Online Master of Public Health

Offered every fall and spring
Students are introduced to the program’s learning platforms, tools, and resources to support their success in an online learning environment. Students learn the foundations of public health, including public health history, its core functions and disciplines and biological and social factors that affect health.

Offered every fall and spring
In this module, students learn about public health approaches for health and health equity, including social determinants of health. Students learn fundamental quantitative skills to analyze, synthesize, and apply data to inform decisions, and improve population health outcomes. Students are also introduced to different data collection methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis, population health needs assessments, techniques for budget and resource management, and strategies for effective leadership including managing conflict.

Offered every spring
In this module, students learn about policymaking, and culturally and context appropriate communication and strategies to improve health in diverse populations. Students learn to design theory – and evidence-based policies, programs, and interventions. The module also covers ethics, and local and global politics in policymaking, and how to assess health care and regulatory systems.

Offered every fall
In this module, students develop both quantitative and qualitative research design and analysis skills to identify and address sources of health inequities. Students develop skills in epidemiologic methods, exposure assessment, and health impact assessment to apply to current challenges in climate and environmental health. The module includes techniques for data management, data visualization and translation, coding and thematic analyses.

Offered every fall and spring
In this module, students learn strategies to address public health challenges affecting their communities. Students learn to translate knowledge into practice by using effective communication and education strategies to integrate different perspectives, audiences, and sectors. Students develop skills in stakeholder engagement, public health advocacy, resource-mapping, coalition building, community health organizing, and policy evaluation.

Offered every spring
In this practice-based module, students learn to apply research skills in real- world settings to improve the health outcomes of individuals, communities, and populations. Students gain real-world experiences in areas such as: community health needs assessments, intervention design, implementation, and cost estimation, and monitoring and evaluation of programs for impact and implementation fidelity.

Offered every fall and summer
In this final capstone module, students demonstrate the skills and knowledge they gained throughout the program in the form of a high-quality written product. Students address the ways that structural bias and social inequities undermine health and design strategies to communicate evidence-based findings to diverse audiences.

Yes. Applicants must have two years of full time work experience when they submit their application. Public health work experience is preferred but not necessary.

MPH program students are employed by many different industries and fields. Recent students have included employees from federal and local governments, NGOs, community health organizations, healthcare providers, hospital administrations, and pharmaceutical companies. Our students are united by their commitment to improving health equity while advancing in their professional careers.

Yes. As a CEPH-accredited program, the practicum is a requirement. As an Master’s in Public Health online student, you will be assigned a project-based practicum that is embedded in Module 5, which means you will not need to identify your own practicum.

As an accessibly priced degree program, BU Online MPH students are not eligible for institutional scholarships, but domestic students may qualify for Federal Unsubsidized Loans. Visit our Office of Student Financial Services (https://www.bumc.bu.edu/osfs/applying-for-aid/olmph/) to learn more.

A module is the equivalent of two graduate-level courses at the same time within one semester.
Each module requires commitment and planning to meet weekly assigned deliverables. You can expect to spend about 20 hours per week on readings, assessments, practice problems, watching videos, and/or group projects.

Since this is a part-time program designed for the working professional, students may only take 1 module per semester.

No. Content is released weekly and you are expected to meet weekly deadlines. We cannot release material ahead of a predetermined schedule.

While the live sessions are optional, the deliverables and assignments are not. Please be prepared to work through your content on a week to week basis during the semester.

Module 0 is a preparatory module that prepares students for the Master’s in Public Health. The content includes a history of public health, learning strategies and a quantitative primer. Module 0 must be completed before the start of your first semester.

The BU Online MPH program requires at least 20 hours of work per week. New content is released every week, and there are weekly assessment deadlines. These assessments can take the form of quizzes, papers, or group work. There are also weekly Faculty Live sessions and Learning Facilitator office hours. Attendance at live sessions and office hours is optional but highly recommended. Session recordings are available and students who cannot attend are expected to watch the recordings.

Every module is assigned a Learning Facilitator and every student has access to a Student Success Specialist to assist you during your academic journey. Learning Facilitators and Student Success Specialists are full-time BUSPH staff members.

Our Boston University Online MPH Student Success team holds virtual opportunities to build community with our students across the country and globe. Master’s in Public Health students in the online program are also invited to attend selected, school-wide virtual opportunities. Learn more about program resources and community engagement opportunities here: https://www.bu.edu/sph/students/online-mph-student-success/

Yes. The coursework and weekly live sessions are developed and delivered by recognizable BUSPH faculty members. The Student Success team and Learning Facilitators are also full-time BUSPH staff members.