UNC Gillings Online Master of Public Health

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.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.

Help Us Create a Healthier World

At the University of North Carolina’s Gillings School of Global Public Health, the No. 2 public school of public health and the No. 2 overall,2 we are working to make a world of difference.

Our work brings us face-to-face with emerging and systemic threats to equity, health and well-being. To keep fighting these threats, we need people who share our determination and commitment to progress. People like you.

MPH@UNC, our CEPH-accredited online Master of Public Health (MPH) program, will prepare you to combat society’s most urgent public health challenges — from pandemics to opioid abuse to systemic disparities — while you continue to work from anywhere in the world.

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The Online MPH at a Glance

4 CONCENTRATIONS

20-36 MONTHS TO COMPLETE

FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME OPTIONS

NO GRE REQUIRED

Master of Public Health Online Curriculum

The curriculum for the online MPH program begins with the Gillings Core, in which you’ll establish an integrated foundation in public health. You’ll then build focused expertise through concentration courses and electives.

In addition to the MPH Core, concentration, and elective courses, you will complete the MPH practicum — a 200-hour mentored, evaluated work experience where you’ll apply your training in a real-world setting.

CHOOSE YOUR CONCENTRATION

When you apply to the program, you will select two concentrations:

MPH APPLIED EPIDEMIOLOGY | MPH Health Policy | MPH LEADERSHIP IN PRACTICE | MPH NUTRITION, FOOD SYSTEMS AND HEALTH

The online MPH Applied Epidemiology, MPH Health Policy, MPH Leadership in Practice, and MPH Nutrition, Food Systems and Health concentrations are CEPH-accredited. With all concentrations, you’ll graduate with an interdisciplinary understanding of the cultural, environmental and social issues that define the modern public health landscape.

LET’S GET TO WORK

Learn how MPH@UNC equips you to lead change and advance your career.

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ADMISSIONS: MPH DEGREE ONLINE

The Gillings School seeks applicants who are passionate about eliminating public health inequities and are prepared to meet the rigorous demands of our online MPH degree program.

ADMISSIONS HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Three start dates per year: Fall, Spring and Summer
  • The final deadline for the August 2026 cohort is July 7, 2026
  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • No minimum work experience

No GRE is required to apply. If you have any questions, you can speak with an enrollment specialist at 855-534-2409 or admissions@onlinemph.unc.edu.

Review the application requirements for UNC Gillings’ online MPH program.

GILLINGS’ APPROACH TO ONLINE LEARNING

One of the cornerstones of the UNC Gillings School is our open-door culture and inclusive community — and our online programs are no exception.

We’ve spent years working with leading educators and technology experts to design a truly collaborative online learning experience. You’ll connect with peers and faculty in live classes, strengthen your expertise with interactive coursework and find unparalleled support at every stage.

Additional Online Offerings From UNC Gillings

In addition to the master’s in public health online program, Gillings offers online public health education options for those who are seeking professional development or a set of specific skills instead of a graduate degree.

CERTIFICATES

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Join Us on the Front Lines of Public Health

When you earn your Master of Public Health online from the top-ranked Gillings School, you join a community of practical idealists who approach public health challenges with evidence-based action and interdisciplinary innovation.

We’re on it. Join us.

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FAQs About UNC’s Online MPH

  • No, the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health online Master of Public Health program does not require the GRE for admission. The school has dropped the GRE requirement to foster a more equitable, diverse, and accessible application process. Admissions are based on a holistic review of your résumé, transcripts, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.

  • Online Master of Public Health (MPH) programs offer superior flexibility and increased accessibility compared to on-campus programs, making them ideal for working professionals. While they maintain the same academic rigor and, in many cases, identical curricula and accreditation, they lack the spontaneous, in-person networking and hands-on, face-to-face community engagement inherent to traditional, in-person learning.

  • The UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health online MPH program is an excellent fit for experienced healthcare clinicians, offering specialized, flexible training (like “Leadership in Practice”) designed to help working professionals transition into public health leadership, manage health inequities, and improve population health.

  1. Best Public Health Schools, U.S. News & World Report, 2024 ↩︎
  2. Best Public Health Schools, U.S. News & World Report (2023) ↩︎