Georgia is home to one of the country’s largest metro areas and world-class research universities, including some of the top schools for public health. Aspiring public health professionals who want to take the next step in their career by earning a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) will find many choices in the state.
But what about the challenges of relocating for grad school? Moving can be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive, but what if you can stay where you are and still complete your studies? Online MPH programs in Georgia allow you to earn your degree in a place that’s convenient for you. Here is a look at some of the top online MPH programs in Georgia.
A Closer Look into Georgia’s Online MPH Programs
When choosing between online MPH programs in Georgia, you’ll want to consider both the program details and your personal preferences and circumstances. Class size and format, along with specialization options, are important things that vary from program to program. With that in mind, here are three strong program options to start your research.
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia (UGA) is the flagship institution in Georgia’s state college and university system. The school’s extensive list of online learning programs includes a fully-online, CEPH-accredited Master of Public Health (MPH) program. Although this 44-credit, approximately 2-year degree program is offered online, you will be required to gain practical experience as you complete an internship for a minimum of 8 credits. Internships can be completed in your local community at a relevant site.
Although UGA is a state school, all online MPH students pay the same tuition with potential for financial aid regardless of residency status. Prospective students should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher to apply, and GRE scores are not required.
Georgia State University
For a variety of online MPH programs in Georgia, Georgia State University (GSU) offers online and hybrid options to suit the needs of many different types of students. You can choose from MPH concentrations in biostatistics, environmental epidemiology, health management and policy, health promotion and behavior, and more. You are required to select a concentration before applying.
If you’re interested in multiple qualifications, Georgia State also offers several combined MPH programs, including an accelerated combined BS/MPH, a JD/MPH, and a PhD/MPH. Each of these programs has its own admissions requirements, which may vary significantly from standard MPH admissions procedures.
While there is no standardized testing requirement to apply, and no minimum GPA for admission, students with an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher are strongly preferred. Financial aid may be available.
Morehouse School of Medicine
Morehouse School of Medicine, a private HBCU (formerly Morehouse College), offers a 24-month, fully-online MPH known as the eMPH. This program is designed specifically for working professionals with prior experience in public health and health promotion, and emphasizes the role of public health in underserved communities. This 45- to 48-credit degree includes fully online core courses and electives, mandatory applied practical experience, as well as an integrated learning project culminating in a thesis.
Applicants must have an undergraduate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, including one college-level math course. For students who do not hold a professional degree (MD, PhD), GRE scores are required.
Different Online MPH Programs Available in Georgia
Did you know there are several types of online master’s degrees in public health? From the time it takes to graduate to the work you will be doing, the variations can be major. Learn more about your options for online MPH programs in Georgia below.
Accelerated Online MPH Programs in GA
If you’re hoping to complete your MPH as quickly as possible, you may want to consider accelerated online MPH programs in Georgia. These programs have an intensive class schedule and can be completed more quickly than a traditional MPH program, some in as little as one year. Some accelerated online MPH programs, like the one offered by Georgia State University, are combined with a relevant bachelor’s degree program.
Accredited Online MPH Programs in GA
It’s absolutely vital that your online MPH program be accredited and meets standards set by a recognized third-party accrediting body. For public health education, this is often the CEPH. Schools need to be accredited to award degrees, and some get additional accreditation from professional organizations. Accreditation means that your degree will be recognized as valid and legitimate, both by future employers and other educational institutions if you decide to pursue another degree. Accredited schools offering online MPH programs, like the University of Georgia, are the only ones to consider.
Affordable Online MPH Programs in GA
Grad school can be a major financial commitment. While online graduate degrees tend to be more affordable than in-person programs, some online MPH programs are more affordable than others. You’ll want to consider financial aid availability and eligibility for reduced in-state tuition if you’re a state resident.
Dual-Degree Online MPH Programs in GA
If you’re looking to combine your public health career with work in another field, you may be a candidate for a dual-degree MPH. In dual degree programs, like the Master of Medical Science (MMSc)/MPH combined program offered by Mercer University, you will be earning two qualifications simultaneously for a career that combines two fields. For example, grads with Mercer’s MMSc/MPH degree might work to launch community health programs in underserved areas, while those with an MBA/MPH could work for a corporation that makes medical supplies.
No-GRE Online MPH Programs in GA
Not a fan of standardized testing? Whether you suffer from test anxiety or just prefer to skip the hassle and expense of a standardized test, you might want to consider no-GRE online MPH programs. These programs, like the online MPH at Georgia Southern University, are often prestigious degree programs that don’t require you to submit GRE scores when you apply. Instead, your application will be judged holistically on other factors, including your undergraduate grades, work experience, and letters of recommendation.
In-Demand Public Health Careers in Georgia
Before you make the commitment of your time and money that an MPH requires, you may want to know what your career prospects will be like upon graduation. This is a valid concern, and one worth exploring, especially if you plan to remain in Georgia. Luckily, there is a wealth of data available to help you understand your career outlook after completing your MPH.
Occupational Health and Safety
Workplace health and safety is vitally important to maintaining the health of not only individual employees within an organization, but the organization as a whole. Moreover, occupational and related environmental health and safety jobs are seeing strong current and projected growth in Georgia, meaning you’ll have plenty of open job opportunities across the state once you’ve graduated from your online MPH program in Georgia.
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialist | |
| GA Median Salary (2023) | $82,220 |
| GA Projected Growth (2023-25) | 5.9% |
| GA Projected Annual Openings (2023-25) | 300 |
| Compliance Officer | |
| GA Median Salary (2023) | $62,140 |
| GA Projected Growth (2023-25) | 3.5% |
| GA Projected Annual Openings (2023-25) | 1,230 |
| Occupational Health Technician | |
| GA Median Salary (2023) | $54,480 |
| GA Projected Growth (2023-25) | 4.3% |
| GA Projected Annual Openings (2023-25) | 90 |
Sources: O*NET OnLine, 2023; Projections Central, 2023
Healthcare Administration/Management
Healthcare is a field that has a lot of different moving parts, from communicating with patients and providers to managing broader health initiatives and beyond. That’s why healthcare administration and management is such a critical and fast-growing career option within healthcare. Healthcare administration and management jobs in Georgia are growing at rates far exceeding national averages, and can be highly lucrative besides, with many averaging six-figure salaries.
| Medical and Health Services Manager | |
| GA Median Salary (2023) | $128,660 |
| GA Projected Growth (2023-25) | 8.0% |
| GA Projected Annual Openings (2023-25) | 1,050 |
| Health Information Technologist | |
| GA Median Salary (2023) | $53,820 |
| GA Projected Growth (2023-25) | 6.4% |
| GA Projected Annual Openings (2023-25) | 120 |
| Public Relations Manager | |
| GA Median Salary (2023) | $131,490 |
| GA Projected Growth (2023-25) | 2.3% |
| GA Projected Annual Openings (2023-25) | 100 |
Sources: O*NET OnLine, 2023; Projections Central, 2023
Public Health Education
One of the most important roles in public health is dispensing health information to general audiences, including people of all ages and backgrounds. As such, many graduates from online MPH programs in Georgia may be drawn to public health education. Luckily, this is a field with plentiful job opportunities in Georgia, including work in clinical settings, educational institutions like schools and colleges, and the corporate world.
| Health Educator | |
| GA Median Salary (2023) | $93,290 |
| GA Projected Growth (2023-25) | 4.2% |
| GA Projected Annual Openings (2023-25) | 440 |
| Health Specialty Teacher, Postsecondary | |
| GA Median Salary (2023) | $103,610 |
| GA Projected Growth (2023-25) | 6.1% |
| GA Projected Annual Openings (2023-25) | 640 |
| Community Health Worker | |
| GA Median Salary (2023) | $47,100 |
| GA Projected Growth (2023-25) | 4.3% |
| GA Projected Annual Openings (2023-25) | 120 |
Sources: O*NET OnLine, 2023; Projections Central, 2023
Tuition Costs for Online MPH Programs in Georgia
While you can save on some expenses with an online MPH program, you should be aware that your tuition can vary greatly from program to program. With other costs like technology fees added in, it’s important to keep base tuition in mind when applying to different schools.
You may be able to save by attending a state school with in-state tuition, or pay less with scholarships and financial aid. Research total costs for each program, and create a plan to pay for your studies before you enroll. Knowing your estimated tuition is the first step. Here are a few examples of tuition for online MPH programs in Georgia.
| University of Georgia | |
| Program | Master of Public Health (MPH) |
| No. of Credits | 44 |
| Est. Resident Tuition | $29,920 |
| Georgia State University | |
| Program | Epidemiology Concentration, MPH |
| No. of Credits | 42 |
| Est. Resident Tuition | $19,860 |
| Morehouse School of Medicine | |
| Program | Online Master of Public Health (eMPH) |
| No. of Credits | 48 |
| Est. Resident Tuition | $95,874 |
Financial Aid for Georgia MPH Majors
As you prepare to begin your online MPH, you’ll want to explore all options for reducing your total cost. Depending on the resources your school offers, this can include getting a research or teaching assistantship to partially fund your degree or applying for fellowships and grants through your school or charitable foundations. Remember, you’ll need to complete your FAFSA on time for federal aid, and submit financial aid applications by published deadlines. When searching for private scholarship opportunities, also check local organizations offering scholarships for historically underrepresented groups.