Articles > Healthcare > What is an MPH degree?
°Â³ó²¹³ÙÌýis an MPH degree?
This article was updated on June 6, 2024.
Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed by Mark Jóhannsson, DHSc, MPH, Dean, College of Health Professions
Healthcare professionals who are passionate about ensuring people in the community stay safe and healthy have several options in public health education, including a Master’s in Public Health. Let’s take a closer look at this degree and how it differs from other healthcare degrees.
What is the purpose of an MPH degree?Â
Earning an online master’s degree, particularly a master's in public health degree, A master’s in public health degree (MPH) is a graduate-level program designed to equip students with the skills needed to promote and protect community health. By pursuing an online MPH degree, students gain a broad and practical understanding of public health concepts applicable to diverse careers in the field.
What is the scope of an MPH degree program?Â
A Master of Public Health (MPH degree) is a graduate-level degree that prepares students to play a role in overseeing and maintaining the health of populations. Through an online Master of Public Health degree program, students can develop a comprehensive understanding of public health principles that apply to a wide range of roles.
MPH degree programs vary by institution, especially in their application requirements. Students who want to pursue a graduate degree in healthcare should first consider earning a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Specific MPH coursework will . A key focus of public health courses, however, is on evidence-based approaches to public health programs, community health leadership, global health, data analytics, and planning and management. Ultimately, after completing an MPH degree, students should be able to understand, create and implement community programs, connect with leaders and create large-scale change in healthcare.
How long does it take to get an MPH? Again, it depends on the program, however, the typical program length for an MPH can be up to 24 months. Online programs may be completed in less time.
How is an MPH different from an MHA and MS in public health?Â
While an MPH focuses on understanding and addressing factors that affect community health, a Master of Health Administration (MHA) deals with the business side of healthcare.
MPH programs prepare students for careers that influence public health policy, research and program implementation. They emphasize a broad approach to health promotion and disease prevention in communities.
MHA programs are for professionals who want to focus on leadership roles within healthcare facilities. Courses typically include healthcare economics, finance, management practices and human resources. MHA graduates typically finish with skills that help them effectively run hospitals, clinics and other healthcare organizations.
An MS in Public Health focuses more on research or specialization, such as in infectious diseases or epidemiology.
While all three degrees aim to improve health outcomes, the MPH deals with health issues on a large scale, focusing on  that impact health. The MHA focuses on efficient operation of healthcare facilities like clinics, hospitals and broader healthcare systems.
 An MS in Public Health focuses more on research or specialization, such as in infectious diseases or epidemiology. An MHA focuses on the management and administration of healthcare organizations like clinics, hospitals and broader healthcare systems.
Ready to learn more about online MPH programs?
If you’re interested in the possibility of pursuing an MPH degree, °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ offers online health programs, including an online MPH degree, a master’s in health administration, and a master of business healthcare administration.
Contact °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ for more information.
Heather Steiness, PhD, MPH
Associate Dean, College of Health Professions
“Addressing public health problems, particularly disparities in health, benefits from a diverse workforce with deep knowledge of the relationship between inequity and health. For that reason, UOPX seeks to remove unnecessary barriers to education and provide opportunities for individuals who may have been shut out by more traditional models.
"The Master of Public Health in Community Health Leadership degree at the °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ specifically prepares learners with the skills they need to become leaders in the field, whether it is working at a community health organization, for a city or state health department, or in any public health role that requires a strong leader."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Mark Jóhannsson is the Dean of the College of Health Professions. He has a career spanning over 35 years of healthcare management, public health practice, higher education administration, teaching and clinical/behavioral research within corporate, community and academic settings. He has served as both an educational and keynote speaker, and he has been published in a variety of peer-reviewed and periodic literature.
This article has been vetted by °®ÎÛ´«Ã½'s editorial advisory committee.Â
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