25 Best MPH Programs for International Students
By Sam MacArthur

masters in public health in usa for international studentsPublic Health is one of the most truly international of occupations; in an increasingly connected world, public health is a global concern, and what happens across the ocean – whether epidemics, natural disasters, or environmental pollution – impacts everyone. With some of the most influential and innovative public health schools in the world, the US is a destination for international students who want to study public health. Whether they are researching public health to return to their home countries, or to stay in the US as international experts, international students are a crucial part of public health education in the USA.

That’s what makes the MPHOnline ranking of the 25 Best MPH Programs for International Students a valuable resource. International students looking for an MPH program in the US are not just looking for any program. They need an MPH that provides them with the most current theory and knowledge; access to ongoing and innovative research; mentorship from the world’s foremost experts; and real opportunity on the job market. The programs featured in MPHOnline’s ranking do all that and more for international public health students.

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best MPH in USA for International Students

To rank the best MPH programs for international students, MPHOnline editors first had to decide what constitutes an “international-friendly” school. For our ranking, we began with a list of the colleges and universities with the highest proportion of international students (according to U.S. News & World Report). From there, we ranked programs according to their U.S. News MPH rank, their out-of-state tuition cost, their job placement rate, and their alumni salary (according to College Scorecard data).

With all of these factors, MPHOnline is confident that this is the most comprehensive ranking of the best Masters in Public Health in US for international students.

1. Northeastern University

The Bouve College of Health Sciences offers Northeastern University’s Master of Public Health degree program that requires the completion of 42-credit hours. The Office of Global Services facilitates this Masters in Public Health in USA for international students. The MPS degree offers two program tracks: the Urban Health Track and the Public Health Track. This MPH program is available with several dual degree options. International students and domestic students can attend on a full-time basis (in 2 years) or part-time basis (up to 5 years). The Office of Global Services fully supports International students and faculty.

Northeastern University is a research university that was established in 1898. It operates from campuses in the Boston neighborhoods of Roxbury, Fenway-Kenmore, Back Bay, and South End. The school’s 70+-acre campus is home to nearly 26,000 students. NU is known for its coop program; an integrated educational experience that joins educational paths with professional internships across the globe. NU’s satellite campuses are located in the states of California, Washington, and North Carolina.

Percentage of International Students: 19

2. Purdue University

Purdue University’s Master of Public Health degree is taught by world-renowned faculty in the College of Health and Human Sciences. Purdue’s MPH in USA for international students is offered as either a Combined Masters, a stand-alone degree, or a dual degree option. The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) has accredited Purdue’s MPH degree program. Purdue University is recognized as a top 10 university for the attendance of international students in the USA.

Purdue University was established in 1869 as the result of the Morrill Land Act. The school holds the distinction of being a public, land grant, sea grant, space grant, and a flagship institution of higher learning in Indiana. Purdue’s main campus is more than 2,500 acres and home to nearly 44,000 students. The school also operates a campus of more than 15,000 acres specifically for the use of research in the fields of engineering and agriculture.

Percentage of International Students: 16

3. University of Rochester

The University of Rochester’s Masters in Public Health degree program is offered by the School of Medicine & Dentistry and accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Coursework (and research) for the Masters in Public Health for international students focuses on the impact of pollution on health, substance abuse across demographic boundaries, and the welfare and health of women and children, among others. International students are supported through the school’s International Services Office (ISO).

The University of Rochester is a private institution of higher learning charters in 1850 in the western New York city of Rochester. The school has been ranked as a new Ivy school, as its quality education is comparable to the seven traditional Ivy League schools. The Deans of four medical schools ranked in the top ten are graduates of the University of Rochester. The University of Rochester is the eighth largest employer in the state of New York.

Percentage of International Students: 24

4. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Master of Public Health comes from the interdisciplinary College of Applied Health Sciences. Students studying for the UI Urbana-Champaign’s graduate degree in Public Health complete the program in two years. UI’s Masters in Public Health in USA for international students focuses on the promotion of public health and health behaviors through a hands-on learning experience. International students interested in attending the school are encouraged to reach out to the International Student and Scholar Services for assistance.

The University of Illinois is the flagship institution of higher learning within the University of Illinois system. It was established in 1867 as the result of the Morrill Land Act. It is a land grant, sea grant, space grant, and public university with a student enrollment that nears 50,000. The school operates with sixteen schools across more than 6,300 acres.

Percentage of International Students: 16

5. University of San Francisco

The School of Nursing & Health Professions offers University of San Francisco’s Master of Public Health degree program with three areas of concentration: Behavioral Health, Community & Public Health Practice, and Health Policy Leadership. USF’s curriculum for the MPH in USA for international students includes research, traditional classroom study, and fieldwork. The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)has accredited the University of San Francisco’s graduate MPH degree program.

The University of San Francisco was established in 1855 as St. Ignatius Academy with a one-room school. The Golden Gate Bridge sits beside the school’s 50+- acre main campus. USF ranks among the top 100 national universities, according to US News and World Report. International students from countries across the globe have chosen USF for their graduate studies for many years. Incoming international students can find support at USF’s International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS).

Percentage of International Students: 17

6. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Public Health degree program sets the standard with its interdisciplinary curriculum, designed by the Center for Public Health Initiatives. The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) has accredited UPenn’s MPH program. UPenn’s student-faculty ratio is an impressive 3:1. International students interested in applying for the Masters in Public Health program are advised to contact UPenn’s International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS).

The University of Pennsylvania was established in 1740 and holds the distinction as being one of the nine colonial colleges that were founded before the American Revolution and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin, who was also the school’s first president, founded the school, which currently has the seventh biggest university endowment in the country. The school’s MPH mission is to prepare future health innovators and leaders on a local, national, and global level.

Percentage of International Students: 13

7. University at Buffalo (SUNY)

The School of Public Health & Health Professions offers the University at Buffalo’s Master of Public Health degree program that prepares degree candidates to be agents of change in the challenging field of public health care. The job placement of SUNY Buffalo graduates is an impressive 100%. This Masters in Public Health in USA for international students degree program includes the support of the school’s International Student Services organization – an amazing resource for international learners.

SUNY Buffalo is the flagship school of the State University of New York system but initially began as a private school dedicated to medical training. It was established in 1846 and is a sea grant and space grant institution of higher learning. The school’s 1,300+-acre campus is home to nearly 32,000, students, which make it SUNY’s largest school system-wide.

Percentage of International Students: 16

8. University of California-Irvine

The University of California-Irvine Master of Public Health degree program is offered by the CEPH-accredited Program in Public Health. UC Irvine’s MPH program prepares students to become effective health care strategists and leaders. Students can opt for the Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Sociocultural Diversity & Health, and Biostatistics. UC Irvine’s International Center has been established for the strict purpose of facilitating each international student’s educational experience.

The University of California, at Irvine, was established in 1965 and is one of the ten member schools of the University of California system. The school’s 1,500+-acre suburban campus is home to more than 35,000 students. UC Irvine holds the distinction of being considered one of the few institutions of higher learning in the country known as a Public Ivy school — a school whose quality of education matches that of the seven Ivy Leagues universities of New England and the Northeast.

Percentage of International Students: 17

9. Drexel University

The world-renowned Dornslife School of Public Health offers Drexel University’s Master of Public Health degree program with four distinct majors to select from: Epidemiology, Health Management & Policy, Community Health & Prevention, and Environmental & Occupational Health. Additionally, the program offers fourteen minor areas, which allows students to fine-tune their education. Nearly 70% of full-time MPH students attend with the help of a scholarship.

Drexel University is a research university that was established in 1891 by the financier Anthony J Drexel. Drexel is known for its innovative cooperative education program, which typically offers those students who qualify an opportunity to experience a paid internship for up to eighteen months – prior to graduating, in the student’s field of interest. Drexel is home to many international students who find support at the school’s International Student Scholars Services program. The ISSS represents international students and faculty from nearly 120 countries.

Percentage of International Students: 12

10. University of California-Davis

The University of California-Davis Master of Public Health degree is strongly partnered with the local public health community and developed by the School of Medicine/Public Health Services. Students prepare for careers in the fields of health care leadership and innovative research in a variety of health care settings. Degree graduates from the programs with regard to the Masters in Public Health in USA for international students are required to complete a practicum with the guidance of a faculty mentor. International students are advised to visit the school’s ISSS website for further information.

The University of California, Davis was established in 1905 and is considered a state-funded public, land grant, and space grant institution of higher learning. UC Davis has been recognized among the top five public universities in the nation, according to Times/WSJ. Their suburban campus measures more than 7,300 acres and is home to nearly 40,000 students.

Percentage of International Students: 16

11. University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University of Wisconsin’s Master of Public Health degree – from the School of Medicine & Public Health – prepares students for a career in public health using an interdisciplinary, hands-on approach. This Masters in Public Health in USA for international students is supported by UW Madison’s International Student Services program. International students interested in applying are advised to contact the school’s ISS program website. Each MPH degree candidate must complete a capstone project to graduate.

The University of Wisconsin was established in 1848 as the result of the Morrill Land Act. The school’s nearly thousand-acre campus is home to nearly 45,000 students. Additionally, UW Madison runs an arboretum about five miles from campus. UW Madison is recognized as a Public Ivy — an education that is comparable to one of the degree programs at the traditional 7 private Ivy League schools.

Percentage of International Students: 9

12. Stony Brook University (SUNY)

The Stony Brook University Program in Public Health MPH degree program requires the completion of 54-credit hours; this includes both a practicum and capstone project. International students who are interested in applying to Stony Brook Medicine’s MPH program are encouraged to reach out to the school’s website for the program dedicated to the support of the school’s international learners.

Stony Brook Medicine was established in 1957 in Oyster Bay, Long Island. It became a part of the SUNY system when its vision was commissioned by then Governor Nelson Rockefeller. It is one of four university centers in the State of New York University system. It has been estimated that SUNY Stony Brook contributes nearly $8 billion to Long Island’s economy alone. Stony Brook is a member of the invite only American University Association.

Percentage of International Students: 14

13. Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University’s Master of Public Health degree program comes from the Department of Population & Quantitative Health Sciences and is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Coursework for Case Western’s MPH program includes classes focused on Research on Prevention, Genetic Epidemiology, and Health Policy, among others. International students, including those ready to apply, can find the support services they need at the school’s International Student Services (ISS) program.

Case Western Reserve University was technically established in 1967, as a result of a merger of two universities that existed side by side for more than eight decades. The school’s 150+-acre campus is home to nearly 12,000 students and is located about 4+ miles from Cleveland’s downtown. Case Western is regularly ranked among the top public schools in the nation.

Percentage of International Students: 13

14. George Washington University

George Washington University’s MPH programs, from the Milken Institute School of Public Health, are some of the best masters in public health in USA for international students. GW has an International Services Office (ISO) that provides services and advising for students in the international community. The ISO offers assistance with filling out forms and advises students on all areas of concern, including immigration issues. GW offers about 16 different programs within the Public Health Masters program. All of these programs are available on campus and require 45 credit hours to graduate.

Some of the concentrations available within the Masters of Public Health degree are Environmental Health Science and Policy which focuses on reducing occupational and environmental hazards to improve the health of the public. Maternal and Child Health focuses on training students to work with and focuses on women and children’s needs when it comes to health care. Public Health Nutrition focuses on how students can improve health and nutrition programs while preventing disease within the community. Epidemiology encourages students to think critically and use analytical skills to gain an understanding of human health and disease.

Percentage of International Students: 11

15. New York University

New York University’s MPH program offers nine concentrations, providing one of the most varied masters in public health in USA for international students. NYU’s extensive International Student Center helps international students ease into life at NYU. They have activities for students to immerse themselves into the NYU school environment. They offer assistance with forms, including immigration and visa concerns.

The NYU Masters in Public Health is a fully accredited program that provides students with a strong foundation in the need for health equity, ethical health care, and social justice within health care domestically and globally. NYU offers concentrations in areas such as community health science and practice, epidemiology, public health nutrition, global health, and social and behavioral sciences. Social and Behavioral Sciences is a research based concentration which allows students to understand trends and theories of the social injustice and inequalities in health care. The Public Health Nutrition concentration teaches students how education can reduce obesity and chronic disease in the community.

Percentage of International Students: 19

16. University of Washington

The University of Washington Master of Public Health degree program focuses on practitioners and their understanding of policy improvement. One of the best MPH in USA for international students, UW is known for its outreach across the Pacific. University of Washington has an International Student Services (ISS) office that assists students with their transition to the University of Washington and college life.

Students in the UW MPH program will be able to assess the structure and function of public health care and national regulatory systems. They will understand how social bias and racism degrade the health care system and how to overcome those challenges. Students will learn how to determine the health needs of their community and design improved health care programs. University of Washington offers concentrations in Biostatistics, Global Health, Health Services, Environmental and Occupational Health Services, and Epidemiology.

Percentage of International Students: 15

17. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California Master of Public Health (MPH) degree comes from the internationally respected Keck School of Medicine. USC is one of the most international universities in the US, with extensive connections across the Pacific Rim, and welcomes students from all over the world, including their Master of Public Health. They have an Office of International Services to help international students navigate the application process at USC, as well as campus life. The Office of International Services can help students with immigration or visa questions.

The USC Master of Public Health has a mission to provide health care professionals with a foundation in local and global public health. Students must complete 42 credit hours to graduate from the 24 month program. USC followed the standards set by the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) to create their MPH program. Students will gain a solid foundation in the history of public health, including concepts, methods, and tools for data collection. Students will be better equipped to be leaders in their field. Students must choose from one of the areas of concentration of Community Health Promotion, Biostatistics or Epidemiology, Global Health, or Health Services and Policy.

Percentage of International Students: 13

18. University of Iowa

The University of Iowa’s Master of Public Health degree is one of the nation’s best MPH in USA for International Students. The University of Iowa has International Student and Scholar Services that provides guidance to international students on international education and intercultural learning. Their mission is to assist the academic, cultural, and social pursuits of students while advising them on immigration issues and providing cross-cultural training and programming.

Iowa’s Master of Public Health degree program has the mission to teach students the value of promoting good health, preventing disease, protection of the environment, and ensuring the best health care possible to the local and global community. Upon graduation, students will be able to find employment in education, social work, nutrition, and law. Common jobs for graduates with a MPH are nurses, doctors, and pharmacists. The University of Iowa offers five areas of concentration within the MPH program. They are environmental health sciences, social and behavioral sciences, epidemiology, biostatistics, and health services administration.

Percentage of International Students: 9

19. University of Miami

The University of Miami Master of Public Health degree is known for its outreach to international students, and Miami is one of the nation’s most diverse and international cities. The University of Miami welcomes International Students to enroll their degree programs. They have International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) available to help International students with enrollment, retention, and graduation. They provide information, services, activities and help students ease into campus life at Miami U.

Students in Miami’s MPH program will receive a broad foundation in the public health system. They will learn how to conduct research, collect data, analyze policy and data, and create better health care programming. They will understand the value of ethical decision making not only in the public health arena, but also in professional practices. They better understand that special populations have varying needs and they must be considered. They learn the core fundamentals of making sound decisions when it comes to public health.

Percentage of International Students: 15

20. Emory University

Emory University’s Master of Public Health degree is offered by the Rollins School of Public Health, one of the nation’s most respected public health schools. Emory’s International Student and Scholar Services helps international students with enrollment and retention, including filling out any necessary forms with immigration and visas. They provide information, services, activities and help students ease into campus life. Students should be able to complete the MPH program in about two years.

The Emory MPH offers many concentrations that encompass every aspect of public health. The Behavioral Sciences and Health Education concentration focuses on human behavior on health education. The Biostatistics focuses on quantitative skills in health sciences. The Environmental Health concentration focuses on the implication of environmental factors on the health of humans. The Global Environmental Health focuses on health in poor areas. The Epidemiology concentration focuses on the concepts of public health issues and concerns. Students learn how to collect and analyze data. The Global Epidemiology concentration focuses on research and methods at a qualitative and quantitative research level. The Health Policy concentration focuses on policies at the federal and state level. The Health Care Management concentration focuses on health care services delivery. The Global Health concentration focuses on global public health education.

Percentage of International Students: 16

21. Morgan State University

Morgan State University’s Master of Public Health program welcomes all students, including International Students, to one of the nation’s best MPH degrees. The Office of International Student & Faculty Services (OISFS) is available to provide assistance and advisement to International students, including form and visa preparation.

The MPH prepares students to better perform as public health professionals because they are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to address major health problems across various fields. Students are better prepared to be advocates for positive policy changes and researchers about the problems with public health in urban communities. Morgan State’s degree program addresses environmental health, planning, administration of policy, and analysis and methods.

Percentage of International Students: 12

22. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota Master of Public Health degree program gives students a complete education in all practical aspects of public health. University of Minnesota is open to all International Students enrolling in their degree programs. They provide International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) available to International students to assist with enrollment, retention, and graduation. They provide information, services, activities and help students ease into campus life.

UMN MPH students are prepared to step up to the challenges that face them in the public health arena. This program prepares them to improve the health awareness in the community. This MPH has nine concentrations from which students can choose. Biostatistics focuses on research and data analysis. Community Health Promotion focuses on developing policies and programs to improve community health. Environmental Health focuses on occupational health. Epidemiology focuses on human disease. Maternal and Child Health focuses on providing better health care to women and children. Public Health Administration & Policy focuses on improving the health of the community. Public Health Administration & Policy approaches health care from a professional point of view. Public Health Nutrition focuses on the connection between communities and poor health.

Percentage of International Students: 9

23. University of California-Los Angeles

The University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) is known as one of the nation’s top destinations for international students. UCLA’s Master of Public Health degree program is one of the most popular among international students. The Dashew Center for International Student and Scholar Services (CDISS) is available to provide assistance and advisement to International students, including form and visa preparation. Their mission is to promote a global connection along with international understanding and cultural sensitivity.

The UCLA MPH prepares students to resolve problems within the public health field by using approaches and methods in their current professional environments including health care agencies at the local and federal levels. This is a two year program that can be accelerated for students falling into the criteria. This program offers five concentrations from which students can choose. They are Biostatistics, Community Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Environmental Health Sciences or Health Policy and Management.

Percentage of International Students: 12

24. University of California-Berkeley

The University of California-Berkeley Master of Public Health is an internationally-renowned program from one of the most influential Public Health schools in the world. The Berkeley International Office is available to provide assistance and advisement to international students, including form and visa preparation. It’s their mission to help students ease into life at Berkeley, whether through legal assistance or research opportunities.

The Berkeley MPH prepares students to become leaders in their current field in a public health care setting. Students are better positioned for employment in health care organizations, research institutes, and health departments. This program can be completed in 24 months. UC Berkeley offers concentrations in areas such as Global Health & Environment, Health Policy & Management, Infectious Diseases & Vaccinology, and Public Health Nutrition.

Percentage of International Students: 12

25. Andrews University

Andrews University is a small institution in Berrien Springs, MI, that is well-known for its outreach to international students – in fact, Andrews has one of the highest proportions of international students in the nation, and has been named the most diverse college in America by U.S. News & World Report. Andrews University’s Masters of Public Health focuses specifically on Nutrition and Wellness. Andrews provides extensive assistance and advisement to international students, including form and visa preparation.

The Andrews MPH in Nutrition and Wellness prepares students to become skilled professionals in preventing disease and proficient in restoring health in local and global communities. Their mission is to have their students excel in research of public health issues and be able to create solutions based on the data they found in research. They believe their students should approve public health issues from a wholistic, full body perspective and begin healing communities in that manner.

Percentage of International Students: 18

How Much Does an MPH Program in the US Cost for International Students?

The cost of Master in Public Health in USA can vary depending on several factors. An MPH in USA for international students will come with some additional cost considerations besides the typical ones.

Generally, the tuition costs for international students are comparable to the costs for nonresidents in general. This means the tuition cost of Master in Public Health in USA can range from around $6,000 to $80,000 depending on the school.

International students must also make sure to look into any school fees. Many schools with international students programs also have various fees associated with those programs. The fees can vary widely, so applicants shouldn’t assume the fees at one program represents the types of fees they may have to face with another program.

An MPH in USA for international students isn’t strictly defined by a particular school’s tuition costs. Potential international students must also remember that things like scholarships, grants, assistantships, and different forms of financial aid will also factor into the tuition costs.

Are There Full Scholarships for International Students in MPH Programs?

MPH scholarships for international students do exist, and any international student seeking a program in the US would do well to research those scholarships. Full scholarships for international students can potentially come from various sources.

Some potential students may find it surprising just how many MPH scholarships for international students exist. To start with, consider the different types of MPH scholarships for international students that are out there.

Many universities offer a variety of scholarships, including MPH scholarships for international students. Some of those scholarships exist to help some who need financial help. Some others are for students with exceptionally high potential, talent, or skill.

Some programs offer country-based scholarships, meaning they have funds available to potential students from specific countries. Both the federal government and sometimes even local governments have scholarships available for international students. Tremendous amounts of privately owned businesses also have scholarship opportunities, which can include an MPH in USA full scholarships.

For an MPH in USA full scholarships are available, as well as partial ones. A search in a search engine will open up many possibilities. Some examples include:

The Cory L. Richards Memorial Scholarship Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program
HOSA Scholarships
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Lynn Adamson Memorial Scholarship

This is only a tiny sample of organizations that offer these types of scholarships. Some sites will allow applicants to search through databases of current scholarship and other funding opportunities.

Can International MPH Students Get a Job in the US After Graduation?

MPH jobs in USA for international students are out there, but students will need to do their due diligence to stay in the country and work after graduation. Several paths exist for finding and working at MPH jobs in USA for international students.

Those who want to stay in the country after graduation would do well to learn the immigration laws that relate to them inside and out. These laws are subject to change, so knowing them and staying on top of them will allow a student the best opportunity to stay.

Students should also speak with advisors at their university about paths towards staying in the country and working after graduation. Universities with international students programs often have good insight on what to do to get a job in the US after graduation.

When looking for a job, applicants should definitely seek out those employers who have a history of hiring non-native employees. These employers will know how to help an applicant with staying in the country.

Options exist, whether it’s an H-1B, Optional Practical Training, or any of the various other legal options. Applicants must always follow the rules and do everything required. If a student messes up one of the legal processes, they can lose their chance to work in the US after graduation for years.

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