Female student on laptop during online course, referencing notes.

Master of Public Health

Enroll anytime for a Master of Public Health degree delivered 100% online from St. Ambrose University

Apply now

Request information

What is a Master of Public Health degree?

Our Master of Public Health degree is a fully accredited graduate program that dives into the complex world of global health issues, focusing on diverse perspectives and evidence based practices. Through classes, hands-on experiences, and applied research skills, you’ll gain an understanding of public health challenges and develop the skills to address them. The SAU MPH program emphasizes health equity and improving population health to prevent disease, promote health, and prolong lifespans.

Complete our request form to receive details about our program. If you have further questions, contact Joe Golden.

Save up to $1.5K on tuition

O'Rourke MPH Scholarship

Why earn a Master of Public Health at SAU?

Students will focus on preventing disease and infections, promoting health via education and advocacy, and prolonging lives via hands-on learning and experiential practice. As a public health professional it is important to understand how social determinants of health impact health equity. Students will learn how to detect, prevent, and respond to infectious and non-communicable diseases.

Flexible format

Start in the Fall, Spring or Summer terms, and choose between our 11-month, 16-month, and 3-year programs. Flex between full and part-time studies.

100% online

This is a fully online, asynchronous program to allow MPH students to learn anytime, anywhere.

Accessible faculty

Faculty have professional relationships with students. You are a part of the MPH program pre-, during, and post graduation.

Real-world experience

Complete 200 hours with a community public health organization for real-world experience in our Applied Practicum Experience (APE).

Dual degree with MSW

The MPH degree can be combined with a Master of Social Work (MSW).

Choose a microcredential

Tailor your degree with a microcredential in epidemiology or global health.

What you’ll learn in the MPH program

MPH students will cover a wide range of topics including epidemiology, health promotion, health policy, evaluation, program management, quality improvement, environmental health, health equity, and social and behavioral sciences. These studies work to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent and respond to injuries and diseases. The focus of this work is on populations as small as a local neighborhood, or as big as an entire country or region of the world. Some of the skills you will practice include:

Preventing disease and infection
Promoting health and wellbeing
Examining and conducting research to guide future practices and policies in public health
Identifying and analyzing the social, environmental, and behavioral determinants that influence the health status of vulnerable populations
Monitoring and evaluating health programs to determine impact and to improve quality of service delivery

Explore Master of Public Health courses

This degree will require you to complete a total of 43 credits.
You’ll also complete 1 internship (200 hours of an applied practicum experience), and 1 capstone research project.

View course sequence

View all courses

Sample courses

Class code	Class title	Credits
MPH 515	Health Promotion/Communication	3 credits
MPH 520	Epidemiology	3 credits
MPH 540	Behavioral/Social/Environmental Health	3 credits
MPH 610	Evidence-Based Practice	3 credits
MPH 670	Global Health Systems	3 credits

How much does the Master of Public Health cost?

The cost of your MPH degree will depend on several factors, including your specific scholarships, finances, the number of credits you take per semester, and your start date. New students also pay a $10 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for supplies and materials, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore total cost of attendance.

11-month accelerated program

Expense	Per Semester (Fall or Spring)	Per Summer Session	Total Program Cost**
Total tuition ($786/credit hour)*	$12,576 - $14,148	$7,074	$33,798
Technology fee	$140	$140	$420

Total direct charges (billable)	$12,716 - $14,288	$7,214	$34,218

*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**11-month program requires a summer start date. Total cost includes summer, fall, and spring semester.

Full-time program (14 months)

Expense	Per Semester (Fall or Spring)	Per Summer Session	Total Program Cost**
Total tuition ($786/credit hour)*	$9,432 - $10,218	$4,716	$33,798
Technology fee	$140	$70	$490

Total direct charges (billable)	$9,572 - $10,358	$4,786	$34,288

*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**Estimate based on fall start date. Total includes two fall semesters, and one each of spring and summer.

Part-time program (~3 years)

Expense	Per Semester (Fall or Spring)	Per Summer Session	Total Program Cost**
Total tuition ($786/credit hour)*	$4,716 - $5,502	$2,358	$33,798
Technology fee	$70	$70	$560

Total direct charges (billable)	$4,786 - $5,572	$2,428	$34,358

*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**Estimate based on fall start date. Total includes three fall semesters, three spring semesters, and two summer sessions.

St. Ambrose University’s Master of Public Health program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health

The Master of Public Health program at St. Ambrose University has achieved accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools of public health and public health programs. A copy of the accreditation report is available upon request by emailing mph@sau.edu.

See all SAU's accreditations

How does SAU support students in the MPH program?

Faculty are available to MPH students for 1:1 coaching at any point in their academic journey. The department also assists students in the process of publishing scholarly articles.. As students prepare for their future and make plans, faculty can offer career support each step of the way.

MPH program faculty

Ann Garton, DNP, FPCC, RN, CNE

Colleen Doak, PhD

Duk Kim, PhD

Erica Thomas, DHEd

Erin Sodawasser Hermiston, MPH

Jessica Roisen, PhD

Joe Golden, MPH

John Bowser, PhD

Melissa Sharer, PhD, MPH, MSW

Rebecca Arnold, MPH

Ruby Batimana, MPH, MJ

Other support resources for MPH students

Accessibility Resource Center

Need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies? The ARC is here to help.

Learn about our resources

A student standing at a table with a woman at the Career Center.

Academic and Career Planning Center

Our career resources can help you polish your resume and land a job or internship to launch your career.

Discover career support

Are there cost savings available for the MPH program?

At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of resources to help make college more affordable for our students.

O'Rourke MPH Endowed Scholarship

The Joseph R. '72 and Joyce O'Rourke Endowed Scholarship is offered annually to multiple MPH students. Learn more about this MPH Scholarship.

External Scholarships

Scholarships are also available through two of our member organizations. Check the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) and the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) for details.

Transfer previous credits to SAU

You may be able to transfer previous credits toward your MPH, saving you time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.

Graduate assistantships

Graduate assistantships can reduce your total tuition cost or provide income as you pursue your degree. Check our employment page for open positions.

Military benefits

Veterans, service members, and their children and spouses may be eligible for education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Learn more.

Campus resources for MPH students

Public health is a very diverse field, you might come in thinking you want to study infectious or non-communicable disease and then shift to examine the social determinants of health. You can follow your passion or discover new passions to pursue via our program. We will also work closely with you to build an Applied Practicum Experience (APE) that aligns with your passions and professional goals. Besides intensive coursework, MPH students also have a leadership opportunity and are able to become involved with the Graduate Student Government Association (GSGA).

Admission requirements for a Master of Public Health

Here are the admissions requirements for our MPH.

Submit all materials through the SOPHAS centralized application service.
Official transcript showing completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. If you are currently enrolled as an undergraduate, provide a list of remaining courses and timeline for earning the undergraduate degree.
A statement addressing how your personal or academic background and experiences will bring a unique perspective to the program and contribute to a diverse and inclusive student community (no more than one page).
2 letters of reference from either academic (i.e. professor) or professional (i.e. supervisor) sources.
Evidence of a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended.

Apply now

International student requirements

If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:

Official transcripts from secondary education
A recommended minimum of 3.0 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
Copy of your passport and other documentation

What can I do with a MPH degree?

Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a MPH graduate could achieve.

Potential job titles

Epidemiologist
Healthcare administrator
Infectious disease analyst
International health worker
Environmental health specialist
Community health worker

Potential employment settings

Hospitals
Schools
Non-profit organizations
Government offices
Private businesses
Community service organizations

Traits of a public health worker

Cultural humility
Empathy
Adaptability
Analytical mindset
Communication
Critical thinking

Industry facts

The median wage for epidemiologists was $78,520 in 2022.
Employment of community health workers is projected to grow 14 percent from 2022 to 2032.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that public health jobs will grow at a faster-than-average rate until 2026, and could potentially grow by about 7% by 2031, creating around two million new jobs.

For more information on management employment and wages, visit the Healthcare Management Degree Guide.

Public health news at SAU

Lydia Amissa-Harris smiles over one shoulder at the camera against a white background.

Lydia Amissah-Harris: Making a difference in maternal health

Lydia Amissah-Harris ‘22 MPH has dedicated her career to improving maternal health in the Quad Cities, and her impact has not gone unnoticed.

To the left: Nicolas Reese smiles at the camera at the American Academy of Pediatrics. To the right: Kaylin Camidge smiles at the camera while standing in front of green plants.

St. Ambrose University Awards O'Rourke Scholarship to Outstanding MPH Students

SAU's Master of Public Health program has named Kaylin Camidge ’25 MPH and Nic Reese ’25 MPH as the recipients of the O'Rourke Scholarship.

A brick sign reads St. Ambrose University.

St. Ambrose University Public Health Experts Publish Gun Violence Prevention Commentary in The Lancet

Faculty, students from SAU's Master of Public Health program, and Family Resources collaborated to publish a commentary in The Lancet Regional Health.

View all news and events

Graduate waving during commencement ceremony.

View of oak tree leaves from below with white gradient.

Become who you are meant to be

With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.