Navigating Part Time MPH Programs: A Guide for Professionals

There are many advantages to part-time learning in the field of public health. For many people, pursuing higher education comes with either pausing their career and/or taking on massive student loans². The advantages of part-time learning in the field of public health are that it allows students to focus on balancing education with other life responsibilities. Most part-time MPH programs allow students to have flexibility in their schedules to continue working in the field and attending to other life responsibilities, potentially ruling out the need to stop working completely and lowering or eliminating student loans. Part-time programs offer classes in the evenings, weekends, or on your own time online to maximize flexibility and personalize the program. This is particularly valuable for public health professionals who either can’t afford it or don’t want to take a step back from their professional roles in the field.

Another benefit to part-time MPH programs is that they can actually help working professionals advance in their careers without taking a break from work. Part-time students can leverage their current roles to enhance their studies, and vice versa. The courses will be directly applicable to whatever work the student is doing, since most MPH programs will offer the same ‘core courses’ that apply to all public health practice. These are topics like public health theory, health promotion, biostatistics, social and behavioral health, and more.

Beyond professional benefits from earning an MPH degree, going to graduate school also greatly supports personal growth. MPH graduate students gain time management skills, expand their professional networks, and acquire a deeper understanding of global and local health challenges. Whether you earn your MPH full-time, part-time, in-person, or fully online, you are guaranteed to feel a deeper sense of connection to your public health community and a strong desire to contribute positively to the public health landscape.

Similar to full-time programs, part time public health degree programs include core courses that provide a foundation in public health principles, as well as electives for potential specializations. Below is a list of common courses found in MPH curricula and their objectives.

In addition to core courses, many public health programs offer concentrations or specialization options for their MPH students. These could be topics like Health Economics, Health Communication, Occupational Health Sciences, Social and Behavioral Science, or Public Health Policy and Management. 

In addition to coursework, most MPH programs (both full- and part-time) also require some type of hands-on experience, like an internship and/or capstone project. These experiences are integral to part-time public health education programs and give students additional opportunities to apply these classroom learnings to real-world settings. As a part-time student, you’ll need to carefully review the requirements of a given program to make sure that it will align with other responsibilities.

Most MPH programs have the same admission requirements. Prospective students typically need the following academic and professional prerequisites for admission.

Some public health programs have a GRE score required for entry; however, many programs have dropped the GRE requirement in recent years. The University of California, San Diego does not require this exam for entry into the program. We have a separate article detailing additional MPH programs that do not require a GRE and specific online programs that do not require a GRE. 

Most MPH programs require letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic or professional qualifications, typically a supervisor, colleague, or undergraduate faculty member. You’ll also be asked to submit a personal statement or statement of purpose, which functions like a tailored cover letter explaining why you’re seeking admission to that specific program. While many MPH programs begin in the fall (August or September), some offer rolling admissions and year-round start dates.

Here are a few tips to help strengthen your application:

Finally, remember: while schools are assessing your fit for their program, you should be doing the same. Talk to alumni and faculty about their experiences, double-check application deadlines, and don’t hesitate to reach out to admissions offices with questions. Since you'll be investing significant time and energy into your MPH, make sure the program aligns with your goals and values.

Part-time MPH programs are both time and money investments, so it’s important to find an affordable MPH program that meets your needs. Whether that means exploring exclusively online MPH programs, looking at public instead of private institutions, or inquiring about different funding options, it’s important to consider tuition as a factor when making your decision. 

Public health tuition ranges from school to school; public versus private universities, online Master of Public Health programs vs their in-person cohorts. In addition to the cost per credit hour, there are additional typical costs associated with attending graduate school, such as books, taxes and fees, and practicum costs. Explore your prospective school’s websites to read more about their specific breakdown of tuition costs. 

You might be asking yourself, “Is financial aid available for part-time MPH students?” No matter where you choose to pursue your graduate studies, we believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to continuing your education. That’s why it’s essential to consider scholarships, loan forgiveness, and employer support when evaluating MPH programs.

In general, earning post-graduate degrees uplifts salaries and provides a greater opportunity for career advancement³. While this return on investment can be significant, it’s still important to go into your part-time MPH program with your eyes wide open about financing. 

Graduates of part-time MPH programs are well-positioned for rewarding and diverse careers in public health. With the flexibility of a part-time program that allows students to study while continuing to work, many people build on their current careers while preparing for advancement or a pivot into public health.

Part-time MPH graduates have endless options for roles and sectors. They could work in a government agency such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), or local and state health departments. Others will enter the nonprofit world or private health care firms. Part-time MPH graduates can take on roles in health care administration, consulting, health administration, population health, or regulatory compliance. Some common job titles for part-time MPH degree holders include:

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in health care-related occupations is expected to grow by 13% in the next decade, which is faster than the average for other occupations⁴. Roles in health management are particularly promising, with above-average growth and salaries in the median six figures. Medical and Health Service Managers as a profession are expected to grow in the next decade by almost 30%, which is much faster than the average in the United States⁵. The national median salary for these roles was almost $118,000 in 2024, with an average of almost $136,0005⁶. Earning your MPH degree can significantly enhance your earning potential, especially when paired with practical working experience.