Public health careers aim to identify and address large-scale health concerns, and rapid advancements in healthcare technology correspond to a high demand for skilled professionals with a master’s in public health degree. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 27% growth from 2022 to 2032 for epidemiologists, who earn a median annual wage of $81,390.
With experiential learning and understanding of public health and numerous specialization options, public health graduate degrees prepare students for senior and advanced roles. These degrees can also unlock career opportunities in healthcare, research, education, government, and other organizations, such as health services management, policy analysis, and biostatistics.
Master’s in public health degree programs generally require at least 42 credits. They take about two years to complete and cost about $20,513 annually.
How to Choose a Master’s in Public Health Program
Choose your area of study
Compared to provider-to-patient care, public health graduate programs prepare students for roles in the broader health sector. Students develop leadership, communication, technical, and analysis skills to understand how policy intersects with public health challenges, business foundations, and sociological concepts.
Most Master of Public Health (MPH) programs are applied or professional degrees that prepare students for direct entry to careers in public policy, education, and health services. Examining public health fundamentals such as epidemiology, ethics, health policy, and biostatistics, graduates typically progress to roles as health services managers, policy analysts, environmental health scientists, and epidemiologists.
A Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) covers similar core concepts, but the program curriculum typically focuses on research and skill development in data collection, research design, and analysis. These programs prepare students for careers in education, research, and policy analysis by emphasizing academic over applied learning.
Public health manages a wide array of complex factors that affect community health, and graduate programs likewise provide a wide selection of specializations and concentrations to develop highly skilled professionals with core competencies and specialized expertise. Consider the workplace and discipline you envision yourself in, your educational goals, and personal interests to choose the right public health program and specialization, such as:
- Epidemiology
- Nutrition and dietetics
- Disaster management
- Occupational health and safety management
- Occupational and environmental health/epidemiology
- Biostatistics
- Maternal and pediatric health
Research schools and programs
As you begin applying, visit school and program websites for more details, such as curriculum, faculty, and specializations. Contact admissions counselors and program representatives for additional insights or information. These resources can also direct you to in-person and virtual campus tours, information sessions, and other events.
Keep accreditation in mind throughout your research. The United States higher education system relies on institutional accreditation to ensure high-quality and standardized education in most schools, and accreditation status can significantly impact your education and career.
Institutions must earn regional or national accreditation for their students to qualify for federal financial aid, and some employers may require accreditation to satisfy job requirements. Many public health employers also require programmatic accreditation from the Council of Education for Public Health (CEPH). Search the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to verify the status of your selected schools.
Prepare for tests and applications
Public health master’s programs typically require a minimum 3.0 GPA and a bachelor’s degree in public health or related field. Since public health is a wide-ranging interdisciplinary field, many bachelor’s degrees in sciences and social sciences qualify. Undergraduate coursework in statistics, biology, and other STEM subjects or public health-related professional experience can strengthen your application. Contact an admissions counselor to confirm the required information and materials.
Other standard admissions requirements include:
- Application form and fees
- College or university transcripts
- Letter(s) of recommendation from professors or employers
- Personal essay or statement of purpose
- Current resume or CV highlighting relevant experience
- GRE or GMAT scores
- TOEFL scores (for students educated in a non-English language)
Select your program
Public health graduate programs offer varying resources, opportunities, and logistics that can influence your selection. Consider your educational and professional goals, financial resources, scheduling needs, and other factors to determine the best program for you.
For instance, many master’s students already have careers and attend graduate school concurrently with their jobs. These students typically benefit from part-time, hybrid, online, and other flexible course delivery options.
Other influencing factors may include:
- Curriculum
- Graduation requirements
- Tuition
- Local cost of living
- Practicum opportunities
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Speak with your institution’s financial aid office for tuition, fees, and other expenses. Financial aid offices can also provide information about the school’s funding resources for master’s students, such as scholarships, grants, assistantships, and fellowships. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to assess your eligibility for need-based loans, grants, scholarships, and other financial assistance.
Some private organizations and non-profit foundations offer merit or needs-based funding for students, and employers may provide tuition assistance benefits for their employees. Graduate students can apply for direct unsubsidized loans and grad PLUS loans for additional financial support.
Best 50 Accredited Master’s in Public Health Programs
intelligent score 99.85
Award
Rankings
#2 College Factual
#2 College Rank
#8 Successful Student
#10 Best Health Degrees
School Information
New York, NY
Graduation Rate: 94%
Admission Rate: 4%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
40-45
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$2,016
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
212-305-5635
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
40-45
intelligent score 99.72
Award
Rankings
#2 Successful Student
#4 College Factual
#4 College Rank
#20 Best Health Degrees
School Information
Baltimore, MD
Graduation Rate: 93%
Admission Rate: 8%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
80
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,030
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
410-955-1291
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
80
intelligent score 99.45
Award
Rankings
#1 College Rank
#3 College Factual
#17 Best Health Degrees
School Information
Atlanta, GA
Graduation Rate: 92%
Admission Rate: 13%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42-48
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$981 - $1,064
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
404-712-8072
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42-48
intelligent score 98.13
Award
Rankings
#2 College Choice
#3 Best Health Degrees
#8 College Factual
#14 College Rank
School Information
Berkeley, CA
Graduation Rate: 94%
Admission Rate: 14%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60-78
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$844 - $1,267
accreditation
Council on Education for Public Health
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
310-206-1619
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60-78
intelligent score 97.56
Award
Rankings
#5 Best Health Degrees
#5 College Rank
#9 Successful Student
#19 College Factual
School Information
Ann Arbor, MI
Graduation Rate: 93%
Admission Rate: 20%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42-60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $1,833
Non-Resident: $3,052
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
734-764-5425
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42-60
intelligent score 96.93
Award
Rankings
#1 Best Health Degrees
#5 College Factual
School Information
Houston, TX
Graduation Rate: 93%
Admission Rate: 58%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
45
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $287
Non-Resident: $1,075
accreditation
Council on Education for Public Health
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
713-500-9032
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
45
intelligent score 95.19
Award
Rankings
#8 Best Health Degrees
#8 College Rank
#20 College Factual
School Information
Minneapolis, MN
Graduation Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 73%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42-48
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $1,107
Non-Resident: $1,455
accreditation
Council on Education for Public Health
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-774-8636
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42-48
intelligent score 94.64
Award
Rankings
#1 Successful Student
#1 College Factual
School Information
Cambridge, MA
Graduation Rate: 98%
Admission Rate: 4%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
45-65
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$969 - $1,596
accreditation
Council on Education for Public Health
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
617-432-1031
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
45-65
intelligent score 94.6
Award
Rankings
#3 College Rank
#15 College Factual
School Information
Chapel Hill, N
Graduation Rate: 90%
Admission Rate: 20%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $1,023
Non-Resident: $1,997
accreditation
Council on Education for Public Health
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
325-696-0632
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
intelligent score 94.43
Award
Rankings
#11 Best Health Degrees
#15 College Rank
#18 College Factual
School Information
Seattle, WA
Graduation Rate: 84%
Admission Rate: 53%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
63-65
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $794
Non-Resident: $1,382
accreditation
Council on Education for Public Health
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-674-2849
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
63-65
intelligent score 94.42
Award
Rankings
School Information
Washington, DC
Graduation Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 43%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
45
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,835
accreditation
Council on Education for Public Health
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
202-994-7400
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
45
intelligent score 94.06
Award
Rankings
School Information
College Park, MD
Graduation Rate: 83%
Admission Rate: 51%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
45
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $996
Non-Resident: $1,845
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
301-405-2438
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
45
intelligent score 93.60
Award
Rankings
School Information
Boston, MA
Graduation Rate: 87%
Admission Rate: 20%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
48
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$2,777
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
617-358-3414
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
48
intelligent score 92.58
Award
Rankings
School Information
Los Angeles, CA
Graduation Rate: 93%
Admission Rate: 16%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$2,244
accreditation
Council on Education for Public Health
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
323-442-1900
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
intelligent score 91.82
Award
Rankings
School Information
Athens, GA
Graduation Rate: 85%
Admission Rate: 48%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
44
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $405
Non-Resident: $1,076
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
706-583-0885
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
44
intelligent score 89.86
Award
Rankings
School Information
Columbus, OH
Graduation Rate: 79%
Admission Rate: 57%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42-45
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $782
Non-Resident: $1,733
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
614-292-8350
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42-45
intelligent score 89.79
Award
Rankings
School Information
Buffalo, NY
Graduation Rate: 72%
Admission Rate: 70%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
44-49
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $471
Non-Resident: $1,011
accreditation
Council on Education for Public Health
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
716-829-5000
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
44-49
intelligent score 89.62
Award
Rankings
School Information
Iowa City, IA
Graduation Rate: 71%
Admission Rate: 86%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42-43
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$626
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
319-384-1500
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42-43
intelligent score 89.48
Award
Rankings
School Information
Loma Linda, CA
Graduation Rate: 90%
Admission Rate: 38%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
56-62
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$955 - $986
accreditation
Council on Education for Public Health
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
909-558-8776
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
56-62
intelligent score 88.95
Award
Rankings
School Information
Nashville, TN
Graduation Rate: 94%
Admission Rate: 7%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,894
accreditation
Council on Education for Public Health
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
615-322-1792
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
intelligent score 86.64
Award
Rankings
School Information
Tampa, FL
Graduation Rate: 73%
Admission Rate: 49%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $347
Non-Resident: $431
accreditation
Council on Education for Public Health
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
813-974-3623
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
intelligent score 86.28
Award
Rankings
School Information
Saint Louis, MO
Graduation Rate: 70%
Admission Rate: 70%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
48
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,310
accreditation
Council on Education for Public Health
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
314-977-1818
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
48
intelligent score 84.9
Award
Rankings
School Information
Saint Louis, MO
Graduation Rate: 93%
Admission Rate: 13%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
52
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,485
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
314-935-6600
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
52
intelligent score 84.27
Award
Rankings
School Information
New Brunswick, NJ
Graduation Rate: 83%
Admission Rate: 68%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
45
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $991
Non-Resident: $1,484
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
732-235-4646
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
45
intelligent score 83.07
Award
Rankings
School Information
Norman, OK
Graduation Rate: 65%
Admission Rate: 85%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
45-46
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $407
Non-Resident: $1,102
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
405-271-2308
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
45-46
intelligent score 82.59
Award
Rankings
School Information
New Haven, CT
Graduation Rate: 97%
Admission Rate: 5%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42-48
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$2,161
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
203-785-2867
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42-48
intelligent score 81.88
Award
Rankings
School Information
Siloam Springs, AR
Graduation Rate: 70%
Admission Rate: 59%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,975
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
401-863-3375
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
intelligent score 81.16
Award
Rankings
School Information
Philadelphia, PA
Graduation Rate: 97%
Admission Rate: 9%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,213
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
215-898-5000
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
intelligent score 78.95
Award
Rankings
School Information
Evanston, IL
Graduation Rate: 95%
Admission Rate: 7%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,916
accreditation
Council on Education for Public Health
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
312-503-0500
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
intelligent score 77.73
Award
Rankings
School Information
Little Rock, AR
Graduation Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 15.85%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $455
Non-Resident: $979
accreditation
Council on Education for Public Health
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
501-526-6614
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
intelligent score 77.38
Award
Rankings
School Information
Pittsburgh, PA
Graduation Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 67%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42-47
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,231
accreditation
Council on Education for Public Health
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
412-624-8864
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42-47
intelligent score 76.99
Award
Rankings
School Information
Ithaca, NY
Graduation Rate: 96%
Admission Rate: 9%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
52
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,641
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
607-255-5820
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
52
intelligent score 75.60
Award
Rankings
School Information
Philadelphia, PA
Graduation Rate: 68%
Admission Rate: 83%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
56
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,335
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
215-895-2000
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
56
intelligent score 75.26
Award
Rankings
School Information
Gainesville, FL
Graduation Rate: 72%
Admission Rate: 66%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42-48
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $530
Non-Resident: $1,255
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
352-294-5419
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42-48
intelligent score 74.03
Award
Rankings
School Information
Chicago, IL
Graduation Rate: 95%
Admission Rate: 6%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
48
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,618
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
773-702-0919
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
48
intelligent score 73.94
Award
Rankings
School Information
Philadelphia, PA
Graduation Rate: 77%
Admission Rate: 78%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
45
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,309
accreditation
Council on Education for Public Health
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
215-503-8890
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
45
intelligent score 73.34
Award
Rankings
School Information
New Orleans, LA
Graduation Rate: 66%
Admission Rate: 11%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
45
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,686
accreditation
Council on Education for Public Health
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
504-988-5388
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
45
intelligent score 72.77
Award
Rankings
School Information
Medford, MA
Graduation Rate: 94%
Admission Rate: 11%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$2,030
accreditation
Council on Education for Public Health
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
617-636-7000
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
intelligent score 72.52
Award
Rankings
School Information
Madison, WI
Graduation Rate: 88%
Admission Rate: 60%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $801
Non-Resident: $1,634
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
608-263-2880
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
intelligent score 71.91
Award
Rankings
School Information
Davis, CA
Graduation Rate: 89%
Admission Rate: 49%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
56
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$340
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
530-754-4992
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
56
intelligent score 71.78
Award
Rankings
School Information
San Diego, CA
Graduation Rate: 79%
Admission Rate: 38%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
51
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $324
Non-Resident: $824
accreditation
Council on Education for Public Health
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
619-594-1254
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
51
intelligent score 71.40
Award
Rankings
School Information
Waco, TX
Graduation Rate: 78%
Admission Rate: 57%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$2,421
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
254-710-4611
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
intelligent score 70.35
Award
Rankings
School Information
Morgantown, WV
Graduation Rate: 60%
Admission Rate: 84%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
48
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $843
Non-Resident: $2,142
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
304-293-2502
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
48
intelligent score 70.28
Award
Rankings
School Information
Omaha, NE
Graduation Rate: 95%
Admission Rate: 11%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $363
Non-Resident: $1,011
accreditation
Council on Education for Public Health
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
402-552-9867
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
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How we rank schools
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. 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.
What Can You Expect From a Master’s in Public Health Program?
A master’s in public health program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practical application of public health management and policy. Students employ tools and techniques that enhance their abilities to research, analyze, and implement evidence-based strategies to address public health challenges.
Program curricula vary depending on the school and specialization. Students complete a blend of core and elective coursework to satisfy their specialized fields and graduation requirements. Students usually participate in supervised practicums or internships and may also complete a capstone project or thesis.
As per CEPH accreditation guidelines, most programs require at least 42 credits for graduation and take approximately two years of full-time study to complete.
Potential courses you’ll take in a master’s in public health program
- Public Health Politics and Systems: Students analyze policy-making in public health and structural impediments to regulatory decision-making by exploring major health policy issues. Students demonstrate comprehension and analysis competency through case studies and seminar papers.
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics: This course delves into epidemiological principles and methods through epidemiologic data, research designs, and hands-on application. Course content may cover causal inference, disease rate measurement, and inferential reasoning.
- Leadership and Communication: Students address practical and theoretical examples of public health issues to enhance the leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills necessary for implementing and managing health programming.
- Prevention and Intervention Programming: Using theoretical and practical strategies, students study problem-based approaches to prevention and intervention across various levels and disciplines of public health. Topics may include theories of health behavior and environmental, social, biological, and psychological influences.
Master’s in Public Health Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to a master's in public health degree program?
Visit the program and school websites and speak to an admissions counselor to start the application process. Most schools have a web-based admissions portal that guides you through the process and shows you how to upload the correct materials, such as test scores, essays, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Verify application deadlines and seek additional guidance from an admissions counselor to strengthen your application and streamline the process.
How much does a master's in public health degree cost?
Yearly tuition for a master’s program averages $20,513, not including housing, fees, and materials. Out-of-state and private institutions are typically higher, although scholarships, grants, loans, and other funding can sometimes offset or completely cover tuition fees. Create a budget reflecting your combined academic and living costs to anticipate yearly expenses.
How long does it take to earn a master's in public health degree?
Most public health master’s programs require between 42 and 60 credits to satisfy graduation requirements and usually take about two years to complete. Course delivery and logistics, such as part-time, online, or accelerated study, can affect program completion timelines.