Oregon State University’s online Master in Public Health program has earned a prestigious fifth-place ranking nationwide for 2025, according to Fortune Education. This achievement places OSU ahead of renowned institutions like Columbia University and Johns Hopkins University.
“It’s exciting. The faculty work so hard, and we’ve had a lot of growth in the program,” saeid Jill hoxmeier, director of the online MPH program within OSU’s College of Health. “It’s nice to be recognized.”
Launched in 2018, the program exemplifies OSU’s land-grant mission by extending its reach to communities across Oregon. The online Public Health Practise master’s degree equips students with the skills for applied work in a diverse range of public health disciplines.
Hoxmeier explained that the online program offers a broader, interdisciplinary approach compared to the on-campus MPH, where students specialize in a single discipline. The online format also provides flexibility for working professionals,many of whom are employed by OSU Extension,allowing them to balance their studies with their careers.
“We have students who have been working in public health but want to go into a different skillset or want to go into a higher level within their own institution. We have students who are in health care as practitioners — nurses, doctors — and they’re seeing the benefit of having a public health perspective within their own work,” Hoxmeier said.
Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of roles in city, county, or state health departments, and also non-governmental organizations. Hoxmeier emphasizes the growing importance of training public health professionals, notably in light of widening health inequities and challenges to federal support for public health initiatives.
“We absolutely need people with the skills to be doing this work,” she said.
Jonathan Garcia, director of the on-campus MPH program and an associate professor of global health, highlights the program’s ability to reach communities throughout Oregon, a key aspect of OSU’s land-grant mission.
“As a land grant university, being able to reach communities throughout the state was really vital and unique for our master in Public Health program, and having an online MPH allows us to do that, especially if folks are not willing or able to move to Corvallis,” Garcia said.
The program’s connection to OSU Extension has also created valuable internship and job opportunities for MPH students and graduates. Tonya Johnson, the program’s internship coordinator, brings her extensive experience from her previous work at Extension to connect students with communities across the state.
OSU directors attribute the program’s high ranking to several factors, including the expertise of OSU Ecampus in online education, the program’s flexibility for students worldwide, and its focus on practical public health applications.
Garcia notes that Oregon’s commitment to health equity attracts students from other states. “There’s something special about Oregon as a state in terms of its focus on health equity, and it draws people from other states,” he said. “The fact that with an online degree, you can access that group of faculty while living in a context where that’s available, makes it special as well.”
The online program currently has 31 students enrolled.
## OSU’s Online MPH Soars to National recognition: An Interview with Director Jill Hoxmeier
**World Today News**: Oregon state University’s online Master of Public health (MPH) program has just been ranked 5th in the nation by Fortune Education for 2025, a remarkable achievement surpassing even prestigious institutions like Columbia and Johns Hopkins.This is indeed a momentous occasion.
Jill Hoxmeier, Director of OSU’s online MPH program, joins us today to discuss this impressive accomplishment and the program’s unique strengths.Jill, congratulations on this resounding success!
**Jill Hoxmeier**: Thank you, it is certainly exciting. Our faculty have worked incredibly hard, and we’ve witnessed notable growth in the program. To see that dedication recognized on a national level is truly gratifying.
**WTN**: This ranking catapults OSU to the forefront of online public health education. What factors do you believe contributed to this remarkable achievement?
**JH**: We’ve prioritized creating a program that is both rigorous and accessible. Our curriculum emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, equipping students with a broad understanding of public health principles and their application across various disciplines. This sets us apart from more traditional, specialized programs.
**WTN**: You mentioned accessibility; could you elaborate on how the online format benefits students?
**JH**: Absolutely. Our online format allows us to extend our reach beyond geographical boundaries, impacting communities throughout Oregon and beyond. Working professionals, individuals with family commitments, and those in geographically isolated areas can now pursue a high-quality MPH degree without relocating or interrupting their lives.
**WTN**: The program launched in 2018. How has it evolved since its inception?
**JH**: We’ve continually refined our curriculum to reflect the evolving needs of the public health field. We’ve incorporated cutting-edge technology and innovative teaching methodologies to ensure our students receive a truly impactful educational experience.
**WTN**: OSU’s land-grant mission emphasizes service to the community. How does the online MPH program embody this principle?
**JH**: We are committed to training a new generation of public health professionals who are prepared to address the health challenges facing Oregon and the world. Our students are actively engaged in practicum experiences within their communities, applying their knowledge and skills to make a tangible difference.
**WTN**: What does the future hold for OSU’s online MPH program?
**JH**: We are incredibly excited about the program’s trajectory. We aim to continue expanding our reach, attracting diverse cohorts of students, and contributing meaningful research to the field of public health. This ranking is a testament to the exceptional quality of education we provide and reinforces our commitment to preparing future public health leaders.
**WTN**: Jill, thank you for sharing yoru insights. This remarkable achievement reflects the dedication and commitment of the entire OSU team. Congratulations again on this well-deserved recognition.
