A new global health era: the world is changing. Contagious disease outbreaks remain a threat, climate change increasingly affects the population’s health, and there is once again a strong need for action to combat health inequities, both nationally and internationally.
The COVID-19 pandemic and other high-impact events have powerfully highlighted the essential role of public health professionals in protecting communities and promoting healthier tomorrows. This heightened awareness has led to a significant surge in interest in obtaining a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, a versatile credential that provides access to a wide range of fulfilling careers across diverse sectors.
As such, the goal of this article is to be a one-stop shop for prospective students considering MPH programs, showcasing some of the best schools in the United States, as well as key factors to consider when judging these programs and how they may provide a better gateway into a chosen career path.
Master’s in Public Health (MPH): Why Study It?
A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree can lead to a wide range of fulfilling careers dedicated to advancing population health. Graduates may find themselves on the front lines as an epidemiologist, the detectives of the public health world, tracking down the causes of the spread of disease and working to find a way to prevent the next outbreaks.
Others might become public health analysts, analyzing data — which can, in turn, help influence policies and programs — or health educators, helping communities make healthier choices. This degree prepares you t form policy as policy advisors, working at the regional, national, and global levels to create specifications of health; or as global health professionals, addressing health issues on a global level.
Outside of these mainstream roles, an MPH can open doors in specializations like biostatistics, in which professionals use statistical methods to answer public health questions, or healthcare administration, in which students will focus on the management and leadership of healthcare organizations.
For people interested in the way the environment affects health, there are even pathways to become environmental health scientists, as well as positions in emergency preparedness, coordinating responses to public health disasters.
There are many diverse career opportunities available to you with an MPH, but the benefits of earning one go deeper than that. Those with this degree tend to earn more than those with a bachelor’s degree alone. But the knowledge and skills attained in an MPH program can propel graduates into leadership within their organizations and communities. In conclusion, a career in public health allows you to have a global impact on the well-being of people around the world.
One of the most important factors to look for when researching MPH programs is accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). In order to be CEPH accredited, a program must demonstrate its quality and relevancy in the world of public health education through extensive evaluation.
Cabot’s accreditation is particularly important to students because it guarantees that they are getting an in-demand, market-leading education, whether in an on-campus or online program. For employers — particularly those in government or public health — a CEPH degree is often the expectation, and in some cases, the requirement for hiring.
Through this process, the curriculum is designed to meet key public health competencies, giving graduates the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in the workforce today. In addition, graduates from CEPH-accredited programs may find it an easier pathway to take the Certified in Public Health (CPH) examination, a desirable professional credential.
Industry data also reaffirms the positive outlook for public health professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates a job growth rate of 19% for epidemiologists, which is much faster than the average for all occupations with a median annual salary of $81,390 as of May 2023.
Medical and health services managers are projected to experience a 29% job growth — even more than other management roles — with a median annual pay of $110,680 in May 2023.
Health education specialists, meanwhile, can expect to see a 7% increase in jobs, with a median yearly salary of $62,860.
These numbers show the strong demand for public health professionals in many different specializations, and pursuing an MPH is, therefore, a valuable investment for anyone looking for a rewarding and impactful career. If a program uses SOPHAS, it will make the application process seamless for students who are interested in applying.
Top Ranked Best MPH Programs
These rankings are not the only factor to consider when choosing an MPH program, but they can serve as a useful starting point when evaluating potential curriculum options. Always bear in mind that there is no objectively “best” program (or at least, non-universally-best — I can hear the haters typing already!) because this ultimately depends on a given individual’s academic and career goals and personal preferences.
There are several universities that repeatedly emerge to the top ranks with strong reputations, faculties, research opportunities, and graduate outcomes. According to the U.S. News & World Report 2024 rankings the following are some of the highest ranked MPH programs in the United States:
Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)
Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD) is ranked first in public health since 1994. The Bloomberg School of Public Health has many different concentrations, including Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, and Biostatistics and is a widely known leader in all of these fields.
With full-time and part-time (one evening a week) on-site and online course options, the program is tailored to accommodate working professionals. Admission is generally granted to candidates with two years of health-related work experience after a bachelor’s degree or applicants with a doctoral degree, though this is waived for most dual-degree candidates.
The expected tuition for the full-time program in the 2024-2025 academic year is about $82,440, while part-time tuition is $1,374 per credit hour. There are several funding available including scholarships.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (Boston, MA)
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (Boston, MA) is also consistently among the top-ranked schools. The MPH programs provided by the school includes Health Management, Health Policy, and Clinical Effectiveness etc.
These programs are primarily on-campus, with Fall starts and full-time (1-1.5 years) and part-time (2+ years) formats.
Some programs have admission requirements of five or more years of relevant health experience; requirements vary by program. Tuition information is not widely available in the snippets, and prospective students are invited to contact the school directly. The school’s website has financial aid details.
University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)
This school is known for its Gillings School of Global Public Health (located in Chapel Hill, NC). Concentrations at the school include, but are not limited to, Applied Epidemiology, Health Policy, and Global Health. The MPH program is offered in the traditional on-campus or online format (MPH@UNC).
The GRE is not required for admission to the online program. Graduate tuition is around $1,280 per credit hour for residents and out-of-state students. You can apply for financial aid using FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
Columbia University (New York, NY)
Columbia University (New York, NY) — Mailman School of Public Health, MPH. Key strengths are its NY location and diverse specializations, which include Epidemiology; Health Policy and Management; and Environmental Health Sciences.
The program is available in traditional two-year, accelerated one-year, executive and online formats. The snippets do not explain the requirements for admission or when tuition information would be available. The school, however, does provide some funding opportunities.
Emory University (Atlanta, GA)
The Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University (Atlanta, GA) is an accredited program ranked as one of the best in the country. The School offers MPH specializations in Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences; Epidemiology; and Health Care Management.
Program formats: Traditional on-campus, accelerated (full-time), and online part-time. Some programs have an average GPA for admitted students of approximately 3.32; GRE optional for Fall 2025 admission (may submit). Tuition for the MPH program on a four-semester full-time basis is around $20,800. There are numerous merit-based, mission-based, and need-based awards.
University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)
The University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI) is another university with a top-ranked School of Public Health.
The school has on-campus MPH degrees in Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Health Behavior & Health Equity, Health Management and Policy, and Nutritional Sciences, along with a fully online MPH in Population and Health Sciences.
The online program requires one year of full-time professional experience. The snippets do not provide specific tuition costs, but the school provides substantial scholarships and tuition aid.
University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)
University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA): This public health school has a long history of providing public health education. The School of Public Health offers MPH programs that are both residential and online, with concentrations in fields like Epidemiology and biostatistics, Health Policy and management, and Global Health and environment.
A 27-month, largely online program with the least amount of on-campus residency needed. There’s a standard minimum GPA for admission to the residential program: 3.0. Estimated tuition for the online MPH program is about $1552/credit unit (minimum 42 units). Those attending the online program can explore funding options, which include most federal programs and program-specific fellowships.
George Washington University (Washington, DC)
George Washington University (Washington, DC) — Milken Institute School of Public Health MPH Program. Their online MPH program, in particular, is highly ranked.
The program also offers concentrations in Health Informatics & Analytics, Global Health, and Women, Youth and Child Health. Programs can be completed in a 12- or 18-month accelerated format, or in customizable full-time and part-time formats. GRE is not required for admission. Specific tuition is not included, but available scholarships.
University of Washington (Seattle, WA)
The University of Washington (Seattle, WA) has a robust master of public health (MPH) program with several areas of specialization. These specialties include Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Global Health, and Health Systems and Population Health.
This program is available in both on-campus and online formats. Apply through SOPHAS and UW Graduate School (both applications are required for admission). Resident tuition is about $24,786, while non-resident tuition is approximately $43,146 for the 2024-2025 academic year. MPH students also have access to several different scholarships and funding sources.
Boston University (Boston, MA)
Boston University (Boston, MA) has a top-ranked School of Public Health. The MPH on-campus program offers 8 functional (e.g., models of public health) and 9 context (e.g., global health, health disparities, etc.) certificates for specialization.
Core courses are available on-campus and online, and you can complete the program as fast as 1 year to a maximum of 5 years. The GRE is not required for admission. On-campus tuition is about $33,328 per semester for full-time students for the 2024-2025 academic year. All or nearly all accepted on-campus MPH students receive a $25,000 Access Grant. Our fully online MPH program has a skills-based curriculum that emphasizes health equity.
| Program | Location | Notable Strengths | Format | GRE Requirement | Tuition (Annual, Approx.) | U.S. News Ranking (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | Epidemiology, Health Policy & Management, Biostatistics | Full-time, Part-time, Online, On-site | Optional | $82,440 (Full-time) | #1 |
| Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health | Boston, MA | Health Management, Health Policy, Clinical Effectiveness | Full-time, Part-time, On-campus | Optional | Contact School | #3 (Tie) |
| UNC–Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | Applied Epidemiology, Health Policy, Global Health | Full-time, Part-time, Online, On-campus | Not Required | $1,280/credit hour | #2 |
| Columbia University | New York, NY | Epidemiology, Health Policy & Management, Environmental Health Sciences | Full-time, Part-time, Online, Executive, Accelerated | Not Detailed | Not Available | #5 (Tie) |
| Emory University | Atlanta, GA | Behavioral Sciences, Epidemiology, Health Care Management | Full-time, Part-time, Online, Accelerated | Optional | $41,600 (Full-time) | #3 (Tie) |
| University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Health Management and Policy, Online Population Health Sciences | Full-time, Part-time, Online, On-campus | Not Detailed | Contact School | #4 (Tie) |
| UC Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Health Policy & Management, Global Health & Environment, Online Interdisciplinary | Full-time, Part-time, Online, On-campus | Not Detailed | $70,000 (Online, Total) | #10 |
| George Washington University | Washington, DC | Health Informatics & Analytics, Global Health, Women, Youth and Child Health (Online Focus) | Full-time, Part-time, Online, Accelerated | Not Required | Contact School | #11 |
| University of Washington | Seattle, WA | Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Global Health, Health Systems and Population Health, Online | Full-time, Part-time, Online, On-campus | Not Detailed | $24,786 (Resident) | #7 (Tie) |
| Boston University | Boston, MA | Diverse Functional and Context Certificates, Flexible Formats, Online Option | Full-time, Part-time, Online, On-campus | Not Required | $66,656 (Full-time) | #7 (Tie) |
MPH options online and flexible
Online and hybrid MPH programmes have gained popularity and credibility, especially among working professionals and those who prefer more flexibility. Most top universities have since developed strong online programs that offer the same high-quality learning experience you’re used to.
Such programs typically involve asynchronous learning, where students can complete course work according to their own schedule, making it possible to juggle a job or personal obligations with graduate work. Online programs also afford students geographic flexibility, meaning they can access world-class public health education from anywhere.
George Washington University’s online MPH program (MPH@GW) is a perfect model of this, with options for pacing and concentrations in Health Informatics & Analytics, Global Health, and more. The UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health also offers a top-ranked online MPH (MPH@UNC) with concentrations of Leadership in Practice, Nutrition and Applied Epidemiology.
The University of California, Berkeley also offers an online MPH program, with concentrations such as Health Policy and Management and Epidemiology & Biostatistics, making them an even better choice due to their customizability, another big plus. Boston University: A Fully Online MPH degree with a focus on health equity with a practical skills-based curriculum. Some of the other notable programs offered online come from Brown University, Drexel University and the University of Southern California.
Online programs generally provide strong digital platforms such as learning management systems, virtual live classes, etc., with dedicated technical support, allowing for a smooth and engaging experience. Many also include opportunities for interaction with faculty and peers through discussion forums and virtual meetings, creating a sense of community even at a distance.
How to Select the Best MPH Program for You
There are many factors to consider to ensure that you pick the right MPH program for you. It is important that the program is CEPH accredited, ensuring its quality and credibility. Potential students should carefully consider the specializations and electives that may be available, as they are not uniform across programs and may suit particular interests, pathways, and employment goals. Finally, the availability/nature of capstone/practicum opportunities are important in that they offer valuable real-work experience and connections.
If you are looking for your first job out of college, the strength of a program’s career services and alumni network can make a crucial difference in your job prospects and career development. Also, students must conduct due diligence on the program’s tuition and check if the ROI (return on investment) makes sense based on projected salaries in their area of work, and so on. Consider flexible programs like full-time, part-time, or online, depending on your circumstances and learning style. Lastly, if a program is on-campus, be sure to consider the location and cost of living in the area.
Careers and Salary Prospects for MPH Graduates
In terms of potential careers that depend on an MPH degree, the projected salaries also vary widely. Epidemiologists, whose work is paramount to understanding and controlling disease outbreaks, have a median annual wage of around $81,390.
Health policy analysts–who develop and analyze policies that can improve public health outcomes–make an annual salary ranging from $94,000 to $162,000. Environmental health scientists, who study how the environment affects human health, average $78,980 a year.
Biostatisticians, who provide data analysis for public health research, can make between $59,499 and $104,110 a year, depending on region and experience. Community health workers are people out in the field who have first contacts with the community to help them access health care services and improve healthy behaviors, and they earn a median salary of about $48,200.
Health education specialists, who plan programs to encourage healthy lifestyles, earn a median yearly salary of $62,860. Medical and health services managers, who plan and coordinate health services, earn a median salary of $110,680. Global health workers, focused on health issues worldwide, can range from a $70,882 to $131,791 average.
The job outlook for most of these public health roles is strong. According to the BLS, the projected growth is 19% for epidemiologists, 29% for medical and health services managers and 30% for biostatisticians [5].
Graduates with a Master of Public Health (MPH) can find jobs in various fields such as local, state, and federal government agencies, in NGOs, in academic positions, in hospitals and health centers, and in international agencies, and more. This variety in work environments gives graduates the flexibility to find a career path that matches their interests and skill set.
| Specialization | Example Roles | Median Salary Range (Annual, Approx.) | Job Growth Outlook (BLS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epidemiology | Epidemiologist, Research Scientist | $81,390 – $132,230 | 19% |
| Health Policy & Management | Health Policy Analyst, Healthcare Manager | $62,297 – $110,680 | 29% (for Managers) |
| Environmental Health | Environmental Scientist, Health Inspector | $67,391 – $78,980 | 7% |
| Biostatistics | Biostatistician, Data Analyst | $59,499 – $104,110 | 30% |
| Community Health | Community Health Worker, Health Educator | $48,200 – $62,860 | 7% (for Educators) |
| Global Health | Global Health Specialist, Program Manager | $73,500 – $125,543 | Not Specified |
Note: Salary ranges can vary based on experience, location, and employer.
Conclusion
Pursuing a Master’s in Public Health is a rewarding investment for those who are committed to promoting the health and welfare of communities. With the consistent demand for public health professionals and the wide variety of career paths available in the public health field, an MPH degree is a valuable pursuit for graduate students and professionals looking to take their careers to the next level and make a difference. With careful reflection on program offerings, individual and professional objectives, and drawing upon the available resources, aspiring public health leaders can identify the program that enables them to make a significant, lasting impact on the world.