MPH degree student with faculty going over public health data

Master's in Public Health

MPH

Our graduates have a 100% employment rate in health-related careers.

We prepare culturally-aware public health professionals with the motivation, skills, and knowledge to improve population health in the diverse communities of the Northern Plains and beyond. Specialize in Health Management & Policy, Indigenous Health or Population Health Research & Analytics.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
2 years
Credit hours:
42

Why earn a master's in Public Health?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 3
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program emphasizes diversity and change within the Northern Plains. It covers all required areas for accredited public health programs, including:

  • Evidence-based approaches to public health
  • Public health and health care systems
  • Planning and management to promote health
  • Health Policy
  • Leadership
  • Systems thinking

MPH Degree Specializations

Three specializations help you develop the necessary critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills to excel in the public health field. All specializations are offered online and on-campus.

Indigenous Health

The Indigenous Health specialization provides you with a critical understanding of determinants and solutions to health disparities. UND's specialization is the only 100% online Indigenous Health program in the U.S. 

Population Health Research & Analytics

The Population Health Research & Analytics specialization prepares you to produce convincing and scientifically sound information about population health. You'll evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and provide the basis for improving health policies and programs.

The UND MPH Population Health Research & Analytics specialization is classified as STEM-eligible, allowing international students on an F-1 visa to apply for two years of additional Optional Practical Training in the United States after graduation if they meet the required criteria.

Health Management & Policy

The Health Management & Policy specialization gives you the skills needed to manage health delivery systems effectively and efficiently. You'll learn to analyze health policies and communicate to affect change.

Additional MPH Degree Options

Accelerated MPH Degree

You can earn a bachelor's in Public Health Education and master's in Public Health in five years. Earn both degrees 100% online through our Public Health (Accelerated BS/MPH).

Joint JD & MPH Degree

Our specialized accelerated J.D. & M.P.H. track allows you to earn your master's in Public Health degree while getting a jump start on law school. You can complete both degrees in four years rather than five - saving time and money.

Joint MD & MPH Process

Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) students can simultaneously earn their master's in Public Health and M.D.. The full process can be completed in 5 years and you must be an already enrolled M.D. student in the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences to participate.

Master's in Public Health Online or On-Campus

What can you do with a master's in Public Health?

100%

Graduate employment rate in health-related careers

UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences

7%

Projected job outlook for health education specialists through 2033

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A master's degree in public health opens the door for a variety of different jobs. Popular employment areas in public health include:

  • Biostatisticians analyze health data to draw meaningful insights and inform public health decisions.
  • Epidemiologists investigate the patterns and causes of diseases within populations and contribute to disease control efforts.
  • Health Policy Analysis professionals evaluate and develop public health policies to enhance healthcare systems and outcomes.
  • Medical Science professionals engage in research, clinical trials, and pharmaceutical fields, contributing to advancements in healthcare.
  • Public Health Administrators manage and coordinate public health programs and services, ensuring efficient delivery of healthcare to communities through government health departments, non-profits, and healthcare institutions.
  • Public Health Educators design and implement educational programs to inform communities about healthy practices, disease prevention, and the importance of vaccination, among other vital health topics.
  • Public Health Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret health-related data to identify trends, monitor population health, and provide essential information for policy development.

Jobs with an MPH Degree

UND Public Health alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Altru Health System
  • North Dakota Department of Health
  • American Indian Cancer Foundation
  • Health Partners Institute
  • Mayo Clinic
  • Sanford Research

MPH Degree Courses

PH 531. Biostatistics 1. 3 Credits.

This course introduces the selection, use, and interpretation of basic statistical tests and concepts that may be used in addressing, analyzing, and solving problems in public health and health care research. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH degree program or certificate or consent from instructor. F,S.

PH 545. Public Health Leadership & Interprofessional Practice. 2 Credits.

This course is designed to introduce students to major theories and concepts of leadership, ways of applying these to public health issues requiring leadership, and provides an opportunity for students to develop skills and resources for further developing leadership skills. The course focuses on preparing healthcare professionals with the foundational skills needed to work in teams to effectively collaborate and coordinate services in population health management. Key themes focused on interprofessional communication, collaboration, leadership, and professionalism will be ingrained throughout content. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH degree program or consent from instructor. S.

PH 550. Population Health Research Methods. 3 Credits.

This course provides an overview of the research process including conducting a literature review, formulation and motivation of a research question, selection of a sample, various types of data, use of statistical software, commonly used measures in public health research, measurement and management of variables, description and graphing of variables, analysis and interpretation of data, inferential statistics, writing a research report, and an introduction to qualitative research. Prerequisite: Successful completion of PH 531 and PH 551. F.

PH 551. Epidemiology 1. 3 Credits.

This course introduces the basic epidemiologic concepts used to study health and disease in populations including measurement, study design, and related statistical tests. Observational and experimental epidemiologic studies are described and their advantages and disadvantages compared. The course provides an overview of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in populations. Ethical issues related to epidemiology are discussed. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH degree program or certificate or consent from instructor. S.

PH 572. Health Care Budgeting & Finance. 3 Credits.

Components of this course include the evolution of healthcare finance and management including: reimbursement, revenue and expense classifications, financial reporting, budgeting, financial analysis, financing of public health agencies, and the current and anticipated financial impact of healthcare reform on the healthcare industry and health services organizations. This course focuses on learning and applying financial and managerial accounting principles and techniques to health services organizations. The subject matter is designed to provide a working knowledge of accounting, finance, and budget terminology. Components of the class include the evolution of healthcare finance and reimbursement, revenue and expense classifications, financial reporting, budgeting, financial analysis, financing of public health agencies, and the current and anticipated financial impact of healthcare reform on the healthcare industry and health services organizations. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH degree program or consent from instructor. S.

PH 583. American Indian Health Policy. 3 Credits.

The course will provide a detailed overview of the unique policy issues that form the legal basis for provision of public health and healthcare services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. The American Indian (AI) population is unique in the United States in that AIs are born with a legal right to health services. This is based on treaties and numerous other laws, executive orders, court decisions and other legal bases in which the tribes exchanged land and other natural resources for various social services, including housing, education, and healthcare. The Indian Health Service is the federal agency responsible for carrying out the federal government's trust responsibility to provide public health and healthcare services to AIs. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH degree program or certificate or consent from instructor. F.

Best Online Public Health Master's Programs

#12 Healthcare Management
#12 College Rank
#14 Intelligent
#14 GradSchoolHub
#16 PublicHealth
#45 STEPS
#50 EDUMED

Several college ranking sites put UND’s Public Health master’s in the Top 20 best online programs in nation. We’re well regarded for our educational quality, affordability and career outcomes.

Ranking sites vary in their methodology, but are generally based on the following criterion:

  • Financial data such as net cost, loan default rate, and return on investment
  • Academic rigor including curriculum standards, accreditation status, and faculty reputation
  • Student gratification, retention rate, and support services
  • Employment rate and graduate salary

Online Master's in Public Health

2#

best online graduate programs

EDsmart

1#

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

UND is one of the most affordable online colleges in the region. For the MPH program, we offer the same online tuition rates regardless of your legal residency. Compare and you’ll see UND is lower cost than similar four-year doctoral universities.

You’re not required to come to campus at any time if taking the online format.

Master's in Public Health Online Classes

You'll experience a mix of asynchronous and synchronous online classes in the MPH program.

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family, and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Synchronous classes are held in real-time. If you’re the kind of learner who likes active discussion and immediate feedback through live interaction, you’ll enjoy this online course format.

Every class is different, but generally, you’ll log into a virtual classroom at scheduled times to:

  • Listen to a lecture.
  • Ask questions.
  • Participate in class discussions.
  • Conduct group activities.
  • Participate in video-sharing.
  • Have chat conversations.
  • Use interactive whiteboards.
  • Take live polls.

You should prepare for your classes by finishing any assigned readings, compiling questions for your instructor, and thinking about how to contribute to the next live class.

Top-Tier Online Master's in Public Health

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

FAQs

A master's in Public Health is a graduate-level program focused on preparing individuals for various roles in the public health sector, emphasizing areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and administration.

The difficulty level in a master's in Public Health program can differ from person to person; however, with a commitment to hard work and dedication, it is quite manageable.

Yes, you can apply for an MPH program without a background in public health as long as you hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, regardless of the field of study.

UND's MPH program is recognized as one of the best online programs nationally and is considered among the most affordable online colleges in the region. Additionally, it offers unique MPH degree options, including an accelerated BS/MPH, joint JD & MPH, and joint MD & MPH programs with specialization options in Indigenous Health (the only 100% online Indigenous Health program in the U.S.), Population Health Research & Analytics and Health Management & Policy.

Individuals with a master's in public health often find high-paying opportunities, particularly as statisticians and medical and health services managers, with average salaries of $105,510 and $104,830, respectively. Earnings can vary based on location, specialization and professional experience.

Best MPH Degree

From the comfort of your home or on-campus in Grand Forks, learn Public Health expertise from faculty committed to your success.

Explore More Options

Get the knowledge you’ll need to devise and implement solutions to public health challenges.

Department Contact
Ashley Bayne, MPH
P 701.777.6079
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