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Online Programs & Certificates

Online MPH with a Concentration in Public Health Practice

Online MPH in Public Health Practice at USF's College of Public Health

The Online Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Public Health Practice provides students with the skills and necessary training to formulate public health policies, address issues, and advocate for change. Students can concentrate on one of several public health specialties, allowing them to better understand, improve and protect the health and well-being of the population. This program is designed to prepare experienced health professionals for leadership roles as members of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams. 

The Public Health Practice (PHP) concentration provides a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge important for effective health professionals working in public health settings within the US and in global settings. Students in the concentration will gain skills related, but not limited to: 

There are unique benefits to both studying online and studying on campus. Whether you want more flexibility or value in-person learning, it’s important to choose the right option for you. Explore the differences between our Online and Classroom-Based MPH programs.

  Online Public Health Practice MPH On Campus MPH (any concentration)
  Non-Resident FL Resident Non-Resident
Tuition cost per credit hour $525 x 42 credits $431.43 x 42 credits $877.17 x 42 credits
Total program tuition cost $22,050 $18,120.06 $36,841.14

Total program tuition cost estimates do not include application fees, late fees, registration fees, educational resources (e.g., textbooks, etc.) or the one-time new graduate student fee. Costs also exclude the Distance Learning Fee, assessed at $30/credit hour for any online course, regardless of residency or delivery modality.

Please note: With the exception of the Department of Children and Family (DCF) waivers, all other waivers (including State of Florida and USF employee) are not accepted for Self-Funded/Self-Supporting or Market Rate Tuition program courses.

For additional information, visit: USF Tuition Waiver

To learn more about the classroom-based program tuition fees per credit hour, please visit: USF Tuition and Fee Information

*Some fees may vary per campus location.

For additional financial aid info, visit: https://www.usf.edu/financial-aid

  • PHP students are required to work on an Applied Practice Experience (APE) at an agency where they can further develop practical skills related to their public health learning experience. The APE should be a community-facing experience, where the student develops at least two products based on the agency needs. This is developed in agreeance between the student and agency proctor, and presented to the faculty mentor for final approval and grading. The APE most not be part of the students’ regular employment and job supervisor.

    PHP students are also required to work on an Integrated Learning Experience (ILE), which is more scholarly in nature. The ILE course requires a written product for assessment. The ILE represents a culminating experience and may take many forms. Regardless of form, the student produces a high-quality written product that is appropriate for the student’s educational and professional objectives. A poster presentation is not an acceptable high-quality written product. Ideally, the written product is developed and delivered in a manner that is useful to external stakeholders.

    Students will also participate in an Interprofessional Education (IPE) involving collaborating with individuals outside public health. The IPE refers to engagement with professionals outside of public health (e.g., architects, nurses, social workers, physicians, other) rather than engagement solely with individuals from other public health disciplines. The College of Public Health offers multiple opportunities to complete the required interprofessional experience (IPE) requirement every semester.

    An Exit Interview shall be scheduled with the Faculty Mentor on the last semester of the program.

  • To learn more, please contact a Pre-Admissions Advisor at (813) 974-6505 or preadmissions@usf.edu