Oregon state University’s online Master in Public Health program has achieved a remarkable feat,securing the fifth spot in Fortune Education’s prestigious national rankings for 2025. This extraordinary accomplishment positions OSU ahead of long-standing powerhouses like Columbia university and Johns Hopkins University, a testament too the program’s dedication to excellence. Launched in 2018, OSU’s program embodies the university’s land-grant mission, actively serving communities across the state of Oregon.
“This recognition is truly exhilarating,” enthused Jill Hoxmeier, director of the online MPH program within OSU’s College of Health. “The faculty’s unwavering commitment and the program’s robust growth make this achievement even sweeter.”
Dubbed the Public Health Practice master’s degree, the online program is uniquely designed to prepare students for applied work across a diverse spectrum of public health disciplines.Under the guidance of esteemed instructors specializing in fields ranging from epidemiology and health behavior to biostatistics and global health, students develop a comprehensive skillset.
Graduates of the online MPH program are well-equipped for a variety of fulfilling careers, including roles in city, county, or state health departments, as well as non-governmental organizations. The program’s flexible online format caters to working professionals, including many affiliated with OSU Extension, enabling them to seamlessly integrate coursework into their busy schedules.
Hoxmeier stressed the paramount importance of training passionate public health professionals in today’s world. “Given the widening health inequities and the challenges facing public health support at the federal level, there is an urgent need for skilled individuals to address these critical issues,” she emphasized.
Jonathan Garcia, director of the on-campus MPH program and associate professor of global health, underscored the program’s unique ability to reach communities throughout Oregon, a hallmark of OSU’s land-grant mission. “Our online MPH allows us to bridge geographical barriers, especially for individuals who may not have the opportunity to relocate to corvallis,” he noted.
While Fortune Education utilizes a proprietary algorithm to determine program rankings, OSU directors attribute their success to several key factors: Ecampus’s extensive experience in online education, the program’s remarkable adaptability, and its focus on practical, real-world applications of public health principles.
Garcia pointed out that Oregon’s commitment to health equity attracts students from across the country, eager to learn from OSU’s distinguished faculty engaged in groundbreaking research in areas such as gender-affirming care, support for cancer survivors in Latine communities, and clean water and sanitation initiatives in rural communities. “Oregon’s dedication to health equity is a powerful draw,” he said. “The ability to learn from these exceptional faculty while residing anywhere and having access to this unique perspective makes our program truly special.”
How does Oregon State University’s online MPH program prepare students for careers in public health?
interview: Exploring Oregon State University‘s Top-Ranked Online Master in Public Health
Editor: Welcome, Jill Hoxmeier and Jonathan Garcia, and congratulations on Oregon State University’s online Master in Public Health program ranking fifth in Fortune Education’s prestigious national rankings for 2025. This is an extraordinary achievement, especially considering you’re ahead of long-standing institutions like Columbia and johns Hopkins. Can you tell us what this recognition means for OSU and the program?
Jill Hoxmeier: Thank you! This recognition is truly exhilarating for our entire team. It reflects our faculty’s unwavering commitment and the robust growth of our program. We strive for excellence, and being acknowledged in this way reinforces our mission to serve communities across Oregon.
Editor: That’s fantastic! Can you elaborate on how the online Master in Public Health program, launched in 2018, aligns with OSU’s land-grant mission?
Jonathan Garcia: Absolutely. Our program is designed to reach communities throughout Oregon and bridge geographical barriers, especially for those who cannot relocate to Corvallis. By offering a flexible online format, we empower working professionals, including many affiliated with OSU Extension, to integrate their studies into busy lives while maintaining a focus on public health practice.
Editor: The program focuses on a variety of public health disciplines. What are some key features that set it apart from other online MPH programs?
hoxmeier: Our Public Health Practice master’s degree prepares students for applied work across diverse disciplines. Students benefit from our esteemed faculty’s expertise, covering fields such as epidemiology, health behavior, biostatistics, and global health. We emphasize practical,real-world applications of public health principles,providing invaluable training that addresses the urgent need for skilled professionals in today’s world.
Editor: Given the current landscape in public health, why do you think there is an urgent need for trained professionals today?
Hoxmeier: The widening health inequities and the challenges facing public health at the federal level highlight the critical demand for knowledgeable and passionate public health professionals. Our graduates are equipped to tackle these issues, ensuring that they can make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Editor: Fascinating point! Can you share some insights into the types of careers your graduates pursue after completing the online MPH program?
Garcia: Certainly! Graduates find fulfilling roles in city, county, or state health departments, along with non-governmental organizations.The versatility of our program prepares them for various career paths, contributing to public health initiatives and policies that promote health equity.
Editor: What has contributed to the program’s remarkable success, according to your insights?
Hoxmeier: Several key factors have propelled our success. Ecampus’s extensive experience in online education, our program’s adaptability, and a dedicated focus on practical applications all play significant roles. Moreover, Oregon’s commitment to health equity attracts a diverse body of students from across the country, eager to engage with our faculty involved in groundbreaking research.
Editor: Jonathan, can you elaborate on the specific research areas that attract students to your program?
Garcia: Sure! Students are drawn to our distinguished faculty’s work in gender-affirming care, support for cancer survivors in Latine communities, and clean water and sanitation initiatives in rural settings. Learning from experts in these critical areas while enjoying the flexibility of an online program makes our offering truly unique.
Editor: what practical advice would you offer to prospective students interested in pursuing an online Master in Public Health?
Hoxmeier: Prospective students should focus on how they can integrate their public health passion with the skills and knowledge gained through the program. Engaging with local communities, understanding their public health needs, and seeking mentorship from faculty can greatly enhance their learning experience.
Garcia: I would add that applicants should consider their career goals and align their studies with those ambitions. We provide numerous resources and support to help each student navigate their public health journey effectively.
Editor: Thank you both for sharing such valuable insights about Oregon State University’s online Master in Public Health program. It’s clear that your commitment to community service and educational excellence is resonating nationwide.