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Public Health Online

Pursue your passion for public health

Master's

Prepare to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of communities through UW-La Crosse's online Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program.

Graduates of UWL's M.P.H. program are equipped to become public health leaders who develop partnerships, advocate for change, and implement evidence-based solutions that improve health outcomes for diverse populations.

This highly interactive program is delivered 100% online and can be completed in as few as 24 months. You'll develop practical skills you can immediately apply in your workplace while learning alongside a cohort of public health professionals and aspiring leaders.

A program within Public Health & Community Health Education

Program at a glance

  • Degree: Master of Public Health in Community Health Education (MPH-CHE)
  • Format: Online
  • Commitment: Two years
  • Program start: Spring
  • Credits: 42

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What is public health?

Public health professionals work to improve the health of individuals, families, and communities through education, prevention, research and policy. Their work ranges from preventing the spread of infectious diseases to promoting healthy behaviors, improving healthcare access, and addressing factors that influence quality of life. Learn more.

UWL's program emphasizes research opportunities, grant writing for organizations, and is aligned with the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) Eight Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists and is grounded in the five core disciplines of public health:

  • Biostatistics
  • Epidemiology
  • Health Policy and Management
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Environmental Health Sciences

Career outlook

What jobs are there?

A Master of Public Health (MPH) prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in public health, healthcare, environmental health, and community health. Depending on their interests and professional background, graduates may work as healthcare managers, health educators, epidemiologists, or environmental health professionals who monitor environmental conditions and investigate sources of pollution and contamination that may affect public health. Salaries and job outlook vary by position, but many public health careers are expected to grow as fast as or faster than the average for all occupations.

 What salary can I expect to make?

Public health salaries vary by career, experience, employer, location and other factors. Graduates with a Master of Public Health (MPH) may pursue roles with a range of salary levels, from health education and environmental health to epidemiology and healthcare management. For current salary information and job outlook by occupation, explore the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ webpage.

Why Choose UWL's Online Master of Public Health Program?

100% online flexibility

Earn your degree from anywhere with no travel requirements. Most coursework is completed asynchronously, allowing you to balance graduate school with your professional and personal commitments. Some courses may include optional or required synchronous sessions scheduled around student availability.

Continue working while you learn

Some courses include applied learning experiences that require collaboration with a public health organization. Students currently employed in public health can apply what they are learning directly to their current role. Faculty also assist students in identifying appropriate community partners when needed.

Personalized faculty support

Benefit from meaningful interaction with experienced faculty through one-on-one meetings, course feedback, and virtual office hours. Faculty are committed to helping you succeed academically and professionally.

Expand your professional network

Learn alongside a cohort of motivated professionals who share your passion for improving community health. Through collaborative coursework and applied experiences, you'll build relationships that extend beyond graduation.

Open to graduates from any major

You do not need an undergraduate degree in public health to apply. Students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds are welcomed into the program.

Small class sizes

To ensure a high-quality educational experience, our online class size is approximately 15 students. Online students network and progress through the program with a cohort of learners—connecting with each other and their instructors through online discussions and other assignments.

Scholarships and financial aid available

Students are eligible for federal financial aid as well as internal and external scholarship opportunities, helping make graduate education more accessible and affordable. View details and learn how to apply.

Aligned with community health education

Through a focus on Community Health Education, you'll gain the knowledge and practical skills to:

  • Improve access to healthcare and health resources in underserved communities
  • Design, implement, and evaluate public health programs
  • Build meaningful partnerships and community connections
  • Communicate complex health information effectively
  • Promote ethical, professional, and culturally responsive practices

Featured courses

  • Public Health Issues
    PH 701 | 3 credits
    This course involves an introduction to key determinants of the public's health (e.g., biological, genetic, behavioral, psychological, social, political, economic) as well as the impact of globalization on public health. Prerequisite: admission to the MPH Community Health Education Program. Offered Annually.
  • Public Health Advocacy and Policy
    PH 760 | 3 credits
    This course focuses on the process of engaging communities in health education and behavior change programs of various kinds. Several organizing paradigms for fostering healthy communities are examined, and their practical and ethical implications are considered. Skill development for community assessment, constituency-building, and leadership of participatory planning efforts is emphasized. Students may be paired with health and human services, health policy and social justice agencies and coalitions to gain an in-depth knowledge of agenda setting, legislative research, and legislative advocacy in relation to specific legislation. This course ties policy theory to real-world practice. Prerequisite: PH 700, PH 701, PH 710, PH 711, PH 725, and PH 755. Offered Annually.
  • Grant Development for Public Health
    PH 775 | 3 credits
    The grantseeking enterprise is studied and applied. Community and public health grantseeking content, practices, and concepts are presented for application in most disciplines and areas of interest. Content includes locating and communicating with funding agencies, writing and reviewing grant proposals, analyzing requests for proposals, using technology in grantseeking, and implementing and evaluating grant funded projects. Project planning and administrative competencies are incorporated. Budget planning and grant administration is identified and applied. Prerequisite: PH 700, PH 701, PH 710, PH 711, PH 725, and PH 755. Offered Annually.
Portrait of Ella Rusnacko, '20 & '25

Hear from an alum

Ella Rusnacko, '20 & '25

"Being a full-time working professional, the UWL online MPH program integrated seamlessly. It gave me a great systems-level overview and tangible tools that I can apply day-to-day with the work that I do. You will walk out with a stronger sense of self and stronger sense of confidence."

Portrait of Kayla Loeber, '19 & '25

Hear from an alum

Kayla Loeber, '19 & '25

"Even though it was virtual, it was very easy to access other students and support each other along the way. What I learned in this program connects perfectly back to the population I work with, and the support I gained in policy and advocacy has definitely helped me be able to advocate for the people that I work with."