Is it Possible to Get an Online MPH in One Year?

Earning a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is a great way to stand out from your peers in the workplace so you can earn either a raise or a promotion. The degree sets you apart as being someone who takes your profession seriously, and by completing a formal course of study at the graduate level, it also establishes you as the go-to person at work for your particular field.

If you are considering earning an online MPH for career advancement, you might be wondering if it is possible to speed up the process. After all, time is money. The longer it takes you to earn the credential, the longer you have to wait to be rewarded for your efforts with a promotion or raise.

Is it possible then to earn an online MPH in less time than the typical two years most schools require to complete the degree?

Is it possible to earn an MPH in only one year?

The answer to these questions is a definite yes. There are several schools that now allow you to complete an MPH in only one year. Let’s take a look at two of these schools and the programs they offer …

Get a MPH in One Year The George Washington University

A degree from the prestigious George Washington University (GWU) would look great on any resume. The school now offers an online MPH program with several options for degree completion. It’s possible to complete the program in one year by taking on a full course load. Part-time students may take up to four years to complete the degree.

The GWU online MPH requires the completion of 45 credit hours to graduate. Areas of focus are available in Health Communication, Health Policy, Program Planning and Evaluation, and Global Health. Admission to the program requires the completion of a bachelor’s degree in any field of study, submitting an application with application fee, GRE exam scores, official transcripts from all previous schools, a statement of purpose, a resume or CV, and two letters of recommendation.

Or, at The University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC) is another highly regarded university that offers an online MPH that can be completed in one year. Although the program was designed to take two years to complete, it is possible to finish in less time by taking additional courses during the fall and spring semesters. It’s important to point out that it may not be possible to complete the degree in one year with some tracks.

The USC online MPH requires the completion 47 credit hours to graduate. Areas of focus are available in Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Health Education and Promotion, Global Health Leadership, and GeoHealth. The USC MPH also requires the completion of a 300 hour practicum. Admission to the USC MPH requires the completion of a bachelor’s degree in any field of study, submitting GRE scores, a statement of purpose, transcripts from all previous schools, three letters of recommendation, and a resume or CV.

Pros and Cons of Earning an MPH in One Year

Whether earning an online MPH in one single year is a good idea for you depends entirely on how urgent your need for the credential is, the amount of free time you have, and your ability to put in the hours after work and of the weekends to complete the degree requirements.

An obvious advantage of finishing the degree in one year is that you can climb the corporate ladder much more quickly. A higher corporate position can also mean a substantial increase in pay, bonuses, and other benefits. Finishing the degree in one year also means you can put earning the degree behind you can get on with your life. Many who take two or more years to complete a graduate degree suffer burnout and may experience problems staying sufficiently motivated to finish.

Attempting to complete an MPH in only one year is not without its potential negatives, of course. The coursework in any MPH program is challenging and requires significant focus and free time. For those who work full-time, spending several hours each evening and of the weekends working on their MPH at an accelerated pace can leave them with little free time for relaxing and recharging their batteries.

Is there a one-year MPH in your future? Take the time to carefully consider the pros and cons before making a decision. While earning the degree can be a powerful catalyst for moving your career in the right direction, be sure your calendar has enough free time on it to allow you to complete the coursework as well as sufficient time to get the rest you need.