Master of Public Health

100% Online Degree

Master of Public Health at the University of New England

100% Online, CEPH-Accredited

The Master of Public Health (MPH) Degree at the University of New England Online is a 42-credit program designed to prepare students with the knowledge and the skills needed to promote the health of individuals and communities. Our fully online graduate-level public health courses are built to be interdisciplinary, allowing students to pursue a range of careers upon graduation, including roles within public health policy, community health education, infection disease units & epidemiology, emergency response teams, public health research, and more! For those wishing to hone their area of expertise, the online MPH program offers focus areas in Epidemiology, Global Health and Health Education. The Health Education focus area prepares students for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam. Additionally, there is a unique opportunity for students in the MPH program to gain experience beyond the online classroom with a 2-week Cross Cultural Health Immersion experience in Ghana, Africa each year.

As a fully online degree program, the Master of Public Health can accommodate full-time and part-time students and is ideal for working professionals. Public health is a dynamic field, and our program is designed to benefit recent graduates, career changers, and those who are already working in the public health field. For those wishing to earn their degree sooner, the program can be completed in as few as 18 months. Alternatively, students looking to advance their knowledge of core public health concepts but do not need the full master’s degree may choose to complete the 18-credit Graduate Certificate in Public Health.

The University of New England Online Public Health program is bolstered by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) Accreditation and our membership in the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH). At UNE, you can be sure your courses are aligned to current issues and trends in public health and are grounded in quality and standards required by the public health field.

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Current Application Deadline

April 15, 2024

Summer A Session

Courses begin May 8, 2024

Time Left to Apply:

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Why Choose the University of New England Online?

Fully Online

Fully Online

Courses are delivered fully online, allowing you flexibility to complete coursework around your schedule.

Accredited

Accredited

CEPH & New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE) Accredited.

Supportive

Supportive

Students will have an academic advisor to help with course selection based on their individual needs, and will benefit from engaged faculty and a student support team.

Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning

Opportunity to engage in a Cross-Cultural Health Immersion Experience in Ghana, Africa.

Public Health Focus Areas & Certificates

University of New England Online’s Master of Public Health degree allows students to bolster their area of expertise with options to select Epidemiology focus area, Global Health focus area, Public Health Education focus area, or Generalist focus area. For students looking to enhance their public health skills but don’t require a master’s degree, we also offer an 18-credit Graduate Certificate in Public Health.

Epidemiology Focus-Area

Epidemiology is the foundational science of public health focused on investigating causes and patterns of disease and injury. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) refers to epidemiologists as disease detectives who identify disease occurrence and patterns. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the critical role of epidemiologists in keeping communities informed. With courses specifically aligned to epidemiology, choosing this focus area will give students the skillset needed to apply for roles in: disease detection, data collection, data analysis, epidemiological investigation, biostatistical analysis, and statistical basis for policy making.
See curriculum for course details

Global Health Focus-Area

Explore the global interconnectedness of public health! The Global Health focus area is designed for students who are looking to understand programs, policies, and driving factors of health outcomes regionally, nationally, and internationally. Students in the Global Health focus area will increase their understanding of health disparities and protective factors among diverse populations. Using culturally appropriate and interdisciplinary approaches, students will explore realistic ways to mitigate adverse health outcomes while leveraging existing strengths. Students will apply principles found in emerging disciplines like One Health which investigates the interrelationship between humans, animals, and the changing environment. They will also learn pandemic preparedness, as well as enhance their leadership and strategic management skills in different health settings.

Public Health Education Focus-Area

Recent global events have highlighted the importance of strong public health education in our communities. Public health education focuses on designing and delivering culturally appropriate, evidence based, timely information to all sectors of the population. Public health educators will be prepared to work in public health departments, community based agencies, schools, health care clinics, government and more. The public health education focus area prepares students for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination.
See curriculum for course details

Graduate Certificate in Public Health

This 18-credit hour Graduate Certificate in Public Health provides students with core public health concepts they need to enhance their professional knowledge. For students wishing to pursue their MPH at UNE Online, credits gained while in this certificate program can be applied to the full MPH program.
Learn more

Immersion Experience (Ghana)

Ghana Experience Student CommunityStudents in the online Master of Public Health program are invited to participate in a unique immersive experience beyond the online classroom with a 2-week Cross Cultural Health Immersion Experience in Ghana, Africa. Through the experience, students will deepen their learning, and apply skills they develop throughout the MPH program in a real-world setting. This annual experience occurs each year in May, and involves collaboration between the University of New England, the Ghana Health Service, and local Ghana health practitioners to provide primary care, health education, and clinical services to community members in the city of Sekondi and two rural nearby villages.

The Ghana Experience can also serve as an Applied Practice Experience site for students in the Master of Public Health program. Financial assistance from $250-$1,000 is available through the Global Education Scholarship fund.

  • To apply for the Global Education Scholarship, click here.
  • For more details on the Health Immersion Experience, click here.

The UNE Online Experience

"What drew me to the MPH program itself was the diversity of the curriculum. As a clinical informatics specialist I knew that I would really enjoy the clinical side of public health, but I also very much enjoyed learning about other aspects of public health…I [also] worked full time throughout the entire program, so that flexibility allowed me to really dive in head first. It provided me the ability to pursue my education without sacrificing any other aspects of my life."

Rose Aitcheson, UNE Master of Public Health Graduate, May 2021

Admissions

At UNE Online, our goal is to admit students who demonstrate an ability to be successful in the Master of Public Health program and who will continue that success in their future endeavors. We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications. As a determination of academic readiness, the admissions committee will review previous academic performance on transcripts and will take this into consideration when making admissions decisions. Strong applicants display a solid mix of quantitative, writing, and critical thinking skills. Work, volunteering, research, and/or internship experience relevant to public health and health equity are valued during the review process, but not required.

Admission Requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree or above from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. See International Admissions for details regarding evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.

  • Applications are reviewed holistically as a determination of academic readiness. The admissions committee values previous academic performance as indicated on transcripts and considers it as part of the review process.

  • Computer with Internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described on the Technical Requirements page. Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the Internet as all classes are accessed 100% online.

Application Process:

  • Completed online application
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Goal Statement
  • Two professional/academic references
  • Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a bachelor’s degree or above from a regionally accredited institution.

Note: Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought. The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver.

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Master of Public Health Curriculum

The online Master of Public Health degree curriculum is designed to make earning a graduate education accessible for full-time working professionals. The MPH offers convenient, flexible courses, which are focused on practice and management to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and values to gain employment or get promoted in the burgeoning field of public health.

To successfully earn a Master of Public Health, students are required to complete 42 credit hours. See below for required core classes and electives, as well as course options within the specialized focus areas of Epidemiology, and Health Education, Global Health.

This course brings together graduate students in public health, education, social work, nutrition, and health informatics to work collaboratively to learn the fundamentals of policy-making as applied to the broad issue of student mental health in an educational setting. Students work in interprofessional groups to identify the social problem, describe the policy context, map potential policy solutions, and make final recommendations in an individual written policy analysis that incorporates learning from their interprofessional peers. Students will explore the structure and function of government systems as they relate to values-driven policy decisions.

This course provides an overview of the history, content, scope, and processes of public health administration. Emphasis is placed on administration, public health structure and framework, organizational culture, management functions and roles, leadership, motivation, and performance management. Basic principles and tools of budget and resource management will be addressed.

This course is designed to introduce students to the basic principles of epidemiology as they apply to public health practice. Content will include: a historical perspective on epidemiology, descriptive epidemiology, effect measures, study designs, bias, surveillance, and screening for disease. Emphasis will be placed on investigative techniques, epidemiological methodology, and critical thinking about epidemiological studies and data.

This course will examine public health principles and concepts. It will provide a broad framework for understanding public health’s role in community health, prevention, and medicine. Using the five core public health knowledge areas and the ten essential public health services as a foundation, students will explore public health infrastructure, surveillance, social determinants of health, policy, and emerging issues. In addition, the course will weave public health areas such as chronic disease, infectious disease, environmental health, maternal and child health, and injury into discussions and assignments.

This course provides you with an introduction to the procedures used in the summarization, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of research data. Topics include sampling, experimentation, measurement, descriptive statistics, correlation, probability, confidence intervals, testing hypotheses, 2-way tables, and simple linear regression. This course is deliberately broad and not intended to give students an in-depth understanding of statistical testing, analysis of categorical data or regression analysis. Rather, its intent is to provide an overview of some of the main areas of statistics and a working knowledge of basic summary statistics, graphs, and simple statistical tests for hypothesis testing. At the end of the course a student should be able to evaluate simple statistical usage in everyday life and their own discipline, especially in relevant research publications; and interact knowledgeably with statisticians in planning, conducting, analyzing, and reporting research projects. Prerequisite: GPH 712. SAS statistical software is required for this course.

This course is designed to introduce core topics necessary to understand and conduct ethically sound and scientifically valid public health research. It is designed to build on the skills gained in other fundamental public health courses such as principles of epidemiology and biostatistics. Students will work to understand the importance of proper study and experimental design, using quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. Students will also gain skills in the design and execution of secondary data analysis and manuscript preparation. Foundational issues in sampling, data collection and structure, survey design and administration, and analytic interpretation will be covered. Prerequisite: GPH 712 and GPH 716.

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the field of environmental health in a public health context. This course will emphasize the exposure risks, health effects, evaluation, and control of hazards including infectious agents, toxic chemicals, air pollutants, and ionizing radiation. Public health applications are incorporated through a comprehensive key assessment project.

Using an ecological approach, health behaviors will be considered within the context of influences on individual behaviors. The course will address the use of behavioral and social science theory to inform the development and implementation of health promotion and disease prevention programs, and consider the inherent ethical dilemmas involved in planned social and behavioral change efforts.

The Applied Practice Experience (APE) is a required component of the Master of Public Health (MPH) program. The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) requires that “all graduate professional public health degree students develop skills in basic public health concepts and demonstrate the application of these concepts through a practice experience that is relevant to student’s areas of specialization.” It is an opportunity to acquire ‘real world’ public health experience, apply concepts learned in class to actual projects, and explore different public health settings. Because it is a requirement for graduation, there are no waivers.

This course provides an overview of the development of public health programs and the evaluation of those programs. The course will help students develop skills required to assess community needs and assets, identify and adapt evidence-based programs, evaluate program effects, and seek funding for these programs. Prerequisite: GPH 726.

This 1-credit course is designed to help students complete the paperwork necessary to begin their Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) project. This course will give students information on how to select a track for their ILE project. With guidance from their ILE instructor, students will prepare a proposal for their ILE project. Students will also prepare the documents needed to submit an application for IRB exemption. Upon completion of this course students will enroll in their ILE project course (GPH 751 Advanced Policy Analysis, GPH 752 Advanced Research Methods, or GPH 753 Advanced Program Evaluation).

Choose 1 Integrated Learning Experience Project Course

Advanced Policy Analysis offers the opportunity for students to develop and complete their own analysis of public health issue that intersects with government actions as partial fulfillment of the requirements for their MPH degree. All MPH students must create a high- quality written product, synthesizing competencies established by the program and The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Based on their selected topics, students will analyze data related to a real-world problem and present their findings in a high-quality written document. Readings and lectures will provide further education and guidance, and all assignments are designed to guide students through the analysis and writing process.

Advanced Research Methods offers the opportunity for students to develop and complete their own focused research study as partial fulfillment of the requirements for their MPH degree. All MPH students must create a high-quality written product, synthesizing competencies established by the program and The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Based on their selected topic, students will analyze data related to a real-world problem and present their findings in a high-quality written document. Readings and lectures will provide further education and guidance, and all assignments are designed to guide students through analysis and writing process.

Advanced Program Evaluation offers the opportunity for students to conduct their own program evaluation and collaborate with a public health site that they have identified to evaluate an aspect of a program as partial fulfillment of the requirements for their MPH degree. All MPH students must create a high-quality written product, synthesizing competencies established by the program and The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Based on their selected topic, students will analyze data related to a real-world problem and present their findings in a high-quality written document. Readings and lectures will provide further education and guidance, and all assignments are designed to guide students through the analysis and writing process.

A fundamental goal of government is to protect and support the health of the public, but implementation of health policies may infringe on the protected rights and liberties of individuals and businesses. This conflict is sometimes characterized as “private interest versus public good.” This course explores the inherent tension between promoting the public health and protecting the legal and ethical rights and interests of individuals. The course will focus on the legal foundations of the American public health system and resulting ethical dilemmas that must be reconciled when the interests of the larger community may be at odds with those of individuals.

We will examine key elements of the U.S. legal system that govern and influence public health, including federal and state constitutions and laws, administrative law, and judicial decisions. Students will use the case study method approach to scrutinize ethical and legal issues in public health practice, administration and research, and analyze functions and interactions between courts, legislators and regulators. Class activities and assignments will provide students with opportunities to read and discuss case law, statutes and regulations, and probe relevant legal and ethical principles in public health.

Prerequisite: GPH 702.

Why do some public health issues receive so much political attention and others do not? How can advocates create political interest in a public health issue to generate legislative or regulatory change? Under what circumstances do public health issues tend to precipitate public funding?

Government action is a frequent driver of the practice of public health on the ground. From executive decisions to funding decisions to laws and regulations, our public health system- both its structure and its function – is built on public policy. In this course, you will gain a firm understanding of public health policy from the perspective of the public policy theories and frameworks we use to better understand the motivations, implementation, and impact of government action at the federal, state, and local levels.

Prerequisites: GPH 702.

This course is designed for students who would like build on the basic principles of epidemiology to study infectious diseases in populations. By the end of this course, students will be able to: 1) describe the general principles of infectious disease epidemiology, 2) analyze epidemiologic study designs and measures in the context of infectious diseases, 3) apply outbreak investigation steps to an infectious disease outbreak, 4) describe infectious disease dynamics, 5) apply principles of disease transmission to develop disease prevention and control practices, 6) design data collection tools to investigate an infectious disease outbreak using computer-based software, 7) Analyze quantitative data about infectious diseases using biostatistics, 8) Interpret results of data analysis of an infectious disease investigation, 9) communicate audience-appropriate content reporting on an infectious disease outbreak both in writing and through oral presentation, and 10) describe the use of system thinking tools in infectious disease epidemiology.

Prerequisites: GPH 712

Applied Epidemiology is for individuals who want to practice and refine their epidemiological skills and ultimately participate in investigating health and disease in communities. This course will focus on the application of epidemiological tools and skills and offer a more in-depth experience for students who have completed the required courses.

Prerequisites: GPH 712 and GPH 716. Stata statistical software is required for this course.

This course is a continuation of GPH 716 (Biostatistics). The course will assume familiarity with the basic principles of data collection, one-and two-sample confidence intervals and hypothesis testing, as well as one-way ANOVA and the fundamentals of simple linear regression. It will focus on a more in-depth look at simple linear regression extending to multiple linear regression. Additionally, it will cover topics in probability, diagnostic and screening tests, nonparametics, and logistic regression.

Maternal and child health provides a foundation for a community’s development and sustainability. Students will apply public health frameworks to maternal and child health concepts and issues; in the process, they will gain a broad understanding of the field of maternal and child health from local and global standpoints. By the end of this course, students will be able to use data for action, apply evidence-based information, examine systems-based approaches to addressing issues, and examine cultural effects on maternal and child health.

Prerequisites: GPH 738

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the field of Occupational Health. The course will emphasize the recognition, evaluation and control of hazards in the work environment. General principles and global processes will be linked to local issues and the regulatory environment through case studies.

This course provides students with an understanding of the importance of financial planning in healthcare, the difference between financial and managerial accounting, and using financial data to aid in business decisions. This course builds on students’ understanding of the basic concepts to enable them to plan, budget, control, and evaluate financial performance. This course covers fixed and variable expenses, capital management, and revenue streams. The course uses a combination of case-studies and exams to enable students to gain necessary analytical skills in health care finance.

Recommended: GPH 706

In this course students will have the opportunity to focus on the grant writing process (as it is designed and directed by a federal or state public health funding agency). Particular emphasis will be placed on identifying and applying the requisite skills to have a potential public health program funded. The course will feature hands-on assignments based on (current) real world topics, resources, and grant funding guidelines. While students do not need to have a background in accounting, many components of a grant application (including a line-item budget) will be addressed.

The interconnectivity of one’s environment and the choices made by individuals are undeniable. As we work on addressing socio-ecological factors that hinder health, we must also address personal choices and behaviors. Health education is an essential tool used to target behaviors that are directed by knowledge and attitudes held by the individual. Building on the skills learned in GPH 726 and GPH 738, students will learn how to design and evaluate health education interventions using a human-centered approach.

This course examines the concepts, methods, and practices for assessing the health of a community. Topics include measuring community health status, developing community health profiles, identifying the determinants of health, and the utilization of community health assessment in developing public health interventions.

Recommended: GPH 738

Informatics—the interdisciplinary practice of managing and analyzing large datasets—is rapidly establishing itself as a core feature in all areas of healthcare. As public health adapts to this new information-driven reality, public health informatics itself is also evolving, bringing forth both obstacles and opportunities. This course will address the challenges of collecting, analyzing and communicating data, and will introduce how this data could be used to inform public health initiatives and improve health outcomes. It will also look at the ethical concerns that arise when dealing with the sensitive information this data often carries, which is now more easily collected—and shared—than ever.

Prerequisite: GPH 716

Obesity epidemiology presents current research on the burden of obesity, causes, health consequences, and strategies for prevention within the framework of epidemiology. Students will gain familiarity with publicly available datasets and research resources as well as methods to assess body composition, dietary intake and physical activity. Students will apply critical thinking informed by course content to critically evaluate studies in obesity epidemiology. Students will also practice skills in data analysis using publicly available datasets to analyze the association of lifestyle behaviors with body weight.

Prerequisites: GPH 712, GPH 716, GPH 719; Stata statistical software is required for this course.

Communities have preparedness protocols for emergencies like hurricanes, tornados, and earthquakes, but what do communities have for pandemics? The pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), a respiratory virus, required a response that matched its unique properties and the severity and intensity of the associated infection and disease. How do we prepare for the next pandemic? What would our preparation and response look like if the next pandemic is due to a fomite? What about a combination of fomites and inhalants? Is there potential to create a biohazard that is waterborne, foodborne, an inhalant, and a fomite? How would public health professionals prepare communities for this new biohazard?

This course equips students with the skill set necessary to prepare for the next pandemic. Students will be able to develop audience-appropriate resources and engage and effectively communicate best practices and prevention and mitigation strategies to key stakeholders.

This course introduces you to critical issues in global health emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach to understanding global health problems. The concepts and issues of global health will be considered as well as emerging issues and future concerns. Selected critical global topics in such areas as maternal and child health, food security, environmental health, chronic disease, and infectious disease will be covered.

Social marketing practice supports social and behavioral changes that increase the well-being and quality of life for individuals, families and societies. This course will equip students with public health skills needed to tackle complex health problems by applying marketing principles and social change tools to inform, design, and implement societal level behavioral changes that are efficient, inclusive, just, equitable, and sustainable.

In this course, students will explore the many and varied interrelationships among human, animal, and environmental health from a public health framework. Readings, lectures, and course activities are designed to guide students through a transdisciplinary exploration of national and global One Health initiatives. Students will apply One Health principles through case studies and the application of systems thinking tools to visually represent public health issues.

Students enrolled in the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program may propose independent or directed studies to further special scholarship or research interests. Students should complete all core MPH courses prior to the independent/directed study course. The proposed course requires the approval of the faculty sponsor, the Program Director, and the Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.

Choose 3 Epidemiology Electives

This course is designed for students who would like build on the basic principles of epidemiology to study infectious diseases in populations. By the end of this course, students will be able to: 1) describe the general principles of infectious disease epidemiology, 2) analyze epidemiologic study designs and measures in the context of infectious diseases, 3) apply outbreak investigation steps to an infectious disease outbreak, 4) describe infectious disease dynamics, 5) apply principles of disease transmission to develop disease prevention and control practices, 6) design data collection tools to investigate an infectious disease outbreak using computer-based software, 7) Analyze quantitative data about infectious diseases using biostatistics, 8) Interpret results of data analysis of an infectious disease investigation, 9) communicate audience-appropriate content reporting on an infectious disease outbreak both in writing and through oral presentation, and 10) describe the use of system thinking tools in infectious disease epidemiology.

Prerequisites: GPH 712

Applied Epidemiology is for individuals who want to practice and refine their epidemiological skills and ultimately participate in investigating health and disease in communities. This course will focus on the application of epidemiological tools and skills and offer a more in-depth experience for students who have completed the required courses.

Prerequisites: GPH 712 and GPH 716. Stata statistical software is required for this course.

This course is a continuation of GPH 716 (Biostatistics). The course will assume familiarity with the basic principles of data collection, one-and two-sample confidence intervals and hypothesis testing, as well as one-way ANOVA and the fundamentals of simple linear regression. It will focus on a more in-depth look at simple linear regression extending to multiple linear regression. Additionally, it will cover topics in probability, diagnostic and screening tests, nonparametics, and logistic regression.

Obesity epidemiology presents current research on the burden of obesity, causes, health consequences, and strategies for prevention within the framework of epidemiology. Students will gain familiarity with publicly available datasets and research resources as well as methods to assess body composition, dietary intake and physical activity. Students will apply critical thinking informed by course content to critically evaluate studies in obesity epidemiology. Students will also practice skills in data analysis using publicly available datasets to analyze the association of lifestyle behaviors with body weight.

Prerequisites: GPH 712, GPH 716, GPH 719; Stata statistical software is required for this course.

A fundamental goal of government is to protect and support the health of the public, but implementation of health policies may infringe on the protected rights and liberties of individuals and businesses. This conflict is sometimes characterized as “private interest versus public good.” This course explores the inherent tension between promoting the public health and protecting the legal and ethical rights and interests of individuals. The course will focus on the legal foundations of the American public health system and resulting ethical dilemmas that must be reconciled when the interests of the larger community may be at odds with those of individuals.

We will examine key elements of the U.S. legal system that govern and influence public health, including federal and state constitutions and laws, administrative law, and judicial decisions. Students will use the case study method approach to scrutinize ethical and legal issues in public health practice, administration and research, and analyze functions and interactions between courts, legislators and regulators. Class activities and assignments will provide students with opportunities to read and discuss case law, statutes and regulations, and probe relevant legal and ethical principles in public health.

Prerequisite: GPH 702.

Why do some public health issues receive so much political attention and others do not? How can advocates create political interest in a public health issue to generate legislative or regulatory change? Under what circumstances do public health issues tend to precipitate public funding?

Government action is a frequent driver of the practice of public health on the ground. From executive decisions to funding decisions to laws and regulations, our public health system- both its structure and its function – is built on public policy. In this course, you will gain a firm understanding of public health policy from the perspective of the public policy theories and frameworks we use to better understand the motivations, implementation, and impact of government action at the federal, state, and local levels. Prerequisites: GPH 702.

This course is designed for students who would like build on the basic principles of epidemiology to study infectious diseases in populations. By the end of this course, students will be able to: 1) describe the general principles of infectious disease epidemiology, 2) analyze epidemiologic study designs and measures in the context of infectious diseases, 3) apply outbreak investigation steps to an infectious disease outbreak, 4) describe infectious disease dynamics, 5) apply principles of disease transmission to develop disease prevention and control practices, 6) design data collection tools to investigate an infectious disease outbreak using computer-based software, 7) Analyze quantitative data about infectious diseases using biostatistics, 8) Interpret results of data analysis of an infectious disease investigation, 9) communicate audience-appropriate content reporting on an infectious disease outbreak both in writing and through oral presentation, and 10) describe the use of system thinking tools in infectious disease epidemiology.

Prerequisites: GPH 712

Applied Epidemiology is for individuals who want to practice and refine their epidemiological skills and ultimately participate in investigating health and disease in communities. This course will focus on the application of epidemiological tools and skills and offer a more in-depth experience for students who have completed the required courses.

Prerequisites: GPH 712 and GPH 716. Stata statistical software is required for this course.

This course is a continuation of GPH 716 (Biostatistics). The course will assume familiarity with the basic principles of data collection, one-and two-sample confidence intervals and hypothesis testing, as well as one-way ANOVA and the fundamentals of simple linear regression. It will focus on a more in-depth look at simple linear regression extending to multiple linear regression. Additionally, it will cover topics in probability, diagnostic and screening tests, nonparametics, and logistic regression.

Maternal and child health provides a foundation for a community’s development and sustainability. Students will apply public health frameworks to maternal and child health concepts and issues; in the process, they will gain a broad understanding of the field of maternal and child health from local and global standpoints. By the end of this course, students will be able to use data for action, apply evidence-based information, examine systems based approach to addressing issues, and examine cultural effects on maternal and child health.

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the field of Occupational Health. The course will emphasize the recognition, evaluation and control of hazards in the work environment. General principles and global processes will be linked to local issues and the regulatory environment through case studies.

This course provides students with an understanding of the importance of financial planning in healthcare, the difference between financial and managerial accounting, and using financial data to aid in business decisions. This course builds on students’ understanding of the basic concepts to enable them to plan, budget, control, and evaluate financial performance. This course covers fixed and variable expenses, capital management, and revenue streams. The course uses a combination of case-studies and exams to enable students to gain necessary analytical skills in health care finance.

Recommended: GPH 706

In this course students will have the opportunity to focus on the grant writing process (as it is designed and directed by a federal or state public health funding agency). Particular emphasis will be placed on identifying and applying the requisite skills to have a potential public health program funded. The course will feature hands-on assignments based on (current) real world topics, resources, and grant funding guidelines. While students do not need to have a background in accounting, many components of a grant application (including a line-item budget) will be addressed.

This course examines the concepts, methods, and practices for assessing the health of a community. Topics include measuring community health status, developing community health profiles, identifying the determinants of health, and the utilization of community health assessment in developing public health interventions.

Recommended: GPH 738

Obesity epidemiology presents current research on the burden of obesity, causes, health consequences, and strategies for prevention within the framework of epidemiology. Students will gain familiarity with publicly available datasets and research resources as well as methods to assess body composition, dietary intake and physical activity. Students will apply critical thinking informed by course content to critically evaluate studies in obesity epidemiology. Students will also practice skills in data analysis using publicly available datasets to analyze the association of lifestyle behaviors with body weight.

Prerequisites: GPH 712, GPH 716, GPH 719; Stata statistical software is required for this course.

This course introduces you to critical issues in global health emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach to understanding global health problems. The concepts and issues of global health will be considered as well as emerging issues and future concerns. Selected critical global topics in such areas as maternal and child health, food security, environmental health, chronic disease, and infectious disease will be covered.

Social marketing practice supports social and behavioral changes that increase the well-being and quality of life for individuals, families and societies. This course will equip students with public health skills needed to tackle complex health problems by applying marketing principles and social change tools to inform, design, and implement societal level behavioral changes that are efficient, inclusive, just, equitable, and sustainable.

In this course, students will explore the many and varied interrelationships among human, animal, and environmental health from a public health framework. Readings, lectures, and course activities are designed to guide students through a transdisciplinary exploration of national and global One Health initiatives. Students will apply One Health principles through case studies and the application of systems thinking tools to visually represent public health issues.

Students enrolled in the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program may propose independent or directed studies to further special scholarship or research interests. Students should complete all core MPH courses prior to the independent/directed study course. The proposed course requires the approval of the faculty sponsor, the Program Director, and the Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.

3 Health Education Courses

This course examines the concepts, methods, and practices for assessing the health of a community. Topics include measuring community health status, developing community health profiles, identifying the determinants of health, and the utilization of community health assessment in developing public health interventions.

Recommended: GPH 738

The interconnectivity of one’s environment and the choices made by individuals are undeniable. As we work on addressing socio-ecological factors that hinder health, we must also address personal choices and behaviors. Health education is an essential tool used to target behaviors that are directed by knowledge and attitudes held by the individual. Building on the skills learned in GPH 726 and GPH 738, students will learn how to design and evaluate health education interventions using a human-centered approach.

Social marketing practice supports social and behavioral changes that increase the well-being and quality of life for individuals, families and societies. This course will equip students with public health skills needed to tackle complex health problems by applying marketing principles and social change tools to inform, design, and implement societal level behavioral changes that are efficient, inclusive, just, equitable, and sustainable.

3 Global Health Courses (choose three of six)

This course introduces you to critical issues in global health emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach to understanding global health problems. The concepts and issues of global health will be considered as well as emerging issues and future concerns. Selected critical global topics in such areas as maternal and child health, food security, environmental health, chronic disease, and infectious disease will be covered.

Maternal and child health provides a foundation for a community’s development and sustainability. Students will apply public health frameworks to maternal and child health concepts and issues; in the process, they will gain a broad understanding of the field of maternal and child health from local and global standpoints. By the end of this course, students will be able to use data for action, apply evidence-based information, examine systems-based approaches to addressing issues, and examine cultural effects on maternal and child health.

Prerequisites: GPH 738

Communities have preparedness protocols for emergencies like hurricanes, tornados, and earthquakes, but what do communities have for pandemics? The pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), a respiratory virus, required a response that matched its unique properties and the severity and intensity of the associated infection and disease. How do we prepare for the next pandemic? What would our preparation and response look like if the next pandemic is due to a fomite? What about a combination of fomites and inhalants? Is there potential to create a biohazard that is waterborne, foodborne, an inhalant, and a fomite? How would public health professionals prepare communities for this new biohazard?

This course equips students with the skill set necessary to prepare for the next pandemic. Students will be able to develop audience-appropriate resources and engage and effectively communicate best practices and prevention and mitigation strategies to key stakeholders.

In this course, students will explore the many and varied interrelationships among human, animal, and environmental health from a public health framework. Readings, lectures, and course activities are designed to guide students through a transdisciplinary exploration of national and global One Health initiatives. Students will apply One Health principles through case studies and the application of systems thinking tools to visually represent public health issues.

This course introduces students to central health informatics tools, techniques, and concepts used to improve health outcomes through technology. Students explore various healthcare technology platforms, how data is used in healthcare, and how the need for cybersecurity and health data privacy shape the information infrastructure that powers modern healthcare. This course offers students a framework for deeper understanding of many of the concepts explored in subsequent coursework.

This course explores the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare leaders and organizations in an age of accountable care, and examines the critical role health data and informatics can and should play in strategic management. Using case-based study techniques, students explore practice and system management, strategic planning, and change leadership. Students combine these insights into health leadership with the actionable insights offered through effective health informatics and business intelligence practices, to craft optimal solutions to internal organizational processes and to external business decisions.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition for the University of New England Online Master of Public Health program is competitive among other schools at $830/credit,* and because all of our courses are delivered 100% online, you will not incur the cost of traveling or relocating to complete your degree. (*Note: Tuition is subject to change. Listed tuition does not include the cost of fees, books, or additional credits that may be required, etc. Contact Student Financial Services to learn more.)

Cost per
Credit: $830

# of credits for program:
42

Typical Cost for Program:
$34,860

 

Application Fee (non-refundable)
Free
General Services Fee (per semester, non-refundable for matriculated students)
$80
Tuition (per credit hour)
$830
Technology Fee (per semester)
$160
Registration Fee (non-matriculated students per semester)
$30

Accreditation & Associations

CEPH accredited logo

When choosing an institution of higher education, you want to be sure your investment will hold value upon completion. Accreditation at the University of New England Online and for our graduate programs ensures a high level of academic quality and public accountability for the education being provided. For the Master of Public Health program, we are proud to hold CEPH (Council on Education for Public Health) accreditation, and NECHE (New England Commission on Higher Education) accreditation for the university.

 

Additionally, we are a proud member of ASPPH (Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health) whose mission is to advance academic public health by mobilizing the collective power of our members to drive excellence and innovation in education, research, and practice.

Faculty

At the University of New England Online our dedicated Public Health faculty are scholar-practitioners who bring their professional knowledge and experience into the classroom. This model allows students to learn from a diverse and engaged pool of faculty. See our public health faculty and staff.

Student Support & Resources

At the University of New England Online, we are committed to providing our students with the highest level of academic and personal support. Our online public health programs were created with the working professional in mind. We understand the unique challenges of adult students who are often juggling school, career, and family, which is why we offer a robust Student Academic Success Center (SASC) and high-touch academic advising. Learn more about Student Support and Resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis six times per year; apply here. You can also contact an Enrollment Counselor by calling or texting (855) 325-0895 or emailing publichealth@une.edu for program and enrollment information.

At UNE Online, our goal is to admit students who demonstrate an ability to be successful in the Master of Public Health program and who will continue that success in their future endeavors. We require a Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited college or university as well as transcripts to help make a determination of academic readiness. We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications and do not rely solely on GPA.

Applications are reviewed holistically. You will have the opportunity to address any GPA concerns in your goal statement response following this prompt: How does your GPA accurately reflect your current abilities, talents, and readiness to enter a graduate program?

The GRE is not required as part of the admissions process. If you have taken the GRE, you are welcome to provide your score as part of your application package, but the GRE is not a requirement.

Registration

The online Master of Public Health offers three terms per year: spring, summer and fall. Each term consists of two 8-week sessions. Students take at least one course per 8-week session.

Students taking one course per 8-week session are considered full-time students, and eligible to receive financial aid.

MPH Courses

No. The Master of Public Health is completely online and asynchronous with no campus visits required. However, when you graduate, you are welcome to come join our on-campus Commencement ceremony!

Students must successfully complete 42 credit hours in order to earn the Master of Public Health degree, which includes completion of their Applied Practice Experience (internship) and Integrative Learning Experience (master’s thesis).

No, the online MPH does not require a final exam.

To be considered full time, students must take at least one course per eight-week session. The online MPH program offers three terms per year, allowing students to complete six to 12 courses per year.

UNE’s online MPH offers three options: a generalist track, Epidemiology focus area, and Public Health Education focus area. We offer a variety of elective courses to allow students to tailor their curriculum to their specific interests.

Our generalist track allows you to explore or combine a variety of interests through your choice of electives. Our Epidemiology and Public Health Education focus areas are a convenient way for you to specialize your MPH degree. *Please note that graduates of the MPH program will receive a diploma stating “Master of Public Health.” While a chosen focus area can be emphasized on a personal resume, the focus area title will not appear on your transcript or diploma. If you need additional documentation or verification, please contact an enrollment counselor.

The flexibility of our program allows students to complete their degree in as little as 18 months, though the average student completes the degree in 2 to 3 years. If you are interested in tailoring your academic plan, please contact an enrollment counselor by calling or texting (855) 325-0895 or emailing publichealth@une.edu.

Typical activities include lectures, readings, and group discussions. Assignments include creating online discussion posts, videos, and papers. Assignments vary for each course and may include other modalities not included here.

In a 2020 survey of UNE Online students and alumni, public health students reported spending an average of 19.8 hours per week on coursework. It is recommended that students log in to their course multiple times per week.

Yes, the MPH program specifically designed with the working professional in mind. In fact, in a 2022-23 poll of UNE Online students and alumni, 87.3% reported that they were working (64.7% full-time, 22.7% part-time) while completing their degree.

Public Health Graduate Certificate

Yes. Students can choose to earn a Graduate Certificate of Public Health (GCPH). The GCPH is also offered completely online, and GCPH credits can be transferred into the Master of Public Health program.

Students must successfully complete 18 credit hours to earn the Graduate Certificate.

Students applying to the Graduate Certificate program must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. The admissions team reviews applications holistically.

Registrar Policies

Yes. Up to nine credit hours may be reviewed for possible transfer credit into the MPH program. Up to six credits can be considered for the certificate option.

For transfer credits to be considered, they must meet the following criteria: 1. Completed at a CEPH-accredited institution. 2. Earned within the last five years. 3. Received a grade of B or higher. If you need any further clarification, please feel free to contact an Enrollment Counselor by texting or calling (855) 325-0895 or emailing publichealth@une.edu.

Resources

UNE offers a variety of academic, technical, and administrative support to assist you. Upon entering the program, a dedicated Student Support Specialist will be there to provide support and answer any questions you may have – from questions on textbooks, to registration, to financial aid and more. This support is provided in addition to the assistance you will receive from program staff, your academic advisor, course instructors and fellow classmates.

Though students are responsible for identifying a site and preceptor, the Assistant Director for Public Health Practice can assist by discussing potential sites, preceptors, and projects. The Assistant Director of Career Services also assists with preparation and outreach efforts.

Yes, UNE Public Health students are strongly encouraged to participate in the American Public Health Association-Student Assembly and there is the opportunity to be inducted into the Delta Omega Honorary Society, Gamma Chi Chapter after graduation.

Yes, UNE public health students are afforded the opportunity to become involved in our global health initiative, such as The Ghana Cross Cultural Health Immersion. If you have additional questions, please text or call (855) 325-0895 or email publichealth@une.edu to speak to an enrollment counselor.

Accreditation

Yes, the University of New England is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE). To learn more, please see www.une.edu/accreditation.

Yes, the Master of Public Health program here at the University of New England is accredited by Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). CEPH is the nationally recognized accrediting organization for public health programs.

The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is an independent agency recognized as the accrediting body for public health schools and programs by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation is a rigorous peer-review process designed to ensure that a program’s curriculum meets the standards set for high-quality education and training. CEPH accreditation means graduates are prepared, through their coursework, to meet the demands of the current public health workforce. Federal agencies often require this accreditation from their employees.

Cost

Tuition for the MPH and GCPH programs can be found here: https://online.une.edu/public-health/cost.

Most likely. Visit our financial aid page for more information.

Technical

This program uses the Brightspace D2L Learning Management System.