Hybrid Programs

A hybrid Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program is one that is offered primarily online, with the additional requirement of attending either a short residency at the school or completing a supervised practicum. Whether an MPH program will be fully online or hybrid depends on the individual school as well as the concentration.

Schools that offer an online MPH that have a short residency requirement on campus will offer the majority of the coursework online. Like fully online programs, students will be able to work on and submit assignments each week during times that are convenient for them, such as evenings and weekends. Additionally, hybrid MPH programs also have the requirement that students attend either one or two brief sessions on campus to complete the degree requirements.

How often will campus visits be required for hybrid MPH programs?

The schools that have this requirement are fully aware that the majority of people who are pursuing their online degree programs are working professionals who need the credential to advance their careers.

Because of this, the on-campus requirements are usually very brief and infrequent. They typically involve attending either a one-week campus session or a weekend session. Most students will have no trouble using their vacation time from work to attend these sessions.

Hybrid MPH Programs with Practicum Requirements

The other type of hybrid MPH program is one that offers all of its coursework online but also requires the completion of a supervised practicum in the local community. Practicums are necessary for some programs to gain valuable experience either observing others in the performance of their duties, obtaining hands-on experience, or both. A practicum could be at a local public health clinic, for example.

MPH degree programs with this requirement may involve the completion of anywhere from 300 to 400 hours of practicum experience to graduate. Before enrolling in an online MPH degree program with a lengthy practicum requirement, it is important to consider how that may work into one’s schedule. It may be possible to complete some practicums of the evenings and weekends while others are only offered during the weekdays.

Earning an online MPH degree from a reputable school can be a good way to distinguish one’s self from peers to take their career to the next level. Prior to enrolling in any hybrid program, however, take the time to do a self-assessment to see whether you have either the necessary vacation time or live in proximity to a local public health facility with hours of operation that make sense.