Accelerated Online MPH Programs

Students who want to quickly gain knowledge within the field of public health may not want to wait two to three years to complete their Master of Public Health (MPH) program and might seek alternative options. Accelerated MPH programs are fast-paced, quick-finishing educational programs requiring students to take more courses at once and maintain a heightened focus throughout their master’s program.

Some accelerated online MPH programs take as little as one year to complete, while others take around 15–18 months. In either case, these expedited programs are a viable way to gain an MPH faster.

George Washington University

Milken Institute School of Public Health

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Master of Public Health

With the online Master of Public Health (MPH) program from GW’s Milken Institute School of Public Health, you can earn your MPH in as few as 12 months. Make a meaningful difference in public health without having to relocate. No GRE required.

  • Complete in as few as 12 months  
  • No GRE required  
  • Accredited by CEPH 

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Accelerated Online MPH Programs List

Not all schools offer an accelerated track, and there are even less online options available. We have compiled a list of accelerated MPH online programs with comprehensive information for you to browse and compare.   

Chamberlain University

Master of Public Health

Addison, Illinois

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 43

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • 3.0 GPA
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from Chamberlain University

Johns Hopkins University

Bloomberg School of Public Health

Master of Public Health

Baltimore, Maryland

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Part-Time

Length of Program: 1+ years

Credits: 80

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Official transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • Statement of purpose
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Course prerequisites
  • Minimum 2 years of full-time work experience in health related field
  • TOEFL (for international applicants)
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University

National University

Master of Public Health

San Diego, California

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 48

Concentrations:

Community Mental Health, Healthcare Administration, Health Promotion

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Course prerequisites
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from National University

New York Medical College

School of Health Sciences and Practice

Master of Public Health

Valhalla, New York

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 43

Concentrations:

Behavioral Sciences and Health Promotion, Environmental Health Science, Health Policy and Management

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from New York Medical College

Texas Tech University

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Master of Public Health

Lubbock, Texas

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 45

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • CV/resume
  • Official transcripts
  • 3.0 GPA
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from Texas Tech University

University of Florida

College of Public Health and Health Professions

Master of Public Health

Gainesville, Florida

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 48

Concentrations:

Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Population Health Management, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Public Health Practice

Admission Requirements:

  • The Public Health Practice concentration requires substantial post-baccalaureate professional work experience in a health-related field in addition to the required academic credentials.
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from University of Florida

University of Southern California

USC Department of Population and Public Health Sciences

Master of Public Health

Los Angeles, California

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 42

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • CV/resume
  • Statement of purpose
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • TOEFL/IELTS, transcript evaluation (for international applicants)
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from University of Southern California

What Is an Accelerated MPH Online Program?

The accelerated MPH is an intensive, fast-tracked program designed for highly motivated professionals seeking to earn an advanced degree in public health in a shorter time. Many accelerated MPH programs can be completed in one year and the curriculum is usually similar to that of traditional MPH programs, which can take around two years to complete.

Accelerated MPH online programs refer to courses that are delivered online through 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. 

The quality of online accelerated MPH programs is typically comparable to what you can find within the traditional environment. Although accelerated degree programs typically shorten the time to completion, they still contain the same information and lessons that are covered within traditional learning environments and are subjected to Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accreditation to ensure quality.

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. Because of the intensive nature of accelerated MPH programs, schools may expect prospective students to have relatively strong academic or professional backgrounds to successfully fulfill their commitment toward a degree.

Accelerated MPH applicants may be required to have a higher undergraduate GPA, often-times 3.25 or higher, to be competitive. 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 a minimum number of years of work experience related to the public health sector. 

While it is not very common, some schools may consider an accelerated MPH as a doctoral-level degree and require applicants to possess a terminal degree prior to applying

How Long Are Accelerated MPH Programs?

The length of time it takes to complete an accelerated online MPH program can range from as few as 12 months up to 15–18 months, depending on the school in which students enroll. 

1-year MPH programs online: The fastest format of accelerated MPH programs is the 1-year MPH program. The credit hours required for these programs typically range from 42 to 45, meaning students will need to pack on up to nearly 12 credits per semester in order to complete their program within the 12-month or 4 semester timeframe.

15–18 month MPH programs online: Other accelerated MPH programs across the country may take between 15 and 18 months to complete. Students can still earn an online MPH degree faster by maintaining a weekly workload of around 8 credits per quarter.

Depending on how dedicated you can be to your coursework and class attendance, you have different options of online accelerated MPH programs that work best for you.

Why Consider an Accelerated MPH Online?

Enrolling in an accelerated online MPH program can be an exciting and encouraging experience. Plus, students who are transitioning into graduate school could potentially see the benefits associated with a higher degree upon graduation, such as a higher salary and different career opportunities/paths.

There are benefits of online accelerated MPH programs for students who are eager to begin their careers and those who don’t have the time to put their lives on hold for up to two years. For some busy professionals, the thought of spending these years trying to advance their career opportunities is not always a pleasant one.

One of the advantages of enrolling in an accelerated online MPH program is the ability to get involved in the field of public health more quickly than other programs. If you are looking for a degree program that is fast-paced and delivers the same quality as in-person degrees, an accelerated MPH program may be your preferred option.

What Makes an Accelerated MPH Program Quicker?

There are a few factors that contribute to the quick completion of accelerated online MPH degree programs which students can complete in one year. They include:

Constant scheduling: In traditional degree programs, students take around four classes per semester, with breaks between each. Students have the option of enrolling in courses during long breaks, such as during the summer, to help shorten the length of time they spend in the program. In accelerated MPH programs, students take classes throughout the year. While some accelerated degree programs only require students to take one or two courses at a time, many allow students to take courses without any significant breaks in between.

Shorter class duration: The course durations for each program class are shorter compared to traditional courses which typically last an entire semester. Accelerated courses may last between 8 and 10 weeks, which allows students to complete twice the amount of courses within the same time period as traditional programs. This can be challenging for students, since accelerated degree programs require a significantly greater time commitment and dedication throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated MPH Programs

Are there CEPH-accredited accelerated MPH programs?

Yes. The CEPH’s criteria for accreditation requires that MPH degrees be awarded for no fewer than 42 semester credits of coursework. Programs meeting that requirement are eligible to apply for CEPH accreditation.

How can you find the best online accelerated program?

It’s a personal choice. Some criteria that prospective students can take into account may include if the program is accredited by the CEPH, if the program offers the right concentrations for them, and if the pacing meets their expectations. Explore and compare the online accelerated MPH programs.

Are all one-year MPH programs accelerated ones?

No. Some schools may just require less credits than regular MPH programs and the programs can still be completed in one year. Accelerated MPH programs are characterized by their relatively intense and fast-paced course load. Accelerated MPH programs can be in a one-year track, but not all one-year MPH programs are designed as accelerated programs.

Can students work while enrolled in accelerated MPH programs?

It depends on the school. Some schools may ask that students work only part time because of the pace and rigor of the program. Some accelerated MPH programs may require 60 to 80 hours of weekly coursework and a minimum GPA to graduate. Students need to take into consideration their total workload as well.

When is the application deadline for accelerated online MPH programs?

It varies depending on the program.

1-Year MPH vs. 2-Year MPH: Which one is right for you?

Before deciding if an accelerated MPH is right for you, one factor to consider is if you are willing to guarantee the time commitment and have the bandwidth to meet academic requirements in an intensive course of study. It may also be a good option if your initial expectation is to earn an MPH degree as early as possible. There are also many online MPH programs that don’t require GRE scores for admissions, which may save you some time in preparing for the application.

Last updated July 2023.