2020 Most Affordable Online MPH Programs

New Mexico State University (NMSU) offers an online Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in Health Behavior and Promotion (HBHP) or Health Management, Administration, and Policy (HMAP). Students in the 42-credit program must attend an on-campus orientation at the beginning of their first semester. Students can complete the remaining degree requirements online, including 15 credits of core courses, 18 credits of concentration courses, three credits of cultural foundation courses, and three field experience credits. Students in the HBHP concentration may choose between a thesis and non-thesis option, while students in the HMAP track must select the non-thesis option. The program can be completed in 3-4 years.

Online courses are asynchronous and delivered through the Canvas learning management system. Online learners will also utilize Skype, Zoom, and Adobe Connect technology. Students can pay for tuition per-credit-hour and enroll in a payment plan. Active military students are eligible for reduced tuition rates. There are many awards available to current graduate students, including the Mike Watts Outstanding Leadership Award, Merit-based Enhancement Award, and more. Students have access to the ICT Help Desk and electronic library resources.

Applicants must submit an institutional application to NMSU and the graduate program supplement application. After applying, prospective graduate students will be contacted via email with additional instructions.

Columbia Southern University (CSU) offers an online Master of Public Administration degree. The 36-credit program focuses on resolving societal problems regarding ethics, policy, and more. Students are required to complete 24 credits of major courses, including Public Administration Ethics, Organizational Policy, and Strategic Planning, in addition to 12 credits of concentration courses. Students must develop a comprehensive personal leadership training plan in the Critical Issues in Leadership course.

Online coursework is asynchronous, and students must complete assignments within set deadlines. Students may enroll in a self-paced study option; however, this program is not eligible for financial aid. CSU accepts transfer credits for previously earned academic credits or professional experience and offers a reduced tuition rate for active duty military members. Additionally, students can pay tuition through weekly, biweekly, or monthly payment options. Tuition fees cover the cost of textbooks. Multiple scholarships are available for military and public safety personnel, such as the Robert G. Mayes Memorial Scholarship and the Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship. Additionally, the Knight Scholarship is intended for prospective students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate online degree program.

Students must have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution to apply to the graduate program. Applicants must submit a completed application and official transcripts.

Lamar University offers an online Master of Public Health program that focuses on health issues that affect low socioeconomic populations, including how to approach and control major environmental health problems. The 42-credit curriculum includes 27 credits of core courses, nine credits of electives, and a 6-credit capstone course sequence where students develop a research proposal and seminar. The core courses cover theories in social and behavioral sciences, health program administration, and research methods in diverse populations. Students can complete the program in 24 months.

Online classes follow an asynchronous format. Coursework is delivered through the Blackboard learning management system, where students can access pre-recorded video lectures and simulations, submit assignments, and participate in discussion boards. Students have the option to pay tuition by the course. Military and veteran students can receive credit for prior military training or education. The application fee is waived for active duty military members. Online students have access to technical support and electronic library resources.

To apply, students must submit an online application (with fee) and official transcripts; however, community college transcripts are not required for graduate applicants. Prospective students must have a bachelor's degree from a nationally accredited university with a minimum GPA of 2.5.