Online Master of Public Health Degree
Become a Trusted Health Advocate on Your Schedule
100% Online Coursework
18 Months
42 Credit Hours
$750 Per Credit
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Serve Your Community with an Online MPH Program Focused on Rural Populations
- Apply By: 10/06/25
- Start Class: 10/20/25
Help underserved communities thrive with the online MPH Virginia health employers trust. Shenandoah University’s online MPH delivers expertise for evaluating community health policies and programs, plus a strong understanding of the social and behavioral aspects of public health. Through 100% online coursework, you’ll receive personalized attention and support from industry experts as you study a curriculum focused on the health needs of rural and disadvantaged populations.
Program Highlights
- 13% industry growth expected by 2033 for community health professions1
- Nearly two million new healthcare careers become available each year2
- Small classes of 10-15 students
MPH Program Details
Curriculum
Online MPH Program Curriculum
42 Total Credits
14 Courses
Shenandoah’s online Master of Public Health degree can be earned in as little as 18 months and requires you to complete 14 total courses, including 11 core courses, one elective and two practicum experiences. Courses are rooted in rural population health and explore the environmental impacts on public health, principles of epidemiology, biostatistics, program planning and more.
Online MPH Program Highlights
Gain Real-World Experience
You’ll complete two practicum courses that allow you to apply and integrate your public health knowledge in real-world settings.
Explore Your Interests with Population-Focused Electives
Gain the skills it takes to support the needs of diverse populations with elective course options in either global or maternal and child health.
Admissions Requirements
Online Master of Public Health Degree Admission Requirements
Application Deadline 10/06/25
Start Date 10/20/25
The first step in applying for Shenandoah’s online MPH is submitting your application. Before applying, review the table below to ensure you meet the requirements.
| Online Application Form | Apply Now |
|---|---|
| Degree and Minimum GPA | A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 |
| Transcripts | Unofficial transcripts for initial admission. Official transcripts are required prior to enrollment but may also be sent earlier if preferred. |
| Transfer Credits | You may transfer up to six credits to our online graduate programs. The coursework will be reviewed for application of transfer credits. |
| Official GRE/GMAT Score | Not required |
| Additional Requirements | Resume or CV and a personal statement |
International Students
If you are an international student, you must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. To do so, you may be required to meet the minimum requirement for one of the following exams: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Test (DET). Fill out a Request for Information form to speak to an engagement specialist and learn more.
| TOEFL Minimum Requirement | 79 |
|---|---|
| IELTS Minimum Requirement | 6.5 |
| PTE Minimum Requirement | 53 |
| Duolingo Minimum Requirement | 105 |
International students who are currently permanent residents are welcome to apply for the online MPH. However, F-1 visas are not issued for this degree program.
Online Admission Requirements
Thank you for considering Shenandoah University for your online program. Completing your online application is the first step in joining our community of lifelong learners. From the moment you apply to the moment you earn your degree, our support team is here to assist you.
AdmissionsTuition & Aid
Online Master of Public Health Degree Tuition
Calculate your cost for attending Shenandoah University Use our tuition calculator to help you estimate your total tuition costs.
Shenandoah strives to make each degree program accessible to all, regardless of your current financial situation or background. Tuition for the online MPH is $750 per credit for an estimated total of $31,500.
| Cost per Credit Hour | $750 |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Credit Hours | 42 |
| Total Estimated Tuition | $31,500 |
| Additional Fees | $115 term fee for part-time students |
| Other Costs to Budget For | The estimated tuition cost does not include factors like textbooks or other expenses. |
Military Affiliated Students
Shenandoah is proud to support veterans and active duty U.S. military service members and their families as a Yellow Ribbon School. We offer an active Veterans and Supporters group and accept students funding their education through the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and the Active Duty Tuition Assistance Program.
Tuition & Financial Aid
You have options when it comes to financing your online education with Shenandoah University. We’re committed to keeping our exceptional education programs as accessible as possible through competitive and affordable tuition rates. Don’t let tuition costs hold you back from achieving your career goals. Get started on financing your Shenandoah degree today.
Tuition Details
Master of Public Health Career Trends
In 2024, nearly 65% of rural communities across the country were experiencing the effects of a public health worker shortage.3 In Virginia, the effects are even more prevalent, with only about 7% of the state’s physicians serving rural areas.4 With Shenandoah’s online MPH, you gain credentials to fill this alarming gap in healthcare and stand up for those living in underserved communities as a leader in public health.
Online MPH Careers
Urban and regional planner $81,800 per year5
Health education specialist $62,860 per year6
“I wanted to understand the impact of social and behavioral health and how the environment, social determinants, policy and scientific data are intertwined in the overall health of our communities. I sought a master’s education with a collaborative learning environment, and that’s what led me to Shenandoah.”
– Anne Cestare ’21, MPH
What You’ll Learn
As a student of the online MPH program, you’ll study in an interactive online learning platform that offers small classes and individualized support. You’ll build the skills to address and solve public health problems through statistical reasoning and evidence-based practice.
Program Outcomes
- Develop and evaluate social and behavioral health interventions with an evidence-based approach
- Apply the principles of program planning, development, budgeting, management and evaluation in organizational and community initiatives
- Examine patterns of disease and injury in human populations and apply findings to the control of health problems
- Evaluate the biological, physical and chemical factors that affect the health of a community
- Apply statistical reasoning and methods in addressing problems in public health
- Design, develop, implement and evaluate strategies to improve individual and community health
- Develop public health programs and strategies that are responsive to the diverse cultural values and traditions of the communities being served
- Demonstrate ethical choices, values and professional practices when making public health decisions
Learn from Industry-Experienced Faculty
Shenandoah’s faculty share outstanding experience in their fields of study. Each educator is committed to knowing students by name and providing outstanding personalized attention and support.
Michelle Gamber, Director of Graduate Public Health Programs & Adjunct Faculty, PA Studies
Faculty Spotlight: Michelle Gamber
Michelle Gamber earned a bachelor’s degree from Rollins College and graduate degrees from Western Michigan University and the University of Arizona. She has a wealth of expertise in reproductive health, family planning, global health and gender equality.
Michelle Gamber is the Founding Director of the graduate public health programs at Shenandoah University. Prior to joining SU, she held a wide range of positions in global public health and development while at the same time maintaining several adjunct teaching appointments. She has expansive experience mentoring and teaching undergraduate and graduate students in public health, as well as working on health programs domestically and internationally. She managed DHS surveys with ICF International and served as a technical expert with USAID for the Office of Population and Reproductive Health and in the Office of Food for Peace. She has also worked with, and consulted for, several NGOs, private organizations, and other academic institutions supporting global health programming and research throughout the United States, Africa and Asia.
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Community Health Workers.” Retrieved April 17, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/community-health-workers.htm.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Healthcare Occupations.” Retrieved March 21, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/.
- American Medical Association. “AMA outlines 5 keys to fixing America’s rural health crisis.” Retrieved April 17, 2025, from https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/population-care/ama-outlines-5-keys-fixing-america-s-rural-health-crisis.
- Virginia Department of Health Professions. Healthcare Workforce Data Center. “Virginia’s Physician Workforce: 2020.” Retrieved April 17, 2025, from https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/media/dhpweb/docs/hwdc/medicine/0101Physician2020.pdf.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Urban and regional planners.” Retrieved March 21, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/Life-Physical-and-Social-Science/Urban-and-regional-planners.htm.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Health Education Specialists.” Retrieved March 21, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm.