MPH, Public Health Practice and Policy (Online) at University of Maryland

The Master in Public Health Practice and Policy (MPH) at the University of Maryland is ranked as the #1 online Master’s in Public Health in the US for 2025 by Fortune Education. In previous years, STEPS (Student Training & Education in Public Service) named the University of Maryland, College Park as one of best colleges among the nation's top online degree programs in public health, with the Master in Public Health Practice and Policy ranking 25 on the list of best online MPH programs for 2022.

This program is perfect for professionals interested in increasing their marketable expertise, professional flexibility and mobility, executive leadership competencies, career advancement readiness, lifetime earning potential, professional network support, and ability to contribute to society.

Program Overview

The MPH-PHPP Online can be completed in two years of full-time or three years of part-time study while minimally disrupting your personal and professional life. The program prepares graduates with the essential knowledge, tools, and resources in public health management, leadership, policy, and practice to successfully address critical issues in healthcare. The curriculum also includes an internship and a capstone project that integrates all course learning and experiences.

Public health-related occupations are projected to grow by 17% in the Mid-Atlantic/Eastern region of the US in the new few years.

Curriculum Structure

The 45-credit degree program is divided into three modules:

• Module 1: Integrated Core - 6 courses
• Module 2: Cognate courses - 8 courses
• Module 3: Internship and Capstone - 2 courses

Required Courses

Here is a detailed breakdown of the required courses:

Module 1: Principles of Public Health Core Courses

1. Fall - year 1: SPHL601 Foundations of Public Health (1 credit)
2. Fall - year 1: SPHL602 Applied Data: Epidemiology & Biostatistics (4 credits)
3. Fall - year 1: SPHL603 Applied Data Laboratory (1 credit)
4. Spring - year 1: SPHL610 Program Planning, Development and Evaluation (5 credits)
5. Spring - year 1: SPHL611 Public Health Ethics (1 credit)
6. Fall - year 2: SPHL620 Leadership and Policy Analysis (2 credits)

Module 2: Public Health Practice and Policy

1. Fall: HLSA601 Introduction to Health Systems (3 credits)
2. Summer: HLSA702 Policy and Politics of Health (3 credits)
3. Spring: HLSA711 Health Economics and Analysis (3 credits)
4. Spring: HLSA720 Health Law and Ethics (3 credits)
5. Spring: HLSA740 Healthcare Strategic Planning and Marketing (3 credits)
6. Fall: HLSA745 Public Health Practice and Management (3 credits)
7. Fall: HLSA772 Healthcare Leadership and Communications (3 credits)
8. Summer: HLSA775 Public Health Research Methods (3 credits)

Career Paths

Our graduates are prepared to work in:

• Health care leadership and administration
• Federal, state or local policy analysis
• Research

University of Maryland School of Public Health Departments & Programs

The University of Maryland School of Public Health offers a wide range of academic programs including Undergraduate Degrees, Master's Degrees, Doctoral Degrees, Dual Degrees, Certificates, and Online Programs. Some of the other MPH specializations include Behavioral and Community Health, Biostatistics, Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Health Care Management, Health Equity, Health Policy Analysis and Evaluation, and Physical Activity.

For more information, please visit the Health Policy and Management Department Website or the Extended Studies website to learn more about the Online MPH in Public Health Practice and Policy.

Tuition & Aid

Information on tuition and aid is available. You can also request information or visit the campus.

Research & Impact

The School is actively involved in Research & Impact through Research Centers, Laboratories, Projects and Programs, Policy Reports, AI for Public Health, Advancing Public Health Research & Practice, and the U21 Health Research Exchange.

Student Opportunities

Students have access to various opportunities such as Career Exploration, Mentorship, Professional Development, Internships, Student Research Opportunities, Student Organizations, Honor Societies and Honor Programs, Global Health Experiences, and Peace Corps Prep. Advising & Academic Resources are also available.

MPH, Public Health Practice and Policy (Online) Core Courses

Module	Semester	Course #	Course Name	Credit
Module 1: Principles of Public Health Core Courses	Fall - year 1	SPHL601	Foundations of Public Health	1
Module 1: Principles of Public Health Core Courses	Fall - year 1	SPHL602	Applied Data: Epidemiology & Biostatistics	4
Module 1: Principles of Public Health Core Courses	Fall - year 1	SPHL603	Applied Data Laboratory	1
Module 1: Principles of Public Health Core Courses	Spring - year 1	SPHL610	Program Planning, Development and Evaluation	5
Module 1: Principles of Public Health Core Courses	Spring - year 1	SPHL611	Public Health Ethics	1
Module 1: Principles of Public Health Core Courses	Fall - year 2	SPHL620	Leadership and Policy Analysis	2