Master of Public Health Program for Experienced Professionals
May 15, 2026
August 25, 2026
Become a leader for sustainable change
Advance your public health or health care career with Ohio State’s fully online Master of Public Health – Program for Experienced Professionals (MPH-PEP). With its tailored curriculum, you’ll gain essential skills in leadership, strategy, and planning to support health organizations. The flexible MPH degree emphasizes population health leadership and management, preparing you to drive meaningful change in your community.
As part of a diverse cohort of learners, you’ll connect with peers from various fields and learn from experienced instructors with deep expertise. Plus, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience working with health professionals on projects, research, and population health initiatives.
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“This degree will give me more tools to do the work I’m doing with more impact and enable me to better respond to the health needs of the population I serve.”
Akua Amponsah, MD Online Master of Public Health Student -
“I have a better grasp on public health because of the program and am prepared for real-world challenges I face at work on a daily basis.”
Julia Applegate Online Master of Public Health Grad '20 -
“This is a very accommodating program that can build your foundation for the current work that you're doing or help you expand into other areas.”
Paul Matherny Online Master of Public Health Grad '23
Frequently Asked Questions
Designed specifically for working professionals, the Master of Public Health – Program for Experienced Professionals is a part-time program that values your work-life balance. You can complete the 42 credit hours in as little as two years or take up to five years to earn your MPH degree.
Courses are offered online in highly interactive formats, including group conversations, presentations, discussions, and lectures. You will connect with peers and instructors through Ohio State’s learning management system, CarmenCanvas, giving you the flexibility to complete assignments while maintaining dynamic connections with your learning community.
The MPH-PEP degree takes a systems approach to leadership and management in public health and health care, equipping professionals with skills in planning, implementing, and leading health strategies to drive sustainable change. The MPH in Biostatistics program focuses on developing expertise in biostatistics, dedicating over half of its curriculum to this specialization.
An MPA prepares individuals for leadership roles in government and nonprofit organizations. The curriculum emphasizes public policy, budgeting, and organizational management. Graduates often find careers in government agencies, consulting firms, nonprofits or advocacy groups. Conversely, an MPH focuses on improving population health through prevention and disease control. Core coursework includes epidemiology, biostatistics, and health education. MPH graduates frequently work in public health departments, healthcare organizations, non-profit health organizations or research institutions.
While you won’t need to go to campus, some courses may be synchronous, which means there are set meeting times to meet online; however, most courses are asynchronous. Additionally, you’ll complete the Applied Practice Experience (APE), an integral part of the MPH program that allows you to apply what you have learned in the classroom in a public health setting. You’ll work closely with the college to find an experience and then with a public health professional to gain valuable public health experience to meet educational and professional growth goals.
You’ll receive one-on-one guidance from a faculty advisor throughout the online MPH program. You’ll also receive support from the College of Public Health’s student services team, and you’ll have access to various Ohio State resources to help you succeed academically, provide career mentorship, and develop your professional interests.
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What Can You Do with a Master of Public Health?
Explore Master of Public Health careers and discover career outcomes for online MPH students at Ohio State.
Master of Public Health in Biostatistics
Advance your career in applied public health practice with the online MPH in Biostatistics program.
Biostatistics Graduate Certificate
Learn how to effectively analyze data, apply statistical methods, and contribute to public health research.
Academic Calendar
Apply by May 15 to be considered for the next Master of Public Health – Program for Experienced Professionals cohort. The part-time online program begins each autumn semester.
Academic Calendar
Apply by May 15 to be considered for the next Master of Public Health – Program for Experienced Professionals cohort. The part-time online program begins each autumn semester.
Admission Criteria
No GRE is required for this program. Applicants must apply through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS), and admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. A completed application includes the following:
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Completed SOPHAS application
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Official transcripts from any previous or current college coursework taken within the U.S.
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Completion of an undergraduate or graduate level stats course with a B or higher is preferred for a successful applicant
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Three letters of recommendation
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Personal statement
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Resume or CV
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Ohio State University Supplemental Application – this will be emailed to you from Ohio State one to two weeks after your centralized application reaches “Verified” status
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, subject to available space, and evaluated based on leadership experience, perseverance, academic history, program fit, and commitment to equity in public health.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Career Outlook
A Master of Public Health degree prepares you with the practical skills and methods to plan, implement, manage and evaluate population health strategies in multiple settings. Read how Ohio State students have applied their MPH degree to a range of professional careers.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.
Work Activities
Maintain updated client records with plans, notes, appropriate forms, or related information. Advise clients or community groups on issues related to improving general health, such as diet or exercise. Identify or contact members of high-risk or otherwise targeted groups, such as members of minority populations, low-income populations, or pregnant women.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $37,930
- Mid Level: $51,030
- Senior Level: $78,560
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
13.1%
Related Careers
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Health Education Specialists
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Mental Health Counselors
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- Medicine and Dentistry
What They Do
Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Work Activities
Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings. Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control. Collect, synthesize, analyze, manage, and report environmental data, such as pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring measurements, meteorological or mineralogical information, or soil or water samples.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $50,130
- Mid Level: $80,060
- Senior Level: $134,830
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
7.3%
Related Careers
- Conservation Scientists
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors
- Environmental Engineers
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
- Industrial Ecologists
Job Sectors
- English Language
- Biology
- Customer and Personal Service
- Law and Government
- Computers and Electronics
What They Do
Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.
Work Activities
Translate nursing practice information between nurses and systems engineers, analysts, or designers, using object-oriented models or other techniques. Use informatics science to design or implement health information technology applications for resolution of clinical or health care administrative problems. Develop or implement policies or practices to ensure the privacy, confidentiality, or security of patient information.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $63,160
- Mid Level: $103,790
- Senior Level: $166,030
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
10.7%
Related Careers
- Clinical Data Managers
- Health Education Specialists
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars
- Medical and Health Services Managers
- Nurse Practitioners
Job Sectors
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
What They Do
Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May link health systems, health providers, insurers, and patients to address individual and population health needs. May serve as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.
Work Activities
Prepare and distribute health education materials, such as reports, bulletins, and visual aids, to address smoking, vaccines, and other public health concerns. Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with agencies and organizations interested in public health care. Maintain databases, mailing lists, telephone networks, and other information to facilitate the functioning of health education programs.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $42,210
- Mid Level: $63,000
- Senior Level: $112,900
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
7%
Related Careers
- Community Health Workers
- Health Informatics Specialists
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
- Rehabilitation Counselors
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Administrative
- Psychology
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
Work Activities
Direct, supervise and evaluate work activities of medical, nursing, technical, clerical, service, maintenance, and other personnel. Develop and maintain computerized record management systems to store and process data, such as personnel activities and information, and to produce reports. Plan, implement, and administer programs and services in a health care or medical facility, including personnel administration, training, and coordination of medical, nursing and physical plant staff.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $69,680
- Mid Level: $117,960
- Senior Level: $219,080
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
28.5%
Related Careers
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Health Education Specialists
- Health Informatics Specialists
- Social and Community Service Managers
Job Sectors
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Education and Training
What They Do
Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.
Work Activities
Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination. Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels. Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $61,860
- Mid Level: $100,590
- Senior Level: $168,210
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
11.5%
Related Careers
- Biochemists and Biophysicists
- Epidemiologists
- Geneticists
- Microbiologists
- Physicians, Pathologists
Job Sectors
- Biology
- English Language
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
What They Do
Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
Work Activities
Maintain complete and detailed records of patients' health care plans and prognoses. Develop treatment plans, based on scientific rationale, standards of care, and professional practice guidelines. Provide patients with information needed to promote health, reduce risk factors, or prevent disease or disability.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $97,960
- Mid Level: $129,210
- Senior Level: $169,950
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
46.3%
Related Careers
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Family Medicine Physicians
- Registered Nurses
Job Sectors
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Biology
- Psychology
- Customer and Personal Service
What They Do
Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.
Work Activities
Examine eyes, using observation, instruments, and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus, and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma or color blindness. Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan. Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $70,060
- Mid Level: $134,830
- Senior Level: $203,210
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
8.7%
Related Careers
- Dermatologists
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- General Internal Medicine Physicians
- Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
- Pediatric Surgeons
Job Sectors
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Biology
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Mathematics
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
Work Activities
Establish and oversee administrative procedures to meet objectives set by boards of directors or senior management. Direct activities of professional and technical staff members and volunteers. Evaluate the work of staff and volunteers to ensure that programs are of appropriate quality and that resources are used effectively.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $50,020
- Mid Level: $78,240
- Senior Level: $129,820
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
8.2%
Related Careers
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Community Health Workers
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Rehabilitation Counselors
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Psychology
- Education and Training
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
As an Ohio State student in the online MPH program, you’ll dig deeper into specific concepts in leadership, organizational operations, decision-making, cost-effectiveness evaluation and project management.
Foundational MPH Courses
The Program for Experiened Professionals builds on the College of Public Health’s foundational MPH curriculum and competencies, which comprise 12 of 42 credit hours.
Fundamentals of biostatistics and epidemiology for MPH students: Will cover core knowledge areas in quantitative data analysis, morbidity, mortality, and risk assessment to understand population health.
Explores the values, history and essential services of the US public health system and the foundations of the social and environmental determinants of health, including the impact of racism, poverty and other structural inequalities.
Addresses the methodology, conceptual frameworks, and strategies for planning and evaluating public health programs.
Examines the organization, delivery and payment of healthcare services in the US and across the world; the framework for organizing the presentation and use of information concerning the effect of environmental conditions on health status.
Required Specialization Courses
The online MPH-PEP includes 19 credit hours that highlight practical skills and experiences for working professionals who wish to advance to a leadership role.
Introduces major theories and concepts of leadership and organizational behavior and their application to challenges public health organizations and health care systems.
Introduces the role of project management in executing successful projects. Focuses on concepts and tools of basic project management, with a special emphasis on managing projects in health care and public health settings. Highlights fundamental techniques for project planning, scheduling and monitoring through case studies, class exercises and assignments.
Applies the principles of microeconomics to health care sectors, with special emphasis on issues relevant to public health professionals. Introduces the use of economic analysis and economic evaluation for healthcare decision making.
Provides a foundation in the approaches, concepts and methods of strategic planning and the management of organizational change as applied to public health and population health management.
Introduces fundamental theories, principles and practices for designing and managing operations. Emphasizes the unique aspects of process and system design in the health care organizations and in the community health system, including processes that cross organizational boundaries and include diverse stakeholders.
Provides an overview of the theory and applications of cost‐benefit analysis, cost‐effectiveness analysis, cost‐utility analysis and related forms of economic evaluation of interventions in the health care sector.
Addresses complex population health issues using tools learned through the MPH-PEP degree program. Involves small group work through a population health case developed by a community partner, incorporating project management, leadership, health economics, evaluation and operations management tools.
Applied Practice Experience
The applied practice experience (APE) is an integral part of the MPH-PEP. It allows you to apply what you’ve learned in the online classroom in a public health setting. Learn more about the APE from the College of Public Health.
Integrative Learning Experience
Final project for MPH degree to demonstrate synthesis of foundational and concentration competencies applicable to a public health topic.
Understanding Online Course Types
As you research the right online program for you, you likely will come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” Learn what these terms mean and how they’re important to consider when understanding how a program will fit into your life.
Learn More
Program Faculty
Improve your expertise in public health, management, and leadership by learning from instructors with extensive real-world experience. The MPH program’s online courses are taught by the same instructors who teach on-campus courses at The Ohio State University’s College of Public Health.
Andrew Wapner, DO, MPH
Director of the Master of Public Health – Program for Experienced Professionals
Andrew Wapner, DO, MPH serves as the co-director of the Center for Public Health Practice, director of the Master of Public Health – Program for Experienced Professionals, and associate clinical professor at the College of Public Health. He also leads various public health initiatives and committees and is a practicing pediatrician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Urgent Care. Dr. Wapner’s experience in public health and health policy focuses on integrating healthcare and public health to enhance population health.
Testimonials
The Ohio State University’s online Master of Public Health – Program for Experienced Professionals has empowered passionate graduates to excel in careers across public health, community health and health care.
Hear from Paul Matherny, MPH ’23, and read more about how Ohio State’s online degree helped him on his advocacy journey.
“I find myself using articles, techniques and strategies I’ve learned in class in my daily work practice. And the best thing is that it happened right away — the first chapter I read, I was taking notes for work, not just for class.”
“This is a very accommodating program that can build your foundation for the current work that you're doing or help you expand into other areas.”
“I have a better grasp on public health because of the program and am prepared for real-world challenges I face at work on a daily basis.”
“This degree will give me more tools to do the work I’m doing with more impact and enable me to better respond to the health needs of the population I serve.”
Tuition Fee Overview
Investing in your future with a higher education degree is one of the best investments you can make for your future success. At Ohio State, we know understanding your program’s cost is an important part of your decision-making process. Below are the tuition fees you can expect with your program.
| Tuition Fees | Per Credit Hour (unless otherwise noted) | Estimated Cost Per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Instructional Fee | $829.75 | $4,978.50 |
| General Fee | $32.63 | $195.78 |
| Distance Learning Fee | $100.00 (per semester) | $100 |
| Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) | $200 |
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill.
Financial Aid Resource
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