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.

Master of Public Health MPH in Epidemiology MPH in Intl Public Health MPH in Health Management	University of Liverpool – The University of Liverpool Master of Public Health programs feature three programs, including a Postgraduate Certificate, a Postgraduate Diploma, and a Masters degree. The university offers a modular system that provides students the flexibility of obtaining credits at partner institutions. Within the MPH program, students are able to specialize in epidemiology, international public health, and health management.
Master of Public Health	Walden University – Graduates of the Walden University Master of Public Health degree program fill the increasing need for health professionals that must understand the development of healthy individuals, organizations, and communities. The program provides core study in the public health field, uses a real-world teaching methodology, has industry leading professors, and includes a practical fieldwork practicum.
Master of Public Health MPH in Disaster Management MPH in Health Education MPH in Health Policy Dual Degree: MPH/MBA	Benedictine University – Benedictine University's Master's in Public Health program features a curriculum of public health core with a focus on the needs of today's healthcare industry. Courses feature a conceptual, factual, and skill base. Students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a professional setting outside the classroom. Within Benedictine's Public Health program, specializations are offered in disaster management, health education, and health policy; a dual MBA/MPH degree is also offered.
Master of Public Health MPH in Epidemiology MPH in Health Education MPH in Program Dev	Kaplan University – The Kaplan University Master of Public Health degree program readies students for health-care 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.
Master of Public Health MPH in Health Policy MPH in Behavioral Science	Capella University – 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.
Master of Public Health	American Military University – The Master of Public Health online degree program from American Military University prepares its graduate students for careers in public health policy by teaching the educational and leadership development skills necessary for a career in this industry. Healthcare administration, health law, and policy are some of the courses taught through this program.
Master of Public Health MPH - Dental Health MPA in Health Administration	A.T. Still University – Developed for dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and other dental industry professionals, the A.T. Still University of Health Sciences Master in Public Health Dental concentration prepares dental professionals for careers in community health centers, institutes of higher education, non-profit organizations, and local, state, and federal government. A.T. Still also offers a general MPH program and an MPA/MHA degree.
MS in Disaster Mgmt & Medicine	Philadelphia University – The Master of Science in Disaster Medicine and Management at Philadelphia University is focused on the study of terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, hazardous materials, natural disasters, psychological effects of disasters, stress intervention, and disaster research. The masters program is a collaboration between Philadelphia University and the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Albert Einstein Health Network.
MPH in Health Policy	New York Medical College – The New York Medical College School of Health Sciences & Practice and Institute of Public Health presents an MPH degree in health policy and management that is sure to prepare graduates for a successful career within the public health field. This is a 46-credit-hour program, consisting of 19 core credits, 15 MPH concentration credits, 12 elective credits, and a structured public health practice experience.
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