Skip to content Skip to navigation

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Pamela Orpinas, Ph.D., Professor

I like teaching about the importance of using theories to explain and change behaviors. I also really enjoy teaching about the prevention of injury and violence.

Pamela Orpinas

Overview

UGA’s College of Public Health prepares you to confidently engage in complex public health issues and create a meaningful impact that can help transform the world’s wellness. Graduate with the knowledge and skills to tackle the important challenges of today. 

Making the world a healthier place is what drives public health organizations. If you are dedicated to the idea of helping people live healthier and safer lives, public health might be the answer. 

The Online Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is considered the heart and soul of any school of public health. Through coursework and learning experiences in the field, MPH students receive training to provide service and leadership in public health in the state of Georgia, for the nation, and around the globe.

The public health field has a long history of promoting health through research, community programming, education campaigns, implementing policy, and advocating for safer living and working conditions. Vaccination programs, family planning, and preventive medicine are just a few examples of how public health has a positive global impact.

The demand for public health professionals is growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of healthcare occupations is expected to grow by 14% by 2028.

Online MPH students will learn foundational theories and skills in each public health area, including health policy and management, health promotion, environmental health, biostatistics, and epidemiology – in a format that allows you to advance your career from the comfort of wherever you are.

Potential job titles include Epidemiologist, Environmental Health Scientist, Health Data Analyst, Healthcare Administrator, Health Educator, Public Health Program Manager, Healthcare Consultant, and Policy Analyst.

Other online programs you may find interesting:  Master of Social WorkGraduate Certificate in Gerontology, and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership.

Accreditations

The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of Georgia also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

The University of Georgia College of Public Health is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). The Council on Education for Public Health is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools of public health and public health programs offered in settings other than schools of public health.

Admissions

All students must have a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and relevant course history are recommended for consideration during the admission process.

Admissions will be based on the evaluation of the applicant’s educational background and any work experience, past performance, and/or potential to work in the field of public health. Preferences for the online program will be made for working professionals, and particularly those currently in the public health or relevant health professions. In addition, other requirements include:

  • Admission based on academic preparation (GPA)
  • Current resumé or CV
  • Recommendations by discipline-specific academic advisors or employers
  • Personal statement of academic and professional background and objectives

Online Master of Public Health Application Checklist

  1. Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online.  Application fee: $75 Domestic/$100 International.
  2. Select Campus – Online 
  3. Select Degree Level – Masters
  4. Select Intended Program – MPH, Public Health (College of Public Health) [MPH_PUBH_ONL]
  5. Select Intended Term – Fall
  6. Résumé or curriculum vita – Submit online to the Graduate School.
  7. Statement of Purpose – Submit a one to two-page statement of purpose online to the Graduate School. The statement of intent should clarify the candidate’s relevant background, interests, and goals in relation to the program.
  8. Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.
  9. Letters of Recommendation – Submit three letters of recommendation online to graduate school. Letters should be from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s scholarly ability and potential for success in a graduate program.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Applicants 

  • Fall:  July 1

International Applicants

  • Fall:  April 15

International Applicants – must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Cost

Tuition & Fees

Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Based on credit hour costs, a person completing this program at the recommended pace would pay $29,920 in tuition.  

Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar’s Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year’s current tuition. 

This program is an E-Rate program, so choose “yes” for the E-Rate line item within the calculator.

Online students pay the following fees: Connect UGA, Green, and Technology. The total for those fees in the fall semester of 2022 was $147 for students enrolled in exclusively online courses. 

Potential additional costs include textbooks, exam proctoring fees, and technology upgrades. 

Use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar’s Office website for current tuition and fees.

The complete cost of attendance can be found at https://osfa.uga.edu/costs/.

Financial Aid

Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for information about financial assistance.

Corporate Assistance

Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.

Military Assistance

Active duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.

University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see Tuition Assistance (refer to the Distance Learning section). 

Technology Requirements

  • Computer with current operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Additional peripherals such as webcam, headphones, and microphone are required.
  • High-speed internet access.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes 15 credits of courses in the core disciplines of public health, 21 credits across public health domains, and 8 credit hours focused on acquiring professional training and applied practice experience for a total of 44 credit hours.  

The first year will be a cohort model with students taking the same courses. Subsequent years will vary in course enrollment and will depend on the term start. 

*There is a required internship – The 300-hour semester-long applied practice experience can take place in the student’s geographic region and can be extended to 2-semesters with prior approval.  Students may complete this work under their current employer, but must report to a different supervisor, and must complete duties that are not part of their current position. 

Online Master of Public Health Sample Program of Study

Semesters 1, 2, and 3 Core courses (19 credits)

CourseTitleCredit
PBHL 7400ESEMINAR I Professional Seminar for Public Health Practitioners I (professional writing)1
EPID 7010EFoundations of Epidemiology3
HPAM 7010EFoundations of Health Policy and Management3
EPID 7450EPublic Health Surveillance3
BIOS 7001EBiostatistics Bootcamp1
HPRB 7010EFoundations of Health Promotion 3
BIOS 7002L Applied Biostatistics in Health Promotion (Lab)1
EHSC 7010EFundamentals of Environmental Health Sciences3
BIOS 7003LApplied Biostatistics in Environmental Health Science (Lab)1

Semesters 4, 5, and 6  Additional Requirements (19 credits)

CourseTitleCredit
GRNT 7150EEarly Influences on Aging3
HPRB 7470E Program Evaluation in Health Promotion3
PBHL 7600ESEMINAR II Professional Seminar for Public Health Practitioners II1
DMAN 7400EPublic Health Crises and Disaster Management 3
HPAM 7700E Management of Public Health Organizations3
EHSC 8110E Fundementals of Chemical and Microbial Risk Assessment3
HPRB 7990EDiversity and Social Justice in Public Health3

Semester 7 (Internship)

CourseTitleCredit
PBHL 7560EApplied Practice Experience6

Faculty

News & Events

College of Public Health Launches Online Masters Program

June 23, 2023

UGA’s College of Public Health is launching a fully online, accredited Masters in Public Health (OMPH) in the spring of 2024.  The OMPH will offer greater access to the essential training this program provides and addresses some of the critical needs in Georgia, our nation, and around the…

Contact Information

Contact us using the request for information form or call 706-408-9679.

Request Information

    Request Info

    By submitting this form, you authorize the University of Georgia (UGA) to store the information you have provided on this form. You also authorize UGA to contact you by text message or phone call regarding your inquiry, including by automated texting or calling using the information you have provided on this form. If you provide additional phone numbers including wireless phone numbers to UGA, you also authorize UGA to use those numbers to contact you via any of the aforementioned methods. If you do not want your information stored, please email online@uga.edu.