Public Health, M.P.H.

Program Overview

Public health is more than reacting to crises; it is about building the systems that prevent them from happening in the first place. The online Master of Public Health degree looks beyond individual clinical cases, focusing on the practical application of science and research to improve the health of entire populations. Housed in the School of Public Health, this graduate program prepares you to look at the broad factors that affect large groups, reduce health disparities, and improve healthcare accessibility. Whether you are transitioning from direct patient care, social work, education, or another helping profession, this program allows you to turn your firsthand field experience into widespread regional or national impact.

Champion Community Wellness

Step into a critical field with the practical training and multi-sector skills required to lead large-scale healthcare initiatives and protect vulnerable populations.

• CEPH Accredited: Graduate from a multidisciplinary, practice-based program that carries the Council on Education for Public Health certification, meeting the strict standards preferred by employers.
• Flexible Format: Complete your coursework online and asynchronously with no campus visits required.
• Career Versatility: Position yourself to lead initiatives within state and local health departments, corporate clinical networks, federal agencies, or global non-profit organizations.
• Dedicated Mentorship: Benefit from our faculty mentor program, pairing you one-on-one with accomplished faculty who share your specific background and professional interests.

What You’ll Learn

During your time in the program, you will learn to connect evidence with action, translating research into practical health solutions. The curriculum balances foundational health theory with applied learning to ensure you can confidently navigate changing social, political, and economic health landscapes.

• Data to Action: Master essential skills in data analysis, research methods, and program evaluation to help organizations make informed, life-saving decisions.
• Applied Practice: Gain 180 hours of critical, hands-on training through an integrated practical experience, which can be completed flexibly right at your current place of employment.
• Community Assessment: Learn to evaluate population needs, identify emerging health trends, and design effective communication strategies to educate the public.
• Systems-Level Advocacy: Develop the tools to engage diverse sectors, collaborate on multidisciplinary teams, and advocate for policy changes that remove barriers to healthcare access.

Featured Courses

Review some of the courses you can take while you pursue your M.P.H.

Tuition, Fees, and Aid

Cost per credit hour is listed on each program page. Rates are reviewed annually and subject to change.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies, and living expenses. Please visit WVU’s Estimate Costs and Aid website for how to plan for other potential expenses.

Careers and Employment

The online Master of Public Health program will prepare you to address complex health challenges and improve population health through evidence-based strategies. After completing this program, will be able to analyze health data, develop policies, and implement programs that promote wellness and prevent disease. This program aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to lead public health initiatives that make a measurable impact on communities through the exploration of topics such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and health policy while engaging in hands-on experiences through applied projects and practicums. These opportunities will allow you to connect classroom learning to real-world public health settings, strengthening your ability to design and evaluate effective interventions.

What can I do with a Public Health, M.P.H. degree? Explore potential careers, employment environments, and academic pathways:

• Epidemiologist: An epidemiologist studies the causes and patterns of disease in populations. They design and conduct studies, collect and analyze data, and communicate findings to policymakers and the public.
• Health Educator: Health educators develop and implement programs that promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, community organizations, and healthcare facilities.
• Public Health Consultant: Public health consultants work with organizations and agencies to develop and implement public health policies and programs. They may provide guidance on disease prevention, health promotion, or emergency preparedness.
• Biostatistician: Biostatisticians use statistical methods to analyze public health data and help researchers and policymakers understand health trends and patterns. They work in a variety of settings, including academic institutions, government agencies, and healthcare organizations.
• Health Policy Analyst: Health policy analysts’ study and analyze health policies and programs to assess their effectiveness and make recommendations for improvement. They may work in government agencies, advocacy organizations, or consulting firms.
• Environmental Health Specialist: Environmental health specialists investigate and evaluate environmental factors that can impact human health, such as air and water quality, food safety, and hazardous waste. They may work in government agencies, consulting firms, or non-profit organizations.
• Global Health Specialist: Global health specialists work to address health issues and diseases that affect populations around the world. They may work for international organizations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.