Sacred Heart University Online Master of Public Health (MPH)
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Sacred Heart University (SHU) offers a 100 percent online master of public health (MPH) program with a community health focus, that can be completed in as little as one year. Courses require an in-depth study of the behavioral, social, biological, and environmental factors influencing health.
The SHU online MPH prepares graduates to become leaders who can develop strategies for disease prevention, lessen health disparities in communities and populations, and solve complex public health issues. Students learn to think critically, communicate research findings and public health solutions effectively, and develop policies that improve individual and community health.
Outcomes of the completed program include a deep understanding and knowledge of the mission and duties of public health professionals, biostatistics, epidemiology, health promotion, public health research methods, public health leadership and administration, and public health policies. Other outcomes focus on public health program planning and evaluation, grant writing, ethics in public health leadership, promoting change to public health policies, and implementing public health programs.
Sacred Heart University is located in Fairfield, Connecticut, and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The master of public health program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
What to Expect from the SHU Online Master of Public Health
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the online master of public health must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale. No work experience is required, although a resume must be included in the application materials. No GRE or GMAT is required. Application submissions include an application and fee, a resume, a two-page essay, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all institutions attended.
Study Plan: The online MPH program offers both part-time and full-time completion plans. It can be completed in just one year in an accelerated format, and up to 40 percent of credits can be transferred. Full-time completion plans take 15 to 18 months, and part-time take 21 to 33 months. Courses last eight weeks each. Start dates land twice each in the fall, spring, and summer.
Online MPH students should expect to spend 12 to 15 hours per week on each course. All coursework is online. MPH students may choose a public health capstone project or an independent thesis research project under faculty supervision to culminate the program.
MPH Curriculum: The Sacred Heart University online MPH program comprises 42 credits, including six credits of field experience in research or a public health practicum. Core courses include profession and science of public health; research methods; biostatistics; social determinants of health; issues of diversity and equity; program planning; policy in public health; and epidemiology.
Community health specialization courses include community health development, physical activity and behavioral science, and health communications. Students then choose six credits of capstone courses in either a public health practicum or thesis. Finally, students complete the course professional writing in public health.
Online Experience: Online MPH courses are fully online, requiring no campus visits. Courses are delivered asynchronously through Blackboard Learn, and students can find online services under their login through the MySHU Portal. Online students should be familiar with web browsers, be able to share files and use computer software programs, and have access to high-speed internet. The online learning management system will include email, chat, and participation in discussion boards. Courses are available on several devices, including personal computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices.
Online students have access to the SHU Center for Career and Professional Development, which offers career counseling, resume crafting workshops, an online recruiting system, and access to a large alumni network. Other student services through Sacred Heart University include academic advising, admissions counseling, access to faculty office hours, an online bookstore and library, and technical support.
On-Site Requirements: No on-site requirements exist for the Sacred Heart online MPH. All courses are 100 percent online, with no campus visits required. The capstone courses will involve public health practicum or an independent research project.
Paying for the Sacred Heart University Online MPH Program
Sacred Heart University charges $750 per credit plus fees for the online master of public health program. As tuition typically changes yearly, prospective students should contact the SHU Public Health Department for full tuition information.
SHU may offer financial aid through scholarships, grants, and unsubsidized graduate federal student loans. Students can apply for federal financial aid through the FAFSA. Other funding options include employer tuition reimbursement programs, tuition discounts, private loans, or outside scholarships and grants. For further financial aid information, prospective students can contact SHU Financial Assistance.
Sacred Heart University Online Master of Public Health (MPH)
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | 6 - Two each in the Fall, Spring, and Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 42 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as one year. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | CEPH |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelors degree or higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT/GRE required |
| Work Experience Required? | No prior work experience required |
| Credit Hours | 42 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $750.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $31,500.00 |
* Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the currently published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the out of state, part-time student rate. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Total cost of tuition does not include additional fees.
