University of Southern Mississippi Online MPH Health Policy & Administration
This online master of public health (MPH) program offered by the University of Southern Mississippi has three emphasis options. These include the epidemiology and biostatistics emphasis; the health promotion and health behavior emphasis; and the health policy and administration emphasis. The health policy and administration emphasis will be the focus of this article.
The fully online MPH program, with an emphasis on health policy and administration, is designed for future leaders in public health who seek advanced management skills and expertise in health systems. Delivered by the College of Nursing and Health Professions, this CEPH-accredited program equips students to meet the challenges of 21st-century public health.
This flexible online program prepares graduates to take on health administrator roles across hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, consulting firms, government agencies, and research institutions. Graduates are prepared to coordinate, supervise, and enhance the delivery of health services and programs. Full-time students can finish the program in as few as 15 months by taking four to five courses each semester.
The program also includes a culminating practicum experience. All MPH students must complete their culminating practicum experience during their last semester. This fieldwork experience requires students to apply the skills and knowledge they have gained academically in an off-campus public health agency. A thesis is not required for this program. The MPH in health policy and administration is a comprehensive exam-based program that requires students to pass a comprehensive examination to complete their degree.
With its affordable tuition, scholarship opportunities for online students, and a streamlined application process with no GRE required, the MPH health policy and administration emphasis prepares graduates to make useful contributions to public health and health service delivery. The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
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What to Expect from the University of Southern Mississippi Online MPH Health Policy & Administration
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the University of Southern Mississippi’s online MPH in health policy and administration must have completed an undergraduate degree before applying. Admission requires submission of a graduate application to both the Graduate School and the School of Health Professions, along with a statement of purpose, official transcripts, resume, and three reference letters. For international applicants, a minimum TOEFL or IBT score of 79 is required as evidence of English proficiency.
The minimum GPA for admission is 2.75 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework. Application deadlines are August 1 for the fall semester and December 15 for the spring semester. Standardized test scores such as the GRE are waived for this program, simplifying the application process.
Study Plan: The University of Southern Mississippi’s online MPH in health policy and administration is designed to provide maximum flexibility for busy working professionals. The program requires 45 total credits and can be completed in as little as 15 months by enrolling in four to five courses each semester, including summer. Students have the option to work at their own pace over a span of one to three years, according to personal and professional obligations.
The curriculum is delivered entirely online and covers foundational public health coursework, specialized health policy and administration subjects, and experiential components like the Applied Practicum Experience (APE) and Integrated Learning Experience (ILE).
In the final semester, students must complete a practicum in an off-campus public health agency and pass comprehensive examinations. No thesis is required, but successful completion of comprehensive exams is mandatory for graduation.
Curriculum: The University of Southern Mississippi’s online MPH in health policy and administration comprises 45 credits. The curriculum includes courses such as epidemiology; biostatistics; health administration; introduction to health systems; introduction to health policy and administration; environmental health; social and behavioral aspects of health; healthcare financial management I-II; health law and ethics; health economics; health care strategic planning; and health care organizational behavior and human resources.
Experiential learning is emphasized through the Applied Practicum Experience (APE) and Integrated Learning Experience (ILE), and comprehensive exams replace the thesis requirement.
Online Experience: The University of Southern Mississippi’s online MPH in health policy and administration is delivered entirely online, ensuring accessibility for students balancing work, family, and study. Canvas serves as the central hub for all course activities, including assignment submission, collaboration, discussions, quizzes, and exams.
On-Site Requirements: The University of Southern Mississippi’s online MPH in health policy and administration is designed to be completed entirely online, allowing students to fulfill all coursework, assignments, and exams remotely through the Canvas platform. There are no mandatory campus visits, residency requirements, or in-person sessions for the program.
However, all students must complete an Applied Practicum Experience (APE) during their final semester. This practicum is conducted off-campus at a public health agency. The combination of online convenience and practical fieldwork ensures flexibility for working professionals while delivering essential hands-on experience.
Paying for the University of Southern Mississippi Online MPH Health Policy & Administration
The University of Southern Mississippi’s online MPH in health policy and administration tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. Applicants should verify current tuition and fees with the university.
The University of Southern Mississippi offers financial aid and external scholarships to students who submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Other funding sources include employer tuition reimbursement programs, community and organizational grants and scholarships, and private loans. Prospective students should contact the university for more information.
The University of Southern Mississippi MPH in Health Policy and Administration
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | 2 - Fall & Spring |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 45 |
| Time to Complete? | Complete in as little as 15 months |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | CEPH |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GRE required |
| Work Experience Required? | No work experience required |
| Credit Hours | 45 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $578.12 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $26,010.00 |
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please check here for any tuition updates.
