Online Master of Public Health in Community and Population Health

Become a leader for change in the rapidly growing public health field.

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

By submitting this form, I consent to the University of Oklahoma (OU) and its agents contacting me about educational opportunities via automated calls, text messages, and/or email at the number and email provided. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not required to attend the OU or to receive information by other means. For details on how OU collects and protects your information, review the Privacy Policy.

At a Glance

The online Master of Public Health in Community and Population Health empowers professionals to advance their careers by building expertise in population health strategies and addressing health disparities.

Students gain the skills to champion healthier communities, drive measurable improvements in health outcomes, and lead initiatives that tackle the root causes of health inequities. The program explores how social determinants shape public health, strengthens understanding of health policy, and equips students with foundational knowledge in emergency response.

100% Online

Time to Complete:

20+ Months

Credit Hours:

Time Commitment:

10 to 20 Hours Weekly

start dates

Fall, Spring

cost

The MPH in Community and Population Health delivers a strong return on investment by equipping students with the advanced knowledge and leadership skills needed to rise to top roles and increase earning potential in the public health field.

Tuition and fees total $24,150 ($575 per credit hour) for the 2024/2025 academic year. This cost does not include books or additional course materials.

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

By submitting this form, l consent to the University of Oklahoma (OU) and its agents contacting me about educational opportunities via automated calls, text messages, and/or email at the number and email provided. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not required to attend the OU or to receive information by other means. For details on how OU collects and protects your information, review the Privacy Policy.

About the OU Online MPH Degree

The OU Online MPH in Community and Population Health is a fully online, 42-credit program that can be completed in as little as two years. Taught by renowned faculty from OU’s Hudson College of Public Health—the only accredited public health college in Oklahoma and one of just 68 nationwide—the program focuses on building deep expertise in population and community health. Graduates stand out in the job market and are prepared to lead in the fast-growing healthcare sector.

Whether your passion lies in global, national, or local health, you will play a critical role in creating safer, healthier communities as a leader in the field.

Students will:

Learn how to promote healthy communities in their professional careers
Gain the tools to strengthen and improve health outcomes in their communities
Explore how social determinants of health impact health outcomes
Develop a stronger understanding of public health policies
Become familiar with the fundamentals of emergency response

Graduates from an accredited college of public health are also eligible to sit for the National Board of Public Health Examiners exam to become certified in public health.

Master of Public Health: Unlock Career Opportunities and Lead Healthier Communities

Earning an online MPH in Community and Population Health from the University of Oklahoma positions you for career growth across a wide range of high-impact roles. This degree equips you with the expertise to lead initiatives, influence policy, and drive change in communities around the world. Advance your career in roles such as:

Public Health Administrator or Director
Community Health Worker
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

Health Educator
Environmental Health Specialist
Health Communications Specialist

Industry Insights

Median Pay: $83,090
Job Outlook: Employment in public health and healthcare-related occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2033.
Job Openings: About 1.9 million openings are projected each year, on average, across healthcare and public health roles due to growth and workforce replacement needs

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Program Outcomes: Learn, Lead, and Make a Difference

OU’s online Master of Public Health in Community and Population Health prepares graduates to:

Understand and address today’s most pressing public health issues, respond to emerging population health challenges, and lead in community health advocacy
Build in-demand skills in data analysis, leadership, communication, and health education—areas where many professionals fall short
Gain a competitive edge in the job market by mastering the principles of population and community health
Earn a respected degree from the University of Oklahoma, a globally recognized institution ranked among the best in online education
Stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry as public health challenges grow in scale and complexity
Expand your professional network through OU’s global community of alumni, faculty, and public health leaders
Become eligible to sit for the National Board of Public Health Examiners exam and pursue certification in public health

Course Details

With a strong focus on health and the healthcare system, the MPH in Community and Population Health delivers a comprehensive foundation in essential public health disciplines. Students explore key topics in epidemiology, social and behavioral sciences, environmental health, the U.S. healthcare system, and more, preparing them to lead in diverse public health settings. *Students will choose six additional credit hours of electives from approved College of Public Health lists.

Biostatistics Methods I

Credit Hours: 3
Fundamental concepts and applications of statistics. This course and BSE 5173 serve as an introduction to all higher-level courses in statistics. This course makes use of the JMP statistical package.

Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health

Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to basic concepts of social and behavioral sciences in public health theory and practice. Social factors influencing health outcomes, theories of health behavior, and health promotion at the community level are emphasized.

U.S. Health Care System

Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on the history and structure of health organizations in the U.S. Also examined are the functional interrelations among institutional and financial arrangements in the health industry. The course concludes with a comparison of international health systems.

Health Care Policy and Politics

Credit Hours: 3
How health policy in the U.S. is initiated, formulated and implemented. A comparative, cross-national and cross-state perspective is employed to analyze political culture, interest in group and party behavior, the legislative and executive processes, and the dynamics of federalism.

Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases

Credit Hours: 3
Lectures and laboratory sessions devoted to the study of factors common to all infectious diseases as well as studies of specific diseases.

Program Planning for Health Promotion

Credit Hours: 3

Covers basic components of the program planning process in health education, including problem analysis, needs assessment, intervention design, implementation and process evaluation.

Practicum Preparation Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

This course is a prerequisite for enrollment in CPH 7950 Public Health Practicum. The student will identify and secure a practicum host site and preceptor; complete the necessary prerequisites specific to the student's practicum experience; complete the Application for Practicum; and complete the Practicum Agreement.

Principles of Epidemiology

Credit Hours: 3
This course provides an introduction to epidemiology for students majoring in any aspect of Public Health. The principles and methods of epidemiology investigation, both infectious and non-infectious diseases, are discussed.

Environmental Health

Credit Hours: 3
The effects of the environment on health. Consideration is given to urban water supply and wastewater disposal, air quality control, solid and hazardous wastes, and sanitation.

Qualitative Methods in Public Health

Credit Hours: 1
In this course, students will be introduced to the logic of qualitative research methods; will analyze several qualitative case studies; and will practice conducting a qualitative project from design through data acquisition and analysis through dissemination. (Fall I, Summer II)

Computer Application in Public Health

Credit Hours: 3
Application of currently available hardware and software to common problems encountered in Public Health practice.

Epidemiology and Prevention of Chronic Diseases

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a survey of chronic diseases, and the epidemiologic methods used to study them. Students are expected to read and report on the literature and to use descriptive statistics on survey data of chronic disease risk factors.

Integrated Public Health Practice

Credit Hours: 3

Integrated Public Health Practice and Preparedness (CPH-7003) is part of the Culminating Experience for all Master of Public Health students. The course requires the student to synthesize and integrate knowledge acquired in coursework and other learning experiences and to apply theory and principles in a situation that approximates aspects of professional practice. This course includes applied practice projects that allow the student to demonstrate discipline specific core competencies and the core interdisciplinary/crosscutting competencies.

Public Health Practicum

Credit Hours: 1

This course provides a planned, supervised and evaluated public health practicum experience that approximates some aspects of professional practice that apply classroom knowledge and skills to achieve practice goals and objectives. A maximum of 1 hour can be applied toward the MPH degree.

Why Choose OU for a Master of Public Health in Community and Population Health

OU Online delivers high-quality, affordable undergraduate and graduate programs designed for working professionals. Offered in a flexible, fully online format by a top-tier public institution, these programs empower students to advance their careers without putting life on hold. Gain the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world.

Faculty Expertise

The MPH in Community and Population Health is built on the foundation of world-class OU Health Sciences Center faculty mixed with professors of practice providing valuable instruction. By linking industry experts with our online programs, we offer the most advanced curriculum and prepare students for future career success.

Robust Student Support

OU Online offers robust student support services, including academic support, online tutoring, mental health counseling, and an online career development center. The program accommodates the needs of working professionals, allowing you to expand your skills while maintaining full-time employment.

Global Alumni Network

With more than 250,000 alumni across the world, becoming a Sooner means you’ll have access to a strong network of public health professionals to accelerate your career. As a Sooner, you’ll be part of a powerful network of leaders working in healthcare organizations across the world, helping you expand your public health career.

Flexible Format

The MPH in Community and Population Health is offered in a fully online, flexible format built for working professionals. Earn your degree in as little as 20 months while maintaining full-time employment and managing personal commitments. Study from anywhere and gain specialized expertise in community and population health—on your schedule, at your pace.

Tailored Experience

Move through the program as part of a small, focused cohort of professionals who share your passion for public health. Engage in meaningful online discussions with expert faculty and peers, build lasting connections, and grow your professional network. Learn to thrive in the healthcare industry while developing leadership skills in a collaborative, supportive environment.

When you are part of an online public health program at the University of Oklahoma, you are connected to one of only 67 accredited schools of public health in the United States. Our exceptional faculty, active research program, and rigorous online curricu

Dr. Dale Bratzler

Dean, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma

Cost & Financial Aid

Earning your MPH in Community and Population Health is a strategic investment in your future—and OU Online is committed to making that investment accessible and transparent.

Students pay $575 per credit hour, totaling $24,150 for the 2024/2025 academic year. This rate does not include books or additional course materials.

Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may be available to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. OU’s dedicated financial services team will support you through every step of the funding process—so you can stay focused on your education and career goals.

For questions about financial aid for your online program, contact the Online Aid office at onlineaid@ou.edu or call 405-325-2929.

Take the Next Step

To apply to the online Master of Public Health in Community and Population Health program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university (or the international equivalent) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Application Timeline

The admissions committee follows a rolling admissions process, reviewing applications as they are received. While admissions may remain open until two weeks before classes begin, some programs may set earlier deadlines. The committee aims to provide decisions within two weeks of receiving a completed application.

Step 1

Contact an Enrollment Coach to discuss your qualifications and interest in the program.

Step 2

Complete the online application.

Step 3

Provide supplemental materials, including a resume, personal statement, and undergraduate transcripts.