Online Programs for Applied Learning
Our Online Programs for Applied Learning (OPAL) focus on emergent industry sectors that have a resounding need for highly skilled professionals. All of our programs admit and enroll new cohorts once per year, each fall. These fully online, part-time master’s degree and certificate programs are designed for working professionals.
KEY BENEFITS OF ONLINE PROGRAMS FOR APPLIED LEARNING (OPAL)
- Offered by the No. 1 school of public health in the country
- Led by renowned experts who are shaping the field through research and application
- Online delivery gives flexibility and accessibility to students around the world
- Adds to your current experience to take your career to the next level
- Competitive price point for tuition
The OPAL portfolio of Master of Applied Science (MAS) degree and certificate programs are appealing to professionals with backgrounds in a broad range of public health and health-related fields. For detailed admissions requirements for each program, including any minimum length of work experience, please visit our OPAL Admissions page.
Limited Number of SOPHAS Application Fee Waivers Available
A limited number of application fee waivers are available for applicants to one of the Master of Applied Science (MAS) programs . Prospective students who do not meet eligibility criteria in one of the categories outlined below may request an application fee waiver with justification. Applicants may request a fee waiver by emailing Morgan Fredericks at mfreder8@jh.edu with subject line “SOPHAS Application Fee Waiver for MAS Program.” Please note fee waivers must be issued before submitting your application. We cannot retroactively issue reimbursements to those who have already paid the application fee. The deadline to submit a fee waiver request and documentation is January 15, 2024.
MAS in Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality
A fully online, part-time interdisciplinary degree from three of JHU’s schools and the Armstrong Institute. Focusing on evidence-based protocols that reduce preventable patient harm and improve clinical outcomes.
MAS in Population Health Management
A fully online, part-time interdisciplinary degree focusing on developing population health management systems and leading transformation to value-based, population-focused care delivery. Our MAS in Population Health Management program is one of the first five programs certified by the Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education.
MAS in Spatial Analysis for Public Health
A fully online, part-time degree focusing on how to effectively collect, map and interpret geographic information.
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Population Health Management
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Population Health Management prepares students to examine and respond to both challenges and opportunities to improve health within and across populations.
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Spatial Analysis for Public Health
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Spatial Analysis for Public Health introduces and reinforces a unifying comprehensive spatial science paradigm, to include components of Spatial Data, GIS, and Spatial Statistics.
Hear From Our MAS Students and Alumni
"The MAS program served as the perfect source of inspiration for me. Despite being a distance learning course, the interaction with faculty and classmates both in asynchronous and synchronous fashion felt as if I was attending the course in person. The modules and assignments were perfectly designed for working professionals with a background knowledge in the area. Thanks to this program, I have found a role that I really love in the health policy space while continuing my work as a clinician part time. Thank you, OPAL, for such an amazing and fruitful experience!"
~MAS graduate, 2023
OPAL Program Events
Fall Virtual Information Sessions
Join the respective Program Directors and staff from the OPAL Office to learn more about each of our programs!
Please see details below and sign up to attend one of these sessions to learn more about admissions requirements, program curriculum, scholarship opportunities and more!
| Date | Event | Time (ET) | RSVP Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday October 30, 2023 | Certificate and MAS Programs in Population Health Management | 12 – 1 p.m. | Watch Recording! |
| Wednesday October 26, 2023 | Certificate and MAS Programs in Spatial Analysis for Public Health | 12 – 1 p.m. | Watch Recording! |
| Thursday October 4, 2023 | MAS in Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Watch Recording! |
Spring Student and Alumni Panel events
Join the respective Program Directors along with students and alumni to learn more about each of our programs!
Please see details below and sign up to attend one of these sessions!
| Date | Event | Time (ET) | RSVP Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, April 20, 2023 | Certificate and MAS Programs in Population Health Management | 12 – 1 p.m. | Watch Recording! |
| Wednesday, April 19, 2023 | Certificate and MAS Programs in Spatial Analysis for Public Health | 6 – 7 p.m. | Watch Recording! |
| Monday April 3, 2023 | MAS in Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Watch recording! |
Monthly Events for Prospective OPAL Students
Every First Monday; Application Workshop from noon to 1 p.m. ET!
Drop in to chat with OPAL Office administrative staff about any questions that you may have as you work through the application process for a degree or certificate program in SOPHAS/SOPHAS Express.
Click the link below to RSVP for the next session, and log in anytime during our next session!
Monday December 4, 2023, 12–1 p.m., ET. RSVP now!
Questions about the programs? We're happy to help.
Request more information or call us at 410-955-3543 to speak with an admissions officer. You can also reach us via email at BSPH.Admissions@jhu.edu.
Public Health In Action
The Bloomberg School May 2016 convocation speaker was Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, a pediatrician in Flint, MI who was at the center of the lead water contamination investigation. In her speech, she discussed the importance of effectively utilizing research and analytical tools, to address public health questions and crises. You can watch a portion of her speech by clicking the image below.
Global Tobacco Control
PLEASE NOTE: The Certificate program in Global Tobacco Control is not accepting applications for new students at this time.
The certificate in Global Tobacco Control designed for research scientists and public health professionals that equips them develop and effectively communicate tobacco control policy development and implementation.
Global Health Practice
PLEASE NOTE: The Certificate program in Global Health Practice is not accepting applications for new students at this time.
The certificate program in Global Health Practice is geared towards early-to mid-career health professionals in the public, private, and NGO sectors. It gives an overview of health systems, epidemiology/disease control, maternal and child health, etc.
Contact Us
We're happy to help as you plan this important phase of your education.
Request more information or call us at 410-955-3543 to speak with an admissions officer. You can also reach us via email at BSPH.Admissions@jhu.edu.
OPAL Program Office
Director, Online Programs for Applied Learning
Elizabeth F. Topper, PhD, MEd, MPH
Responsible for the management and oversight of all OPAL academic programs.
Academic Program Manager
Christina Potter, MBA
Oversees administrative operations of academic programs in OPAL. Liaison between students, faculty, and administrative offices.
Student Services Coordinator
Aidan White, MLA
Supports students with day-to-day questions and issues related to their OPAL program, including registration processes, calendar deadlines and course sequencing.
Admissions Officer
Morgan Fredericks, MS
Serves as recruiting coordinator for OPAL programs and primary point of contact for prospective OPAL students as they consider applying and work through the process in SOPHAS.
- Hours: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday
- Email: OPAL-Office@jhu.edu
OPAL Student Handbook
Students enrolled in an OPAL MAS or Certificate program should refer to the OPAL Student Handbook for a full list of program policies.