MPH Degree

One of the best ways to advance in your career in public health is to get your master’s degree. However, going back to school for a master of public health can be expensive, and for most students, that isn’t possible without financial aid. The two most common forms of financial aid are scholarships and grants, and through them, you could go to school completely for free.

Unlike student loans, scholarships don’t have to be repaid after you graduate. Essentially it is free money for college. Every scholarship fund has its own policies for how students are awarded money, but the major criterion for scholarships is merit. Students can be awarded scholarships based on academic achievement, winning an essay contest, talents and more. At the master’s degree level, many scholarships opportunities are called fellowships, though some fellowships always require you to work on campus, in research or as a teaching assistant.

Grants, on the other hand, are typically given based on financial need rather than merit. Like scholarships, they don’t have to be repaid, but grant applications are usually longer and require more of a plan. Students can be awarded grants toward specific projects while in college or to go toward general education. While the process to apply for a grant is usually more strenuous, grants are usually given at much higher amounts.

You can look for both grants and scholarships from a number of sources. You first stop should be with the government. While you aren’t eligible for the Federal Pell Grant when you’re studying at a master’s degree level, a number of government departments offer scholarships and grants for those interested in a degree relating to medicine or health care.

Private organizations also offer grants and scholarships. They monies available for students change from year to year, so not every program gives and annual award. However, some of the organizations and companies that have offered healthcare-related grants and scholarships in the past for MPH students include the following:

• American Academy of Sanitarians
• Association for Prevention Teaching and Research
• Association of Schools of Public Health
• CDC Foundation
• Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research
• National Environmental Health Association
• National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
• Pfizer
• Population Council
• Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
• Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
• Society of Toxicology
• Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

In addition, you can also find scholarships and grants for students in public health master’s degree programs by looking to the college you choose for opportunities. Most schools have both scholarship programs and grants available to their students, and all you have to do to receive them is apply. You can also talk to the dean of your department, as there are sometimes local and alumni funds for students in your specific department that aren’t highly publicized.

Top Online MPH Degree Programs

A Master of Public Health online degree will open new doors to your career in healthcare and health education. The six specializations of the public health study – administration, behavioral sciences, biostatistics, environmental sciences, epidemiology, and health promotion – are all available at the following list of the top colleges offering online MPH degree programs.

	Capella University's Master of Public Health program prepares graduates for careers in public health management, social welfare, or research. The curriculum includes the behavioral, psychological, and social factors that contribute to the health of populations. Courses include International Public Health, Environmental Health Concepts in Public Health, and Principles of Biostatistics. Capella also offers MPH specializations in health management & policy and social & behavioral sciences. Learn more about Capella...
	Graduates of the Walden University Master of Public Health degree program or MPA in health policy program fill the increasing need for health professionals that must understand the development of healthy individuals, organizations, and communities. The programs provide core study in the public health field, uses a real-world teaching methodology, has industry leading professors, and includes a practical fieldwork practicum. Learn more about Walden...
	The MPH degree program at Grand Canyon University specializes in disease prevention and community health. Its curriculum uses a multidisciplinary approach emphasizing psychological, behavioral, and social factors influencing population-based health disparities. The program also includes a practicum and capstone project where students can design the program to best fit their area of specific interest. Learn more about GCU...
	The Kaplan University Master of Public Health degree program readies students for healthcare jobs in governmental, nonprofit, or private organizations. The online program provides students on-demand education on how to analyze and apply scientific research, prepare public health policies, develop health education programs, and review the impact of occupational and environmental factors. Within Kaplan's MPH program, specializations are offered in epidemiology, health education, and public health program development. Learn more about Kaplan...
	The Master of Health Administration program at the University of Phoenix prepares students to analyze current health care environments and have the tools necessary to improve their management. The MHA program in health care education features specializations including gerontology, informatics, and public health education. The University of Phoenix is one of the world's most recognized names in education. Learn more about University of Phoenix...