Public Health Core Courses
Build foundational public health knowledge
The George Washington University Online MPH
Designed for aspiring public health leaders who want to improve population health, influence policy and create lasting impact.
- #11 Public Health Graduate School — Ranked #11 among Best Public Health Graduate Schools by U.S. News & World Report.1
- Flexible Online Learning — Complete the 45-credit curriculum in as few as 12 months or choose a customizable timeline of up to five years.
- Scholarships Available — Qualified applicants admitted to an upcoming cohort may be considered for scholarships of up to $15,000.
Learn Public Health at the Center of Health Policy
Fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), MPH@GW prepares future public health leaders through a rigorous, flexible online degree from a top-ranked school.
Located in Washington, D.C., the Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University gives online students access to an education informed by the organizations, policymakers and public health leaders shaping the future of health.
No matter which program option you choose, you’ll benefit from:
- Personalized support services from enrollment through graduation.
- A global alumni network of more than 300,000 graduates in 170+ countries.
- Courses designed and taught by GW faculty who are advancing public health through research, policy and practice.
- Flexible electives that allow you to tailor your education to your career goals.
- Optional concentrations in Health Informatics and Analytics, Global Health, Climate and Health, and Women, Youth and Child Health.
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What Will I Learn in the GW Online MPH Program?
45-Credit Curriculum Structure
Elective Coursework
Explore areas aligned with your interests
Optional Concentrations
Gain specialized expertise
Applied Practice Experience
Apply classroom learning in real-world settings
The online MPH curriculum consists of 45 credits of foundational public health coursework, electives, concentration options and an applied practice experience. Students build expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy and social and behavioral sciences while tailoring the degree to their professional interests.
Explore the online MPH curriculum
What Optional Concentrations Can I Choose in the Online MPH?
Customize your online MPH by pursuing an optional concentration aligned with your professional interests and career goals. Concentrations are completed through a combination of elective coursework.
You can choose from the following optional concentrations:
| Concentration | Focus Area | Possible Career Paths |
|---|---|---|
Health Informatics and Analytics | Health data, analytics and technology | Health Informatics Specialist, Health Information Manager, Health Care Data Analyst |
Global Health | International health systems and population health | Global Health Program Manager, Global Health Researcher, International Development Specialist |
Climate and Health | Environmental and climate-related health challenges | Environmental Health Specialist, Climate Policy Analyst, Disaster Preparedness Coordinator |
Women, Youth and Child Health | Maternal, reproductive and child health | Maternal and Child Health Program Manager, Public Health Educator, Reproductive Health Specialist |
Explore each concentration to learn more:
What Elective Courses Are Available?
In addition to optional concentrations, MPH@GW offers a variety of elective course options that allow you to personalize your education based on your interests and career goals. You may focus your electives within a single public health area or choose courses across multiple disciplines for a broader educational experience.
Elective areas include:
- Environmental and Occupational Health
- Epidemiology and Public Health Research Methods
- Global Health
- Health Communication
- Health Informatics and Analytics
- Health Policy
- Program Planning and Evaluation
Explore all elective areas and course options
The Online MPH Practicum Experience
As an online MPH student, you will complete a planned and supervised applied practice experience at a local, national or international organization. The applied practice experience enables you to address real public health challenges and further your understanding of how public health professionals serve their community.
GW has formed valuable partnerships with organizations and affiliated preceptors across the United States and around the world.
Examples of practicum settings include:
- Federal and state health agencies
- Health care startups
- Health service delivery organizations
- International development organizations
- Nonprofits
- Policy institutes
- Think tanks
- Volunteer health agencies
Why Study Public Health at GW
Located in Washington, D.C., the Milken Institute School of Public Health is at the center of U.S. public health policy and decision-making. As an online MPH student, you’ll have opportunities to engage with public health issues through live and in-person experiences, learn from faculty who are active researchers and policy experts, build connections with organizations and leaders across the field, and apply your learning to real-world public health challenges.
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What Are the GW Online MPH Program Track Options?
All online MPH pathways follow the same 45-credit curriculum. The primary difference between tracks is the number of credits completed each term and the overall time to graduation.
This gives students the flexibility to balance graduate education with professional and personal responsibilities.
| Program Detail | One-Year Accelerated | 18-Month Accelerated | Customizable MPH |
|---|---|---|---|
Total Credits | 45 Credits | 45 Credits | 45 Credits |
Completion Time | 12 Months (1 Year) | 18 Months | 2, 3, 4 or 5 Years |
Work Commitment | 60–80 hours / week | 40–60 hours / week | Varies by pace |
Employment | Not permitted to work | May work part-time (up to 20 hrs / week) | Full-time or part-time employment possible |
Quarterly Credit Load | 11.5 Credits per quarter | 7.5 Credits per quarter | Flexible based on semester selection |
GRE Requirement | Not Required | Not Required | Not Required |
How Do I Choose Which Online MPH Track Fits My Schedule?
The accelerated pathways are designed for students who want to earn their degree on an intensive timeline. If you need greater flexibility to balance work, family or other commitments, the customizable pathway allows you to complete the same curriculum over two to five years.
Connect with an Enrollment Specialist to determine which pathway best aligns with your goals.
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What Are the Admission Requirements for the GW Online MPH?
To apply, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The online MPH offers four start dates each year, in January, April, July and September. MPH@GW follows a rolling admissions process and does not require GRE scores to apply.
Learn more about applying to MPH@GW
Tuition and Financial Aid
The online MPH program consists of 45 credits and offers multiple financing options to help students manage the cost of graduate education. Eligible students may explore federal financial aid, private loans and employer tuition assistance.
Scholarships of up to $15,000 may be available for qualified applicants.
Learn more about tuition, scholarships and financing options available to MPH students.
Faculty Shaping Public Health Policy and Practice
The Milken Institute School of Public Health is led by Dean Kelly Gebo, MD, MPH, and supported by a faculty community of researchers, policymakers and public health practitioners. Through the online MPH program, students learn from professionals actively addressing public health challenges at the local, national and global levels.
Faculty have worked with organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Their experience helps students connect public health theory to real-world policy, research and practice.
“The MPH@GW program gave me the tools to engage with complex systems in a more structured, data-driven way and apply that thinking in real-world settings.”
— Dalal A., MPH@GW
Faculty Spotlights
Professor of Environmental Health whose teaching and research focus on environmental and occupational health, public health risk assessment, toxicology and sustainable environmental systems. Prior to joining GW, he served on the faculties of the Air Force Institute of Technology and the Uniformed Services University and has received multiple teaching excellence awards.
Teaching Associate Professor in the Department of Prevention and Community Health whose work focuses on health promotion, disease prevention and health communication. Her research and teaching emphasize behavioral theory, program evaluation, policy analysis and strategies for improving community health outcomes.
Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health and a nationally recognized expert in environmental health, toxicology and risk assessment. His teaching includes environmental health foundations, toxicology and risk communication, helping students understand how scientific evidence informs public health policy and decision-making.
“After looking into numerous programs, I decided on GW’s online MPH based on its reputation in the health policy world, the curriculum and the caliber of the professors.”
— Gail S., MPH@GW Graduate, Regional Public Sector Senior Manager
Ready to Apply Public Health Skills in Real-World Settings?
Learn more about the MPH@GW academic experience and our in-person practicums by requesting information today.
Why Is Public Health Career Demand Growing?
The coming years will be a critical time for the public health and health care industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for highly skilled health care professionals is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 1.9 million openings projected each year.2
This growing need for leaders, scientists, researchers and practitioners in the field can be attributed, in part, to recent technological advances transforming the profession and various public health crises emerging worldwide.
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What Careers Can I Pursue With a GW MPH?
An MPH can prepare graduates for leadership, research, policy and community health roles across government agencies, health care systems, nonprofits, consulting firms and research organizations.
| Career Path | Common Work Settings | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
Biostatistician | Research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, federal agencies | $104,350 per year3 |
Epidemiologist | Public health departments, hospitals, federal agencies | $83,980 per year4 |
Community Outreach Manager | Nonprofits, health care systems, community organizations | $78,240 per year5 |
Environmental Health Specialist | Regulatory agencies, consulting firms, corporate safety teams | $78,900 per year6 |
Political Scientist | Policy institutes, think tanks, government agencies | $139,380 per year7 |
Emergency Preparedness Director | Municipal government, health care systems, emergency management agencies | $86,130 per year8 |
Additional career pathways may include:
- Health Policy Analyst
- Health Educator
- Public Health Consultant
- Research Analyst
- Communications and Advocacy Specialist
- Program Manager
- Grant Writer
Learn more about specific public health fields and professions
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Milken Institute School of Public Health (Milken Institute SPH) at the George Washington University is ranked #11 best public health graduate schools in the U.S. News & World Report in 2026.
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Yes, the George Washington University online Master of Public Health is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). This accreditation ensures the program meets rigorous national standards for public health education.
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The George Washington University’s online MPH program provides rigorous graduate-level public health education with the flexibility of online learning. Graduates are prepared to address complex public health challenges and pursue leadership opportunities across diverse public health settings.
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No, your diploma and transcript do not distinguish between online and on-campus formats.
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The admission rate for the George Washington University online MPH is approximately 70% to 80%. The program admits new students four times per year in January, April, July and September. You can read more about application deadlines on the admissions page.
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The estimated tuition for the online Master of Public Health is $90,000 based on a 45-credit requirement. Each credit costs $2,000 as you work to become a leader in your community and the world. Many students are eligible for scholarships.
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An MPH is a valuable investment that offers stronger long-term earning potential and expanded career options. Graduates gain the skills to shape prevention efforts, policy and health programs for large populations.
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Students receive dedicated support through specialized financial aid counseling and personalized academic advising. Your Student Success Advisor is available via phone, email or inquiry forms to help with curriculum planning and practicums.
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The standard online track from GW typically takes 18 months to complete. This intensive option requires you to take an average of 7.5 credits per quarter, which usually allows for part-time work.
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Yes, you can choose a formal concentration in Health Informatics and Analytics, Global Health, Climate and Health, or Women, Youth and Child Health. Alternatively, you may select a general path and tailor your degree with a selection from the following electives:
- Environmental and Occupational Health
- Epidemiology and Public Health Research Methods
- Global Health
- Health Communication
- Health Informatics and Analytics
- Health Policy
- Program Planning and Evaluation
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The program includes mandatory weekly live sessions held via Zoom. These real-time classes last approximately 80–90 minutes and provide face-to-face interaction with faculty and classmates.
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You should plan to study about 40–60 hours per week for the 18-month track. The coursework is intensive and typically requires 10 hours per week per class in addition to the live sessions.
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Students collaborate primarily through asynchronous tools and weekly live sessions that accommodate various time zones. Instructors provide flexible options and tools such as Blackboard Collaborate or Webex to help you coordinate with your peers.
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The practicum requires at least 120 hours of supervised, hands-on fieldwork with an approved organization. This 2-credit requirement allows you to apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects during the latter half of your program.
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Yes, online students have access to faculty research opportunities. You can engage in research through your Culminating Experience, the practicum or by collaborating directly with professors.
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The choice depends on your specific career goals. An MPH is better if you want to focus on population health and research, while an MBA is ideal for those who aim to manage finances or work in consulting.
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Yes. If you prefer to complete your MPH in person, the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health offers residential MPH programs on its Washington, D.C. campus.
Explore the available residential MPH programs to find the option that best aligns with your interests and career goals.
Take the Next Step
The final deadline for the September 2026 cohort is July 30, 2026.
Advance your career in public health with the online MPH program from GW. Request information today to discover more reasons to get an MPH online.
The George Washington University partners with 2U to support the delivery of these online programs. The George Washington University has full control over the programs, including all core academic functions. Click here to learn more about 2U’s roles and responsibilities.
- Best Public Health Schools. (2026). U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved June 2026. ↩︎
- Healthcare Occupations. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved June 2026. ↩︎
- Mathematicians and Statisticians. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved June 2026. ↩︎
- Epidemiologists. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved June 2026. ↩︎
- Social and Community Service Managers. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved June 2026. ↩︎
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved June 2026. ↩︎
- Political Scientists. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved June 2026. ↩︎
- Emergency Management Directors. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved June 2026. ↩︎