Credits required
45
Cost per-credit*
$730
Delivery
Online
Start Terms
Rolling
Online Master of Public Health
Lead community change through data-driven public health strategies—on your schedule, from anywhere.
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Build a Public Health Career That Moves With You
Advance your public health career with the University of Nevada, Reno’s Master of Public Health. This CEPH-accredited program equips professionals like you to respond to today’s complex health challenges—locally, nationally, and globally—through focused, research-driven leadership.
Enrollment deadlines
Applications accepted on a rolling basis up to 6 weeks prior to the term start date on a seat available basis. See the academic calendar
What You’ll Learn in Our Online Master of Public Health
This program prepares you to lead from the start. You’ll build the skills to analyze data, shape policy, and communicate with impact—guided by faculty who bring real-world experience into every course. The program emphasizes three core areas:
Apply Evidence-Based Public Health Tools
Learn how to gather, interpret, and act on public health data using foundational skills in epidemiology, biostatistics, and behavioral science. These tools guide real decisions with measurable impact.
Shape Policy Through Strategic Communication
Build the ability to analyze public health policies and translate complex ideas into messages that inspire change. You’ll practice advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and policy development.
Drive Change With Applied Public Health Research
Engage in hands-on research that directly serves communities. You’ll explore pressing public health issues, generate new insights, and develop solutions grounded in real-world evidence.
A Program Designed Around Your Life
You don’t have to pause your career to earn your MPH. Our fully online format gives you the freedom to complete your coursework on your schedule—without sacrificing quality or connection. You’ll stay engaged through collaborative projects, live discussions, and applied work that fits your goals.
The program follows three 14-week terms per year. Most students finish in about two years, though your timeline can flex based on your schedule. You’ll move through the curriculum one course at a time, building depth with each term.
Job Market Outlook
While job titles and salaries vary by region and experience, the skills gained from a master's in public health provide a competitive edge in today’s interconnected business and media landscape.
| Company | Total Postings (Sep 2023 - Sep 2024) | Unique Postings (Sep 2023 - Sep 2024) | Median Posting Duration |
| Kaiser Permanente | 406 | 125 | 25 days |
| University of California | 285 | 88 | 26 days |
| Humana | 163 | 87 | 24 days |
| Providence | 271 | 76 | 13 days |
| Molina Healthcare | 119 | 60 | 26 days |
| Alameda Health System | 168 | 57 | 16 days |
| State of Washington | 63 | 34 | n/a |
Statistics provided for the region including: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.
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Online MPH Admissions Requirements
To enroll in the online public health master's program, applicants must have completed a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and meet minimum GPA requirements.
- 3.0+ GPA. Applicants must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA or 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credit hours.
- 2.75 - 2.99 GPA. Applicants with a cumulative GPA between 2.75 and 2.99 may be considered by submitting standardized test scores (e.g., GRE, GMAT, MCAT).
- Prerequisite courses. Students must have a course in statistics. There is a curriculum option for applicants lacking this prerequisite.
- SOPHAS Application (SOPHAS completed before Graduate School application.)
Example Course Topics
- Biostatistics
- Social and Behavioral Dimensions of Health
- Research Methods
- Leadership in Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Policy
- Finance
- Information Systems Management
- Program Development
- Public Health Law
Online MPH curriculum
Through our extensive online MPH in Public Health Practice curriculum, future public health practitioners, educators and leaders can develop broad, research-based knowledge of public health, policy and practice. This 45-credit program focusing on general public health practice consists of:
Core Curriculum
21 Credits
Hours Specialization
18 Credits
Practicum
3 Credits
Capstone
3 Credits
Core Courses (21 Credits)
Introduction to research design and methodology for public health.
This course explores the role of cultural, behavioral and social dynamics in public health research, theory, and practice.
Principles and methods of descriptive and analytic epidemiology with an emphasis on critical examination of current public health research.
Focuses on health and wellness relationships, ranging from the individual to the global, with emphasis on the environment and its impact on human health.
Introduces public health graduate students to health policy and the policy making process at the federal, state, and local levels in the US. It emphasizes the role of stakeholders as well as the role of evidence and ethics in creating policy.
Investigates the impact that individuals, groups, structure, and leadership have on behavior within organizations. Application of this knowledge is used for advancing the effectiveness of health services.
Introduction to the underlying principles of biostatistics and a variety of statistical applications in public health research.
Public Health Practice Emphasis (12 Credits)
This course covers concepts and practical aspects of program development in public health practice.
This course presents the fundamentals of public health finance. Areas of study cover aspects related to planning, operating, and sustaining viable public health programs or departments. Topics include accounting principles, budgeting, financial reporting, funding streams, economic prevention and effectiveness, and grant writing and management. Students will become familiar with public health funding sources as well as planning, monitoring, controlling, and reporting financial status.
Methods and practice of epidemiologic surveillance including theory, practice, field work and computer software application.
Focuses on public health information systems and management of public health data.
Electives (6 Credits)
A practical introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analysis in public health focusing on applications and drawing on a range of examples, including vector-borne and infectious diseases and non-infectious conditions. The range of spatial methodologies and GIS techniques used in public health today are covered in a manner that gives direct comparison of the various techniques and helps to demonstrate their comparative strengths and weaknesses.
Introduces the core concepts, basic elements, and practical applications of project management principles in public health. Covers the most popular software tools available to project managers in public health organizations and how to overcome organizational challenges from stakeholders when introducing and implementing project management practices within an organization.
Introduction to the concepts of public health emergency preparedness, with a focus on the capability standards designed to advance emergency preparedness and response capacity of public health systems.
An exploration of legal and ethical issues in the practice of public health. Reviews the legal foundations of the government’s public health powers and examines the tension between public health activities and individual civil liberties, property rights, commercial speech, and other legally protected interests as well as laws designed to regulate behavior.
Culminating Experience Courses (6 Credits)
All students earning a graduate degree in public health require field studies. It allows each student to apply what they are learning in the didactic courses to real-world experience in a public health setting and develop valuable professional and leadership skills, all while completing a graduate project. The field experience is a minimum of 150 hours completed over three consecutive semesters. The scope of the graduate project varies from student to student based on the host site's agency, institution, or organizational needs, the student’s previous experience, career goals, and specific area of interest in public health.
Required of all MPH students, this culminating experience requires students to synthesize and integrate foundational and concentration competencies through professional development, a professional paper, and a final presentation. This course is cross-listed with MED 695 for medical students. (CHS 796 and MED 695 are cross-listed; credit may be earned in one of the two.)
Supervised field experience in health and wellness settings.
Need more information? Ready to apply?
Why Choose the University of Nevada, Reno For Your Online Master of Public Health?
The Online Master of Public Health gives you the tools and flexibility to get there. Whether you're pivoting careers or deepening your impact, this program moves with you—and moves you forward. This isn’t just a degree. It’s a public health mission, backed by science, community, and purpose.
Benefits of Learning Online with Nevada Online
Classes taught by University of Nevada, Reno faculty
Access to a Carnegie® R1 research university
Choose from accessible, fully online programs
Continue your education from anywhere in the world, free from a fixed schedule
Online MPH in Public Health Practice FAQs
The GPA requirements for a Master of Public Health (MPH) program vary depending on the specific university and program. Generally, a competitive GPA is typically 3.0 or higher. Some programs may have higher GPA requirements, while others may consider factors beyond GPA, such as work experience, research experience, and letters of recommendation.
Yes, an online MPH can be highly valuable. It offers flexibility for working professionals and individuals with other commitments, allowing them to pursue advanced education while maintaining their current responsibilities. Online programs provide access to high-quality education from reputable institutions, expanding career opportunities and increasing earning potential. An MPH can equip you with the knowledge and skills to address critical public health challenges, contribute to improving community health, and advance your career in a growing and impactful field.
Online MPH programs offer several advantages, including the following:
- Flexibility: Study at your own pace and on your own schedule, accommodating work and personal commitments.
- Accessibility: Access to a wider range of programs and institutions, regardless of geographical location.
- Affordability: Potentially lower costs compared to on-campus programs, such as reduced travel expenses.
- Technology-based skills: Develop valuable technology skills, such as online research, communication, and collaboration tools.
The "best" option depends on your individual learning style, career goals, and personal circumstances. Factors to consider include:
- Program curriculum: Choose a program that aligns with your career interests (e.g., epidemiology, environmental health, health education).
- Faculty expertise: Look for programs with experienced and respected faculty in your area of interest.
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
- Technology and support: Evaluate the quality of the online learning platform, available technical support, and student services.
- Flexibility and cost: Consider the program's flexibility, tuition costs, and financial aid options.
Master of Public Health (MPH): A broad-based degree that provides a comprehensive understanding of public health principles, including epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy, and health behavior.
Master of Public Health Education (MPHE): Focuses specifically on health education and health promotion. This degree emphasizes skills in program planning, implementation, and evaluation, with a strong emphasis on community-based health education interventions.
Pros:
- Career advancement: Increased earning potential and career opportunities in various public health settings.
- Impactful work: Contribute to improving public health outcomes and addressing critical global health challenges.
- Enhanced skills: Develop valuable skills in research, data analysis, communication, and critical thinking.
- Personal growth: Gain a deeper understanding of public health issues and their impact on communities.
Cons:
- Time commitment: Requires significant time and dedication to complete coursework and fulfill program requirements.
- Financial investment: Can be a significant financial investment, depending on tuition costs and living expenses.
- Competitive field: May require strong academic performance and relevant experience to gain admission to competitive programs.
Individuals with an MPH can pursue a wide range of careers in the public and private sectors, including the following:
- Public health professionals: Epidemiologists, health educators, health policy analysts, environmental health specialists.
- Government agencies: Work for local, state, and federal health departments.
- Non-profit organizations: Contribute to the work of public health organizations, NGOs, and community-based programs.
- Research institutions: Conduct public health research and contribute to the development of new interventions.
- International organizations: Work with international health organizations to address global health challenges.
- Private sector: Work in healthcare settings, pharmaceutical companies, and other industries related to public health.