Purdue University West Lafayette (Main Campus)
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.
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.
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.
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:
Practical knowledge and skills are essential to a successful career in public health. To strengthen this knowledge base and ensure it can be applied, a planned, supervised, and evaluated practicum is an essential component of a public health professional degree program. This is your opportunity to translate the theory and core competencies that you have learned thus far in your degree into real-world public health practice.
To accomplish this, you will complete a 200-hour (or 160 hours with approved prior experience) public health practicum under the mentorship of a qualified preceptor. The goal of the practicum experience, per the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) degree accreditation process, is to understand, implement, and evaluate the processes involved in public health interventions.
The 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 View the Experiential Learning 101 with Dr. Burress here
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 17 percent growth from 2020 to 2030 in the areas of health education and community health, alone.1 Medical and business fields are also opening more for public health graduates.1
Hear directly from our directors of admissions, program directors and faculty to learn more about the program’s objectives, what it’s like to learn online, the resources we have to assist you throughout your education, and career paths after graduation.
“Not only will the practicum experience provide valuable professional experience, but it is your chance to dive deeper into the opportunities public health has to offer in the areas in which you are most interested.”
- Dr. Landrus Burress
Lecturer, Experiential Learning
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.
While all students must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, it does not have to be in health-related discipline. A prior background or experience in public health is not required.
In addition to the admission requirements noted on the first tab, international students must also provide the following information.
APPLICATION DUE DATES
APPLICATION PORTALS
Purdue University Online Programs Admissions Processing Center
851 Trafalgar Court, Suite 420
West Maitland, FL 32751
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
