Originally reported by the UGA College of Public Health

The first year of the College of Public Health’s Online Master of Public Health (MPH) program brought together students from diverse backgrounds, all driven by a shared goal: improving the health of their communities.

Launched in August 2023, the inaugural cohort of 21 students includes both public health professionals expanding their expertise and individuals pivoting to new careers.

“Our students come from a diversity of professional and personal backgrounds, and our program will help them hone their own experiences and interests to solidify professional pathways in public health,” said Melissa Howard, the College’s Director of Online Learning and Professional Practice.

Howard emphasized the program’s adaptive design, adding, “We aim to provide an inclusive learning environment that accommodates the diverse needs of our students. The online MPH program allows us to reach a wider audience and empower individuals who are passionate about making a difference in public health.”

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After four years in the school system as a high school science teacher, Rachel Gwaltney made the decision to shift to public health. “The mental and physical needs for both teachers and students were not being met. It was because of this that I decided to pursue my MPH,” she said.

This summer, instead of preparing for a new school year, Gwaltney completed an internship with the Public Health Infrastructure Center at the CDC and is now the ORISE Fellow. “I hope to use my past teaching experience and newly acquired subject matter expertise in public health to improve health promotion services in schools across the nation,” she said.

Melanie Okorie, a Covington-based nurse trained overseas, enrolled in the MPH program while preparing for U.S. licensing exams. Her coursework has helped her analyze disparities in health outcomes and access to care, issues she encountered firsthand in clinical settings.

“I’m passionate about addressing the nursing shortage in the U.S.,” said Okorie, now employed by Piedmont. “My final project in the Public Health Surveillance course inspired me to delve into this critical issue by exploring how shortages affect access and quality of patient care, thereby placing stress on the public health system.”

For student Quintero Moore, an assistant professor of biology at Atlanta Metropolitan State College, the program has provided a chance to align his scientific background with his passion for fragrances. “One topic I have explored while pursuing my MPH is the safety of perfumes and other cosmetics, which can sometimes present health risks to consumers,” Moore said. “I’m interested in studying chemicals that were approved years ago but may be considered carcinogenic now.”

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The online MPH mirrors the rigor of the on-campus program while offering flexibility through its asynchronous format. Students explore public health topics through coursework and complete a 200-hour applied practice experience (APE) in their second year, gaining real-world skills and professional connections.

“The format is perfect for allowing me to explore different public health careers by pursuing internships and simultaneously applying what I am learning in my classes,” said Gwaltney. “The classes are structured in a way that enables me to immediately put knowledge into practice instead of simply memorizing information.”

Creating a sense of community in an online environment is a key focus for the program. Slack and UGA’s learning management system enable students to connect with classmates, professors and staff in real time. “Slack has been instrumental in maintaining real-time engagement among students, who have responded positively to the collaborative and immediate opportunities for communication it provides,” Director Howard said.

From virtual office hours to interactive feedback, the program fosters dynamic connections. “For me, this program stands out because of the effort our instructors put forth when connecting with us. Our professors make us feel valued within the class and within the program,” said Moore.

The program continues to evolve, welcoming Magnolia Hernandez this fall to teach public health practice courses and lead career development efforts. “It’s important to the College of Public Health that we provide our students with personalized support and resources to help them pursue impactful and meaningful careers in public health,” said Howard.

With its focus on accessibility, flexibility, and innovation, the online MPH program is preparing a new generation of public health leaders. Of course, as Director of Online Learning and Professional Practice, Howard expressed excitement about the program’s future, noting that this is only the start of what’s to come.

Learn more about the online Master of Public Health program.