Contents

    Best online MPH degree programs – no GRE

    Rosa Carnevali-Doan
    Rosa Carnevali-Doan

    Rosa Carnevali-Doan is a writer and editor for Degreechoices.com from Washington, D.C. She holds a degree in sociology from Kenyon College. Prior to joining Degreechoices, Rosa worked in education and market research before transitioning to content writing in startups, where she’s covered higher education, technology, and economics. Beyond writing, Rosa feels at home when she’s painting, learning languages, exploring unfamiliar places, and reading about how our minds work.

    Best online MPH degree programs – no GRE
    Contents

      Many, but not all, online MPH programs have removed the GRE as an admissions requirement.

      The best-value no-GRE online MPH degrees come from the University of Minnesota, Oregon Health & Science University, and the University of Iowa.

      Online MPH degrees aren’t much cheaper than brick-and-mortar MPH degrees, but they’re just as respected – and a lot more convenient.

      To get the most of your online MPH program, make sure it’s accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

      Sitting at the intersection of health, policy, and community engagement, public health is an exciting field due to its potential to address many of the health challenges plaguing our country – from preventing the spread of diseases to plugging the gaps in faulty (and often inequitable) health programs.

      Whether you’re a health professional looking to step into a public-facing role, or a career switcher coming from an entirely different field, getting an online master’s in public health (MPH) provides a convenient pathway to the public health profession.

      Many online MPH programs require the GRE, but many are removing the requirement.

      In this article, we’ll take you through the best online MPH programs that don’t require the GRE so you can get your foot in the door – without worrying about standardized testing.

      Is the GRE required for online MPH programs?

      The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test designed to evaluate student preparedness for graduate-level coursework. Until recently, most graduate programs, including MPH programs, required GRE scores.

      With universities collectively moving away from mandatory standardized testing, admissions criteria for MPH programs have quickly adapted to the trend. Today, many reputable accredited online MPH programs do not require the GRE.

      MPH school applicants who experience test anxiety, do not perform their best on standardized tests, or would prefer to invest their time and money (on the test itself and test prep courses) elsewhere, will benefit from the no-GRE trend.

      Why universities are removing the GRE requirement

      Graduate programs are dropping the GRE requirement for a few stated reasons.

      Emerging studies suggest that GRE test scores are not reliable predictors of student success in graduate school. The test is also said to pose barriers to entry for non-white and female students, who have historically scored lower overall than their white and male peers, and low-income students, who struggle to afford the $220 test fee and additional costs for prep courses.

      Types of GRE requirements for online MPH programs

      Each MPH degree program employs a different approach to GRE scores in its admissions requirements. Typically, the GRE is either required, not required (but still optional), or waived.

      GRE requirement types

      • GRE requirement: An application is considered incomplete without GRE scores.
      • No GRE requirement: An application doesn’t require GRE scores (take note that some no-GRE schools strongly encourage them for certain applicants, such as those with lower GPAs).
      • GRE waiver: Students are exempt from submitting their GRE scores if they meet certain conditions (e.g., have earned a certain undergraduate GPA or degree).

      CEPH accreditation for MPH degrees and why it’s important

      CEPH accreditation is the gold standard for MPH programs in the United States, so it’s what you should look out for first in your search for a good-value program.

      What is CEPH?

      The Department of Education recognizes the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) as the accrediting body for public health schools and programs in the United States.

      To meet CEPH requirements, accredited MPH programs should equal to at least 42 semester credits, or 52 quarter credits. Keep this in mind when searching for accelerated (1-year) online MPH programs, which can fall short of this.

      Not every MPH program is CEPH-accredited. A school should state their accreditation status on their website. While some schools may claim to be CEPH candidates, or that they meet CEPH standards, neither is legitimate CEPH accreditation.

      The advantage of a CEPH-accredited MPH program

      At minimum, CEPH accreditation shows that an MPH program meets the national standards defined by public health practitioners. Beyond that, though, many public health employers, like the US Public Health Service and several government agencies, only accept graduates from CEPH-accredited programs. Other employers often state a preference for CEPH-trained graduates.

      To vet your program options, check the school’s accreditation status on their website or the Council on Education for Public Health’s search engine for MPH accredited programs.

      Accredited online MPH programs that don’t require the GRE – ranked

      From 87 online MPH programs, we identified the 20 best-value accredited online MPH programs that don’t require the GRE.

      Every program on this list is CEPH-accredited.

      We define good-value programs as those where the earnings of past graduates easily make up for the total cost of the degree. The relationship between these two factors is expressed as an economic score. The lower the economic score, the better deal the student gets.

      We made this list using entirely government-sourced data, primarily from the Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard.

      #1 in Online MPH programs no GRE
      Economic score 0.26

      The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

      Earnings $105,969

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Debt to earnings 0.4

      The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

      Debt $45,315

      The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

      The online MPH program that offers the best combination of degree cost and future earnings potential comes from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, a large public university in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  

      Its School of Public Health offers an online master’s in public health in the following concentrations:  

      Note that the latter program is intended for mid-career public health professionals.  

      GRE requirement: No GRE required  

      …  See more
      #2 in Online MPH programs no GRE
      Economic score 0.30

      The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

      Earnings $104,883

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Debt to earnings 0.5

      The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

      Debt $47,671

      The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

      The 2nd best online MPH program by value for money comes from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), a small public university in Portland, Oregon focused on health fields. Among its many MPH programs, the school offers an online MPH in Public Health Practice, which is delivered either as a: 

      • 2-year fully online program, or 
      • 1-year hybrid (online and on-campus) program.  

      Take note that the fully online option still involves an “in-person” element in the form of community engagement in your area.  

       GRE requirement: No GRE required 

      …  See more
      #3 in Online MPH programs no GRE

      University of Iowa

      Iowa City, Iowa

      Economic score 0.32

      The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

      Earnings $99,099

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Debt to earnings 0.4

      The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

      Debt $37,882

      The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

      The 3rd best-value online MPH program is offered by University of Iowa, a large public university in Iowa City and the oldest university in the state. Iowa’s CEPH-accredited online MPH program is its MPH for Practicing Veterinarians program.  

      As its name suggests, this (mostly) online MPH program is designed for veterinarians looking to expand their expertise and eventually step into a public health-focused role in the government, universities, and private and non-profit sectors.  

      Eligible applicants should have a Veterinary Medicine degree from an AVMA-accredited school.  

      GRE requirement: No GRE required  

      …  See more
      #4 in Online MPH programs no GRE
      Economic score 0.34

      The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

      Earnings $80,321

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Debt to earnings 0.4

      The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

      Debt $30,775

      The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

      The 4th best-value online MPH program comes from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, a large public university in Amherst. The school offers 2 fully online MPH programs: an MPH in Public Health Practice and an MPH in Nutrition.  

      Both programs offer a comprehensive curriculum that equips students with a solid theoretical and practical foundation in public health. The Nutrition MPH program takes a more targeted approach and focuses on the role of nutrition in health.   

      GRE requirement: No GRE required 

      …  See more
      #5 in Online MPH programs no GRE

      University of Southern Mississippi

      Hattiesburg, Mississippi

      Economic score 0.34

      The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

      Earnings $76,776

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Debt to earnings 0.4

      The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

      Debt $29,222

      The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

      The University of Southern Mississippi, affectionately dubbed “Ole Miss,” is a midsized public university in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.  

      The school’s CEPH-accredited online MPH program is an MPH in Health & Policy Administration.  

      This program equips graduates with the health care management skills needed to be effective health care administrators in settings like health care organizations, hospitals, rehabilitation or mental health clinics, and pharmaceutical companies. 

      GRE requirement: No GRE required 

      …  See more
      #6 in Online MPH programs no GRE
      Economic score 0.38

      The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

      Earnings $71,505

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Debt to earnings 0.4

      The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

      Debt $28,187

      The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

      SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is a public medical school based in Brooklyn, New York. It offers a 100% online MPH program that students can complete on a part-time or full-time basis. Students choose from the following MPH concentrations: 

      • Biostatistics 
      • Community Health Sciences 
      • Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences 
      • Epidemiology 
      • Health Policy & Management 
      • Healthcare Administration 

      An MPH-MD joint degree is also an online option.  

      GRE requirement: No GRE required 

      …  See more
      #7 in Online MPH programs no GRE
      Economic score 0.39

      The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

      Earnings $75,315

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Debt to earnings 0.4

      The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

      Debt $32,000

      The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

      The University of Alabama, Birmingham, a large public research university in Birmingham, offers several MPH degrees to choose from. Most are fully online and identical in content to their in-person counterparts. The standalone (non-dual major) MPH degrees include:  

      • MPH: Concentration in Environmental Health
      • MPH: Concentration in Epidemiology
      • MPH: Concentration in Health Behavior
      • MPH: Concentration in Health Policy and Organization
      • MPH: Concentration in Maternal & Child Health Policy & Leadership
      • MPH: Concentration in Population

      Other degrees involve a dual degree (e.g., a Master of Public Health-Master of Social Work (MPH/MSW) degree or Master of Public Health-Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (MPH-DVM) degree).  

      GRE requirement: No GRE required, but applicants with fewer than 5 years of full-time professional health care/public health experience and a GPA lower than 3.0 are encouraged to submit their score. 

      …  See more
      #8 in Online MPH programs no GRE

      San Diego State University

      San Diego, California

      Economic score 0.40

      The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

      Earnings $82,302

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Debt to earnings 0.5

      The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

      Debt $38,020

      The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

      San Diego State University (SDSU), a large public university in San Diego, hosts the 6th best-value online MPH programs in the country. Its School of Public Health offers 2 CEPH-accredited online MPH degrees, namely:  

      Both programs are offered online, and courses are mostly asynchronous (i.e., not tied to a set time) to accommodate different schedules. 

      GRE requirement: No GRE is required 

      …  See more
      #9 in Online MPH programs no GRE
      Economic score 0.43

      The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

      Earnings $69,103

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Debt to earnings 0.4

      The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

      Debt $27,620

      The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

      The University of Illinois Springfield is a large public university in Springfield, Illinois, and a member of the University of Illinois system. The accredited online MPH programs offered at University of Illinois Springfield include: 

      • MPH – Environmental Health 
      • MPH – General  
      • MPH-HMS Joint Degree 
      • MPH-MPA Joint Degree  

      All MPH degree programs involve an internship component and an Integrative Learning Experience, which brings together the knowledge acquired from core and concentration courses. 

      GRE requirement: No GRE required 

      …  See more
      #10 in Online MPH programs no GRE
      Economic score 0.44

      The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

      Earnings $86,599

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Debt to earnings 0.5

      The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

      Debt $41,326

      The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

      The University of Maryland-College Park (UMD), a nationally renowned public university located just outside Washington D.C., offers 2 accredited online MPH programs: 

      UMD’s MPH is recognized by STEPS (Student Training & Education in Public Service) as one of the best online degree programs for public health in the country.  

      GRE requirement: The GRE is waived or optional 

      …  See more
      #11 in Online MPH programs no GRE

      SUNY at Albany

      Albany, New York

      Economic score 0.44

      The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

      Earnings $70,536

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Debt to earnings 0.5

      The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

      Debt $32,643

      The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

      SUNY at Albany, also referred to as University of Albany, is a large public university in New York and a member of the State University of New York public university system.  

      The school offers an online MPH program with a concentration in Public Health Practice. Beyond the core and elective curriculum, concentration-specific courses include: 

      • Program Development in Health Promotion 
      • Program Evaluation 
      • Public Health Leadership 

      This part-time, fully online degree program is ideal for busy professionals, though take note that it involves a 720-hour public health internship component. 

      GRE requirement: No GRE required 

      …  See more
      #12 in Online MPH programs no GRE
      Economic score 0.45

      The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

      Earnings $72,302

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Debt to earnings 0.5

      The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

      Debt $33,256

      The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

      California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is a large public university in Northridge, a neighborhood in LA’s San Fernando Valley.  

      Tseng College, CSUN’s dedicated school for midcareer professionals, offers a 2.5-year online MPH in Community Health Education. The program is well suited for students aiming to enter various public health settings, including the World Health Organization (WHO).  

      This online program is taught by the same faculty members who teach the on-campus equivalent. 

      GRE requirement: No GRE required for applicants with a 3.0 GPA and above 

      …  See more
      #13 in Online MPH programs no GRE
      Economic score 0.45

      The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

      Earnings $74,421

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Debt to earnings 0.5

      The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

      Debt $35,785

      The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

      The University of New England, a private research university in Portland and Biddeford, Maine, offers a good value accredited online MPH program in the following focus areas: 

      • Generalist  
      • Epidemiology  
      • Global Health 
      • Public Health Education  

      Each May, students can take part in a unique opportunity to attend a 2-week Cross Cultural Health Immersion Experience in Ghana, which can be applied toward their Applied Practice Experience.   

      GRE requirement: No GRE is required 

      …  See more
      #14 in Online MPH programs no GRE
      Economic score 0.46

      The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

      Earnings $69,391

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Debt to earnings 0.5

      The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

      Debt $31,712

      The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

      Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) is a public university in New Haven, where public health is among the top 3 most popular fields. Its MPH in Health Promotion is available online.  

      The health promotion specialization focuses on addressing community health needs through public health programs and policies. Students learn how to plan and manage health promotion programs, evaluate public health policy, and serve as effective leaders in the field.  

      GRE requirement: No GRE required 

      …  See more
      #15 in Online MPH programs no GRE
      Economic score 0.48

      The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

      Earnings $66,048

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Debt to earnings 0.5

      The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

      Debt $30,000

      The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

      The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, or UTHealth, is a small public health science school in Houston and a member of the University of Texas system. Its online MPH degrees include: 

      • MPH in Epidemiology 
      • MPH in Health Care Management 
      • MPH in Health Promotion & Health Education 

      These programs are offered in both synchronous and asynchronous formats to suit diverse needs. Texas-based students can take advantage of school resources at any UTHealth campus. 

      GRE requirement: No GRE required 

      …  See more
      #16 in Online MPH programs no GRE
      Economic score 0.50

      The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

      Earnings $60,677

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Debt to earnings 0.5

      The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

      Debt $28,442

      The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

      The University of Missouri, or “Mizzou,” is a large public university in Columbia, Missouri, and the flagship school of the University of Missouri System.  

      The school offers 2 accredited online MPH degrees: one in Health Promotion and Policy and another in Veterinary Public Health. While distinct in their focus areas, both programs are concerned with the relationship between health and the environment.  

      Both are delivered fully online to accommodate busy schedules.  

      GRE requirement: No GRE required 

      …  See more
      #17 in Online MPH programs no GRE
      Economic score 0.51

      The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

      Earnings $70,137

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Debt to earnings 0.5

      The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

      Debt $38,100

      The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

      The University of South Florida (USF) is a large public university in Tampa, Florida, and home to several (24+) online degree programs. USF offers CEPH-accredited online MPH programs in the following concentrations: 

      • Community Nutrition 
      • Epidemiology 
      • Global Disaster Management, Humanitarian Relief & Homeland Security 
      • Health, Safety & Environment 
      • Infection Control 
      • Nutrition and Dietetics  
      • Public Health Practice 
      • Social Marketing 

      The school’s Reduced Rate Program, which offers reductions in tuition rates for out-of-state students, allows non-Florida residents to take full advantage of course offerings.  

      GRE requirement: No GRE required  

      …  See more
      #18 in Online MPH programs no GRE
      Economic score 0.51

      The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

      Earnings $55,964

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Debt to earnings 0.4

      The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

      Debt $24,880

      The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

      North Dakota State University (NDSU) is a small public university in Fargo, North Dakota. Its MPH students can specialize in either community health sciences or epidemiology, with both available in person and online.  

      The epidemiology specialization covers topics like infectious disease, maternal and child health, public health surveillance, and health survey research. The community health sciences track focuses more on health promotion through public policy and systems.  

      GRE requirement: GRE is optional 

      …  See more
      #19 in Online MPH programs no GRE
      Economic score 0.55

      The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

      Earnings $78,867

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Debt to earnings 0.6

      The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

      Debt $45,712

      The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

      The University of Illinois at Chicago, a large public university in Chicago, is home to several online MPH programs. Students complete 18 credits in one of the following concentrations: 

      • Community Health Practice & Methods 
      • Health Policy & Administration 
      • Population Health for Healthcare Professionals 

      Foundational coursework covers public health management, community health leadership, and epidemiology foundations, among others. Students should complete at least 240 practicum hours and an Integrated Learning Experience (ILE) to graduate.  

      GRE requirement: GRE is optional 

      …  See more
      #20 in Online MPH programs no GRE

      University at Buffalo

      Buffalo, New York

      Economic score 0.56

      The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

      Earnings $70,370

      Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

      Debt to earnings 0.6

      The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

      Debt $40,798

      The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

      The University at Buffalo is the largest member of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Its public health master’s is one of the top 10 most popular programs among grad students.  

      Students can choose from several MPH concentrations or design their own program (referred to as an Individualized MPH). Among the program pathways available, only the Health Services Administration MPH and the Individualized MPH are available online.  

      GRE requirement: GRE is optional 

      …  See more

      Admission requirements for online MPH no-GRE programs

      Without GRE scores as an evaluation criteria, no-GRE or GRE-waived MPH programs assign more weight to other parts of the application.

      Other requirements for no-GRE MPH programs to keep in mind

      A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any field (a related field is sometimes required for certain specializations, e.g.., veterinary public health)

      A minimum undergraduate GPA, typically of 3.0 and above, though this varies by program

      Prerequisite coursework, as defined by the school; courses often include math, biology, social sciences, and health-related science

      Health-related work experience is preferred in many cases, particularly for MPH programs that are designed for midcareer health professionals

      2-3 letters of recommendation

      Resume or CV

      While most MPH programs welcome applicants from various disciplines, they also emphasize the importance of relevant experience. If you decide to forgo the GRE, adding health-related paid or volunteer experience to your resume is a good way to distinguish yourself as a competitive applicant.

      Are online MPH programs worth it?

      For many busy professionals, the primary draw of online MPH programs is convenience. But does the convenience of an online MPH degree come at a higher cost?

      Not really, as it turns out: according to IPEDS and College Scorecard data, the average debt for online MPH degrees is $49,200, compared to $49,231 for in-person MPH degrees.

      While not significantly cheaper than in-person degrees, online MPH programs are “worth it” in that they are flexible in their delivery format.

      Most employers view online MPH degrees the same way as “traditional” MPH degrees (provided your program is CEPH-accredited).

      Now, whether a master’s degree in public health is worth it is a different question.

      Because MPH students come from a variety of backgrounds – some are already in mid-level health roles, while others are career switchers from entirely different fields – any correlation between the degree itself and average earnings of MPH graduates is tricky.

      So, like many degrees that are more interdisciplinary in nature, the question of whether an MPH degree is worth it is a personal one.

      Final thoughts

      If you’re coming from a different field, an online MPH degree is a convenient way to access the knowledge base, support network, and contacts in public health that are difficult to come by through other means. Conversely, if you’re already in a health role, a public health certificate may be just as effective in augmenting your credentials.

      In sum, an online MPH degree is a great option for its convenience and (slightly) lower cost.

      Thinking of pursuing a career in health but still unsure what options are available to you? Check out our online quiz to find the right degree program for your interests.

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