Master of Public Health
Master of Public Health
Driven to shape a healthier future for individuals and communities? In our Master of Public Health, you’ll build a strong foundation in epidemiology, social and behavioral health, and program evaluation, so you can turn data and evidence into real improvements in community health. You’ll also develop the skills to advocate for policies that support population health and promote healthy lifestyles.
At a glance
- Online coursework
- 10-week courses
- A hands-on Applied Practice Experience
- Capella Tuition Cap and transfer credit eligible
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won’t pay more than $27,000* in tuition costs for your degree when you start on Jan. 11, 2027.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore public health courses
- This degree requires a total of 68 program credits
- You’ll need to complete 14 core courses, two applied practice experience courses and one integrative learning experience course
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you’ll learn
Coursework in this online MPH program helps develop your ability to protect and improve the health of communities and populations. Your public health online courses will include learning about mitigating health disparities, analyzing the epidemiology of specific diseases, and conducting program evaluation and outcomes research.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Integrate knowledge of social, behavioral and environmental determinants to the design of public health interventions
- Apply data cleaning and management methods to public health datasets
- Organize public health projects and tasks with project management software
- Use information technology and digital tools to enhance the delivery of public health programs
- Develop quality improvement processes for public health programs and interventions
- Communicate public health concepts clearly and accurately
How much does the MPH cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by course load or quarter
- $530 per credit
- $125 resource kit
- 68 total quarter credits
- 24 max transfer credits
- $33.70 background check
- $2.99 CastleBranch service fee
*This is only an estimate, effective Oct. 28, 2026, and is subject to change.
Total Tuition Cap
Capella Tuition Cap
$27,000 Total Tuition
- Pay no more than $27,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start on Jan. 11, 2027
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Capella Tuition Cap
What is the Capella Tuition Cap?$27,000 Total Tuition
- Pay no more than $27,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start on Jan. 11, 2027
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
About tuition estimate
The cost below is an example based on general program pricing and 2026–27 Capella tuition rates. The coursework total assumes no transfer credits have been applied when a student enters into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Oct. 28, 2026. This rate is the same nationwide and may change depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses.
Connect with a Capella enrollment specialist to learn more, including whether your chosen specialization has additional factors that may affect program cost and length.
Cost scenarios table
Cost of tuition |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $530/credit
|
$36,040.00 |
| Est. savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-9,040.00 |
|
Est. total with Capella Tuition Cap* |
$27,000.00 |
*This is only an estimate, effective Oct. 28, 2026, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer.
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
"My love for helping others transpired to researching underserved communities to find ways to provide better support. Attaining my Public Health degrees will guide me into a career doing so.”
Diantha Ashford, MPH and DrPH*
*Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in promotional materials.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Capella School of Nursing and Health Sciences Advisory Board
The contributions of the Capella School of Nursing and Health Sciences Advisory Board give you the confidence that our curricula is developed with the insight and support of industry leaders. We strive to foster excellence in scholarship and practice to help develop healthcare practitioners and leaders dedicated to lifelong service, leadership and contribution.
What are the MPH admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MPH program must provide the following information for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
Upon admission to the program, a background check is required before enrolling in courses. GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
How to Uncover and Address Inequities in Health Care
When Christopher Holliday speaks about the inequities in health care that plague our society, one word comes up over and over again: avoidable.
Prepare to help protect and improve the health of communities and populations
Develop an understanding of fundamental public health concepts, theories, and practices and grow as a promoter of healthy lifestyles and environments.
The role of public health in keeping communities healthy
Learn about how public health services are leveraged to help prevent and respond to infectious diseases and promote health in communities.
What can you do with an MPH degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a Master of Public Health.
Job titles to explore*
- Community engagement leaders
- Community health directors
- Epidemiologists
- Health program managers
- Program coordinators
- Program managers
- Program specialists
- Public health managers
- Public health coordinators
- Public health planners
Employment settings to explore*
- Administration of public health programs
- Child and youth services
- Civic and social organizations
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Other general government support
- Voluntary health organizations
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.