Top 10 Online MSN Public Health Programs 2026
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Public Health programs specialize in preparing students to promote and protect the health of the population. Students integrate knowledge from nursing, social, and public health sciences. To help you choose the right online MSN Public Health program for you, we've ranked the top 10 programs for 2026.
Popular Online Public Health Programs
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution serving over 200,000 online learners and more than 3,000 on-campus students worldwide. SNHU’s online health and human services programs help students build practical, career-focused skills for today’s healthcare and public health fields.
NECHE, CEPH
Online
Enrollment: Nationwide
Prepare for a career in the growing health care field at Purdue Global. Purdue is committed to helping you find the most efficient and affordable path to your goal by applying work experience, prior learning credits, and military experience.
Multiple
Online
Enrollment: Nationwide
When you earn an ASU health degree, you’re building in-demand skills through a respected and nationally recognized institution. ASU Online’s health programs are designed to prepare graduates for leadership, community impact, and advancement across today’s evolving health and wellness fields.
HLC
Online
Enrollment: Nationwide
Nurse.org's Top 10 Online MSN Public Health Programs
Our ranking criteria are based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation, and we use the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard.
| School | Tuition | Program Length | Accreditation |
| The Ohio State University | $825.19 per credit hour | 2 years | CCNE |
| Grand Canyon University | $600 per credit hour | 2 years | CCNE |
| Southern New Hampshire University | $659 per credit hour | 2 years | CCNE |
| Walden University | $13,000 total | 14-18 months | CCNE |
| Worcester University | $17,640 total | 18 months | CCNE |
| Caldwell University | $583 per credit hour | 2 years | CCNE |
| Rhode Island College | $546 - $1,046 per credit hour | 4 semesters | CCNE |
| University of North Carolina | $72,870 - $85,394 per credit hour | 20-36 months | CCNE |
| University of Maryland | $926 - $1,643 per credit hour | 2 years | CCNE |
| Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania | $534 - $801 per credit hour | 2-3 years | CCNE |
Why We Chose This School
With a flexible pacing option, part-time students can graduate from this part-time online Public Health MSN in just two years. Students in this part-time program complete 100% of the coursework over two years, with a flexible pacing option. The curriculum emphasizes population health leadership, management, and organizational change.
Program Highlights
- Ranked the number-one college for public health education in Ohio by U.S. News & World Report
- Ranked 12th nationally for research and development by the National Science Foundation
- Maintains status as the top producer of Fulbright U.S. Scholars among all American colleges and universities
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Letters of recommendation
- Completed admission application
Program Information
- Application Deadline: May 15th
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (614) 292-9444
- Email Address: gpadmissions@osu.edu
Why We Chose This School
GCU provides an affordable online option for graduate nursing students. Learners typically finish the program in two years, but have up to five years for completion. This flexibility supports nurses continuing to work part-time.
Program Highlights
- Graduated more than 29,700 students during the 2023-24 academic year
- Enrolled students from 91 countries during the fall 2024 semester
- Awarded over $161 million in institutional scholarships to non-traditional students in 2024
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
- Minimum 2.8 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- GRE scores required if the applicant does not meet minimum GPA
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (855) GCU-LOPE
Why We Chose This School
SNHU offers rolling admissions with quick enrollment turnarounds, allowing students to apply up to two days before the start date. This process maximizes flexibility for online MSN Public Health students seeking convenience and accessibility.
Program Highlights
- Consists of 12 courses spanning 10 weeks each
- Requires the completion of 135 clinical practicum hours
- Named the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North by U.S. News & World Report
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Current resume/CV
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Completed online admission application
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (800) 668-1249
Popular Online Public Health Programs
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution serving over 200,000 online learners and more than 3,000 on-campus students worldwide. SNHU’s online health and human services programs help students build practical, career-focused skills for today’s healthcare and public health fields.
NECHE, CEPH
Online
Enrollment: Nationwide
Prepare for a career in the growing health care field at Purdue Global. Purdue is committed to helping you find the most efficient and affordable path to your goal by applying work experience, prior learning credits, and military experience.
Multiple
Online
Enrollment: Nationwide
When you earn an ASU health degree, you’re building in-demand skills through a respected and nationally recognized institution. ASU Online’s health programs are designed to prepare graduates for leadership, community impact, and advancement across today’s evolving health and wellness fields.
HLC
Online
Enrollment: Nationwide
Why We Chose This School
Walden University offers two distinct learning tracks for its online MSN in Public Health. The Tempo Learning model utilizes a three-month subscription fee for unlimited course access. Alternatively, students can pursue the slower traditional pathway, where they follow a schedule and pay per course.
Program Highlights
- Offers more than nine MSN specializations
- Provides two learning tracks, including Tempo Learning and a traditional option
- Features a global network of over 200,000 alumni
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Current resume/CV
- Letters of recommendation
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (888) 967-6926
Why We Chose This School
Students in this online program complete 11 courses totaling 35 credit hours. Known for affordability, the university maintains innovative partnerships within the healthcare sector. These collaborations enhance the academic value of the MSN public health online programs.
Program Highlights
- Stands as one of seven American nursing schools recognized by the AACN and CDC for the APIH initiative
- Offers pay-by-the-course tuition to simplify student budgeting
- Features six start dates annually for maximum scheduling flexibility
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Minimum 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Two professional letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- Personal Essay/Statement of Intent
Program Information
- Application Deadline: May 1st
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (888) 283-0890
- Email Address: gradadmissions@worcester.edu
Why We Chose This School
The Caldwell University program facilitates part-time completion over six semesters. Courses occur in asynchronous seven-week sessions throughout the academic year. This structure accommodates working nurses seeking an MSN.
Program Highlights
- Established the first MSN in Public Health program in New Jersey
- Provides access to top-tier healthcare facilities due to its location, 22 miles from New York City (NYC)
- Ranked the number-one nursing program in New Jersey, based on student votes
Requirements
- BSN from a regionally accredited college or university
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Grade of C+ or higher in undergraduate statistics
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Completed admission application to Caldwell University Office of Graduate Admissions
- Two letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- Writing sample
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (973) 618-3408
- Email Address: graduate@caldwell.edu
Why We Chose This School
Rhode Island College (RIC) utilizes a Hyflex model to deliver accessible, high-quality education. This format provides the flexibility required by adult learners, balancing full-time employment. The design focuses on meeting the unique needs of working graduate students.
Program Highlights
- Features a 42-credit MSN program with both part-time and full-time options
- Ranked as one of the best nursing master's programs for value in the nation by Money Magazine
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Grade of C or higher in statistics within the last 10 years
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Current resume/CV
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal Essay/Statement of Intent
- Admissions interview
- Eligibility for RN licensure in Rhode Island
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (401) 456-9612
- Email Address: emorais@ric.edu
Why We Chose This School
UNC has a top-tier reputation in both nursing and public health programs. Students and alumni actively advocate for health equity on a global scale. This focus on advocacy defines the program's commitment to social determinants of health.
Program Highlights
- Maintains a ranking as the number-two school of public health through UNC Gillings
- Offers three start dates for enhanced student flexibility
- Includes a diverse student body representing over 60 countries across six continents
Requirements
- BSN Degree
- Active RN license
- Resume/CV
- Letter of intent
- Three letters of recommendation
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (855) 534-2409
- Email Address: admissions@onlinemph.unc.edu
Why We Chose This School
Consistently ranked among the top nursing schools, the University of Maryland offers a hybrid online MSN in Public Health. Students complete didactic coursework online and attend in-person intensives and rotations. The university provides access to 33 simulation labs and more than 450 clinical sites.
Program Highlights
- Offers a 38-credit hybrid curriculum featuring online classes and in-person clinicals
- Aligns with the AACN Essentials to focus on competency-based education (CBE)
- Ranked seventh for Best MSN Grad Schools by U.S. News & World Report in 2025
Requirements
- One letter of recommendation
- Personal interview
- Personal essay
- BSN degree
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- CV/Resume
- Valid RN license
- Official transcripts
- Proof of residency
Program Information
- Application Deadline: August 1st
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (410) 706-0501
- Email Address: admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu
Why We Chose This School
Educators from three major universities collaborate to deliver online instruction. Students perform clinical rotations within their local communities for enhanced practical relevance. This curriculum consists of 10 courses completed over two or three years.
Program Highlights
- Operates as a consortium of three universities: Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield
- Includes a curriculum of 10 courses totaling 36 credits
- Enables students to complete required practicum hours within their communities
Requirements
- Graduate school application and fee
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended
- Resume including a description of professional nursing and clinical experience
- A license to practice professional nursing in your current state of residence
- Typed career goals
- One completed recommendation form and 2 additional names with contact information
- Personal Interview
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (570) 389-4015
What to Expect in an Online MSN Public Health Program
Online MSN public health programs require students to complete online didactic coursework and in-person clinical experiences. Students in these public health nursing master's programs learn clinical approaches to advocate for resources and policies that improve community health.
Popular Online Public Health Programs
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution serving over 200,000 online learners and more than 3,000 on-campus students worldwide. SNHU’s online health and human services programs help students build practical, career-focused skills for today’s healthcare and public health fields.
NECHE, CEPH
Online
Enrollment: Nationwide
Prepare for a career in the growing health care field at Purdue Global. Purdue is committed to helping you find the most efficient and affordable path to your goal by applying work experience, prior learning credits, and military experience.
Multiple
Online
Enrollment: Nationwide
When you earn an ASU health degree, you’re building in-demand skills through a respected and nationally recognized institution. ASU Online’s health programs are designed to prepare graduates for leadership, community impact, and advancement across today’s evolving health and wellness fields.
HLC
Online
Enrollment: Nationwide
FAQs
Additional Resources
- Top Master's in Public Health Online Programs
- How to Become a Public Health Nurse
- Types of Master's in Nursing (MSN) Degrees
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