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The Master of Public Health (MPH) at Nova Southeastern University is a 42-credit, CEPH-accredited graduate program that can be completed in as little as one year. Offered through the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, the program is available fully online as well as in a hybrid format at the Fort Lauderdale/Davie campus. The curriculum prepares students in essential public health competencies, including biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental and occupational health, health policy and management, social and behavioral sciences, ethics, research methods, applied practice experience, and integrative learning experience. In addition to a broad selection of electives such as global health, public health leadership, epidemiologic surveillance, maternal and child health, and public health advocacy, students are able to tailor the program to align with their professional goals. The program has been recognized by Fortune and Princeton Review as one of the Best Online Master’s in Public Health programs.
Program Highlights
- Complete the M.P.H. in as little as 11 months (three semesters) on a full-time schedule
- Part-time options available — extend studies up to three years to accommodate career and personal commitments
- Designed to prepare professionals from diverse backgrounds with the knowledge and skills needed to lead in today's public health environment
- Through integrated research initiatives and community-based projects, students gain applied skills in epidemiology, health policy analysis, program planning, and data-driven decision making
- Graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified in Public Health (CPH) and Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examinations upon program completion
- Fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) and recognized by Fortune and The Princeton Review as one of the Best Online Master's in Public Health programs
Why Choose NSU’s Master of Public Health
✔ CEPH-Accredited Program
✔ Complete in as Little as One Year
✔ Flexible Learning Options (Online &Hybrid)
✔ Same Faculty, Same Curriculum
✔ Career-Focused Curriculum
✔ Strong Career Outcomes
✔ Ranked among Fortune’s Best Online Master’s in Public Health Programs.
✔ Located in a Public Health Hub
✔ Eligibility for the Certified in Public Health (CPH) and Certified Health Education
Specialist (CHES) Examinations
Quick Facts
For Summer Admission: April 15
For Fall Admission: August 1
Have questions about the program or classes?
Please book a meeting with Dr. Serna Chair of the Department of Public Health and Director of the Master of Public Health (MPH) program.
You can also reach her via email at cserna@nova.edu
Public Health Careers & Salaries
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024
- Health Education Specialist – median salary $63,000/year
- Epidemiologist – median salary $83,980/year
- Public Health Program Manager – $85,100/year
- Biostatistician / Statistician – median salary $104,110/year
- Public Health Administrator – median salary $117,960/year
NSU Alumni Placement – AY 2023-24
100% of NSU graduates are employed or pursuing further education within one year of graduation.
Employers of MPH Alumni
Alumni secure positions across local, state, federal, nonprofit, and healthcare settings.
- American Heart Association
- Broward Regional Health Council
- Broward Healthy Start Coalition
- The Urban League of Broward County
- Broward County Health Department
- Miami-Dade County Public Health
- Cleveland Clinic Florida
- Memorial Healthcare System
- PepsiCo
- Northwestern University
- University of Miami
- Cano Health
Why Earn Your M.P.H. at NSU?
Complete your coursework while balancing career and family responsibilities through online live and hybrid evening classes.
Top-Ranked Program Nationwide
NSU's Master of Public Health program has earned national recognition from leading higher education rankings, including Best Online Master's in Public Health by U.S. News & World Report. Our program combines rigorous academics with flexible online delivery — preparing graduates for immediate impact in public health careers.
The flexible class options at NSU let me plan around my work and other responsibilities. The skills I gained have strengthened my own professional expertise. I’m so happy I did it.
Patricia Gaffney, Audiologist and Professor | Nova Southeastern University Master of Public Health Alumna
The best compliment I can attribute to NSU is the dedication of the faculty post-graduation. They were genuinely interested in my progress and success.
Whitney Saint-Fleur, M.P.H. | Clinical Quality Management Health Planner Master of Public Health Alumna
Hands-on practical applications, interactive classes, interesting electives … my only wish is that I started my NSU degree earlier, so I had these insights sooner in my career.
Isa Prude, Graduate Student, Concurrent M.P.H./O.D.
NSU’s applied practice experience prepared me for real life. I got to plan, implement, and evaluate cancer workshops with Gilda’s Club South Florida. It was one of the best parts of my program.
Roldyne Dolcé, M.P.H., CHES, Senior Health Educator | Master of Public Health Alumna
I traveled to San Cristobal, Galapagos, Ecuador, with a team of M.P.H. and B.S.P.H. students to conduct a Health Care Needs Assessment, evaluating local programs, services, and personnel. Together with students from various disciplines, we led educational sessions on oral health, physical activity, stress management, and nutrition, promoting wellness in the community.
Claudia A. Serna, Ph.D., D.D.S., M.P.H., M.B.A. Chair, Department of Public Health Director, Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
M.P.H. Curriculum
Through a combination of core courses and electives, the M.P.H. curriculum includes comprehensive teachings about public health as well as unique opportunities to explore skill sets like global health, communications, and more.
Explore Public Health as a Non-Degree Seeking Student
If you’d like to take a few courses for exploration, professional development, or prep for another track, you can enroll as a non-degree seeking student and take up to four courses (12 credits). You must still apply, send in your transcripts, and pay the application fee.
If you decide later to pursue the M.P.H. degree, you will need to submit a new application. Your previous application does not guarantee acceptance into the M.P.H. degree-seeking program.
Graduate students from other NSU programs who elect to take public health courses may do so with written approval of the public health program director.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NSU's Master of Public Health program?
NSU’s Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) is a 42-credit, CEPH-accredited graduate program offered through the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. The program is designed to prepare students in core public health competencies, including biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental and occupational health, health policy and management, social and behavioral sciences, ethics, research methods, an Applied Practice Experience, and an Integrative Learning Experience as core courses.
Is NSU's MPH program CEPH-accredited?
Yes. NSU's MPH program is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the gold standard accreditor for schools and programs of public health in the United States.
How long does it take to complete the NSU MPH program?
The 42-credit M.P.H. program can be completed in as little as one year on a full-time basis. Students may also choose a flexible part-time schedule to fit classes around work and other commitments.
Is the NSU MPH available online?
Yes. NSU's M.P.H. is offered fully online, allowing students to attend from anywhere, as well as in a hybrid format at the Fort Lauderdale/Davie campus.
What are the application deadlines for the NSU MPH?
Application deadlines are: December 15 for Winter admission, April 15 for Summer admission, and August 1 for Fall admission.
What careers can I pursue with an MPH from NSU?
NSU MPH graduates are prepared for careers in public health including: Health Education Specialist (median salary $63,000/year), Epidemiologist ($83,980/year), Public Health Program Manager ($85,100/year), Biostatistician ($104,110/year), and Public Health Administrator ($117,960/year). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024.
What is the job placement rate for NSU MPH graduates?
100% of AY 2023-24 NSU MPH graduates were employed or pursuing further education within one year of graduation (NSU Alumni Placement Data).
Where do NSU MPH alumni work?
NSU MPH alumni work across local, state, federal, nonprofit, and healthcare settings including: American Heart Association, Broward Regional Health Council, Broward Healthy Start Coalition, The Urban League of Broward County, Broward County Health Department, Miami-Dade County Public Health, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Memorial Healthcare System, PepsiCo, Northwestern University, University of Miami, and Cano Health.
What elective concentrations are available in the NSU MPH?
The M.P.H. curriculum includes a broad selection of electives — such as global health, public health leadership, epidemiologic surveillance, maternal and child health, and public health advocacy — allowing students to tailor the program to their professional goals and areas of specialization.
Can I take NSU MPH courses without enrolling in the degree program?
Yes. Non-degree seeking students may enroll and take up to four courses (12 credits)
for exploration, professional development, or preparation for another program. Standard
applications, transcripts, and application fee are still required. Note that a separate
application is required if you later wish to pursue the full M.P.H. degree.
After Applying, What Happens Next?
Depending on the time of year, the review process may take a few weeks. You can check your application status at any time via the online application portal. Once a decision has been made, notification is sent via email to the address on file.