Master of Public Health (MPH)
The Master of Public Health (MPH) is a graduate-level degree focusing on public health practice and leadership, preparing students for careers in health policy, epidemiology, and community health.
Careers open to public health graduates
Institutions awarding this level in public health (447)
Source: IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education). IPEDS records the field and level of each award, not its exact title.
- George Washington University · Washington
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill
- Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore
- Columbia University · New York
- Emory University · Atlanta
- Harvard University · Cambridge
- Boston University · Boston
- University of California-Berkeley · Berkeley
- University of Alabama at Birmingham · Birmingham
- CUNY Graduate School and University Center · New York
- University of Southern California · Los Angeles
- Liberty University · Lynchburg
- University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus · Denver
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick · New Brunswick
- University of Illinois Chicago · Chicago
- Southern New Hampshire University · Manchester
- University of South Florida · Tampa
- Benedictine University · Lisle
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston · Houston
- University of California-Los Angeles · Los Angeles
- Grand Canyon University · Phoenix
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus · Seattle
- University of Florida · Gainesville
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities · Minneapolis
- Yale University · New Haven
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor
- University of Arizona · Tucson
- Texas A & M University-College Station · College Station
- University of Maryland-College Park · College Park
- Georgia State University · Atlanta
- Indiana University-Indianapolis · Indianapolis
- San Diego State University · San Diego
- Kent State University at Kent · Kent
- Purdue University Global · West Lafayette
- Walden University · Minneapolis
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences · Boston
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst · Amherst
- Florida International University · Miami
- Washington University in St Louis · Saint Louis
- Purdue University West Lafayette · West Lafayette
- University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences · San Juan
- University of New England · Biddeford
- University of Georgia · Athens
- Tufts University · Medford
- University at Albany · Albany
- Oregon Health & Science University · Portland
- University of Nevada, Reno · Reno
- Oregon State University · Corvallis
- Dartmouth College · Hanover
- University of Iowa · Iowa City
- University of San Francisco · San Francisco
- National University · San Diego
- Portland State University · Portland
- Thomas Jefferson University · Philadelphia
- A.T. Still University · Kirksville
- Drexel University · Philadelphia
- University at Buffalo · Buffalo
- University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia
- Tulane University · New Orleans
- Chamberlain University-Illinois · Addison
- East Tennessee State University · Johnson City
- University of Nebraska Medical Center · Omaha
- Ohio State University-Main Campus · Columbus
- California State University, Northridge · Northridge
- Lamar University · Beaumont
- University of West Florida · Pensacola
- University of Alabama · Tuscaloosa
- American Public University System · Charles Town
- Saint Joseph's University · Philadelphia
- Vanderbilt University · Nashville
- University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia
- California State University, San Marcos · San Marcos
- Eastern Washington University · Cheney
- University of Southern Mississippi · Hattiesburg
- University of Utah · Salt Lake City
- Columbia Southern University · Orange Beach
- Capella University · Minneapolis
- George Mason University · Fairfax
- University of Wisconsin–Madison · Madison
- Touro University California · Vallejo
- University of California-San Diego · La Jolla
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center · Lubbock
- University of North Texas Health Science Center · Fort Worth
- New Mexico State University · Las Cruces
- University of Memphis · Memphis
- SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University · Brooklyn
- Monroe College · Bronx
- University of Massachusetts Lowell · Lowell
- University of Bridgeport · Bridgeport
- Indiana University Bloomington · Bloomington
- Virginia Tech · Blacksburg
- Georgetown University · Washington
- East Carolina University · Greenville
- Grand Valley State University · Allendale
- Arizona State University Digital Immersion · Scottsdale
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee · Milwaukee
- California Baptist University · Riverside
- Ohio University Lancaster · Athens
- University of Virginia-Main Campus · Charlottesville
- Wayne State University · Detroit
- Weber State University · Ogden
- Cornell University · Ithaca
- Everglades University · Boca Raton
- Georgia Southern University · Statesboro
- Northeastern University · Boston
- The University of Arizona Global Campus · San Diego
- University of Vermont · Burlington
- University of California-San Francisco · San Francisco
- Michigan State University · East Lansing
- West Coast University-Orange County · Anaheim
- University of Maryland Global Campus · Adelphi
- Northern Illinois University · DeKalb
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte · Charlotte
- Mercer University · Macon
- Case Western Reserve University · Cleveland
- Loyola University Chicago · Chicago
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus · University Park
- University of California-Irvine · Irvine
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans · New Orleans
- University of Connecticut · Storrs
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences · Little Rock
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine · Erie
- Saint Louis University · St Louis
- Northwestern University · Evanston
- San Jose State University · San Jose
- Florida State University · Tallahassee
- Temple University · Philadelphia
- Brown University · Providence
- Louisiana State University in Shreveport · Shreveport
- University of Phoenix-Arizona · Phoenix
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus · Pittsburgh
- Hofstra University · Hempstead
- Stony Brook University · Stony Brook
- University of Kentucky · Lexington
- Stanford University · Stanford
- Saginaw Valley State University · University Center
- California State University, Sacramento · Sacramento
- The University of Montana · Missoula
- University of North Florida · Jacksonville
- University of South Carolina-Columbia · Columbia
- Nova Southeastern University · Fort Lauderdale
- Ponce Health Sciences University · Ponce
- Montana Technological University · Butte
- California State University, Long Beach · Long Beach
- Loma Linda University · Loma Linda
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science · Los Angeles
- The University of Texas at Tyler · Tyler
- Baldwin Wallace University · Berea
- Samford University · Birmingham
- Western Kentucky University · Bowling Green
- Utah State University · Logan
- Des Moines University · West Des Moines
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa · Honolulu
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville · Knoxville
- University of New Mexico-Main Campus · Albuquerque
- University of Cincinnati · Cincinnati
- Widener University · Chester
- Jackson State University · Jackson
- Montclair State University · Montclair
- University of Louisville · Louisville
- Baylor University · Waco
- Eastern Virginia Medical School · Norfolk
- Eastern Kentucky University · Richmond
- University of Wisconsin–Whitewater · Whitewater
- West Virginia University · Morgantown
- University of Miami · Coral Gables
- Simmons University · Boston
- Southern Connecticut State University · New Haven
- University of North Dakota · Grand Forks
- Missouri State University · Springfield
- Regis College · Weston
- Wright State University · Dayton
- West Chester University · West Chester
- University of California-Davis · Davis
- University of Kansas · Lawrence
- Wilmington University · New Castle
- Brigham Young University · Provo
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro · Greensboro
- DePaul University · Chicago
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · Urbana
- Lehman College · Bronx
- Morehouse School of Medicine · Atlanta
- Hawaii Pacific University · Honolulu
- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University · Tallahassee
- Oklahoma State University-Main Campus · Stillwater
- Binghamton University · Binghamton
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine · Philadelphia
- Campbell University · Buies Creek
- South University-Savannah Online · Savannah
- West Coast University-Dallas · Richardson
- Los Angeles Pacific University · San Dimas
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas · Las Vegas
- California State University, Fullerton · Fullerton
- California State University Los Angeles · Los Angeles
- Bank Street College of Education · New York
- Texas State University · San Marcos
- University of South Dakota · Vermillion
- Fort Valley State University · Fort Valley
- Oakland University · Rochester Hills
- Florida National University-Main Campus · Hialeah
About
The Master of Public Health (MPH) is a graduate study degree pursued after completing a bachelor’s degree. It is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in public health, including disease prevention, health promotion, and health policy. This degree plays a vital role in the U.S. educational system by preparing professionals to address complex health challenges at local, national, and global levels. MPH programs are offered by accredited universities and schools of public health, often requiring regional accreditation and programmatic recognition. The degree is suitable for students interested in improving population health through research, policy development, and community engagement. Graduates often work in government agencies, non-profits, healthcare organizations, or pursue further studies in related fields.
- Graduate-level degree after a bachelor’s
- Offered by accredited universities and schools
- Focus on public health practice and leadership
- Prepares for diverse careers in health policy and epidemiology
- Addresses local and global health challenges
- Supports further study in health-related fields
How to get in
Admission to MPH programs typically requires a completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Applicants often submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and standardized test scores such as the GRE, although some programs may waive this requirement. Relevant work or volunteer experience in health-related fields can strengthen an application. The selection process is competitive, with programs looking for candidates demonstrating academic ability, commitment to public health, and leadership potential. Some institutions may require prerequisite coursework in biology, statistics, or social sciences. Financial aid applications, including FAFSA, are encouraged to support funding opportunities.
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution
- Application includes transcripts and recommendations
- GRE scores may be required or waived
- Relevant experience strengthens application
- Competitive selection process
- FAFSA for financial aid
Format and schedule
The MPH degree usually takes about two years of full-time study to complete, though part-time and online options are available to accommodate working students. Programs require completion of a set number of credit hours, typically including core courses, electives, and a practicum or field experience. The practicum provides hands-on exposure to public health settings, essential for professional development. Evaluation methods include exams, projects, presentations, and practical assignments. Some programs may offer summer intensives or accelerated tracks. The degree’s structure balances theoretical knowledge with applied skills to prepare students for real-world challenges.
- Typically two years full-time study
- Credit hours include core and electives
- Practicum or fieldwork required
- Assessments via exams and projects
- Part-time and online options exist
- Some accelerated tracks available
What next?
Graduates with an MPH degree can enter the workforce in various public health roles such as epidemiologists, health educators, policy analysts, or program managers. The degree also serves as a foundation for further graduate study, including doctoral programs or specialized certifications. MPH holders may pursue licensure or certification depending on their career path, such as Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). Transfer agreements and articulation pathways may facilitate continued education. The degree is widely recognized across sectors, although accreditation of the granting institution affects its professional value. Career opportunities span government agencies, healthcare organizations, NGOs, and academia.
- Wide range of public health careers
- Foundation for doctoral or specialized study
- Certification options available
- Transfer and articulation agreements exist
- Recognition depends on accreditation
- Employment in diverse sectors
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an MPH and other master’s degrees?
The MPH focuses specifically on public health practice and leadership, while other master’s degrees may concentrate on clinical or research aspects. It prepares students for applied roles in health policy, epidemiology, and community health.
Can I enter an MPH program without a science background?
Yes, many programs accept students from diverse academic backgrounds, though some prerequisite courses in biology or statistics may be required.
Is the MPH degree recognized nationwide?
Recognition depends largely on the accreditation of the institution granting the degree. Regional accreditation and programmatic accreditation by public health bodies enhance its value.
Are there online MPH programs available?
Yes, many universities offer accredited online MPH programs that provide flexibility for working students.
What careers can I pursue with an MPH?
Graduates can work in government health agencies, non-profits, healthcare organizations, or pursue research and policy roles.
Do I need to take the GRE for admission?
Some programs require GRE scores, but many have waived this requirement or offer waivers based on experience or academic performance.
Can I continue to a doctoral degree after the MPH?
Yes, the MPH is a common stepping stone toward doctoral studies in public health or related fields.
Is financial aid available for MPH students?
Students can apply for financial aid through FAFSA and may be eligible for scholarships or assistantships depending on the institution.