept them for strengthening applications or those without math-related backgrounds. Also, some schools temporarily waive a standardized test requirement, but this requirement will likely be reinstated by some of them in the near future.
How long will it take to finish my master’s in epidemiology online?
The length of time in your MPH in epidemiology online program depends on whether you are full or part-time. Johns Hopkins estimates two-three years for its MPH concentration in epidemiological and biostatistical methods for public health and clinical research. The University of Arizona estimates two years for working professionals in its MPH in applied epidemiology. The University of Alabama at Birmingham estimates 20 months of full-time coursework and at least six to eight semesters part-time for its MPH with a concentration in epidemiology. To graduate within two years from Texas A&M with an MPH in epidemiology, you must be a full-time student and follow a suggested schedule.
Can I earn a master’s in epidemiology 100% online, or do I need to visit campus?
Some MPH master’s in public health programs are completely online. Others, like Harvard University’s Master of Public Health in epidemiology, have in-person requirements. Most programs also have practicum requirements, and those often must take place in person. Like Drexel’s online MPH in epidemiology, some programs allow for virtual practicums, which means its program could be 100% online. Additionally, like USC’s MPH, some programs allow for practicums to take place with your current employer. Since requirements vary among programs, investigate thoroughly before applying.
