Is an online MPH program so terrible? My options are limited.

Student86
Mon, 13 Jun 2016 15:55:12 +0000

I am looking to enroll in an MPH (masters /public health) program. My career goal is to work as a field epidemiologist. Some of the programs that I am interested in are far from my place of residence. It would require me up to 4 hours of driving time to get there, not to mention I don’t drive. So because of this reason I am looking into online programs. I have found 3 online programs that I am interested in. These are actual brick and mortar schools, not for profit, or diploma mills. They are the University of South Florida, Arizona State, and University of Southern California.

I originally thought of applying to Columbia’s health education program (80% of it is online) and John Hopkins Program (80% of it is online) but I’d like to go a different direction than what the Columbia program is offering. Columbia is also expensive and very competitive. With the John Hopkins program, the whole problem is the travel issue. I live in Massachusetts and you cannot start the program until you complete the on campus orientation and later on the on campus course requirement must be completed and that can be done through intensive institutes in summer, fall, or winter. I guess I can still try to apply and work out the kinks later.

I am looking for an MPH program with a focus on epidemiology/infectious disease. I really need to make a move on this as I have professors willing to give me recommendations and they aren’t going to wait forever. I want to start in the spring of next year. I am unable to relocate to another state as I have a young child and don’t want to uproot her.

Any advice on online programs? Or any information on good MPH epidemiology programs?

I did post a question yesterday, this is a follow up, more detailed question.

Thank you.