Ranking High for Public Health

The School of Public Health’s online Master of Public Health program has ranked among the nation’s top online programs.

ALBANY, N.Y. (Oct. 30, 2018) – The School of Public Health’s online Master of Public Health (MPH) program has ranked among the nation’s top online programs, according to a new poll, and alumni are saying it didn’t take long for them to put their degrees to good use.

OnlineMasters.com, an educational research organization, released their list of the “Top Master’s in Public Health Programs” based on their analysis of curriculum quality, program flexibility, affordability and graduate concerns for 237 online MPH programs offered nationwide. They identified what they believe are the top 46 programs, which includes special recognition for UAlbany offering a concentration in Public Health Practice.

Tinamarie Brown-Joseph, ’18, and Peter Buzzetti, ’15, are two alumni who aren’t surprised about the program’s national recognition.

“I am so happy that I took my online MPH journey with UAlbany because even though I wasn’t physically on campus, I felt like I was,” said Brown-Joseph. “I had support from faculty and students that I have never seen in person before.”

“A month after graduating I was offered employment as a Health and Wellness Coordinator at one of the top hospitals in New York City. My experience as a licensed clinical social worker, combined with my master’s in public health, is what helped me secure the job.”

Buzzetti, a public health director for a local health department in western New York, credits the curriculum with his ability to “think globally and act locally,” saying “the program forces you to work outside of your comfort zone, which ultimately made me a better student.”

“The workload of the program should not be underestimated but it is, what I believe, one of the program’s strong points. The input from classmates in drastically differing fields provides an invaluable opportunity for discussion,” he continued.

Brenda Kirkwood, director of online education, notes that the factors considered by OnlineMasters.com are driving enrollment. “The flexibility and accessibility enable both traditional and non-traditional students to apply,” she said. “Currently, 44% percent of SPH’s MPH candidates are pursuing the online route – and these students range from those just setting out on their career path to directors and managers in the public health field seeking further education and professional development.”

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