Graduate Testimonials: Online MPH

“There are numerous aspects of the MPH program that I feel have added value to my life and professional career. This program is so well-compacted with robust knowledge from every course you take. Each professor does an amazing job articulating the course’s purpose for Public Health and how to apply it in your professional career. I found the Practicum and Integrated Learning Experience to be challenging yet so rewarding. Being part of this wonderful University and program within the College of Health Science and Professions has been extremely valuable as well. The lasting connections made with students, staff and professors are aspects of this program I find truly inspiring.

In the MPH program, students learn how to use the coding software SAS for Biostatistics, which was one of my favorite courses. Within my work, we utilize data mining programs such as Microsoft SQL and Python. Learning SAS from this MPH program sparked my interest in data retrieval and manipulation through coding!

The Ohio University MPH program has an extremely supportive and encouraging staff. Every one of the professors teaching the courses is quickly responsive to questions and concerns via email and Blackboard/Canvas. Other staff members, such as Student Support Specialists, do an amazing job connecting with students to update them regarding administrative tasks such as course registration steps and other important information regarding the program. Lastly, other fellow MPH students were a huge support system through email, discussion boards, and other messaging apps to stay connected. Even though this program is virtual, you make lasting friends along the way!”

“With the OHIO MPH, I was able to develop my writing skills, presentation skills and critical thinking skills. One of the most valuable aspects of the OHIO MPH was the ability to develop professional relationships with program faculty who were all readily available to answer and clarify any questions I had. No matter what stage you are at in your career, earning an MPH from Ohio University is worth the time, effort and commitment. You will be proud of your accomplishments after you earn an MPH.”

“The use of real-world scenarios being applied to assignments was very valuable to me as a student. I enjoyed learning to understand data and what it means for the future. The program is also very collaborative, which helped keep me and my fellow students engaged. I was able to work directly with my professors as well as the Meigs County Health Department to see firsthand the people affected by issues we as public health workers are working to resolve.

The Environmental Health, Epidemiology, and Public Health Policy classes in particular have helped me with challenges in my career, from taking down information and tracking a foodborne illness to understanding the environment. They have also helped with grant writing and understanding how certain programs are funded. So much of the funding my health department receives is through grants, and funding is not always guaranteed.

The professors in the program were always available to answer questions or guide me. The public health field can be vast and complicated. But if I was struggling, there was no hesitation from the professors and staff to help me.

This program has been so beneficial to me. There are so many valuable resources available.”

“I’ve found the most valuable aspect of OHIO's MPH program to be the well-rounded perspectives it offered. Each course presented ideas and approaches from different angles, which not only broadened my understanding but also allowed me to build skills that are transferable to many different career paths.

I’ve found the knowledge I gained in OHIO’s MPH program to be applicable in nearly every area of life, both inside and outside of my career. It covered a wide range of influences from environmental factors and policy impacts to behavioral aspects and beyond. As a nurse, I feel this degree has made me a more well-rounded professional by giving me the ability to identify opportunities for improvement and to think more strategically about how to influence health outcomes on multiple levels.”

“The Online MPH program through Ohio University offered the flexibility I needed to balance working a full-time job and a busy home life with two young children, while still managing to accomplish my weekly school-related goals and activities. The asynchronous learning style allowed me to choose the times that worked best for my schedule.

OHIO's Online MPH program is designed for students to identify community health needs, design responsive health programs, and apply for appropriate grants. Since graduating, I have already utilized many of the skills I learned, particularly in public health program planning and implementation and rural health disparities. I work daily in the environmental health field, so the Epidemiology course was also super helpful. The Health Communication course was vital in helping me become a better leader and communicator both in the office and in the community, as I served in my role as a health environmentalist.

I was skeptical of distance learning, but the faculty and staff at Ohio University were great at making the online students feel right at home. As an online student, you are granted access to the library and all other digital resources that students on campus receive. You can live chat with library staff if you need, which can help with finding books or other academic resources. The professors at Ohio University want to see you succeed.

Don't let the excuse of a busy home life keep you from fulfilling your goals and aspirations; the absolute perfect time to start will never come. If you are a health professional looking to increase and gain valuable knowledge and education in all aspects of public health, this is the program for you.”