There are many reasons why students pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH). Having an impact on public health initiatives, combatting health inequity and educating the public on life-threatening diseases are just a few. 

For those who seek scheduling flexibility in a degree program and are interested in more leadership-type roles within the public health field, an online executive MPH may be a good fit. Executive MPH programs generally explore organizational leadership and management, health policy and public health, and health systems. Online executive programs can meet the needs of individuals who work full-time or who cannot attend regularly scheduled on-campus classes due other constraints. These programs can help make advanced degrees a reality for many people who might otherwise not be in a position to apply for them.

Online MPH programs usually take students around two years to complete, and some even offer accelerated MPH programming that can be completed in as little as 14 to 18 months.

Executive Master of Public Health programs are advanced degree programs primarily designed for professionals who are currently working in public health positions. Online executive MPH programs are an attractive option to many people because they allow them to earn their degree with less disruption to other areas of their lives. 

No two executive MPH programs are identical. But across the board, there are similarities in the topics and concepts covered. In addition to organizational structures and best practices, students learn about public health policies, research methods and how to analyze data, all in an effort to maintain healthy communities across the country.

With an executive MPH, you can work in the following settings:  

Before applying to an executive MPH program, it’s important to know what to expect and what is required of you during and after the application process. Learn more about admission prerequisites, class structure, typical courses, concentrations and more.  

The regular admissions requirements for an online executive MPH program are similar to those of a traditional Master of Public Health. They include:

While there are bachelor’s in public health degree programs, many Executive MPH applicants may be from diverse backgrounds, and not mandatory in public health.

In addition to the above admission prerequisites, an online Executive MPH program may also require a minimum of two to three years of work experience in the field of public health.

Executive MPH programs are offered in varying curriculum and classroom structures. An online executive MPH program usually takes about two years to complete. While in these programs, depending on the university you choose, you may be required to take part in an in-person practicum or internship. Most degree programs at this level allow students to choose a specialization alongside the standard degree program, which can give students even more knowledge into specific fields of public health. Choosing a specialization can change the way a student’s curriculum is structured.

While in executive MPH programs, students can learn about public health policy making, the methods for researching and providing data, and the many different ways society can be affected by the research done. Executive MPH students can also expect to spend a significant amount of time learning about the different aspects of the environment that can take a toll on public health, as well as the different methods of prevention and awareness present throughout the public health field. Depending on the university you choose, you may be required to take part in an in-person practicum or internship, in order to graduate.

Below are some of the common course topics found in executive MPH programs: 

Many executive MPH degree programs allow students to choose a specialization or concentration, much like in a general MPH program. This offers a more targeted curriculum. Areas of concentration or specialization within an executive MPH program can include: Biostatistics, Community Health, Epidemiology, Public Health Informatics, Environmental Health and more.

Every online executive MPH program, and student, is unique. But even with the flexibility of being able to study around your job and personal responsibilities, some similarities do seem to emerge. Students in online programs generally get into a routine that allows them to connect with instructors and the classmates, in and around regularly scheduled virtual classes. There are also programs and courses that let you access recorded lectures and interact with faculty and fellow classmates in online forums at any time of day. Students must be self-motivated enough to meet deadlines and keep up with readings and assignments on their own. 

Most executive MPH programs can be completed in around one and a half to two years. This may be why current public health professionals looking for a quicker alternative to traditional graduate programs gravitate toward this option. Because online executive MPH programs allow for flexible scheduling, timeframes can sometimes also be crafted around the individual’s needs, be that a shorter, standard or longer time period than traditional on-campus programming.

If you’re considering an online executive MPH or have a specific specialty track in mind, here are a few options. All the programs below are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)  

There are many ways to make a difference in your community through the public health profession. An online executive MPH program is one way to enhance your career. Other online MPH programs can also help in that regard. Beyond master’s degrees, many valuable public health certifications or short courses are also available. Because the field of public health is so widespread and integrated into so many areas of society, what you choose to pursue as an advanced degree depends in large part on your passions and career interests. 

Information last updated May 2020