The recent COVID-19 pandemic taught the U.S. how valuable public health professionals are. If you want to make a difference by becoming an epidemiologist, an urban health expert, a healthcare manager, or a specialist in environmental and occupational health, then you’ll need a master’s in public health degree. With an online accelerated program, you’ll be able to learn new skills at your own pace and finish your degree comparatively quickly, prepared to make a positive impact right from the get-go.
So, what are the best accelerated MPH online programs? One of the programs on this list of the 32 best accelerated fast-track MPH online programs may be the one that will help you get started on your new professional path.
Concentrations Offered: Leadership, Nutrition, and Applied Epidemiology
How Fast Can You Complete The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Online MPH Program: If you are looking to fast-track your MPH education from one of the best accelerated MPH programs online, then the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s public health degree will be an excellent choice. This MPH program comes with part-time and full-time schedules. If you opt for the full-time schedule, you can graduate within as few as 16 months. Whereas, if you choose the part-time coursework, you’ll graduate within 36 months. Moreover, the program offers three start dates to allow students to enroll without having to wait longer. So, based on when you are ready, you can start in spring, summer, or fall.
Program Details: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill MPH program, offers three in-demand areas of focus, including leadership, nutrition, and applied epidemiology. Open to students with a bachelor’s degree, the MPH curriculum is grounded in evidence-based knowledge and interprofessional collaboration.
This fast-track MPH online program, includes core courses, electives, and courses within your chosen area of focus. The core courses which are common to all three MPH tracks cover topics such as data analysis, policy & advocacy, and the development and implementation, and evaluation of public health solutions.
Concentrations Offered: Health Informatics
How Fast Can You Complete George Washington University Online MPH Program: Ranked among the U.S. News & World Report’s top public health schools, George Washington University offers one of the best accelerated MPH online programs. It is possible to complete George Washington University’s MPH program within as little as 12 months. Alternatively, if you prefer the program to be slightly less intensive, then there is also an 18-month track to choose from.
To graduate within a year, students must refrain from employment and they must be prepared for 60 to 80 hours of coursework per week. Also, to be eligible for the one-year track their undergraduate GPA must be at least 3.5.
On the other hand, George Washington University’s 18-month track permits a maximum of 20 hours of employment per week and requires students to put in 40 to 60 hours of weekly coursework.
To finish the one-year track, students have to complete 11.5 credits per quarter as against the 7.5 credits, if enrolled in the 18-month MPH program.
Program Details: George Washington University's fast-track MPH online program makes you a health informatics specialist.
In addition to courses related to health informatics, the program also includes core MPH courses and a wide range of electives. Students complete rigorous online didactic courses and at least 1000 hours of practice experience. Precisely, the curriculum includes 17 core public health credits, 10 health informatics credits, 16 elective credits, and 2 credits in a culminating experience.
Program Length: 18 Months
Program Details: The University of Washington MPH program is a 63-credit program that advances your career in the highly fulfilling field of public health. The program is taught by accomplished public health researchers who bring their valuable insights to the public health classroom. UW’s online MPH program was founded in 1980 and since then the program has produced many public health leaders who are committed to social justice and health equity.
University of Washington’s MPH coursework builds your knowledge in topics, including the foundations of public health, public policy & health, global health, and planning, implementation & evaluation. The curriculum also includes practicum courses in real-world settings.
Concentrations Offered: Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Community Health Promotion, Global Health, Health Services & Policy, and Generalist
How Fast Can You Complete The University of Southern California Online MPH Program: If you want to fast-track your public health education from one of the well-known accelerated MPH programs online in California, then the University of Southern California’s MPH is a suitable choice. Offered by a leading medical school, here you can graduate with an MPH within as little as four semesters. This accelerated program starts once a year in the summer and requires students to complete two to four courses each term. You must be prepared to take a workload of 40 hours each week to complete the accelerated track.
Program Details: Whether you desire to become a public health officer, a biostatistician, a community health worker, or an infectious disease consultant, the University of Southern California’s MPH program will equip you with the skills to pursue your dream career in the public health field. This accelerated online MPH program is a 42-credit curriculum, offering five concentration options; Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Community Health Promotion, Global Health, Health Services & Policy, and Generalist. Regardless of the concentration you choose, the program starts with core courses after which the concentration-specific courses follow. Precisely, 16 credits are in public health core, 16 are concentration-specific courses, 8 are in electives, and 2 credits are in the practicum.
Concentrations Offered: Epidemiology and Global Health
How Fast Can You Complete Drexel University Online MPH Program: Drexel University offers one of the best accelerated online MPH programs and it’s for several reasons why this program is preferred by students desiring a quick public health degree. Not only is this online program of high quality, here there are several convenient study plans to choose from. Based on your preferred pace of study, Drexel’s MPH can be completed within 12 months, 18 months, 21 months, 33 months, or through an individualized flexible plan of study.
While the 12-month plan does not allow employment and requires students to put in 60 to 80 hours of study each week, if you prefer the 18-month track, you’ll be able to do a research assistantship and complete 40-60 hours of weekly coursework. On the other hand, if you prefer a slower pace and want to continue working, then the 21-month and 33-month study plans will be more suitable. The flexible study plan is tailored to suit your academic needs; however, this option is not meant to be an accelerated format.
Program Details: Drexel University’s short MPH program, offers two online specializations, including epidemiology and global. Regardless of the specialization or study plan you choose, you’ll be taught by an expert faculty who is committed to your success. Both the online MPH tracks consist of 56 credits in core and specialization-specific courses. Also, the online format does not require any on-campus visits and allows students to take classes asynchronously. While the epidemiology specialization prepares graduates to address complex public health issues by coming up with effective strategies, the global health emphasis makes you an expert in global health promotion.
Concentrations Offered: Epidemiology & Biostatistics and Population Health Promotion
How Fast Can You Complete Tufts University Online MPH Program: Tufts University offers another of our featured accelerated MPH programs online in MA. It is possible to complete Tufts University’s MPH within just 12 months. While the 12-month plan is full-time, spanning four semesters, if you prefer a slower speed of study, the program allows up to five years to graduate.
Program Details: Tufts University’s MPH prepares you for two in-demand MPH careers including, Epidemiology & Biostatistics and Population Health Promotion. To earn an MPH, students are required to complete a total of 42 credits. Initially, the program starts with core courses that strengthen your knowledge of the principles of epidemiology, public health assessment, principles of biostatistics, and evaluation of public health programs. In addition to core courses, the program also includes concentration-specific courses and electives. The electives further help to tailor your MPH curriculum to match your professional goals and interests.
Concentrations Offered: Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Behavior, Health Policy & Organization, Maternal & Child Health Policy & Leadership, and Population Health
How Fast Can You Complete The University of Alabama at Birmingham Online MPH Program: To quickly enter the field of public health, the University of Alabama at Birmingham offers an accelerated MPH online program that can be completed within just 20 months.
Program Details: The University of Alabama at Birmingham MPH program opens doors to six rewarding public health fields; Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Behavior, Health Policy & Organization, Maternal & Child Health Policy & Leadership, and Population Health. Depending on your interests, you can choose either of the six focus areas and position yourself as a public health leader. To earn your MPH, you must complete a total of 44 credits. The core credits that teach you the key public health competencies cover topics such as community assessment, quantitative methods in public health, public health programs & policies, public health management & evaluation, and public health leadership.
Concentrations Offered: Epidemiology and Health Promotion & Behavioral Science
How Fast Can You Complete San Diego State University Online MPH Program: San Diego State University’s accelerated MPH can be completed within just 20 months. One of the sought-after accelerated MPH online programs, that offers the flexibility of online asynchronous classes. To complete the program in the accelerated format, students are required to take two courses every eight-week term.
Program Details: San Diego State University’s MPH program is a 51-credit coursework that consists of core courses and concentration-specific courses. The concentrations include epidemiology and health promotion & behavioral science. The core courses are common to both concentrations and include topics such as epidemiology, biostatistics, behavioral & social science, environmental determinants of human health, and health services administration. Thereafter, students complete concentration-specific courses. This accelerated MPH online program also includes electives and a practicum experience that can be completed within your home community.
Program Length: 18 Months
Program Details: Baylor University MPH prepares you for a range of positions in public health, including, community health educator, community service manager, public health project manager, and health education specialist, to name a few. This accelerated online MPH program is a 42-credit curriculum that is grounded in Christian values of service, servant leadership, and humility. The program emphasizes community health science and prepares students to serve the health needs of diverse populations, particularly vulnerable communities.
Concentrations Offered: Health Education & Wellness Coaching and Population Medicine
How Fast Can You Complete Loma Linda University Online MPH Program: Whether you are eager to enter the health education & wellness coaching field or want to make a difference in population medicine, Loma Linda University’s MPH can be the perfect starting point to a successful career in public health. Another of our featured accelerated MPH online programs in CA, Loma Linda’s MPH can be completed within five academic quarters or 1.5 years, based on whether you choose health education & wellness coaching or population medicine as your MPH specialization.
Program Details: Loma Linda University’s MPH program emphasizes three key areas of public health, the health of individuals, the health of communities, and the structure & function of health systems. The 56-credit MPH program comes with two concentration options, including, Health Education & Wellness Coaching and Population Medicine. The MPH in health & wellness focuses on promoting the health & wellness of individuals, families, and communities, whereas the population medicine specialization advances the careers of current clinicians by integrating population-based healthcare into their daily healthcare practice. This fast-track MPH online program, regardless of the specialization, comprises core courses, specialization-related courses, biblical concepts of wholeness, and an integrative learning experience.
Program Length: 1 Year
Program Details: Florida International University’s fast MPH online program comprises a total of 45 credits. The program builds a solid foundation of core courses that cover introductory concepts in public health epidemiology, environmental health sciences, and public health policy & management. The core coursework also includes courses in health behavior & public health and public health statistics. In addition, the program requires you to complete courses in data management, community health promotion & research, health demography, public health management, and health promotion communication. Further, students complete electives and a practicum & culminating experience.
Program Length: 12 Months
Program Details: Northeastern University’s MPH, which gets counted among the best accelerated MPH programs online in Massachusetts is meant for experienced professionals who want to promote and protect the health of their communities. The program emphasizes urban health and enhances professional skills in communication, policy development, assessment, leadership, and systems thinking skills. Also included in the coursework are practicum experiences in a variety of community settings, including hospitals, community health centers, policy organizations, and research institutions, to name a few.
Concentrations Offered: Public Health Policy and Management
How Fast Can You Complete Loyola University Chicago Online MPH Program: At Loyola University Chicago, you can earn your MPH degree within as few as 18 months. While the 18-month track is a full-time fast online MPH program, there is also a part-time coursework to choose from, allowing you to graduate for up to five years.
Program Details: Among the best accelerated MPH programs online, Loyola University Chicago’s public health program ranks among the U.S. News & World Report’s top MPH programs in the nation. The program is offered entirely online and comprises a total of 42 credits. Loyola allows students to customize the coursework to match their professional goals and interests. So, you may tailor the program to focus on public health policy, or management or instead combine courses from both focuses. The program also includes an applied practice experience and an integrated learning experience.
Concentrations Offered: Epidemiology and Health Promotion & Health Education
How Fast Can You Complete The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Online MPH Program: The best fastest online MPH programs allow students to gain high-quality public health education within a brief time frame. The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston offers one such program, through which you can jumpstart your public health career within as few as 18 months. The school also offers a 24-month track to suit the academic needs of students who prefer a less intensive coursework.
Program Details: The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston’s accelerated MPH program prepares you for two public health fields, epidemiology, and health promotion & education. Whether you choose the epidemiology or health promotion focus, to graduate, you must complete a total of 45 credits. Both programs start with 18-credit core courses that cover topics such as health promotion & behavioral sciences, public health ecology, epidemiology, management & policy concepts, and quantitative research in public health. In addition, both the MPH tracks also include electives, a practicum, and an integrative learning experience.
Program Length: 15 Months
Program Details: University of Vermont’s MPH program is a 42-credit coursework, comprising nine core courses, three elective courses, and a culminating project experience. The fast-track MPH program includes classes in public health, epidemiology, and biostatistics in the first semester. In the second semester, students complete courses in environmental public health, epidemiology, an elective, and a culminating experience. Thereafter, in the third semester, students take four classes, including management in health services & medical care, a culminating experience, and an elective. In the fourth & final semester, three courses are offered, including public health law & ethics social behavioral health, and an elective.
Concentrations Offered: Generalist, Epidemiology, Social & Behavioral Sciences, and Urban Health
How Fast Can You Complete The University of Memphis Online MPH Program: If you are wondering how fast you can complete the University of Memphis accelerated MPH, well then the program takes just four semesters. Besides, the fast online MPH program is offered entirely online which further helps you save time through scheduling flexibility.
Program Details: One of our other featured fast-track MPH online programs in TN, although the University of Memphis program is not the fastest MPH, it still helps you enter the public health workforce much sooner than most other MPH programs in the state. Here, based on your passion, you can choose the generalist MPH or enroll for either of the specializations, including, Epidemiology, Social & Behavioral Sciences, or Urban Health. The MPH curriculum comprises a total of 42 credits, including core courses and concentration-specific courses. The core courses build a solid foundation in key public health topics of health policy & organization of health services, social & behavioral sciences, environmental health, biostatistical methods, epidemiology in public health, and the foundations of public health.
Concentrations Offered: Epidemiology, Global Health, and Health Education
How Fast Can You Complete the University of New England Online MPH Program: If you want to accelerate your career by becoming a public health professional, then the University of New England will be a great place to start. The school offers one of the fastest MPH online programs in ME that helps you graduate within just 18 months.
Program Details: The 100% online MPH program offered by the University of New England can be completed with an area of emphasis, either in Epidemiology, Global Health, or Health Education. This 42-credit short online MPH program offers an interdisciplinary education that is designed to make you a leader in the public health domain. If you choose the health education emphasis, you’ll be eligible to take the Certified Health Education Specialist exam. No matter the area of emphasis you choose, the program offers excellent inside-the-class as well as outside-the-class training. The program stands out for offering MPH students a unique opportunity of completing a practicum experience in Ghana where they gain a new perspective on public health problems and solutions.
Concentrations Offered: Community Health
How Fast Can You Complete Sacred Heart University Online MPH Program: If you are searching for flexible accelerated MPH programs online that allow students to graduate rather rapidly, then Sacred Heart University’s MPH is a terrific choice. Sacred Heart’s program is not only 100% online but also prepares you to enter the public health workforce within as little as one year. Aside from this, each course of the program is eight weeks in duration. So, you’ll focus on one class at a time and if needed even get some off time between courses.
Program Details: Sacred Heart University’s MPH program is a 42-credit coursework that comprises 14 courses. As one of the best accelerated MPH online programs in Connecticut, the program stands out for allowing students to work with community partners within their geographical location. The simultaneous application of public health knowledge to community health settings enables students to gain valuable real-world experience while completing courses from the comfort of their homes. The program emphasizes the understanding of public health & healthcare systems, leadership, program planning & management, policy development & advocacy, and systems thinking.
Program Length: 15 Months
Program Details: Simmons University’s MPH emphasizes health equity and social justice and produces public health leaders who play impactful roles, at the regional, national, and global levels. The MPH curriculum is 42-credit coursework that includes nine core courses, two electives, four project courses, and two immersions. Some of the classes you attend include community-based research for health equity, health advocacy, community organizing and innovation, and environmental health and justice. The immersions that require students to participate in-person are held at Simmons campus in Boston and Arizona.
Program Length: Five Semesters
Program Details: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s MPH is one of the best accelerated MPH programs online to be offered by an HBCU. The program has produced several public health professionals who are serving in government health departments as well as in private hospitals and health organizations. Offered 100% online, the coursework comprises 50 credits.
Concentrations Offered: Epidemiology, Health Management & Policy, and Applied Data Science
How Fast Can You Complete Eastern Virginia Medical School Online MPH Program: As an aspiring healthcare professional, Eastern Virginia Medical School can kickstart your public health career within just five semesters.
Program Details: Among the well-known fastest online MPH programs in Virginia, Eastern Virginia Medical School’s MPH program should be on your list if you are seeking high-quality online MPH education. With three specialization options in Epidemiology, Health Management & Policy, and Applied Data Science, you can choose your area of focus based on your interests. The program not only offers flexible online classes but also provides meaningful learning experiences within the community and even in other countries. To graduate with an MPH degree, regardless of the focus area, students must complete a total of 43 credits.
Program Length: 14 Months
Program Details: When shortlisting the accelerated online MPH programs in WA, you certainly cannot miss out on Eastern Washington University’s MPH program. This MPH offers a broad curriculum, covering a range of topics such as analysis of public health issues, development of public health programs, assessment of public health program outcomes, and understanding funding concepts and applying them to various public health initiatives. The coursework comprises 15 core courses and requires completion of a total of 60 credits.
Program Length: 12 Months
Program Details: Hawaii Pacific University’s MPH program is a 42-credit coursework that prepares you for several job positions in public health, including human services manager, community health worker, health educator, healthcare administrator, and epidemiologist, to name a few. The 12-month plan starts twice a year in the fall & spring semesters. This quick online MPH program includes core courses, such as health behavior change therapy, environmental health, health policy, law & advocacy, public health program planning, human diseases, epidemiology, and public health research methods.
Concentrations Offered: Health Promotion & Education and Global Health
How Fast Can You Complete California State University San Marcos Online MPH Program: California State University San Marcos MPH can be completed within as little as 16 months. Each course of this fast online MPH program is eight weeks in length, allowing students to schedule the classes based on their convenience.
Program Details: Another of the shortest MPH programs online in the “Golden State”, California State University’s San Marcos MPH program offers two focus areas, including health promotion & education & global health. The coursework is well-rounded and prepares graduates for leadership in private and public organizations. The 42-credit curriculum includes core courses such as the foundations of public health & policy, social & behavioral determinants of health, biostatistics, epidemiology, research methods, health disparities, and an internship. Also, both concentration tracks include a capstone and a thesis, that must be completed towards the end of the program.
Program Length: 16 Months
Program Details: California Baptist University MPH program prepares you to make a difference in public health on a much broader scale. The population-based curriculum is comprehensive and requires an intensive pace of study. This accelerated online MPH program stands out in preparing students for the Certified Health Education Specialist exam.
The MPH program comprises a total of 44 credits and requires you to attend classes in the American health care system, environmental & occupational health, public health promotion & disease intervention, social & behavioral sciences, current issues in public health, strategic management for public health services and health law & ethics. Also, the coursework covers topics such as global health, research methods, public health program planning & evaluation, and research methods. The program ends with a public health practice experience and a capstone.
Concentrations Offered: Community Health and Epidemiology
How Fast Can You Complete University of Mississippi Online MPH Program: With two concentrations, the University of Mississippi, quickly prepares you to become an expert in community health or epidemiology, depending on the MPH concentration you choose. This fast-track MPH online program, no matter the concentration, takes as little as 18 months to complete.
Program Details: University of Mississippi MPH program prepares graduates to excel in various public health roles. One of the reputable shortest online MPH programs in Mississippi, the program is offered thrice a year, in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. The MPH courses cover several key public health topics, including, the foundations of public health, biostatistics, health program planning, public health policy, health equity, and health communication. Additionally, the program includes concentration-specific courses, electives, and a public health practicum.
Concentrations Offered: Health Promotion, Community Mental Health, and Healthcare Administration
How Fast Can You Complete National University Online MPH Program: An MPH from National University takes as little as 18 months to complete. Besides, the four-week format further accelerates your graduation, helping you enter the public health workforce sooner than you think. This is one of the few fast-track MPH online programs that offer the four-week format, having courses that start every month. Therefore, you can start the program anytime throughout the year.
Program Details: National University’s MPH emphasizes data analysis & critical thinking and offers three in-demand specializations, including, health promotion, community mental health, and healthcare administration. Regardless of the MPH specialization, this quick MPH online program is delivered by a diverse faculty who is trained at the doctoral level.
The MPH program comprises a total of 62 quarter credits, including core and specialization-specific courses. Some of the core courses you take cover topics such as the public health foundation, the U.S. healthcare system, global public health, biostatistics, theories of healthcare behavior, epidemiology, public health research methods, and health policy & advocacy.
Concentrations Offered: Community Health
How Fast Can You Complete University of Lynchburg Online MPH Program: If you want to obtain your MPH degree as soon as possible, then the University of Lynchburg’s MPH is an excellent choice. This accelerated online MPH program takes just 12 months to make you a public health leader. Also, the program offers 12-week courses to further enhance scheduling flexibility.
Program Details: University of Lynchburg’s MPH program is not only one of the shortest MPH programs online but also one of the most affordable MPH programs in Virginia. Leading to certification as a Health Education Specialist, the program proudly reports a 100% pass rate on the certification exam.
The MPH curriculum covers core public health topics such as data analytics, assessment, program planning & evaluation, health equity, community partnerships, environmental health sciences, management & administration, leadership & systems thinking, and biostatistics & epidemiology. In addition to the core courses, the program also includes courses in community health emphasis, covering several areas of community health.
Concentrations Offered: Generalist
How Fast Can You Complete Fairleigh Dickinson University Online MPH Program: If you want to fast-track your public health education from one of the highly-ranked shortest online MPH programs, then Fairleigh Dickinson University’s MPH is a terrific option. Here, the MPH can be completed within as little as 18 months. While the 18-month track is intensive, the school also offers flexible schedule options that allow students to complete the program at their comfortable pace.
Program Details: Fairleigh Dickinson University’s MPH is a 45-credit coursework that includes core and concentration courses. The core courses strengthen your knowledge of public health management & policy, fundamentals of epidemiology, environmental health, social & behavioral determinants of public health, and public health leadership. This quick online MPH program prepares you as a public health generalist by teaching you concepts of mental health advocacy, population health research methods, politics & practice of public health, health disparities & cultural issues, and comparative healthcare.
Program Length: 14 Months
Program Details: Among New Jersey’s popular fast-track MPH online programs, William Paterson University’s MPH opens up several career options in public health, including public health manager, health educationist, health services manager, health policy advocate, public government officials, and many other such rewarding jobs in this field. The MPH program comprises a total of 42 credits, including 14 core courses. The core courses cover topics such as the social & behavioral foundation of public health, biostatistics, quantitative research methods, qualitative research methods, environmental & occupational health, health systems & management, community engagement, equity & justice in public health, public health interventions, and public health leadership.
Concentrations Offered: Health Equity
How Fast Can You Complete Gwynedd Mercy University Online MPH Program: To complete Gwynedd Mercy University’s MPH it takes just 20 months of full-time study. There is also a part-time option for students who have other life responsibilities to juggle.
Program Details: From all the fastest MPH programs online, Gwynedd Mercy University’s MPH program stands out for offering a unique Health Equity concentration. Also, the program is among the most affordable MPH programs in the state. GMercyU’s MPH prepares graduates to remove health disparities in the nation and across the world. The 42-credit coursework starts with core courses, after which students must complete courses in the health equity concentration. Students take classes in public health analytic methods, health equity, environmental health equity, global health equity, applied epidemiology, health promotion, and qualitative research methods for public health.
Concentrations Offered: Global Health, Community Health, and Health Policy & Management
How Fast Can You Complete University of Bridgeport Online MPH Program: If you want to quickly move to public health positions, then the University of Bridgeport’s MPH can fulfill your career aspirations within just 12 months. Here, based on the schedule you choose, you can obtain your public health degree within just 12 to 15 months. Besides, the six start dates further add to the flexibility of this quick MPH online program, allowing students to immediately enroll when they are ready.
Program Details: One of the reputed fastest online MPH programs in CT, the University of Bridgeport’s MPH program produces highly skilled public health graduates who are committed to health equity, health promotion, and wellness. The MPH is a collaboration between Goodwin University and the University of Bridgeport, offering you the advantage of shared resources and experiences of the two universities.
This MPH program offers three concentrations, including, Global Health, Community Health, and Health Policy & Management. The 42-credit MPH coursework offers courses in the 7-week format. The program comprises 33 core credits and 9 credits in your chosen MPH concentration. The concentration courses are built on the core of public health policy, research methods, global health issues, emergency management health issues, and biostatistics.