Frequently Asked Questions

A Master of Public Health (MPH) is a graduate-level degree that prepares students to serve their communities through careers that promote the health and well-being of all individuals.

MPH program graduates work in diverse fields including public health education, epidemiology, policymaking, and veterinary public health. They are employed by a wide range of organizations, including schools, governmental agencies, consulting firms, research institutions, and healthcare facilities.

The UT online Master of Public Health program offers four concentrations: Community Health Education, Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, and Veterinary Public Health (available only to veterinary students enrolled in a DVM degree program, graduate veterinarians, and licensed veterinary medical technicians).

Yes. UT Knoxville faculty teach the same rigorous curriculum, enabling students to gain the same real-world skills through an Applied Practice Experience (APEx) at an accessible location. Two professors even hold Quality Matters certifications, which indicate a high level of proficiency in online instruction.

All applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and a 3.0 GPA for any previously taken graduate-level courses. (The veterinary public health concentration is available only to veterinary students enrolled in a DVM degree program, graduate veterinarians, and licensed veterinary medical technicians.) For more information, visit our admissions information page or contact an enrollment advisor with any questions you may have.

No. Students from a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Please note that you must hold a bachelor’s degree (in any discipline) to be eligible for the program.

No, we don’t require applicants to provide GRE scores.

Yes. To qualify for the Veterinary Public Health concentration, you will need to be enrolled in a DVM degree program, be a graduate veterinarian, or be a licensed veterinary medical technician.

Yes. Students who are in the process of earning their bachelor’s degree may apply, provided that they are in their last semester and can confirm that they will have completed their bachelor’s degree before they matriculate into the master’s degree program.

While UT Knoxville does not currently offer scholarships for students enrolled in the online Master of Public Health program, federal aid such as grants, work-study, loans, and scholarships may be available. We encourage students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility. Additional funding opportunities may be available through corporate/private donors.

No. Students complete program coursework 100 percent online and receive the same quality of instruction and material as their residential counterparts.

Students spend an average of nine hours per week for a three-credit hour class. Not all classes include synchronous instruction. Those that do include one hour of live instruction per course per week, usually held in the evenings, either from 6–7 or 7:15–8:15 p.m. EST.

Yes, students may choose to complete the program’s 42 credits on a part-time or full-time basis. The program can typically be completed in two to three years.

Yes, many of our online students are working adults with full-time professional jobs, families, and busy lives.

Switching concentrations may be possible in some circumstances, but it is not guaranteed. Students are required to select a concentration prior to being admitted to the program and are encouraged to choose carefully.

Participation in graduation is optional for online students. However, many choose to attend the in-person ceremony at UT Knoxville.

Yes, students pick where they perform their Applied Practice Experience (although the site must be approved). You will have an applied experience coordinator and advisor available to help you find a site, should you need assistance. You can conduct your APEx online, hybrid, or in person, depending on the site you choose.

No, you will not need to miss work for the Applied Practice Experience. Students set their own APEx schedule, allowing them to complete the required hours when it best suits them. Some fulfill the APEx requirements in one semester, while others require two. You may also complete your APEx in parallel with coursework if your schedule permits.