Top 25 Campus MPH Programs
By Staff

best mph programs

Finding the best MPH programs shouldn’t be overwhelming; there are MPH programs in every region and every form of higher education. But with online MPH programs becoming more and more common – and offered by some of the best public health programs in the world – a busy working professional may wonder why traditional, on-campus public health programs are worth the trouble at all. Going to class, commuting to campus, even finding parking can seem like a burden. However, there are a lot of good reasons to choose an on-campus MPH.

Featured MPH Programs

Why Choose a Traditional MPH Program?

Quite simply, the human connection is the primary advantage of an on-campus program. The best MPH programs, even online, will emphasis collaboration and teamwork, but only in a face-to-face, on-campus format do you actually get the kinds of connections that prepare you for the real work of public health. Public health is a highly interdisciplinary, collaborative field, after all, and the diversity of the public health sector can be seen best on-campus. Studying on-campus is usually the only way to qualify for an MPH fellowship or assistantship as well – online students don’t get their degrees paid for.

On-campus programs provide all of the resources of a world-class school of public health, as well, not just the virtual resources available online; that includes not just libraries and study centers, but labs and research institutes that are doing the most cutting-edge work in the field. The best MPH programs are transforming the world through health promotion and disease prevention, and with an on-campus program, you’re not just hearing about the innovations – you’re able to witness them firsthand, and even participate.

Methodology: Ranking the Best MPH Programs

To rank the best MPH programs in the world, MPH Online approaches the field from the point of view of the student: what does an MPH student need most? And the answer, to our eyes, is balance – a program that provides the perfect balance of quality, affordability, and opportunity. To rank out top 25, out of the many master’s in public health in USA higher education, we looked to 3 key factors:

  • Reputation (U.S. News & World Report Public Health ranking)
  • Cost (IPEDS data)
  • Return on Investment (College Scorecard alumni salary data)

With these qualifications, MPH Online has determined the 25 traditional on-campus Master of Public Health programs that provide students with the best of all possible scenarios.

1. University of California, Berkeley – School of Public Health

The University of California, Berkeley’s public health master’s programs, take an unusual approach to public health programs. While Berkeley offers the conventional Master’s in Public Health (in USA style), students can also choose an MS Public Health degree or a rare public health MA (biostatistics only). The MS Public Health program includes specializations in epidemiology, environmental health sciences, and global health & environment.

UC Berkeley is widely ranked the greatest public research university in the world, and the School of Public Health is one of the most respected. Founded in 1943, the Berkeley School of Public Health dates even farther back, to the hygiene program established in 1919, making it the oldest public health program in the West. One of the best MPH programs, from the best public university in the US, means graduates have all the opportunity they could hope for.

Degree Program: MPH – 11 concentrations

2. University of Washington – School of Public Health

The University of Washington MPH programs offer students multi-disciplinary studies, rigorous academic skills, and practical experiences that are relevant to the challenges facing the public health sector in the 21st century. Some of the 19 concentrations include biostatistics, environmental and occupational health sciences, epidemiology, global health, and community-oriented public health practice. The program is practitioner-oriented. Therefore, the field practicum is taken seriously and emphasizes the improvement of the practice and policies to ensure that students get professional training.

The University Of Washington School Of Public Health is known internationally as a leader in public health education, policy development, and research. They offer students an opportunity to be beneficial to the lives of other people locally, nationally, and even globally. The field of public health is growing rapidly and the challenge to pursue a career in this field at the University of Washington is both exciting and rewarding.

Degree Program: MPH – 19 concentrations

3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Gillings School of Global Public Health

The University of North Carolina MPH programs are offered at The Gillings School of Global Public Health, one of the world’s best MPH programs. The MPH is comprehensive and gives students the necessary skills they need to tackle public health programs both locally and around the world. Students have the chance to choose from 12 different concentration areas that best suit their passions. Pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the University of North Carolina will ensure that students gain the skills, knowledge, experience, and networks they need to make a positive difference in their community right away.

The University of North Carolina’s Gillings School is the top public school that offers masters in public health in USA. They strive to promote individual wellbeing, improve public health, and eliminate inequalities in health in North Carolina, across the country, and the entire world. The institution’s faculty is made up of talented teachers, scholars, and researchers who are leaders in the industry. They work hand in hand with students to ensure academic excellence. An MS Public Health degree from the institution will enable you to anticipate problems in the public health sector and act fast to provide effective solutions.

Degree Program: Gillings MPH – 12 concentrations

4. University of California, Los Angeles – Fielding School of Public Health

The UCLA MPH programs offer a professional degree that enables students to solve problems in the public health sector. The program applies professional disciplinary approaches in various professional environments in the private and the public sector to ensure that students get all the field experience they need. The 8 concentrations available allow students to specialize in areas including Community Health Sciences, Environmental Health, and Health Policy and Management. The program takes about two years to complete but accelerated programs are available for students with particular qualifications. There is also an option for students who want to continue working as they pursue their masters, which is called the Executive MPH program.

The UCLA Fielding School Of Public Health faculty is made of 200 members who are renowned experts, innovators, and leaders in international arenas. They not only teach students to be the leaders of tomorrow but also provide their expertise to legislators and public health leaders, create new knowledge in the field through research, and prevent diseases to save millions of lives across the world. It’s easily one of the best Master’s in Public Health in USA higher education.

Degree Program: MPH – 8 concentrations

5. University of Minnesota – School of Public Health

The University of Minnesota MPH programs provide students with a comprehensive curriculum that prepares them to take on health challenges of the 21st century. The program puts emphasis on the practical aspect of public health to ensure that students are fully prepared to begin their careers. There are 9 concentrations offered at the University of Minnesota including biostatistics, environmental health, community health promotion, and epidemiology, among others. Most of these programs take about two years to complete and students are required to engage in the local community as part of the program.

The University of Minnesota is a top-ranked School of Public Health. The faculty is driven by the mission of ensuring that every community has the opportunity to enjoy a healthy life. The faculty and students are always working towards discovering new paths, seeking alternatives, and creating innovative solutions in the commitment to making healthcare a human right. Some of the most influential leaders in the public health sector are alumni of the University of Minnesota’s exceptional public health programs.

Degree Program: MPH – 9 concentrations

6. Texas A&M University Health Science Center – School of Public Health

The Texas A&M University MPH programs are a central part of the Texas A&M Health Science Center, one of the largest and fastest-growing academic health complexes in the nation. The TAMU MPH is multi- and interdisciplinary, drawing on several schools and departments to offer 6 concentrations: Environmental Health, Occupational Safety and Health, Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, or Health Policy and Management. The TAM-HSC is quickly becoming a crucial pillar of Texas’ health care system, with one of the best MPH programs in the West.

The Texas A&M Health Science Center began in 1999 as an independent entity, before being integrated into TAMU in 2013. Besides the School of Public Health, the HSC is home to TAMU’s medical, pharmacy, and nursing schools. The TAM-HSC is a center for rural health research and care, and is earning a reputation as one of the most technologically advanced academic health centers in the world through partnership with TAMU engineering. The public health programs at the TAMU School of Public Health are growing in national acclaim, just like the Health Science Center.

Degree Program: MPH – 6 concentrations

7. George Washington University – Milken Institute School of Public Health

George Washington University’s MPH programs come from the Milken Institute School of Public Health, the foremost school of public health in Washington DC. There are several options that can fit everyone’s needs including full-time programs, accelerated one-year programs, and part-time programs. The accelerated one year MPH program is an intense full-time program that requires students to take 11.5 credits per quarter. The accelerated 18-month public health programs allow students to work part-time as they study. Students are required to take 7.5 credits per quarter. For students that have to work full time, they have the option of customizing their program to fit their schedules. This program can take between two years and four years depending on how many credits a student chooses to take in a quarter.

The Milken Institute School of Public Health is one of the best public health graduate schools in the country and was even ranked in the top 20 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The institution is accredited by CEPH (The Council on Education for Public Health). GWU’s MPH programs are committed to training the next generation of leaders, scientists, policy makers, and practitioners who will transform the public health sector worldwide for all populations.

Degree Program: MPH – 14 concentrations

8. Harvard University – Chan School of Public Health

The Harvard University MPH programs, from the Chan School of Public Health, provide students with the knowledge, skills, subject specific expertise, and a powerful global network to be able to forge a career in public health. There are several options available for professionals in the public health sector, medical doctors, and students who are new to public health. The degree formats are also flexible to enable all students to gain knowledge of all the core disciplines of public health or even specialize in their area of interest. The MPH programs at Harvard University enable students to achieve the intellectual foundation and specialized skills that enable them to make a positive difference around the world.

Harvard University has produced graduates that have made a huge difference to communities around the globe. The school offers one of the best MPH programs and graduates have been leaders in the eradication of diseases such as Guinea worm disease and smallpox. Some have developed vaccines that are used across the world while others are leaders in ministries of health, corporations, academic institutions, humanitarian organizations, and government agencies. Many of them have served as physicians, surgeons and veterinarians and others have even been heads of states. A Master of Public Health from Harvard University opens a gateway to leadership in public health.

Degree Program: MPH – 14 concentrations

9. University of Illinois at Chicago – College of Applied Health Sciences

The University of Illinois at Chicago’s MPH programs are designed for passionate individuals who are committed to making a difference in their communities. Individuals who aim to increase access to health services for traditionally underserved groups in the society have a platform to fulfill their dreams. The program is rooted in science and social justice and is more focused on prevention of diseases and injury compared to treatment. The master’s program aims to help students identify needs, craft solutions, and implement changes that impact people in various scales.

The College of Applied Health Sciences at UIC is nationally accredited and the institution is a renowned leader in public health research. Students in the MPH programs are given hands-on experience in the real world of public health. Graduates are well prepared for a successful career in public health. The small-size classrooms ensure that all the students interact and benefit from each other and gain effectively from the faculty.

Degree Program: MPH – 6 concentrations

10. Emory University – Rollins School of Public Health

The Emory University’s MPH programs offer students the flexibility of completing their program within two years or less. There are 9 concentrations to choose from including biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, global health, and health policy, among others. Students with a strong background in math and science are advised to choose research-based careers. A practicum is required of all MPH students and is meant to enhance the students’ understanding and knowledge in the application of research findings to public health settings. All MPH students are also required to complete a culminating experience to further integrate and apply the acquired skills in the real world.

Emory University offers both on campus and online programs, but traditional on-campus students benefit from all of the resources of the internationally-recognized Rollins School of Public Health. Working professionals in the field of applied epidemiology, prevention science, and applied public health informatics can enroll in the Executive MPH program. Students that enroll in the MPH program at Emory University graduate with the confidence to handle any public health problem due to the thorough field exposure during the course of study.

Degree Program: MPH – 9 concentrations

11. Columbia University – Mailman School of Public Health

Columbia University’s MPH programs are the signature degree at the Mailman School of Public Health. The University offers students the opportunity to take an accelerated one year program (for some select candidates) or a regular two-year program. Every students chooses a concentration from one of the Mailman School’s departments, including Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Sociomedical Sciences Both the programs integrate six common components to ensure all the parts of the program are connected.

Columbia University introduced the Mailman MPH programs in 2012, setting a new standard for public health education. The University involved more than 150 members of the faculty, the students, alumni, and employers in coming up with the best curriculum. It is this curriculum that provides a broad understanding of public health, critical thinking skills, and leadership skills that are required to face the challenges of today’s public health sector.

Degree Program: MPH – 6 concentrations

12. University of South Florida – College of Public Health

The University of South Florida MPH programs are a professional program designed to provide students with a set of skills and principles that are essential in the job market. The program has 20 concentrations to choose from, including biostatistics, health policy and management, epidemiology, social and behavioral science, and environmental and occupational health among others. Students then have the opportunity to contribute to issues concerning the current and emerging public health problems.

The USF College of Public Health – Florida’s first, founded in 1984 – endeavors to provide excellence in education, advocacy, leadership, research, and service in the public health industry. They achieve this by nurturing and motivating students and delivering enhanced health and wellbeing to all humankind. Graduates that emerge from this institution are equipped with all the necessary skills needed in the job market.

Degree Program: MPH – 20 concentrations

13. University of Michigan – School of Public Health

The University of Michigan MPH programs include four concentrations: General Epidemiology, Hospital & Molecular Epidemiology, Global Health Epidemiology, and Occupational & Environmental Epidemiology. General Epidemiology is the major component of the MPH degree program and emphasizes the basic principles and methods of epidemiology and the application in the study of health and diseases. This program provides students with many opportunities to learn the various sub-disciplines of epidemiology through internships, projects, and regular classes. Research projects cover a variety of topics including infectious diseases, cancer, chronic diseases, reproductive health, climate change, and health.

The University of Michigan is accredited by CEPH, which is the nationally-recognized accrediting body for public health schools and programs. This means that the institution meets all the standards required for public health disciplines. The curriculum ensures that graduates are competent enough to become professionals in the public health sector. The university has been a leader in the public health practice since 1941 and has been creating a better world through intensive research and leadership.

Degree Program: MPH – 4 concentrations

14. University of Maryland – School of Public Health

The University of Maryland MPH programs offers 8 possible concentrations, including Behavioral and Community Health, Health Equity, and Environmental Health Science. Semester hours required to graduate fall between 42 or 60, depending on previous education and professional training. Degree candidates follow a curriculum focusing on the needs of communities, including risk reduction, disease prevention, and health equity, especially for underserved populations.

UMD-College Park offers one of the best MPH programs in the nation, accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). The University of Maryland, College Park was chartered in 1856 and holds the distinction of the flagship institute within the University System of Maryland. The school shares a 20th place ranking on the US News & World’s national public universities, and top 25 among public health schools.

Degree Program: MPH – 8 concentrations

15. University of Iowa – College of Public Health

The University of Iowa MPH programs come from the College of Public Health. UI’s MPH curriculum focuses upon five specific disciplines within the field of Public Health. These include health services administration, environmental health sciences, biostatistics, social and behavioral sciences, and epidemiology. Similar to other Master of Public Health programs, the University of Iowa’s MPH program culminates in a capstone project (200 hours) based in a public health location.

The University of Iowa was established in 1847, which is only 59 days after Iowa was admitted as a state. It is the oldest institute of higher learning in the state of Iowa. Its nearly 2000-acre campus sits on the banks of the Iowa River. U of I is a member school with the Big Ten Academic Alliance. The UI College of Public health has been accredited by CEPH, and is widely recognized as the state’s top-ranked school of public health.

Degree Program: MPH – 5 concentrations

16. Johns Hopkins University – Bloomberg School of Public Health

Johns Hopkins University’s MPH programs are the definitive public health programs in the world, offered through their Bloomberg School of Public Health. Hopkins offers seven dual degree options for students seeking to graduate from one of the best MPH programs in the country. Dual degrees offered include: an MD/MPH (medicine), MSN/MPH (nursing), MPH/MBA (business), MBA/MPH (international business), MPH/MSW (social work) , JD/MPH (Juris Doctor), LLM/MPH (Georgetown Law) and DVM/MPH (veterinarian).

Johns Hopkins University was established in 1876 by a philanthropist who bequeathed $7 million upon his death. It holds the distinguished position as the first research university in the country combining classroom instruction and ongoing research. Students at the Bloomberg School receive unmatched education and experience to prepare them to take on today’s public health issues. US News & World Report ranks the Bloomberg School of Public Health first in the nation – since 1994! The CEPH Board has accredited Johns Hopkins University.

Degree Program: MPH – 7 dual degrees

17. Yale University – School of Public Health

Yale University’s MPH programs can be completed in two years, or on an accelerated path. This graduate degree includes academic studies regarding Health Policy, Health Care Management, Social and Behavioral Science, Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Biostatistics, Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Advance Professional MPH Program, and Environmental health Science. Students have the option to tailor their coursework to include add-on concentrations of Regulatory Affairs, Public Health Modeling, Global Health and Climate Change and Health.

Yale University was established in 1701 and was one the 9 Colonial Colleges that began before the American Revolution. Yale is one of the United State’s Ivy League schools. Yale graduates include 5 Presidents, 19 Supreme Court justices and nearly two-dozen billionaires. According to US News & World Report, Yale ranks #3 of national universities, only trailing Harvard and Princeton. As in all things, Yale also leads the way among Master’s in Public Health in USA higher education.

Degree Program: MPH – 12 concentrations

18. Saint Louis University – College of Public Health and Social Justice

Saint Louis University’s MPH programs are offered through their College of Public Health and Social Justice. Degree candidates choose a concentration for their degree path from a total of 16 different focus areas. SLU MPH graduates are prepared to evaluate an organization that deals with the health care, public health, and regulatory industries on an international and a national basis. Saint Louis University’s MS in Public Health includes a multi-dimension approach to ethical policy-making, making it one of the best MPH programs for future leaders in the field.

Saint Louis University was established in 1818 and is a private Roman Catholic university in Missouri. SLU is the oldest institution of higher learning and the first medical, law and business school west of the Mississippi River. Saint Louis University student to faculty ratio is 7 to 1. SLU ranked 96 on US News & World Report’s list of best universities in the country. The CEPH Board has accredited Saint Louis University, which continues to lead health education for the Midwest.

Degree Program: MPH – 8 concentrations (students choose 2)

19. University of Pittsburgh – Pitt Public Health

The University of Pittsburgh Master of Public Health in Epidemiology gives students the opportunity to obtain careers at the CDC, NIH, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and dental or medical schools. Coursework includes 45 credit hours of traditional classes, research and a practicum experience. The University of Pittsburgh MPH programs includes a comprehensive approach to biostatistics, environmental health influences, epidemiology and public health planning.

The University of Pittsburgh was founded in 1787 on what was then the American Frontier’s furthest reaches. Pitt began as a private school, but became public in 1966 when it joined the Commonwealth System of Higher Education. Pitt is the oldest school west of the Allegheny Mountains that has operated continuously since its inception. The University of Pittsburgh’s graduate school ranks 10th based upon the number of alumni who are Peace Corp volunteers, a sign of the university’s commitment to international health. The Graduate School of Public Health has been accredited by the Council for Education on Public Health (CEPH).

Degree Program: MPH in Epidemiology

20. University at Albany – School of Public Health

The University at Albany’s Master of Public Health degree program requires the completion of 51 credit hours that cover core courses, concentration classes, and elective classes. Degree candidates must complete a 720-hour internship and a capstone project prior to graduation. Areas of concentration for UAlbany’s MS Public Health program include: Biomedical, Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Policy, Social Behavior, and the Peace Corps Service. Students have the option of obtaining dual master’s degree in the area of medicine and social work.

The NY State University at Albany was founded in 1844 and is located in the New York State Capital district. The School of Public Health began as a partnership between University at Albany and the NY State Department of Health, leveraging the opportunities afforded by its location in the state’s capital. The university operates from three separate campuses for its 19,000 students. US News & World Report ranks the School of Public Health one of the top 50 best MPH programs in the US. For students who want to make a difference in New York’s health, UAlbany is the place.

Degree Program: MPH – 10 concentrations

21. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston – School of Public Health

The UT Health Science Center at Houston’s Master of Public Health degree is considered one of the best MPH programs in the nation. Students studying full-time generally complete the coursework in 18 to 24 months. Key components of the curriculum include 45 credit hours, supervised practical experience, and an opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of the coursework. UTHealth public health programs include the following areas of focus: Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Promotion/Health Education, Biostatistics, and Management, Policy and Community Health (MPACH).

The UT Health Science Center at Houston was established in 1972 and is a part of the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world. The UTHealth School of Public Health was created in response to a growing need for public health education and research in the state. The Council on Education for Public Health(CEPH) accredits the MPH programs offered by UTHealth. The UT School of Public Health has been accredited by the CEPH.

Degree Program: MPH – 5 concentrations

22. University of Massachusetts – School of Public Health and Health Sciences

The University of Massachusetts, Amherst Master of Public Health degree program is uniquely focused on Community Health Education (MPH-CHE). MPH candidates learn to enhance their current knowledge base, and to hone their professional skills as they prepare for greater professional responsibilities. Degree graduates must complete an MPH Project, which includes an oral presentation in the form of a capstone assignment. UMass Amherst’s public health programs can be taken as full-time students or part-time students.

The University of Massachusetts, Amherst was founded in 1863 as a land grant university, while the School of Public Health and Health Sciences was established in 1938. UMass Amherst is the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system. UMass Amherst is regularly ranked one of the top public research universities, according to US News & World Report, and stands alongside its Ivy League neighbors in influence.

Degree Program: MPH – Community Health Education

23. Drexel University – Dornsife School of Public Health

Drexel University’s MPH programs make the Dornsife School of Public Health one of the most acclaimed in the nation. MPH graduates are prepared to make a difference and to take on emerging public health issues. The coursework readies students to work towards improving the overall health industry. Degree candidates have the option of selecting from four majors: Epidemiology, Health Management and Policy, Community Health and Prevention and Environmental and Occupational Health. Historically, 68% graduate students studying for Drexel’s MS Public Health degree on a full-time basis, receive some form of scholarship funding.

Drexel University is a private research university that was established in 1891 by philanthropist Anthony Drexel. In 2018, Times Higher Education World University Rankings ranked Drexel #74 among national schools. Drexel’s School of Public Health was established based on the principle that health is a human right; Drexel’s objective is to stand as the most civically engaged school in the country. The Dornsife School of Public Health has been accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) and is regularly cited as one of the best MPH programs in the world.

Degree Program: MPH – 4 concentrations

24. University of Alabama Birmingham – School of Public Health

The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Master of Public Health is one of the best MPH programs in the Deep South, a model of engagement and leadership. Graduates of the UAB Master’s degree for Public Health are prepared to critically determine and examine emerging public health issues. Concentrations include Health Behavior, Health Care Organization & Policy, Maternal and Child Health Policy & Leadership, Population Health, Epidemiology and Environmental & Occupational Health. UAB’s public health programs allow students to encounter complicated public health issues in a most diverse and dynamic field of study.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham was founded in 1969 and is the only R-1 research school in the state of Alabama. UAB is also the largest employer in Alabama, particularly through its medical and health programs, which are crucial to the healthcare system of the state. Low tuition costs have made UAB one of the best values in the US. More than 90% of the UAB faculty members have earned a professional or academic doctorate degree.The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accredits the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health

Degree Program: MPH

25. Boston University – School of Public Health

Boston University’s Master of Public Health degree program requires 48 credit hours related to the basic relationship between social, biological, cultural, political, behavioral, economic and environment factors impacting public health populations. Students in one of the best MPH programs in the country can opt for one of BU’s add-on certificates: Healthcare Management, Program management, Health Policy and Law, Health Communication and Promotion, Global health Program Design, Monitoring and Evaluation, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Environmental health, Design and Conduct of Public Health Research and the Community Assessment, Program Design, Implementation and Evaluation.

Boston University is a private university that was officially chartered by the Massachusetts Legislature in 1869. In 2017, BU was ranked in the top 40 global universities by US News & World. Boston University alumni include 7 Nobel laureates, 10 Rhodes Scholars and 9 Academy Award winners, among other notables. BU’s other campuses are in London, Paris, Sydney, Washington, DC, and Los Angeles. The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accredits Boston University’s School of Public Health.

Degree Program: MPH – 9 add-on certificates

Featured MPH Programs

What Are the Most Common Public Health Master’s Programs Requirements?

Requirements to apply for a Master of Public Health degree will vary from place to place. However, public health master’s programs’ requirements will typically start with an applicant’s academic performance and the number of credits the applicant already has. In most cases, it can help applicants to have one or more of the following:

  • GPA of over 3.0
  • A bachelor’s degree
  • Health-related work experience
  • A master’s or doctoral degree in a field marginally related to health

Some universities will also have some prerequisite coursework requirements. Typically, a semester of mathematics, statistics, and a science course are necessary, though some bridge programs will allow a candidate who does not have a public health bachelor’s to squeeze in those pre-reqs more conveniently. For applicants already in pursuit of a health-related degree, the requirements for most MPH programs will go hand-in-hand with what the applicant is already doing (and you may be qualified for an accelerated MPH program).

Generally, the curriculum public health master’s programs requirements will focus on the key areas of public health. Much like the program admission requirements, graduation requirements can vary between universities, but there are a few courses that any MPH student at any university will have to take, such as:.

  • Biostatistics
  • Epidemiology
  • Health policy and management
  • Population or Community Health

Generally, applicants will need to complete around 40 to 50 credits in health-related courses. Most programs will require an internship or clinical practicum as well. The final part of the program will require students to complete a capstone project or thesis.

How Do MPH Programs at Private Universities Compare to Public Universities?

The best MPH programs are not always found in private universities. The best public universities offer the lowest MPH tuition costs and superior educational opportunities with their MPH programs. As with any university, one of the most important aspects is that the applicant looks for programs with full accreditation.

When considering the best MPH programs, applicants don’t have to restrict their searches to one type of college or another. Instead, it’s better to look at what the individual universities offer. For example, a UNC Chapel Hill MPH or a University of Washington Public Health masters can offer applicants the same accredited and recognized degree as a Harvard MPH or Johns Hopkins MPH.

A Harvard MPH and a University of Washington Public Health masters, for instance, will both open doors and get applicants to where they want to go in the health field. While a Harvard MPH may provide more networking resources or prestige, the University of Washington public health master’s will be more accessible. A John Hopkins MPH can come with a smaller class, but a UNC Chapel Hill MPH may offer just as much prestige with much more manageable tuition costs.

Set goals and look at costs. The argument between public universities and private colleges always ends with applicants choosing what works best for them.

Do I Have to Take the GRE to Apply to Public Health Programs?

Most MPH programs do require GRE scores, but some MPH programs that waive GRE testing do exist. In fact, some colleges that specifically ask for GRE scores also have the power to waive the requirement. So, an applicant can always ask. Many online MPH programs also waive the need for GRE scores. Finding MPH programs that waive GRE scores specifically only requires a search.

In some cases, a university will accept other types of test scores in place of a GRE score. For example, an applicant can sometimes use an MCAT, LSAT, PCAT, or GMAT score in place of the GRE. In some other cases, applicants can receive a full exemption from submitting any kind of test score if they meet some criteria set by the university.

For example, some colleges will exempt applicants if they already have a master’s or doctoral degree of another type. Applicants who already enrolled in a graduate degree program or a dual degree program also may have an exemption from test score requirements.

MPH programs that waive GRE requirements are out there, but applicants can still have numerous options when it comes to choosing the MPH program and university they want.