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Why This Matters

  • THE PROJECTED JOB GROWTH FOR HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATORS IS 32%

    With a large portion of the population maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle later in life, there’s an expected increase in demand for health services.

  • 133,200 NEW POSITIONS WILL NEED TO BE FILLED

    It’s estimated that over 100,000 medical and health service managers are needed between 2019 and 2029. As more people seek medical services, the industry needs managers to plan, direct, and coordinate business activities.

  • EPIDEMIOLOGISTS EARN $30,000 MORE THAN THE AVERAGE WORKER

    On average, epidemiologists made $70,990 in 2019, which is $31,180 more than the average worker in any occupation.

Our Research

Our list covers master’s programs in public health, which prepare students for a wide range of medical careers, including work as an epidemiologist, biostatistician, or health educator. We evaluated programs that offer online, in-person, and hybrid formats.

The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and accredits degree programs that meet a high academic standard in specific criteria and coursework important to a career in the public health sector. The CEPH accreditation helps your future job prospects because some employers only hire graduates of CEPH accredited schools and programs.

We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.

  • 68 hours to write this article
  • 156 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 250 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Master’s in Public Health Programs

The Best Master's in Public Health
01
Intelligent Pick
University of Michigan
01
Most Innovative Concentrations
University of South Florida
01
Best in the West
University of California, Berkeley
01
Best for Systems Analysis
Boise State University
01
Best Christian Institution
Catholic University of America
01
Best Student-to-Faculty Ratio
The University of Texas at El Paso
01
Best Specializations
Kent State University
01
Best Research Opportunities
UTHealth School of Public Health
01
Best for Applied Epidemiology
California State University, Northridge
01
Best in the Midwest
The University of Iowa - College of Public Health
01
Best Value Private Institution
Nova Southeastern University
01
Best Value Public Institution
SUNY at Albany
01
Best MD/MPH Program
University of California, Irvine
01
Best MPH/MHA Program
Missouri State University
01
Best Certificates
University of Illinois Springfield
01
Best for Veterans
University of West Florida
01
Best Capstone Courses
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
01
Best for Working Professionals
George Mason University
01
Most Program Flexibility
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
01
Best Externship
Meharry Medical College
01
Best Dual Degree Programs
San Diego State University
01
Best in the Southeast
Western Kentucky University
01
Most Unique Dual Degree Programs
University of Missouri
01
Best for Health Career Changers
Arcadia University
01
Best Faculty
A.T. Still University
01
Best in the Northeast
University of New England
01
Best for Returning Students
Georgia Southern University
01
Best in the South
Texas A&M University School of Public Health
01
Best Undergrad Fast Track Program
West Chester University
01
Best Accelerated Program
Emory University
01
Highest Graduate Employment Rate
University of North Dakota
01
Best Full-Time Program
University of Montana
01
Best in the Southwest
Colorado State University
01
Best Thesis Option
Brown University
01
Most Concentrations
UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
01
Most Diverse Faculty
Portland State University
01
Best for Adult Learners
Drexel University
01
Best Applied Practice Experience
University of Minnesota
01
Best Cohort System
University of Washington
01
Best Value Research Institution
Tulane University
01
Most Fieldwork Opportunities
University of San Francisco
01
Best Traditional Program
Baylor University
01
Fastest Completion Time
George Washington University
01
Best for Study Abroad
NYU School of Global Public Health
01
Most Diverse Student Body
University of Florida
01
Best Core Curriculum
University of South Carolina
01
Best Private Research Institution
Harvard University
01
Best Study Abroad Options
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
01
Best Joint Degree Programs
University of Maryland School of Medicine
01
Best Alumni Network
University of Southern California
01
Most Established Program
San Jose State University
01
Best Practicum Experience
Columbia University

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What You Should Know About This Degree

When choosing a career path in public health, consider the difference between a Master of Public Health (MPH) and a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA). An MPH focuses on work in government agencies, public health departments, and nonprofits, while an MHA has leadership preparation for the healthcare industry as its primary focus. The MHA program prepares students for senior management positions such as CEO of a hospital.

There are also Master of Health Science (MHS) and Master of Science in Public Health (MPSH) graduate programs. MPH and MSPH degrees have a similar educational framework, and both require two years to complete. While an MPH program can prepare you to play a more active role as a practitioner, an MPSH is an academic approach focused on research and education. Master of Health Science programs often include a specialized study of one area of public health. If you already know your future focus area, a Master of Health Science degree might provide more value than an MPH. Examine your career goals to help decide which program is a good fit for you.

Technology continues to transform public healthcare, and additional credentialing is needed in this career path. You can become Certified in Public Health (CPH) by attending a CEPH-accredited school. Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) credentialing also help improve your job outlook by verifying your training and public health expertise.

What’s Next?

When you’re researching master in public health programs, consider these questions:

  • Am I eligible for this program? While students who study for a master’s in public health come from various backgrounds, the programs have specific enrollment requirements. Graduate public health programs usually require you to have, at the least, a bachelor’s degree and demonstrated experience in the health field.
  • What tests are required for this online degree? Programs on our list require completion of 34-80 credits to receive a Master of Public Health degree. Some programs also require a certain GRE score to study. Check test score requirements and find information about what exams you must pass to receive a degree on the school’s website.

Be mindful of application deadlines and make sure to submit any requested materials on time. To find deadlines, check with the school’s admissions department.

Public health graduate programs require a financial investment, and you should consider how to cover your degree’s cost. Send any financial aid applications by their due date and check for additional funding sources, such as scholarships or work-study programs.

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