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UNC Gillings Master of Public Health | Online
The online Master of Public Health (MPH) program from the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill prepares practical idealists to combat society’s most urgent public health challenges.
- Top-Ranked in 2025 — UNC Gillings is the No. 2 ranked school of public health.1
- The Power of a Network — UNC Gillings connects you to public health leaders at home and around the globe, giving you an unparalleled opportunity to drive large-scale change.
- Comprehensive support — Receive support at every step of your journey, including admissions guidance, mentoring from faculty, academic planning and career services.
UNC Gillings Master of Public Health | Online
The online Master of Public Health (MPH) program from the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill prepares practical idealists to combat society’s most urgent public health challenges.
- Top-Ranked in 2025 — UNC Gillings is the No. 2 ranked public school of public health and No. 2 overall.1
- The Power of a Network — UNC Gillings connects you to public health leaders at home and around the globe, giving you an unparalleled opportunity to drive large-scale change.
- Comprehensive support — Receive support at every step of your journey, including admissions guidance, mentoring from faculty, academic planning and career services.
At the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the No. 2 school of public health,1 we train practical leaders who are relentless in their pursuit of a healthier, more equitable world.
Through research, education and service, we bring our expertise to the front lines of public health every day — because we believe the fight of our lives is happening right now, in local and global communities. Our online Master of Public Health (MPH) program will prepare you to anticipate and combat society’s most urgent public health challenges, from emerging crises to systemic disparities, no matter where you live.
At the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the No. 2 public school of public health and the No. 2 overall,1 we train practical leaders who are relentless in their pursuit of a healthier, more equitable world.
Through research, education and service, we bring our expertise to the front lines of public health every day — because we believe the fight of our lives is happening right now, in local and global communities. Our online Master of Public Health (MPH) program will prepare you to anticipate and combat society’s most urgent public health challenges, from emerging crises to systemic disparities, no matter where you live.
Focused Skills for Fearless Leaders
Explore Our Concentrations
Regardless of which track you choose, you’ll graduate with an interdisciplinary understanding of the cultural, environmental and social issues that define the modern public health landscape.
Use data to improve population health in the UNC Gillings School’s Applied Epidemiology concentration for the online MPH program. You’ll learn to understand public health surveillance systems, recommend study designs, conduct analyses to address research questions and communicate findings to a variety of audiences.
Be part of the next generation of public health leaders in policymaking and practice to address the complex challenges of health care delivery. You’ll be prepared to craft and implement policies in the private and public sectors, from insurance coverage and social determinants of health to innovative new policies that shape how hospitals and health systems best serve people everywhere.
Lead teams, projects and organizations in eliminating health disparities, improving individual well-being and fostering change in local and global communities. You’ll learn how to develop practical solutions to systemic challenges in any area of public health.
Improve the health of individuals, families and communities through nutrition outreach, policy and education. In addition to core public health knowledge, you’ll focus on nutrition science, behavior change, counseling and the broad effects of dietary culture.
Lead in Practice, Not Just on Paper
In keeping with our legacy of engagement, we emphasize experiential learning that gives you the chance to apply public health concepts, skills and values in a real-world setting. Depending on your concentration — and with one-on-one assistance from our placement team — you’ll complete at least 200 hours of fieldwork and have the chance to:
- Contribute to essential organizations advancing public health.
- Explore professional interests and hone your career goals.
- Collaborate with and learn from experienced professionals in the field.
Fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health
Apply on Your Schedule, Learn at Your Pace
Our program accommodates the unique needs of working professionals.
Three Annual Start Dates
Start your program at the time that makes sense for you.
Full- and Part-Time Pacing
Complete in as few as 20-36 months or as many as five years.
The final deadline for the August 2026 cohort is July 7, 2026.
Get Support at Every Stage
From the moment you start exploring UNC Gillings, you can expect unparalleled support from every corner of our community, including admissions and program staff, faculty and even the alumni network.
Admissions Guidance
We’ll pair you with an enrollment specialist who can help you prepare your application with confidence, navigate financial aid questions and tour the online campus.
Academic Planning
You’ll work with a team of experts dedicated to your success, including a faculty mentor, a student success adviser, an academic coordinator and a field placement specialist.
Career Services
Our Career Center team can help you stand out in competitive job markets, prepare for transitions and translate your skills into meaningful service throughout your career.
Get your application fee waived. Contact an enrollment specialist at 855-534-2409 or admissions@onlinemph.unc.edu to
learn more.
The Cutting Edge of Online Learning
We’ve spent years working with leading educators, researchers and technology experts to design a truly collaborative online learning experience that is much more than just a virtual classroom. The result? An environment that engages your curiosity, strengthens your expertise and connects you with other passionate students — no matter where you call home.
Community Beyond Campus
Online students are full members of the Gillings School community and are invited to attend extracurricular events, participate in on-campus commencement ceremonies and apply for schoolwide awards and honors.
We encourage you to get involved: We have more than 20 active student organizations, which focus on global issues, diversity initiatives, community advocacy and healthy lifestyles.
Bring the Power of Public Health to Your Community
Learn how our online MPH program can prepare you to make practical change when and where it matters most.
FAQs About UNC Gillings MPH Online
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UNC Gillings is currently recognized as the #1 public school of public health in the country by U.S. News & World Report and holds a prestigious tie for the #2 spot among all public health schools nationwide. For more details, you can view the official Gillings Reputation and Rankings page.
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Yes. The degree you earn online is academically identical to the one awarded to our on-campus students. Both paths utilize the same world-class faculty and follow the exact same 14-credit Gillings MPH Core curriculum. While the delivery format and scheduling may differ to accommodate your life, the final degree and professional competencies are the same.
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The online program offers specialized tracks designed to build practical leadership and analytical skills. Currently, you can choose from concentrations in Leadership in Practice, Nutrition, or Applied Epidemiology.
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No, the GRE is not required for admission to the Gillings online Master of Public Health program. To ensure a more accessible and fair application process, admissions committees do not review GRE scores. Instead, your application is evaluated holistically based on your professional background, transcripts, and personal statement.
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No. While other programs at UNC may hold this status, the MPH program at the Gillings School is not currently STEM-designated.
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For the current academic cycle, the total tuition for the 42-credit hour program is estimated between $72,870 and $85,394. This range applies to both international and domestic students and covers the full 24-month curriculum. You can find the latest per-credit breakdown on the Tuition and Financial Aid page.
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Generally, yes. Because UNC-Chapel Hill is a public university, North Carolina residents pay significantly lower in-state tuition for the residential program compared to online or out-of-state options. To secure this pricing, you must verify your eligibility through the NC Residency Determination Service.
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Yes. Online students have access to several funding avenues, including merit-based awards from the department and specialized fellowships. Every applicant is automatically considered for certain awards upon admission, and many students also utilize federal loans to support their education.
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Gillings provides extensive support for your 200-hour practicum, including access to a dedicated opportunities database and a dashboard of past placement sites. You will work with an advisor and receive a weekly newsletter to help you identify a mentored role that aligns with your specific career goals, whether in-person or remote.
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Neither degree is “better” than the other; they simply focus on different sides of the healthcare spectrum. An MD is clinical, training you to treat individual patients, while an MPH is focused on population-level health and disease prevention. Combining the two through a dual MD/MPH degree is a powerful way to lead both in the clinic and in public policy.
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The right choice depends entirely on where you want your career to go. An MPH is the superior option if you are passionate about research, social justice, and improving community health. However, an MBA is often more effective if your goal is to manage corporate finances or enter the world of executive consulting.
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Demand for public health professionals is very strong across government, nonprofit, and private sectors. With an MPH, you are prepared for vital roles like epidemiologist, health policy analyst, or healthcare manager, focusing on solving large-scale health crises and policy issues.
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Absolutely. The Gillings online MPH is an ideal bridge for doctors, nurses, and other clinicians who want to move into leadership roles. The flexible 16 to 20-month format allows you to specialize in areas like Leadership in Practice while maintaining your current professional clinical duties.
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No, an MPH is a master’s level graduate degree. While it is a prestigious credential that prepares you for high-level leadership in population health, it is distinct from a clinical medical doctorate like an MD.
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Applicants are typically expected to have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. The Admissions Requirements include a résumé, three professional recommendations, and a statement of purpose. The admissions committee also looks highly upon relevant volunteer or professional experience in the public health field.
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The online program consists of 42 credit hours and a 200-hour practicum experience. It is designed to be completed in roughly 24 months, preparing you to lead change and improve health outcomes on a global scale.
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill partners with 2U to support the delivery of this online program. University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill has full control over the program, including all core academic functions. Click here to learn more about 2U’s roles and responsibilities.
1 Best Public Health Schools (2025) U.S. News & World Report. Ranked in 2025 arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference