The Best Master’s in Public Health Programs
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Credit: sanjeri / E+ / Getty ImagesA master of public health (MPH) degree prepares workers who can promote and protect the health and wellness of communities through public health programs, initiatives, and policies. MPH graduates work in various leadership roles such as epidemiologist, biostatistician, health educator, and researcher.
The need for graduates with MPH degrees continues to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), epidemiologists and statisticians earned a respective $81,390 and $104,110 in median annual salaries in 2023.
Want to learn more about the diverse and dynamic MPH degree program? We put together a list of the best MPH degree programs in the nation. All are designed to prepare the modern student for a career in healthcare and research.
Popular Online MPH Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Master of Public Health Degree Programs
Yale University
New Haven, CT- 4 year
- Campus
Yale University's master of public health (MPH) program ranks as one of the best accredited master's in public health degrees. Learners benefit from diverse coursework, applied practice, and research opportunities. Faculty guides student course selection, internships, and thesis projects.
Enrollees can choose from distinct concentrations, including climate change and health, global health, implementation science, maternal and child health promotion, and U.S. health justice.
- Program(s): Two-year MPH; advanced professional MPH; BA-BS/MPH select; accelerated MBA/MPH in healthcare management; executive MPH
- Campus: New Haven, Connecticut
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
- Tuition: $53,450 per year
- Admission Requirements: Statement of purpose; transcripts; three letters of recommendation; standardized test scores; resume or CV; writing sample
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 98%
- Median Earnings Five Years After Graduation: $94,970 according to College Scorecard.
- In-State$59,950
- Out-of-state$59,950
- In-State$45,700
- Out-of-state$46,900
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate5%
- Students Enrolled14,806
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment1%
- AccreditationYes
University of California-Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of California-Los Angeles's MPH program offers accelerated completion and executive style programs ideal for working professionals. Expert faculty engage students in unparalleled research opportunities in public health topics.
The MPH program includes five specialties: epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and management, environmental health science, and community health science.
- Program(s): MPH – health professionals; MPH – community health sciences; MPH – environmental health science; MPH – health policy; MPH – health management; MPH – biostatistics; MPH – epidemiology; MPH – health policy and management
- Campus: Los Angeles, California
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
- Tuition: $35,000 per year
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; minimum 3.0 GPA; statement of purpose; personal statement; three letters of recommendation; transcripts; GRE scores; writing sample
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 92%
- Median Earnings Five Years After Graduation: $114,617 according to College Scorecard.
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$41,196
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$26,544
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate11%
- Students Enrolled46,116
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
Harvard University
- Cambridge, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
In the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's MPH program, students gain specialized knowledge and broad skills for careers in public health. Harvard offers two main MPH options: a 45-credit or 65-credit curriculum.
Within the MPH-45 program, students can choose a fully online track or a hybrid option and finish within two years while taking courses on a part-time schedule. The MPH-65 program is for students with a bachelor's degree and two years of public health experience. Enrollees in the MPH-65 program can complete coursework in three semesters of full-time learning.
- Program(s): MPH-45; MPH-65; MPH – epidemiology; MPH – generalist
- Campus: Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
- Tuition: $63,000 per year for the 65-credit program; $71,820 for the 45-credit program
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree; transcripts; CV/resume; statement of purpose; standardized test scores optional; three letters of reference
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 98%
- Median Earnings Five Years After Graduation: $204,275 according to College Scorecard.
- In-State$51,143
- Out-of-state$51,143
- In-State$50,928
- Out-of-state$52,456
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate3%
- Students Enrolled21,209
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
Cornell University
- Ithaca, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The MPH program at Cornell University ranks among the best public health programs due to its hybrid format and emphasis on hands-on learning experiences. This program stands out for its small cohort sizes, which enhances both public health knowledge and professional skills through unique interdisciplinary instruction.
Students can choose from four program concentrations: infectious disease epidemiology; food systems and health; environment, climate, and health; emergency preparedness and management.
- Program: MPH
- Campus: Ithaca, New York
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
- Tuition: $44,768 per year for the standard track; $67,152 per year for the 12-month accelerated track
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree; documentation of advanced health-related degree for the accelerated program; official transcripts; resume; statement of purpose; three letters of reference; English language proficiency
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- In-State$60,286
- Out-of-state$60,286
- In-State$29,500
- Out-of-state$29,500
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate7%
- Students Enrolled25,898
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment12%
- AccreditationYes
Vanderbilt University
- Nashville, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The MPH program at Vanderbilt University is a two-year program administered through the university's School of Medicine. Graduates are equipped to become research scientists and effective leaders in public health.
Vanderbilt offers three MPH tracks: epidemiology, global health, and health policy. The program provides flexibility with their blend of online learning and on-campus components. Students can choose to attend this program full or part time.
- Program(s): MPH
- Campus: Nashville, Tennessee
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
- Tuition: $66,150 total for full-time students; $79,550 total for part-time students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree; curriculum vitae or resume; GRE and/or MCAT scores; statement of purpose; three letters of recommendation; writing sample
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 93%
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $228,535 according to College Scorecard.
- In-State$54,840
- Out-of-state$54,840
- In-State$51,600
- Out-of-state$51,600
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate7%
- Students Enrolled13,796
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment11%
- AccreditationYes
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
- Seattle, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of Washington-Seattle Campus MPH program equips students with strong academic skills, practical experience, and multidisciplinary knowledge through six available concentrations. This program covers current public health issues with a rigorous curriculum, expert faculty, and research opportunities.
Students enjoy the flexibility of online classes, allowing them to balance their personal and professional commitments without relocating. The program also promotes a collaborative learning environment that boosts professional growth and networking.
- Program(s): MPH – environmental and occupational health sciences; MPH – epidemiology; MPH – global health; MPH – health systems and population health; MPH – food systems, nutrition, and health; MPH – public health genetics
- Campus: Seattle, Washington
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
- Tuition: $24,790 for in-state students; $43,150 for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; SOPHAS application; statement of purpose; resume; official transcripts
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $93,841 according to College Scorecard.
- In-State$10,927
- Out-of-state$38,757
- In-State$17,004
- Out-of-state$30,477
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled53,083
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment19%
- AccreditationYes
University of California-Irvine
- Irvine, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of California-Irvine's MPH program excels at training public health practitioners to address health challenges in diverse communities. Students can specialize in one of six areas, providing depth and breadth to their public health education.
Generally, students complete the program in six quarters, but part-time enrollment can be arranged. Graduates find employment in behavioral sciences, biomedical practice, health services administration, maternal and child health, environmental health science, and biostatistics.
- Program(s): MPH – biostatistics; MPH – environmental and occupational health; MPH – epidemiology; MPH – health systems policy; MPH – community health and health equity; MPH – global health
- Campus: Irvine, California
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
- Tuition: $28,500 total per year for in-state students; $40,740 total per year for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; proof of quantitative skills
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- In-State$11,834
- Out-of-state$42,611
- In-State$11,700
- Out-of-state$26,802
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate21%
- Students Enrolled35,936
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment81%
- AccreditationYes
Brown University
- Providence, RI
- 4 year
- Campus
Brown University's MPH program is highly ranked for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and research. It focuses on health equity and global health perspectives, equipping graduates to address both local and global health issues.
Students can gain practical experience through community partnerships and fieldwork, applying their skills in professional public health settings. The MPH generalist track is available completely online, offering flexibility and accessibility for working professionals.
- Program(s): MPH – epidemiology; online MPH; MPH – global health; MPH – health behavior; MPH – health sciences; MPH – interdisciplinary; MPH – maternal and child health; accelerated MPH for clinicians
- Campus: Providence, Rhode Island
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
- Tuition: $5,200 per course
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree; three semesters of calculus; one semester of linear algebra; one semester of probability for the MPH – biostatistics concentration
- Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $93,143 according to College Scorecard
- In-State$60,944
- Out-of-state$60,944
- In-State$60,944
- Out-of-state$60,944
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate6%
- Students Enrolled10,696
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
Northwestern University
- Evanston, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Northwestern University's MPH program integrates public health with various professional fields, emphasizing strong data and analytical skills. The diverse student body comprises nurses, physicians, social science specialists, and community health research leaders.
Students with credits from previous or concurrent graduate school coursework can apply their credits to their MPH. The program also allows non-degree seeking students to enroll in individual courses without fulfilling all MPH program requirements.
- Program(s): MPH – generalist; MPH – community health; MPH – data science; MPH – epidemiology; MPH – global health
- Campus: Evanston, Illinois
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
- Tuition: $22,300 per quarter
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; statement of purpose; two letters of recommendation; standardized test scores optional
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- In-State$60,276
- Out-of-state$60,276
- In-State$56,067
- Out-of-state$56,067
- Retention Rate99%
- Acceptance Rate7%
- Students Enrolled23,409
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment7%
- AccreditationYes
University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler
- Tyler, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The MPH program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler is one of the most flexible public health graduate programs. Their 42-credit-hour program can be completed at a pace that works for the student within six years, although most learners complete the program within two years.
Coursework includes social and behavioral sciences, biostatistics, epidemiology, and a practicum experience. Graduates are equipped with foundational public health competencies to address significant health challenges effectively.
- Program(s): MPH
- Campus: Tyler, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $645 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in a related field; two semesters of science; one semester of college algebra; minimum 3.0 GPA; three letters of recommendation
- Minimum Time Commitment: 15 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-State$6,143
- Out-of-state$24,383
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled89
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment89%
- AccreditationYes
How Do Master of Public Health Programs Work?
Degree seekers can complete an MPH degree in 1-2 years, although some schools give part-time MPH students up to six years to complete the program.
The MPH curriculum contains between 42-80 credits. MPH programs focus on five core public health knowledge areas established by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH): biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and health policy and administration.
Public health schools also offer a variety of tracks designed to develop experts for specializations such as epidemiology, biostatistics, community health education, and/or health systems administration and policy. MPH enrollees apply what they learn during field experience and as they complete capstone research projects.
Applying to an MPH Program
Once you’re ready to apply to an MPH degree program, it’s important to review each school’s website to determine their application requirements. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, some programs may require prerequisite coursework and/or relevant work experience. Applicants must submit an application with the required admission materials.
Programs typically charge an application fee ranging from $50-$75.
- Admission Materials: Official college transcripts, a resume or CV, and an essay or personal statement. Many schools do not require standardized test scores such as the GRE or GMAT, or waive them for many applicants.
- GPA Requirement: 2.75-3.0
Why Is MPH Program Accreditation Important?
All programs on this ranking hold institutional and programmatic accreditation. CEPH is the accrediting organization for public health schools and programs in the United States. CEPH is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the gold standard to ensure public health programs meet established criteria for high-quality academic programming.
Many employers of MPH graduates, including federal and state governmental agencies, will only hire graduates from a CEPH-accredited program.
A CEPH-accredited MPH degree also provides eligibility to sit for the certified in public health exam administered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners. Doctoral programs and many fellowships also require or prefer MPH degrees from accredited schools.
Frequently Asked Questions About MPH Degree Programs
A master of public health degree provides knowledge and practical experience applicable to a variety of careers in the private and public sectors. The projected job outlook looks good for many occupations that require an MPH. According to the BLS, epidemiologists can expect a projected 27% job growth between 2022-2032 — far faster than the national average.
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