Online Master of Public Health Degree

  • Master of Public Health
  • Ellmer College of Health Sciences
  • School of Community and Environmental Health

Program Overview

  • 43 credit hours total, including practicum
  • Three concentrations available
  • GMAT / GRE / MCAT not required

ODU's Master of Public Health (MPH) is an interprofessional degree program. That means you will connect with students, international and community organizations, and health professionals.

You will complete both didactic and experience-based courses. This will give you a solid foundation of public health knowledge, plus the skills to apply that knowledge in areas such as healthcare management, population-based research, and the community practice of public health.

Focus your studies with one of three concentrations. Our online MPH program culminates in a practicum based in a community organization, so you can practice your new skills and knowledge in real world situations.

Full-time and part-time study is available. This program can be completed in two years with full-time study.

ODU's MPH program is fully approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). To see the CEPH accreditation report or ask questions about this accreditation, please visit the department's website.

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    • 43 credit hours, including a practicum

    Online courses are offered in fall, spring, and summer for full- and part-time study. Your exact course of study will depend on the concentration you select.

    The practicum can be completed in a community organization local to the student. Your graduate advisor can help identify an appropriate organization for the practicum.

    Are you a current ODU undergrad studying public health? Check out our Linked BSPH to MPH program.

  • Participate in live, regularly scheduled online class meetings and access course materials online from any location. This program requires a practicum. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

  • In-state Virginia Residents
    $620 per credit hour*
    Out-of-state Students
    $642 per credit hour

    Rates are effective Fall 2024 and subject to change.
    * In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

  • Scholarship Opportunities

    Healthcare Heroes: This scholarship lifts students who will support others’ health by entering practitioner-based health care programs or disciplines that promote community and global health practices. Recipients are awarded $1,000 for the first semester of enrollment.
    Learn more about the Healthcare Heroes Scholarship

Our concentrations will prepare you for different facets of the public health sector. In general, you will be ready to take on responsibilities such as:

  • Assessing health status or needs in populations
  • Designing and implementing programs
  • Managing administrative functions
  • Conducting program evaluation and outcomes research
  • Developing coalitions to meet community needs
  • Marketing health services
  • Analyzing the epidemiology of specific diseases
  • Measuring or assuring the quality of healthcare and public health services and products

You'll have a dedicated academic advisor for this program.

Contact us if you have questions about admission requirements, transferring credits, or application deadlines.

  • To apply, you should have:

    • An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
    • Unofficial transcripts from all degree-granting programs listing the dates of completion or attendance.

    Applicants with a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale are preferred. No GMAT or GRE required.

    If you are an international student interested in taking this program online from your home country, please contact the ODU International Admission Office for assistance.

  • You may be able to take up to four courses (12 credit hours) as a non-degree graduate student, before you are accepted into a specific degree program. 

    Please contact us to discuss this option with an expert advisor.