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Are Online Masters in Public Health Degrees Accredited?

There are many accredited online Masters in Public Health degrees available for students who want to protect the health and well-being of the public. Students wishing to pursue an online degree should know which institutions accredit degree programs and how degrees are accredited in the U.S.

How Accreditation Works

An accredited degree implies that certain quality standards of notable educational organizations are met. This is important because certain industries, such as business or health care, tend to require job candidates to have an accredited degree. There are actually two types of accreditation: institutional accreditation, which covers all available programs within a school, and specialized accreditation, which cover only certain degree programs.

Generally speaking, most schools have a blanket institutional accreditation with certain degree programs receiving specialized accreditation through industrial or educational bodies. A good example of this is an RN degree program that has specialized accreditation through a well-known program, such as the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, or a lesser known program, such as the American Board of Occupational Health Nurses. Regional accrediting bodies are considered the highest quality of accreditation, followed by national and programmatic accreditation bodies.

A Recommended Resource

Any student who wishes to pursue a Masters in Public Health degree should first start with the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). This independent organization is recognized by the Department of Education as an authoritative source of information about public health education programs. Their website offers helpful resources for students interested in pursuing a degree in public health and for schools who wish to apply for independent CEPH accreditation.

CEPH approved Masters in Public Health degree programs must cover the basic principles of epidemiology and knowledge of specialization areas. These include health communication, which concentrates on improving behavior-based health issues, and health policy, which focuses on understanding and changing various health policies. A program planning specialization will endeavor to improve health program performance at home and abroad. A global health specialization will prepare students to become health care leaders and consultants in foreign public health systems.

Sample Masters in Public Health Degree Program

Master in Public Health degree programs usually start with a class that lays the foundational principles of public health. This class will holistically examine the modern field of public health and introduce the basic tools and skills needed to excel in a public health practitioner position. Next, students will most likely study an epidemiology class that introduces the basic concepts and research methodologies that are used to assess, analyze and interpret public health data.

Advanced epidemiology classes will teach students about sophisticated investigation, surveillance and measurement techniques. Students will also be taught a course that analyzes the theoretical foundations of individual and collective health behaviors. Students will learn practical psychosocial models and theories that will enable them to effectively gather data and formulate conclusions. Students must also learn how to analyze and understand quantitative public health statistics.

Students interested in accredited Online Masters in Public Health Degrees should consult with the target school to confirm their accreditation qualifications. Upon graduation, students will have a widely recognized professional credential that will help them obtain gainful employment.