Master of Public Health Program for Experienced Professionals
May 15, 2026
August 25, 2026
Advance your public health career with the online Master of Public Health
Designed for working professionals, Ohio State’s fully online, part-time Master of Public Health (MPH) Program for Experienced Professionals prepares you to lead population health initiatives, support health organizations, and drive sustainable change—without putting your career on hold.
This online master’s degree in public health emphasizes population health leadership and management, preparing professionals for strategic roles across public health and health care organizations.
Why earn your Master of Public Health at Ohio State?
Ohio State’s CEPH-accredited online MPH program combines academic rigor with flexibility for busy schedules. In the program, you’ll:
- Learn in a 100% online, part-time format designed for working professionals
- Complete 42 credit hours in as little as two years, with flexible pacing options
- Build expertise in population health leadership and management, with a focus on health systems, strategy, and organizational change
- Connect with classmates who are experienced professionals from public health, health care, policy, and community-based fields
- Learn from expert faculty in The Ohio State University College of Public Health, the No. 1 college for public health education in Ohio (U.S. News & World Report)
Applied learning in an online MPH program
As an online MPH student at Ohio State, you’ll go beyond theory. Through the Applied Practice Experience (APE), you’ll work with public health professionals on real projects, research, and population health initiatives—applying what you learn directly to your career and community.
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“I have been surprised by how much I’ve enjoyed online coursework. I love it! As a working parent of two, I don’t think I would have been able to find space in my schedule were it not for the flexibility inherent to the MPH-PEP.”
Jamie O'Leary Online MPH-PEP Student -
“I never imagined being a student again. Don’t let your age hinder you from pursuing a program to equip you with the tools needed to address the change you want to see in the world.”
Olivia Nathan Online MPH-PEP Grad '23 -
“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 MPH-PEP Grad '23
Frequently Asked Questions
Ohio State’s online Master of Public Health Program for Experienced Professionals is designed as a part-time program. You can complete the 42-credit-hour MPH in as little as two years, with up to five years allowed for completion.
Yes. The Ohio State online MPH is delivered primarily asynchronously, with some courses offering optional or required synchronous sessions. You can complete the program without traveling to campus.
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 Program for Experienced Professionals focuses on leadership, management, and systems-level public health practice. The MPH in Biostatistics is a specialized program with a strong emphasis on statistical methods and data analysis, dedicating more than half of the curriculum to biostatistics coursework.
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 access to Ohio State’s academic, career, and professional development resources—ensuring support from enrollment through graduation.
The APE is a flexible, supported field experience in Ohio State’s online MPH program, with faculty guidance and options to complete it through your current workplace or a public health setting that fits your goals. It allows you to apply population health leadership and management skills in a professional setting by completing at least 120 hours of supervised practice.
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Related Programs
In addition to the Program for Experienced Professionals, Ohio State offers a range of online and on-campus public health degrees and certificates—giving you the flexibility to choose a program that aligns with your career goals and lifestyle. All graduate programs require a bachelor’s degree for admission.
Advance your career in applied public health practice with the online Master of Public Health in Biostatistics program. You’ll expand on a foundational MPH curriculum with specialized courses in biostatistics, public health informatics, and statistical computing software.
Ohio State’s online 14-credit-hour Biostatistics Graduate Certificate equips you to effectively analyze data, apply statistical methods, and contribute to public health research.
The Ohio State University College of Public Health offers several campus-based MPH specializations, including biomedical informatics, environmental health sciences, epidemiology, health behavior and health promotion, and veterinary public health.
Academic Calendar
The Master of Public Health follows Ohio State’s academic calendar, with Autumn start terms each year. Review upcoming application deadlines and term start dates below, and apply early for the greatest flexibility. Our Enrollment Advisors are available to help you determine the best start term based on your professional and personal schedule.
Academic Calendar
The Master of Public Health follows Ohio State’s academic calendar, with Autumn start terms each year. Review upcoming application deadlines and term start dates below, and apply early for the greatest flexibility. Our Enrollment Advisors are available to help you determine the best start term based on your professional and personal schedule.
Admission Criteria
The MPH Program for Experienced Professionals is ideal for those seeking a flexible, leadership-focused public health degree. No GRE is required, but there are some requirements. If you need help navigating your application, connect with an Enrollment Advisor who can answer your questions and guide you through the admission process.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their application through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS). A complete application includes:
- Completed SOPHAS application
- Official transcripts from all previous or current U.S. college or university coursework
- Completion of an undergraduate- or graduate-level statistics course (a grade of B or higher is preferred for successful applicants)
- Three letters of recommendation
- A personal statement outlining academic and professional goals
- A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- The Ohio State University Supplemental Application, which will be emailed one to two weeks after your SOPHAS application reaches “Verified” status
Application review process
Applications to Ohio State’s online MPH program are reviewed on a rolling basis, subject to available space, and evaluated holistically. Admissions decisions consider:
- Leadership and professional experience
- Academic preparation and performance
- Program fit and readiness for graduate-level study
- Commitment to equity in public health
- Evidence of perseverance and professional growth
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.”
“One thing that has impressed me is the caliber of my peers from so many disciplines and careers. Reading the message boards or just overhearing their stories about working directly with patients makes the degree program feel much more practical than theoretical.”
“The Program for Experienced Professionals has been a space to build on my advocacy work and focus the frustrations I feel about big issues such as health care inequities, addiction stigma and climbing overdose deaths.”
“I decided to pursue the MPH to enhance my competencies to better serve patients in the community where I work (and) effectively advocate on behalf of my patients.”
“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.”
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill.
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