15 Best MPH Programs in New York
By Sam MacArthur

nyu mph acceptance rate

New York is a place where pubic health is put to the test. With nearly 9 million people in New York City alone, and densely-populated suburbs all around the city, there are few places in the world that present more of a challenge to keeping populations healthy. Disease prevention, health promotion, and cutting-edge research define the best MPH programs in New York, from the city’s elite private universities to some of the world’s foremost public universities.

For public health professionals who want to make a difference in the Big Apple and beyond, there are a wealth of world-class programs to get an MPH in New York. With a wide variety of institutions, students can easily find a program that works for them. And with a population from around the world, public health professionals from all cultural, national, and racial backgrounds are in high demand in New York MPH programs.

Featured Programs

How MPHOnline Ranked the Best MPH in New York

To rank the best MPH programs in New York City and state, MPHOnline began in the obvious place – by seeking out every regionally-accredited or CEPH-accredited MPH degree in the Empire State. Editors then ranked the programs according to their Cost, Reputation, and Alumni Salary, gathering data from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and Niche. With these criteria, students can be assured that their MPH degree will have the right balance of educational quality and career opportunity.

1. University at Buffalo – School of Public Health and Health Professions

The School of Public Health and Health Professions offers the University at Buffalo’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program, where graduates develop the skills necessary to create change for a better world. As one of the best MPH programs in New York State, SUNY Buffalo’s MPH degree is the only program in Western New York to receive accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). These New York MPH programs offered on-campus has an accelerated track that can be completed in one year.

The University of Buffalo is a public institute of higher learning that was established in 1846. It is considered the flagship university within the State University of New York (SUNY) system. The school’s 1,300+-acre campus is home to more than 31,000 students. The Wall Street Journal recognizes the University at Buffalo, SUNY as the #1 public university in the state of New York.

Degree: MPH
Format: On-Campus

2. University at Albany – School of Public Health

The University of Albany offers a Masters in Public Health in New York in and around the state’s capital district. This MPH in New York is an on-campus program that prepares graduates for careers in Epidemiology, Health Policy, Biostatistics, Social Behavior, and Environmental Health, among others. Degree candidates must complete an internship of 720 hours – the most extensive internship in the nation. Coursework to complete the degree includes 51-credits as well as a capstone project. SUNY Albany has a student job placement rate of 93%.

The University of Albany was established in 1844. It is a first tier component of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. The school operates three campuses in the towns of Albany, Guilderland and the city of Rensselaer, across the Hudson River. The school contributes economically to New York State’s capital district of Albany.

Degree: MPH
Format: On-Campus

3. Columbia University

The Mailman School of Public Health is one of the world’s foremost public health schools, and Columbia University’s New York MPH program is dedicated to collaboration, interdisciplinary, and integration. As one of the best MPH programs in New York and the country, Columbia’s MPH on-campus program offers highly motivated students an opportunity to complete the program in just one year, although most students finish in two years. Coursework assimilates six related disciplines: Epidemiology, Population & Family Health, Socio-medical Sciences, Biostatistics, Environmental Health Sciences, and Health Policy and Management. A practicum is required and often used as a basis of the required capstone project.

Columbia University is an Ivy-league institute of higher learning that was established in 1754. Former students include John Jay and Alexander Hamilton. It is located on the island of Manhattan’s upper east side. It is only one of nine colonial schools that were founded prior to the American Revolutionary War. Many sources and experts have ranked it as a top ten university in the world.

Degree: MPH
Format: On-Campus

4. Stony Brook University – Stony Brook Medicine

Stony Brook University’s New York MPH programs are built on competency-based on-campus curricula. Coursework for one of the best MPH programs in the state has been adapted from the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) competency project. Degree candidates complete the five basic parts of public health policy: Social & Behavioral Sciences, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Health Policy, and Biostatistics. SUNY Stony Brook’s MPH degree program requires the successful completion of 54-credit hours. Check out Stony Brook’s concurrent degree programs related to an MPH degree.

Stony Brook University was founded in 1957 and situated in Suffolk County in Long Island, New York. It was originally located in Oyster Bay, NY before moving further east on Long Island to the town of Stony Brook. The school is the largest employer on Long Island and operates satellite campuses in Southampton, NY and in South Korea.

Degree: MPH
Format: On-Campus

5. University of Rochester – School of Medicine & Dentistry

The School of Medicine & Dentistry coordinates the University of Rochester’s CEPH-accredited Masters in Public Health in New York. UR’s on-campus graduate degree in public health is considered one of the best MPH programs due to its outstanding faculty and seasoned coursework. Degree graduates enter the workforce ready to pursue careers in Health Research, Public Agencies, and Non-profit Private Agencies, among other related disciplines. Research related studies include health-related issues like Nutrition, HIV prevention, Tobacco, Breastfeeding, and Air Quality.

The University of Rochester is a private university that was established in 1850. Alumni include Nobel Laureates, Guggenheim Fellows and a Pulitzer Prize winner. Its 600-acre campus is home to more than 11,000 students. UR is, according to US News and World Report, ranked among the top national universities in the US.

Degree: MPH
Format: On-Campus

6. New York University – College of Global Public Health

New York University’s Master of Public Health degree is considered one of the best MPH programs in New York State and in the nation. On-campus coursework provides both global and domestic viewpoints regarding the demanding health issues regarding Social Justice, Public Health Ethics and Health Equity. This New York MPH program offers ten different concentrations that include Public Health Nutrition, Global Health, Environmental Public Health Sciences, and Public Health Management, among others. Dual degree programs for an MPH degree include the disciplines of Dentistry, Medicine, Social Work, Public Administration, and Nursing.

New York University is a research school of higher learning that was founded in 1831. NYU’s iconic campus is located in Greenwich Village, on the lower portion of the island of Manhattan. NYU is a global university with branches in Florence, London, Madrid, Berlin, Tel Aviv, Buenos Aires, and Shanghai, among several others.

Degree: MPH
Format: On-Campus

7. Syracuse University – Department of Public Health, Food Studies, and Nutrition

Syracuse University’s MS in Public Health degree program focuses on health issues regarding individuals, communities, and families. Noted as one of the best master’s in public health in New York State, SU’s MPH program requires the completion of 42-credit hours that prepare graduates to tackle domestic and global health initiatives. This on-campus MPH Program in New York is offered with two separate academic tracks: the Global health track and the Biostatistics track. The MPH program from SU is available for part-time students; however, the degree program must be completed in seven years, or less.

Syracuse University was established in 1870. Since the 1920s, SU is identified as a non-sectarian school. The university is comprised of thirteen colleges. Several degree programs are nationally recognized in the fields of business, architecture, public administration, sports management, and engineering, among others.

Degree: MS in Public Health – Global Health or Biostatistics concentrations
Format: On-Campus

8. St. John’s University – College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

St. John’s University’s MPH degree program was the first offered in the New York City borough of Queens. St. John’s University’s graduate degree program is considered one of the best MPH programs in the state and is available as either online or on-campus. Coursework is available to students on two different academic tracks: Global Health or Community Health. St. John’s coursework for degree completion includes 45-credits. St. John’s New York MPH coursework prepares graduates for diverse careers that are contingent upon the chosen academic path and a student’s preferred work setting.

St. John’s University is a Roman Catholic university founded in 1870. While it was originally located in Brooklyn, St. John’s has campuses in most of NYC’s boroughs (its main campus is in Queens, NY) and internationally. St. John’s University consists of six graduates schools and five undergraduate schools. Its 105-acre urban campus is home to more than 21,000 students.

Degree: MPH
Format: On-Campus or Online

9. Hofstra University – Zucker School of Medicine

Hofstra University’s MPH degree is an innovative, 42-credit program on-campus ranked as one of the best Master’s in Public Health in New York. Hofstra University’s MPH degree program is designed to provide an interdisciplinary education, which prepares students to apply their academic knowledge to the fields of law, psychology, economics, business, sociology, education, and political science. Hofstra University’s degree program is considered one of the best MPH programs across the state of New York. Degree candidates also work with faculty to on research regarding the most pressing health issues on Long Island, New York State, and beyond.

Hofstra University is a non-profit university that was established in 1935. Located about 20+ miles east of New York City, Hofstra University is considered Long Island’s largest private institution of higher learning. It is known for hosting numerous U.S. Presidential Debates. Hofstra University is recognized by The Princeton Review recognizes Hofstra University among the best colleges in the nation.

Featured Programs

Degree: MPH
Format: On-Campus

10. LIU Brooklyn – School of Health Professions

LIU Brooklyn’s on-campus Master of Public Health degree program is dedicated to improving the health initiatives in communities, and globally. LIU Brooklyn’s is recognized among the best MPH programs in New York State. Graduates enter the workforce prepared to make a difference in the areas of public health: disability and disease while seeking to promote healthy living and accessibility to health care. The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accredits LIU’s New York MPH degree program.

Long Island University is a private institute of higher learning located in the New York City of Brooklyn. LIU Brooklyn is the initial campus of Long Island University. Long Island University’s Post campus is located Brookville (Long Island), New York. The research portion of the school consistently challenges urgent, current health issues.

Degree: MPH
Format: On-Campus

11. SUNY Downstate Medical Center – School of Public Health

One of the best New York MPH programs comes from SUNY Downstate Medical Center. This on-campus degree program can be completed on a part-time basis but must be finished in six years, unless there are mitigating conditions. SUNY Downstate’s MPH coursework is available as a concurrent degree related to another degree program offered through SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Graduates from this MPH in New York program are prepared for careers that recognize and implement health policies to improve and resolve public health issues.

SUNY Downstate Medical Center was established in 1860. It is the only academic health facility that provides research; education and patient care for Brooklyn’s 2 ½ million residents. The school is recognized as one of the top employers in the borough of Brooklyn.

Degree: MPH
Format: On-Campus

12. Upstate Medical University

Upstate Medical University’s Central New York Master of Public Health (CNTMPH) is a unique on-campus program that focuses on public health issues from the population’s perspective. SUNY Upstate’s MPH is recognized as one of the best MPH programs in the state of New York and in the Northeastern portion of the country. Graduates enter their career paths with the knowledge and experience to investigate and manage small-scale and large-scale public health issues. The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accredits the Central New York Masters of Public Health in New York.

Upstate Medical University was founded in 1834. This health sciences school is a part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. It consists of several schools: the College of Nursing, the College of Medicine, the College of Graduate Studies, and the College of Health Professionals. The school is affiliated Upstate University Hospital which displays a historic plaque denoting that President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated their medical college building.

Degree: Central New York MPH
Format: On-Campus

13. CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy

The CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy MPH in New York is for students interested in careers that impact and improves the overall health care of community, national and global populations. CUNY SPH is identified as one of the best MPH programs in New York State. Graduates are prepared to enter the workforce as public health educators, public health specialists, administrators, and managers. This 45-credit hour on-campus program examines the interconnectedness of behavior, social and environmental components on public health issues.

The CUNY Graduate School of Public Health was established in 2007. It is a part of the City University of New York system. The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accredits CUNY SPH.

Degree: MPH
Format: On-Campus

14. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai offers one of the best MPH programs that can be completed in two years. This on-campus MPH in New York requires the completion of 45-credit hours and a 150-hour practicum that is the basis for a capstone project or thesis. ISMMS provides students with an opportunity to select from eight concentrations: Biostatistics, Global Health, Health Care Management, Epidemiology, Public Health, Environmental Health Sciences, Outcomes Research, and health promotion & Disease Prevention. Students may also choose to earn a joint degree in social work or podiatric medicine.

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS) was formerly known as Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. It was established in 1963. The school and its associated hospital comprise a four-block area on Manhattan’ upper east side.

Degree: MPH and dual degree programs
Format: On-Campus

15. New York Medical College – School of Health Sciences

The School of Health Sciences offers New York Medical College’s MPH in New York graduate program. The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accredits the Master’s of Public Health program offered by the New York Medical College. Faculty to student ratio is an amazing 2:1. Over 80% of students attending NYMC’s MPH program receive some sort of financial aid. Students have the option of selecting a concentration among the following: Health Policy and Management, Epidemiology, Environmental Health Science, and Behavioral Sciences and Health Promotion.

New York Medical College is a private biomedical university that was established in 1860. NYMC is composed of three separate schools: the Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences, the School of Health Science and Practice and the School of Medicine. NYMC’s 600-acre campus shares its campus with its affiliated hospital, Westchester Medical Center and Fareri Children’s Hospital.

Degree: MPH
Format: On-Campus

Is it Hard to Get into an MPH in New York?

The challenge of getting a Master’s in Public Health in New York starts with understanding how competitive the field actually is. For instance, the NYU MPH acceptance rate is around 35%; however, exact rates depend on the year and the goals of the program, so you can expect some variation with each new year. In most cases, you will need a copy of your transcripts from your undergraduate program, letters of recommendation, your resume, and the results of a GRE or TOEFL to get into a master’s program. There are MPH programs in NYC without GRE requirements, but the details about their acceptance standards differ based on the college and their program.

After ensuring that you qualify for the college, you will want to consider the tuition costs. NYU MPH tuition costs differ significantly based on the program and the number of credits you take. When you attend New York University, you can expect fees and costs associated with your degree to focus on the credit hours your take for your degree. A full-time student may pay as much as $25,000 or more per semester if they are taking 18 or more credits. Online programs may offer cost savings, but you will want to evaluate the details of a college or university before you assume that you qualify for financial aid or have options to help cut the costs. On-campus programs offer a lot of advantages, like more access to internships.

Is New York a Good Place for MPH Internships?

Public health internships NYC are available through the state as well as through the college or university. The Public Health Internship Program in New York City is one of the oldest and largest internship training programs available, but it is not the only opportunity for students looking into MPH programs. Public health summer internships NYC are also available through the college or university and private programs.

If you are considering New York public health internships, then you will want to look into a variety of opportunities. As a large city environment, you will have several options available through the state as well as through private employers and your school. The competition for the programs will differ based on the type you want, but you will need to maintain and update your resume as part of the process to apply for the position.

How’s the Job Market for New York Public Health Jobs?

The decision to study public health and seek a graduate degree is a process. In New York, you have a variety of career opportunities with a Masters in Public Health, or MPH, but you will want to understand the job market before you obtain your degree.

New York public health jobs offer a variety of opportunities based on your interests and preferences. When you look at public health jobs NYC entry level, you will notice that you have opportunities to work under medical professionals or within government roles. You may also consider CDC jobs NYC, which allow you to work directly with the government.

A Masters in Public Health salary NYC varies based on your position. A job in a non-profit group will usually have a lower salary when compared to private work through a medical facility or related careers. Public health nonprofits NYC focus on assisting people within the city who may have limited opportunities for proper healthcare. If you are working with the government, then your salary will reflect your position within the CDC. Global health jobs NYC will differ significantly from local career opportunities because they focus on larger problems and concerns.

The key to finding a career in New York that works with your degree is evaluating your options and opportunities. New York City is a large urban area and you have a variety of opportunities for a career. Depending on your interests and goals, you may be able to work with medical professionals, focus on nonprofit goals or even work with children. You can use the degree in a variety of administrative and leadership roles, so you will find a job that fits your goals with a MPH.

Your career starts with finding the right program to address your goals. A Masters in Public Health opens doors of opportunity to help you accomplish your goals and start a career. The challenge is clarifying the options available for internships and an entry level job within a large urban environment to help you build your resume and gain experience.