Accredited Online Schools with Public Health Degrees: How to Choose

Public health relates to a number of professions dealing with the health and well-being of a community and its citizens. There are many online schools offering degree programs and specifications in public health and related fields. This article details how to choose which one is right for you.

How to Select an Online Public Health School

Program Levels

Online public health programs are offered as bachelor's degrees and master's degrees. Earning a bachelor's degree in this field is generally acceptable for an entry-level position. At the master's degree level, a program may be taken completely online by professionals already working in public health management. Graduates of public health degree programs often work in government, with nonprofit organizations or in the private sector dealing with government regulators.

Technology Requirements

Students interested in a public health degree program should have Internet access as well as a computer with sufficient space for the required programs and software. Many schools stress the student will need speakers, a CD or DVD player and Microsoft Office. Students should also have an e-mail account and instant messaging service to keep in touch with his or her professors.

List of Online Public Health Programs

Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Safety and Health

This degree program is meant for students looking to pursue a career in safety management within a business or nonprofit entity. This program, offered fully online, assumes students have a background in math and science as well as good computer skills.

Online Certificate in Epidemiology & Biostatistics

An online certificate in epidemiology and biostatistics may be offered through a school's public health curriculum and is meant for working public health professionals. Students commonly include public health administrators, educators, research professionals and nurses. Students will learn how to collect and analyze data, interpret research results and develop and test hypotheses. This certificate program will likely be made up of three online courses.

Online Master of Public Health

Most schools offer a general master's degree in public health. This degree program can open the door to a variety of public health careers and is often completed by those already working in public health but who want to expand their knowledge to increase their career opportunities. Courses may include community assessments and partnerships, epidemiology, statistics, the U.S. healthcare system and social issues in public health.