Academic Experience

At the UW Online MPH program, we're training the next generation of public health leaders. Our program is designed for professionals who are looking for a high-quality MPH degree program with a convenient, mostly online format.

Competency-Based Curriculum

Our cutting-edge curriculum is adapted to meet the changing needs of students, employers and the public health field. You’ll build a solid foundation in the disciplinary competencies of biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, health management and policy, and social and behavioral health. At the same time, you’ll develop skills in program development and evaluation, health promotion and education, evidence-based research and global health. See our learning outcomes.

In the second half of the program, you'll apply what you have learned to a practicum experience in the community and to a final capstone project. 

Team-Based Learning Approach

The curriculum teaches the core public health competencies using a team-based learning approach that fosters collaboration among students from a variety of professional disciplines. Guided by faculty, you’ll work in groups to grapple with current public health problems.

Program Format

The Online MPH program offers an 18-month, full-time accelerated track (six continuous quarters) and a 27-month, part-time track (nine continuous quarters). Classes meet mostly online, supplemented by three in-person sessions in Seattle. In the second half of the program, you’ll get hands-on experience through a practicum in the community.

During the online portion, you can do your coursework largely on your own schedule, but you are required to attend weekly webinars. Spring cohort students meet Tuesday evenings and autumn cohort students meet Thursday evenings, 7–9 p.m. Pacific Time. Learn more about online learning.

The in-person sessions will give you an opportunity to network with your peers; interact with our world-class faculty; and strengthen your leadership, presentation and communication skills. The first and third sessions are required; the second one is optional.

The first session is held at the start of the entry quarter, before classes begin and includes program orientation, team-building sessions, introductions to faculty and courses, anti-racism trainings, public health seminars and a practitioner panel. The second session after the first half of the program will include professional development workshops and meetings with facilitators and faculty to make sure you're on track with your final project. During the third session at the end of the program, you'll present your capstone presentations and graduate.

On-Campus Sessions

Spring 2023 Cohort Students: March 22–25, 2023
Fall 2023 Cohort Students: September 20–23, 2023 (to be confirmed) 

Graduate Certificate Option

The Graduate Certificate in Public Health Practice introduces students to the core disciplines of public health practice over two quarters of study. Geared to working professionals, this 18-credit program is delivered in a mostly online format.

The Graduate Certificate in Public Health Practice is currently on hold and will not be accepting new applications for the 2021–2022 or 2022–2023 academic years.

"My classmates and I benefited immensely from exchanging our unique professional experiences relating to the core public health concepts we were studying. Having a cohort with such diverse ideas and perspectives really added to the richness of our learning."

— Michelle Edwards
Physician, Primary Care and Public Health