Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs with a Specialization in Public Health

An increase in threats like pandemics, bioterrorism, and the impacts of climate change over the last decade has resulted in an enhanced focus on public health policy. One of the largest industries in the U.S., healthcare is also one of the country’s fastest growing sectors with an anticipated growth of 28% over the next decade (bls.gov). Working to promote healthy lifestyles, limit health disparities, research disease and injury prevention, and detect, prevent, and respond to infectious diseases, professionals in the field may find employment through hospitals and health care organizations, health care resource providers (i.e., insurance, pharmaceutical, or medical supply companies), regulatory agencies (e.g., The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Food and Drug Agency (FDA), and state and local health departments), or any organization that represents the interests of healthcare providers.

Those with expertise in public administration often play an integral role in navigating the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system. A Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree with a specialization in Public Health offers students an advanced understanding of public health practices and principles. These programs focus on reform in health care policy and community health management with an emphasis on disease prevention as well as racial, ethnic, economic, and social health inequalities, the relationship between health and the environment, and how the management and administration of health systems affects the health of populations. Graduates can gain critical managerial and analytical skills that may enable them to discover novel approaches to healthcare implementation and impact public health practices, principles, and policies.

Curriculum Details for Online MPA Programs with a Specialization in Public Health

An MPA program typically includes core classes focused on public service leadership and governance, public administration theory, research and strategy planning, communications, human resources, organizational and personnel management, law and ethics, and budgeting and finance. Once students complete this foundational coursework, students who specialize in Public Health enroll in courses that focus on targeted areas of healthcare. These specialization courses may feature topics such as epidemiology, public health policy, healthcare management, environmental and occupational health, social and behavioral approaches to health, healthcare ethics and law, biostatistical applications for public health, and more.

Students interested in focusing on public health should research online MPA programs with specializations in the following areas:

• Administration of Health (ADH)
• Public Health
• Public Health Administration
• Global Health
• Health and Social Policy

Master of Public Administration programs typically require the completion of 36 to 48 graduate course credits, culminating in either a public health or public service capstone, practicum, or applied research project. Many universities allow up to five years for students to earn their MPA degree, but most full-time students take 16-24 months to complete an MPA program, or 24-36 months if enrolled part-time. An MPA degree with a concentration in Public Health may be of particular interest to current healthcare professionals and providers who hope to transition into policy-driven positions within health services management, hospital administration, or government agencies. Students without relevant professional experience or undergraduate coursework may be required to complete an internship as part of their MPA curriculum.

As students explore potential MPA programs, it’s important to recognize the difference between an MPA in Public Health and a Master of Public Health (MPH). The typical MPH student has a background in healthcare, nonprofit work, sociology, or social sciences while MPA students are often individuals who have experience in fields like politics, nonprofit management, , and healthcare administration. In addition, while an MPH degree places emphasis on theoretical exploration of population health, health policy, epidemiology, and patterns of disease, MPA programs with a specialization in public health tend to focus on policy reform, implementation, and management.

Note: On OnlineMPAPrograms.com, in order for a program to be classified as having a specialization or concentration in public health, it must have a dedicated area of focus in public health and/or health policy. Students who are more interested in healthcare administration should view our Online MPA Programs in Health Administration and Management page.

Examples of Public Health Courses in Online MPA Programs

Courses specific to public health typically analyze what social, political, environmental, and economic forces influence the health of populations. The availability of courses and program structure will vary by school and program; therefore, the below course titles and descriptions should be viewed only as examples.

• Advanced Studies in Healthcare: This course offers students an overview of the healthcare system in the U.S. Coursework focuses on the role of healthcare professionals, as well as advancements in medical technology, how healthcare is financed, healthcare delivery structures, health facility management, managed care and integrated organizations, long-term care, services for special and diverse populations, and outcomes such as healthcare cost, access, and quality.
• Healthcare Organization and Management: This course offers an overview of the healthcare management framework by examining the structure of a variety of patient-facing environments (e.g., hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, etc.). Coursework centers around staffing, influencing, and planning, while integrating discussion of organizational theory, as well as decision-making tools and techniques utilized in daily management.
• Policy Design and Analysis: This course teaches students the process in which new healthcare policies are designed and implemented. Coursework and class discussion focuses on outlining current policy issues and utilizing analytical thinking skills to design alternatives. Students are taught to evaluate their work based on specific ethical, legal, political, and economic criteria, addressing potential issues as well as barriers to implementation.
• U.S. Healthcare Reform: This course provides students with an overview of healthcare policies and reform throughout history, examines current industry trends, and offers an introduction to economic and sociological theories surrounding healthcare. Students will analyze the causations and repercussions of changes within the healthcare system over the past hundred years, including events such as the introduction of single-payer and employer-sponsored healthcare, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act.
• Principles of Epidemiology: This class explores the general principles, practices, methods, and applications of epidemiology, focusing on how acute, chronic, and infectious diseases impact a population. Students utilize case studies to gain a comprehensive understand of disease oversight, including evaluating risk, measuring disease frequency, understanding rates of infection, and screening methods.
• Environmental and Occupational Health: This course highlights the connection between population health and chemical, physical, and biological agents in the environment. Students examine methods of exposure, discuss the impact of environmental hazards on public health, and review the processes utilized by government agencies to research and study diseases.

Outlined below is a sample course of study for a full-time student enrolled in an MPA program with a Specialization in Public Health. The following should be viewed only as a possible example, noting that course titles, content, and sequence will depend upon the institution, and many programs do allow students some degree of flexibility when completing the curriculum.

Two-Year Sample Curriculum for an Online MPA Program with a Specialization in Public Health

Instruction Methods for Online MPA Programs

Online MPA programs offer a more flexible solution to students who wish to pursue a graduate degree, but are restrained by personal or professional obligations that do not allow them to attend a traditional on-campus program. Online programs also provide greater access to students seeking to earn their MPA and specialize in Public Health who do not live near a college or university that offers an MPA program in this specialization. Online students living in the U.S. are typically able to earn their degree from any location and many students work full-time while pursuing their degree online. (Note: While most online MPA programs accept applicants from all 50 states, some programs may not be authorized to enroll students from every state; therefore, students should confirm with out-of-state programs that they accept applicants from their state of residence before applying.)

While online students are not required to be physically present in the classroom like they are for campus-based programs, they are still able to participate in dynamic online class discussions and network with classmates, faculty members and others in the field of public health. Online programs may deliver courses using synchronous instruction (live instruction conducted using video conferencing software) or asynchronous instruction (recorded lectures or other course materials that can be viewed independently at any time of day or night). All online programs utilize elements of asynchronous instruction, where students are tasked with reviewing materials and completing assignments on their own schedule, but with specified criteria and deadlines.

Whether a program utilizes more synchronous or asynchronous instruction will depend on the institution and faculty/instructor. Students who require greater scheduling flexibility may prefer programs that feature primarily asynchronous instruction, while those looking for a more traditional academic experience engaging with a live cohort should seek programs that utilize more synchronous instruction.

Prospective students should note that online programs are equally as challenging as conventional campus-based programs. In addition, applicants should ensure that online programs are a good fit for their learning style and preferences as the rigorous virtual curriculum and course requirements require greater self-motivation, self-discipline, and personal accountability in the absence of a traditional on-campus program format.

Admissions Requirements for MPA Programs with a Specialization in Public Health

Although universities have different application requirements for master’s degree programs, to be considered for admission to an MPA program, applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited university. Universities will typically request transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended and for any previously completed graduate coursework. Most MPA programs factor in an applicant’s undergraduate GPA and have a minimum GPA that is required for admission. Minimum GPA requirements typically range from 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Although work experience in public health or public service can enhance an application, it is not a requirement of admission to most online MPA programs in Public Health. However, those without relevant work experience may be asked to complete additional prerequisite courses before starting their graduate studies or may be required to complete an internship during their MPA program.

Additional application materials may include letters of recommendation, a resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV), a personal statement, and a virtual interview. Some programs may also require applicants to submit standardized test scores (typically scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) are requested), but this requirement is not as common as it was several years ago. For programs that still require standardized tests scores, some applicants may be able to waive the requirement if they meet specific criteria, which is often based on an applicant’s GPA, professional experience, and/or whether or not they have already completed a graduate degree. Students should review a program’s specific admissions criteria or speak with a dedicated admission’s director prior to applying.

Depending on the college or university, the admissions process for an online MPA program can be highly selective. Prospective students should note that even if their applications meet the minimum criteria to apply, admission into most MPA programs is not a guarantee.

Accreditation for Online MPA Programs

An important criterion to review when researching prospective online MPA programs is whether a university or college is accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is also recognized by CHEA. This accreditation ensures that the institution adheres to and meets quality standards set by the regional accrediting body. All schools that appear on OnlineMPAPrograms.com are accredited by a commission recognized by CHEA.

Some colleges or universities may also choose to pursue programmatic accreditation through independent accrediting organizations. For MPA programs, schools seek accreditation from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). NASPAA accreditation assures institutions adhere to the NASPAA’s mission and academic standards. Because NASPAA accreditation is optional, some programs may align their curriculum with the NASPAA’s standards but choose not to formally pursue NASPAA accreditation. Before selecting an MPA program, students should evaluate not only accreditation status, but curriculum, student services, networking and research opportunities, and faculty to determine if a program aligns with their specific goals and academic expectations.

Public Health Organizations and Networking Opportunities

There are a number of organizations that offer students pursuing MPA degrees with a specialization in Public Health the opportunity to connect with other professionals in the field. These professional groups can be an excellent resource for students looking to peruse job boards, conduct research, engage in community events, and to stay up-to-date with industry trends,

American Public Health Association (APHA) –Bringing together public health professionals from various disciplines, the APHA focuses on advocating for equity in healthcare. Offering social and professional networking opportunities as well as access to industry publications, mentoring, continuing education, and career development, the APHA Student Assembly is one of the largest student organizations dedicated to the field of public health.

Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) – Focusing on raising community awareness and health education, members of SOPHE are dedicated to public health equity. Working with families, schools, and local communities, the organization strives to educate policymakers and provide training resources to public health workers to inspire healthy behaviors and eliminate disparities.

Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) – A global organization dedicated to technology-driven innovation in healthcare. Hosting educational events for healthcare providers and health service organizations as well as those in areas that impact the field (e.g., government, startups), members focus on staying current with best practices, research, advocacy, and workforce development. Discounted membership is available to currently enrolled students.

Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) – Bringing together health care professionals through events, networking opportunities, and continuing education programs. Within the organization, the IHI Leadership Alliance is a group of health care executives dedicated to improving population health worldwide, sharing insights and experiences aimed at enhancing both patient experience and outcomes, as well as reducing costs.

Public Health Learning Network (PHLN) – A network of health care practitioners, educators, and thought leaders dedicated to driving innovation, improving public health, and advancing public health practice. Members can take part in continued education and training via centers across the country. PHLN’s parent organization, the National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI), hosts monthly webinars as well as an annual conference.

Comprehensive Directory of Online MPA Programs with a Specialization in Public Health