Part-Time MPH Programs and Certificates
Part-time degree options at Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health—the #1 School of Public Heath in Philadelphia—offer students the opportunity to enroll in a cutting-edge curriculum taught by expert Drexel faculty. The flexible, part-time public health plans of study allow you to customize your education to fit with your schedule, career goals, other commitments, and responsibilities.
By working towards an online degree or graduate certificate, students can develop expertise in public health areas that will prove to be in-demand in the coming years.
Part-Time MPH Programs at Drexel Dornsife
Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health offers multiple MPH plans of study that allow students to complete an MPH degree online, including the part-time, 33-month program. All MPH programs are accredited by the Council for Education in Public Health (CEPH) and taught by Dornsife faculty, who are experts in the field of public health.
The amount of hours that you will spend each week varies depending on the public health master's program that you choose. You will spend approximately 18-20 hours on coursework each week.
Part-time 33-month sample plan of study:
Below is a sample plan of study for a 33-month program (9 quarters). Your own plan of study will depend on your MPH program, and students can connect with their graduate advisor to determine appropriate course selection.
| First year: |
Fall: 7 credits |
Winter: 7 credits |
Spring: 6 credits |
Summer: 0 credits |
| Second year: |
Fall: 6 credits |
Winter: 6 credits |
Spring: 6 credits |
Summer: 0 credits |
| Third year: |
Fall: 6 credits |
Winter: 6 credits |
Spring: 6 credits |
Total: 56 credits |
If you need to create a more flexible plan of study to go at your own pace, then your graduate advisor can work with you.
Part-Time Public Health Certificates
Most online graduate certificates can be completed in as little as 9 months (three 10-week quarters), and certificate credits can be rolled into a master's program.
See Drexel’s online academic calendar for the start and end dates of each quarter.
Why Pursue a Part-Time MPH Program or Graduate Certificate?
A part-time public health program can advance a public health professional's skillset and provide new public health career opportunities.
The flexibility of a part-time masters degree program can be helpful for those who are either working, transitioning to a public health career, or re-entering school, despite how many years they have been in the workforce or away from the workforce.
While pursuing her Executive MPH (a 21-month online program with on-campus seminars on two Fridays per term), Evanette K. Burrows, MPH '18, worked during the program as a Principal Data Integration Analyst at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Burrows entered the degree program with the goal of "gain[ing] more experience and confidence working with healthcare data," and she credits Professor Loni Tabb for helping to achieve it.
Dornsife also offers part-time training through online graduate certificates. These programs (completed on average in 12 - 18 months) are a targeted way to gain new resume-enhancing skills and competencies. Certificate credits are transferable should you choose to ultimately enroll in one of Drexel’s online MPH programs.
Public Health Programs That Are Available Part-time
Part-time status at Drexel University is defined as fewer than 9 credits per quarter.
The follow public health masters degree programs and certificates can be completed part time:
International Students
International students may enroll in any part-time program that is 100% online and take classes from their home country.
Note that the MPH in Epidemiology is a STEM designated program. Also, international students are not eligible to enroll in the Executive MPH program.
Please consult Drexel’s International Students and Scholars Services office for more resources and information on student visas.
Funding Opportunities for Your Part-Time Degree Program
At Drexel's Dornsife School of Public Health, we understand a graduate degree is an investment, and finances are a crucial part of making the decision to attend graduate school. We make every effort to ensure current and incoming students receive as much financial assistance as possible through scholarships, special partner discounts, and loans. Forms of financial assistance include:
Apply to a part-time MPH program – GRE not required for masters programs
Students choose their desired program timeline at the time of application. Note that there is less flexibility to switch timelines once you begin a program.
As part of Dornsife's commitment to equity and diversity, GRE test scores are not required for master's degree program applications. Applicants to the DrPH will be waived of the GRE if they hold an MPH or related master's degree.
Visit Admissions for more information on how to apply to the Dornsife School of Public Health.
Part-Time MPH Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take the GRE if I'm applying to a part-time MPH programs?
No, applicants to Dornsife's master's programs are not required to submit GRE test scores.
How long does it take a part-time student to graduate?
Dornsife's MPH offers flexible plans of study. You can earn an MPH degree in as little as one year, or you can complete in three years part-time.
When do I choose a timeline for my MPH program?
Students choose their desired MPH program timeline (12, 18, 21 or 33 month plan of study) at the time of application to the program.
How long does it take to complete a public health certificate?
You can complete a certificate program in as little as 9 months (three 10-week quarters). On average, the expected time to complete a public health certificate is 12 months.
Can you do a part-time MPH or MS program?
Yes. Dornsife's MPH in Epidemiology, MPH in Global Health,
MPH in Urban Health, MS in Global Health, MS in Infection Control and Prevention, and Executive MPH are part-time online programs.
Can you get your MPH or MS online?
Yes. Dornsife's MPH in Epidemiology, MPH in Global Health,
MPH in Urban Health, MS in Global Health, and MS in Infection Control and Prevention are 100% online. The Executive MPH is 85% online, with students meeting on campus twice every quarter.
See more frequently asked questions about Dornsife's application process and programs.
Additional Student Resources
Learn more about Admission & Application Requirements for online MPH programs and graduate certificates.