Why This Matters
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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.
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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.
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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
Discover More Options
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.