Online Master of Public Health
Purdue University West Lafayette (Main Campus)
A Powerful, CEPH-Accredited Program
Take action on your commitment to public health with the online MPH at Purdue University.
This robust program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) — the nationally recognized accrediting body for both schools of public health and public health programs — and is backed by Purdue’s rich research expertise.
Gain Real-World Experience
The program is designed for professionals who are interested in identifying and enacting public health solutions locally, nationally and globally.
As a student, you’ll learn from an accomplished team of practitioners who provide training in science-based knowledge, empowering you to develop effective, evidence-based programs.
Coursework incorporates real-world examples of public health intervention design, so you learn how to analyze research studies and then translate them into real-world settings.
Concentration in Family and Community Health
The online Master of Public Health curriculum includes a Family and Community Health concentration that focuses on issues related to the family unit. As the definition of “family” continues to evolve, and racial and economic disparities grow, demand will increase for public health professionals who can evaluate and address the changing dynamics affecting health and access to services.
Students focus on public health through the lens of contemporary families and communities by studying social factors, nutrition, and communication, as well as elements contributing to health disparities. By identifying and assessing family and community health in this context, students are well prepared to develop effective programs and initiatives.
Program Outcomes and Skills
This program is designed for individuals who wish to join the field as well as public health professionals who want to expand their knowledge and abilities. Upon graduating, graduates of the master of public health online have gained a broad understanding of health issues and the skills to address them, including:
- Epidemiology, to identify disease trends
- Biostatistics, to evaluate health trends and intervention approaches
- Health system administration and management, to organize resources for public health
- Environmental health sciences, to understand the threats and opportunities presented by environmental factors
- Behavioral and social sciences, to engage members of the community and encourage individual and group actions that support public health
Public Health Practicum
The program incorporates a 200-hour work experience practicum that can be tailored to each student’s particular area of interest, helping to build a foundation for future career goals and serving to:
- Provide training in core disciplines
- Add to comprehensive education of public health practice and policy
- Facilitate translation of basic science to application
- Position graduates to be successful leaders in the public health arena
- Official Transcripts
- 3.0 cumulative GPA minimum from most recently conferred undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree*
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Choose three individuals that can comment on your academic strengths, professional accomplishments, and/or individual interests in public health.
- Statement of Purpose
- Must not exceed 500 words
- Single-spaced, 11pt Arial or Times New Roman font, 1” margins
- In your Statement of Purpose discuss your past, present, and future. What have you accomplished that uniquely qualifies you for this program and your intended concentration? Why are you applying to this program? What are your professional, academic, and personal goals? How does this program fit into your goals? You may also provide a brief GPA statement, highlighting any shortcomings, if necessary.
- Diversity Essay
- Must not exceed 500 words
- Single-spaced, 11pt Arial or Times New Roman font, 1” margins
- In your Diversity Essay describe your leadership, work experience, service experience, or other significant involvement with racial, ethnic, socio-economic, or educational communities that have traditionally been underrepresented in higher education, and how these experiences would promote a diversity of views, experiences, and ideas in the pursuit of research, scholarship, and creative excellence. You should feel free to discuss your own personal experiences in the essay.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- No page limit
- Should include any related coursework or training, community- and field-based experiences, research training and accomplishments, and professional and leadership positions
- Application Fee
- An application fee of $60 ($75 for international)
- English Proficiency Test (TOEFL or IELTS, for international applicants)
Questions regarding the Online program can be directed to 877-497-5851 or OnlineProgramsAdmissions@purdue.edu. To learn more about Purdue’s Department of Public Health visit our Department website.
*Interested applicants whose credentials are borderline should reach out to our admissions team to discuss their application opportunities.
In addition to the admission requirements noted on the first tab, international students must also provide the following information.
- Official transcripts from all universities attended in the original language as well as English translation for transcripts and diplomas not in English.
- Non-native English speakers must also submit the following.
- TOEFL test scores that are less than two years old and meet the following requirements:
- Minimum Overall: 80
- Writing: 18
- Speaking: 18
- Listening: 14
- Reading: 19
- Duolingo test scores that are less than two years old and meet the following requirements:
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- total score of 115 and 115 on each subscore
- TOEFL test scores that are less than two years old and meet the following requirements:
APPLICATION DUE DATES
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants can expect to receive a decision within 2 to 4 weeks of applying. Contact our admissions team at OnlineProgramsAdmissions@purdue.edu or call 877-497-5851 for application deadline.
APPLICATION PORTALS
- Prior to starting your online application you must first complete a phone interview with an admissions advisor. To schedule a phone interview, call 877-497-5851.
- Once you have completed your phone interview, you are ready to complete the online application
- If you have any questions about filling out the application, contact OnlineProgramsAdmissions@purdue.edu or call us at 877-497-5851.
What’s It Like to Learn Online?
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Is the online program as credible as the ones offered on ground at Purdue?
Absolutely. Assignments and projects may be slightly different to work with the online format, but the coursework is just as rigorous and challenging as the on-campus programs. Upon graduation, you will receive the same Purdue diploma as your on-campus peers.
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How do online classes work?
Most coursework is asynchronous, meaning that there are not specific times that you need to be online. When you start the program, you will be given access to a virtual classroom interface. Your instructor will post coursework, syllabi, assignments, and messages every week. You will also use discussion boards, e-mail, and chat to communicate with your classmates and your instructor. You can log on and do your coursework at any time that is convenient for you, but you must turn in your assignments by the deadlines your instructor sets.
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How much time should I allow for doing homework and completing assignments?
As in an on-campus program, you should plan on devoting about 15 to 20 hours a week to coursework, depending on your study habits.
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What if I have a question about homework or need help with a technical issue?
The faculty and staff at Purdue are dedicated to your success at the University and in the future. Your instructor will set weekly times for one-on-one electronic consultation and will answer emails in a timely fashion. Technical support is available to help you handle hardware and software issues, and we have dedicated staff available to talk to you about financial aid, scheduling, or any other administrative issues.
| Current Tuition Rates and Fees* | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Rate | $555.00 | $750.00 |
|
PO Infrastructure Fee |
$18.80 | $18.80 |
| Digital Education Fee | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Total Cost Per Credit Hour | $618.80 | $818.80 |
| Total Credit Hours | 42 | 42 |
| Total Program Cost | $25,989.60 | $34,389.60 |
* Tuition and fees are charged on a per credit hour basis and are subject to annual increases. Annual increases may change the total program cost. Purdue faculty and staff fee remissions may not be applied to the online Master of Public Health program.
Learn More About This Program
You can fill the need for public health professionals and provide vital health services with the online Master of Public Health.
To learn more about the program, request more information or call 877-497-5851 to speak to an admissions advisor.
NOTES AND CONDITIONS - PLEASE READ
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Health Education Specialists and Community Health Workers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm (visited September 08, 2021).