Online Master of Public Health Degree Program | WGU Skip to content Skip to Chat Master of Public Health Apply Now OVERVIEW Help Foster a Healthier World with Your Master of Public Health Degree Whether you're already working in the public health field or just starting out, a Master of Public Health degree can help you gain the advanced skills and knowledge you need to propel your career forward. You'll become an expert at monitoring your community's health, addressing public health issues, promoting disease prevention, improving access to healthcare and public health resources, and developing policies and plans for promising public health outcomes. WGU's Master of Public Health degree explores the core functions and essential services of public health, along with the social and behavioral determinants. You’ll dive into the challenges of obtaining financing for public health programs, as well as topics including: Biostatistics and analysis Environmental health Epidemiology Global health Public health policy and advocacy Health education and promotion 60% of graduates finish similar programs in 21 Months* WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance when you're ready. The result: You may finish faster. *WGU Internal Data Flexible Schedule Tuition per six-month term is $4,995 Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps students reduce the ultimate cost of their degrees. Finish faster, pay less! Cost & Time Average salary increase $13,048* Leavitt School of Health graduate students report an average salary increase of $13,048 after completing their WGU degree. *WGU Internal Data Career Outlook Ready to Start Your WGU Journey? Next Start Date: {{startdate}} Start Dates the 1st of Every Month Apply Today COURSES Public Health Courses Program consists of 12 courses At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff. This program features scaffolded learning throughout the standard path, requiring the standard path order to be followed for optimal student success outcomes. Program Guide WGU's Master of Public Health program is designed to meet the needs of employers in the public health field and the communities they serve. The curriculum is developed by public health experts and focuses on the skills and knowledge most in demand. Students who earn this degree will support their community's health by monitoring the community's health status and needs, promoting disease prevention, strengthening access to healthcare and public health resources, and creating policies, plans, and laws that positively impact the public's health. This program prepares students to develop, implement, and evaluate public health programs. You’ll demonstrate research methods needed to address public health illness and disease and assess the impact social determinants of health and behavioral sciences have on health outcomes. The Master of Public Health program is an all-online program that you'll complete by studying and working independently, with instruction and support from WGU faculty. Most of your courses can be accelerated based on your prior knowledge and hard work. Public Health Public Health Policy and Advocacy Public Health Policy and Advocacy prepares learners to approach public health in the political landscape. Policy can affect the health of groups ranging in size from individual organizations to entire nations and even the globe, making this an especially powerful and complex tool for the public health specialist. Learners in this course compare international healthcare systems, describe the policy-making process, evaluate a policy for its impact, and advocate in favor of a public health policy. There are no prerequisites for this course. Public Health Education and Promotion Health Education & Promotion provides learners with a thorough understanding of this multifaceted field, delving into its core concepts, philosophical underpinnings, and fundamental principles. The curriculum explores various teaching methods tailored to the dynamic landscape of health education, equipping learners with versatile tools to effectively communicate health-related information. Learners develop an appreciation for the importance of promoting well-being and preventative measures, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and social aspects of health. Through a combination of theoretical exploration and practical applications, this course aims to cultivate not only a strong foundation in health education, but also essential communication skills vital for disseminating health information in diverse contexts. Learners emerge from the course with a comprehensive skill set, ready to engage in the vital work of educating and empowering individuals and communities to make informed decisions for a healthier future. There are no prerequisites for this course. Public Health Graduate Capstone Public Health Graduate Capstone enables students to investigate a public health issue in their local or home community and recommend new approaches to address that issue. Students practice the skills they have honed over the Master of Public Health program to design one that improves public health through education. Students control the process from research and discovery to program design, ultimately justifying their approach to potential stakeholders. Public Health Core Functions and Essential Services Public Health Core Functions and Essential Services builds foundational knowledge by exploring the ethical dimensions, intervention techniques, and educational strategies crucial for effective public health practice. Participants delve into the historical underpinnings, philosophy, and core values of public health, gaining insights into ethical principles guiding decision-making. The course equips students with the skills to design and implement impactful public health programs, emphasizing strategies tailored for health disparities and equity. The course navigates current issues and trends, providing a forward-looking perspective. Integrating discussions on core functions and the 10 Essential Services, the course fosters a holistic understanding of prevention science across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels in population health, including health promotion and screening. There are no prerequisites for this course. Environmental Health Environmental Health provides learners with foundational knowledge, covering the relationship people have with their environment, the risk management choices that are made, and the resulting associations that affect the health and physical well-being of individuals, communities, and susceptible populations. There are no prerequisites for this course. Global Health Global Health prepares learners to identify and analyze Global Health as a field. Learners consider how globalization has affected the health of various groups of people throughout the world. Likewise, the learner also looks at how economic and environmental factors have different effects on different groups globally. Finally, the course presents the learner with knowledge of various global initiatives and international organizations that strive to promote health and well-being and reduce health disparities. The learner demonstrates their knowledge and skills by drafting an advocacy statement promoting the successful efforts of a global health organization. Public Health Leadership and Administration Public Health Leadership and Administration enables students to apply leadership principles for public health leadership positions. This includes engaging, organizing, and leading diverse groups, as well as addressing ethical issues in the field of public health. Students also apply negotiation and mediation skills to address challenges they may face in the organization or community. There are no prerequisites for this course. Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health provides an overview of social and behavioral determinants and their association with health behaviors, health outcomes, and health disparities. Learners examine the strategies to mitigate social determinant barriers and apply public health theories and models to elicit behavior change and to bridge the health disparity gap. There are no prerequisites for this course. Public Health Assessment, Program Planning, Intervention, and Evaluation Public Health Assessment, Program Planning, Implementation and Evaluation explores the key components, concepts, and approaches for the public health assessment and planning process. In this course, students will apply evidence-based practices to conduct a community needs assessment, design a health promotion program, and develop implementation and evaluation plans. There are no prerequisites for this course. Public Health Finance and Funding Public Health Finance and Funding offers students a field-specific approach to acquiring the budgetary skills needed to secure funding for public health programs and manage it in prudent ways. Students learn to navigate various funding sources, such as government grants and cooperative agreements, and philanthropic organizations. Students learn to create budgets using government documentation both for managing funds and for persuading funding organizations of the value of projects. Finally, students conduct a variance analysis—the process by which budgets are evaluated for feasibility after programs have launched. There are no prerequisites for this course. Biostatistics and Analysis Biostatistics and Analysis introduces learners to the role that biostatistics has in public health, predicting public health outcomes and influencing decisions made with policies. Learners will examine the sources and methods of collecting public health information, analyze and interpret quantitative data in research studies, and make inferences on the effectiveness of health program interventions and policies. There are no prerequisites for this course. Principles of Epidemiology Principles of Epidemiology offers an in-depth exploration of foundational principles and methodologies crucial for discerning and interpreting health and disease patterns in populations. Learners engage with core epidemiological concepts, encompassing measures of disease frequency, study designs, and principles of causation. Emphasizing practical applications, the course equips learners with analytical skills and theoretical foundations essential for conducting epidemiological research and contributing to evidence-based public health practices. Delving into a diverse range of topics, participants cultivate a robust understanding of epidemiological principles and their real-world applications, facilitating a seamless integration of knowledge into public health practices. There are no prerequisites for this course. 12 Courses Program consists of 12 courses At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff. Program Guide Capstone Special requirements for this program At the end of your public health program, you will complete a capstone project that represents the culmination of all your studies and efforts. Request Info “A graduate degree provided more options for employment, but more so, it provided me with context of how to innovate, create, and manage programs to serve the populations to which I am called. I’m able to work more efficiently and have more sustainability." —Tonya N. Daniel M.S. Health Leadership WGU vs. Traditional Universities Compare the Difference Traditional Universities TUITION STRUCTURE Per credit hour Flat rate per 6-month term SUPPORT Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one EXAMS Scheduled time Whenever you feel ready SCHEDULE Professor led lectures at a certain time and place Courses available anytime, from anywhere TIME TO FINISH Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in 1 year Apply Now Traditional Universities TUITION STRUCTURE Per credit hour TUITION STRUCTURE Flat rate per 6-month term SUPPORT Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors SUPPORT Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one EXAMS Scheduled time EXAMS Whenever you feel ready SCHEDULE Professor led lectures at a certain time and place SCHEDULE Courses available anytime, from anywhere TIME TO FINISH Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options TIME TO FINISH As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in 1 year Apply Now Why WGU? You Aren't On Your Own WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at WGU. HOW WE DO IT Flexibility You Need Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you. A FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE Strong Alumni Network When you enroll in this healthcare program at WGU, you join an impressive network of healthcare professionals. This network is key in helping boot credibility and respect for your degree from WGU. CAREER OUTLOOK Accredited, Respected, Recognized™ One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality is institutionally recognized. COST & TIME An Affordable Public Health Degree By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree. Apply FREE Tuition Calculator Pay less by completing your program faster TOTAL COST: YEARS Cost Breakdown Tuition 4,995 E-Books and Resources Fee 200 TOTAL (per 6-month term) 6-month terms Total Cost A Master of Public Health Degree is Within Reach There is help available to make paying for school possible for you: The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average. Responsible Borrowing Initiative Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. Financial Aid Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for. Scholarships FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE A Master of Public Health Degree —Designed to Fit Your Life Online. Flexible. Student-focused. These are just some of the qualities that make our programs a great fit for today’s working students—and make WGU a different kind of university. Our degree programs allow you to speed up your progress— no waiting for other class members to catch up or for a new semester to start . Taking a course covering concepts you’ve been applying for years? Review the online course material, take the online assessment, and move on. Taking a course in a subject you’ve never tried? Maximize all available resources to ensure you’re comfortable with the material by the time you take the assessment. REQUEST MORE INFO " The WGU staff helped me to believe in myself, in general, to shine my leadership qualities. That lesson was a competency that I needed to pass to take my place as a leader in the healthcare industry. I’ve been able to pitch ideas for programs that will not only help my community, but generations to come. Thank you, WGU!” —Tonya N. Daniel WGU Healthcare Graduate CAREER OUTLOOK Expand Your Career Opportunities with a Master of Public Health This online Master of Public Health degree program is your chance to build the next phase of your career and positively influence your community. Public health professionals play a vital role in preventing disease, promoting healthy behaviors, and reducing health disparities. They also play key roles in responding to national and global public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. With your degree, you’ll be prepared to contribute to your community's health in various ways, such as: Promoting disease prevention Improving access to healthcare and public health resources Developing policies and plans for better public health outcomes Earning your Master of Public Health from WGU means you’ll be ready for a variety of career paths to help your community become healthier for everyone. You may find your calling in environmental health, infectious disease prevention, maternal health, nutrition, public policy, research, healthcare nonprofit management, or health education. Whatever path you choose, you’ll be making a positive impact. MORE ABOUT CAREERS Return on Your Investment Many WGU graduates may see an increase in income post-graduation Average income increase in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary from all degrees. Source: 2024 Harris Poll of 1,655 WGU graduates. Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017. 19% The projected growth of epidemiologists is 19% through 2033. —U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Use Your Public Health Skills to Excel Across Industries WGU’s Master of Public Health degree program primes you for thriving careers across various industries by instilling the sought-after skills employers value. Developed in partnership with public health experts, our curriculum teaches key competencies like health equity, data analysis, communication, program evaluation, budgeting, and beyond, ensuring you're ready for success in any public health role you pursue. Possible Jobs Epidemiologist Environmental health specialist Community health educator Health program manager Health policy analyst Biostatistician Global health specialist Possible Work Settings Healthcare institutions Nonprofit organizations Universities and research institutions Government agencies Community health centers WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers Hospitals and clinics around the country know the benefit of a degree from WGU, so your healthcare degree is valuable. More About Career Growth ADMISSIONS Admission Requirements Unique to This Master of Public Health Degree To be considered for this master's degree program, you must: Possess a bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA from an accredited university. GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Transfer Credits WGU offers a generous transfer policy, but many graduate level degrees do not allow for transfer credits. Some graduate programs allow the transfer of individual courses or certifications and others do not. Please speak to an Enrollment Counselor for the specifics of your desired program. You will still need to send in your transcripts to validate your bachelor's degree—this can be done independently or with our free transcript service. TRANSFER INFORMATION Get Your Enrollment Checklist Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment. VIEW CHECKLIST Get Your Questions Answered Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor. CONTACT AN ENROLLMENT COUNSELOR Ready to Start Your WGU Journey? 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