The launch of the Miller School Medicine's online master of public health (MPH) program in 2024 marked an important step in expanding access to public health education. From the outset, the program was designed with a different kind of learner in mind. More than just an online version of the residential MPH program, it reflects a stronger emphasis on practice, leadership, innovation, and the integration of technology.
Elahe Nezami, Ph.D., professor of professional practice in public health sciences, health services research, and policy, and founding director of the online MPH, recently shared her perspective on the program.
What type of student is the online MPH designed for?
The program brings together a diverse group of learners, including working professionals balancing career and personal commitments, as well as students earlier in their academic journeys. The online format offers flexibility, but it does not come at the expense of rigor. Students are expected to engage deeply with the material and to think critically about how public health concepts are applied in real-world, often complex, environments.
We are also seeing a broader shift in who seeks public health training. Students preparing for medical, legal, or other professional pathways, as well as those interested in leadership roles across sectors, are recognizing the value of a strong foundation in public health. In response, the online MPH curriculum is intentionally designed to go beyond foundational knowledge, emphasizing applied skills, decision-making, and adaptability in rapidly evolving contexts.
What sets this program apart?
A defining feature of the program is its focus on public health practice and leadership. Students are encouraged to engage with real-world challenges, develop practical solutions, and build the skills needed to lead across disciplines and sectors.
Innovation is also a central theme, particularly as technology continues to shape how public health is practiced. The curriculum integrates emerging areas such as data-informed decision-making and the use of technology to improve health outcomes, ensuring that graduates are prepared for the realities of a modern public health workforce.
As the program has developed, we have been intentional about aligning coursework with current workforce needs. One recent addition is a course in grant writing for the health professions, which focuses on skills such as funding development and program sustainability. We have also introduced a course developed in collaboration with public health practitioners that highlights how these competencies are applied in practice.
Just as important as what we teach is how we teach it. The program is supported by a thoughtful instructional design approach that prioritizes clarity, engagement, and relevance. Courses are regularly updated to reflect changes in the field and to ensure that students are working with material that feels current and applicable.
How do you see the program's future?
As we reflect on the program’s first year, I am especially grateful to our inaugural cohort. Their feedback and willingness to share their experiences have helped shape the program in meaningful ways. That input continues to guide our efforts as we refine and grow.
Looking ahead, our focus remains on building a program that is responsive, forward-looking, and grounded in practice, one that prepares graduates not only to understand public health challenges, but to lead, innovate, and make meaningful contributions to the health of communities in a rapidly changing world.
Interested in pursuing a career in public health?
You can earn your degree through the online MPH program with 42 credits, with a credit waiver of up to nine credits available for students with advanced degrees. Choose from three start dates per year, and University of Miami alumni, spouses, and other immediate family members accepted into the program are eligible for a $10,000 tuition waiver.
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