Public health careers aim to identify and address large-scale health concerns, and rapid advancements in healthcare technology correspond to a high demand for skilled professionals with a master’s in public health degree. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 27% growth from 2022 to 2032 for epidemiologists, who earn a median annual wage of $81,390.
With experiential learning and understanding of public health and numerous specialization options, public health graduate degrees prepare students for senior and advanced roles. These degrees can also unlock career opportunities in healthcare, research, education, government, and other organizations, such as health services management, policy analysis, and biostatistics.
Master’s in public health degree programs generally require at least 42 credits. They take about two years to complete and cost about $20,513 annually.
How to Choose a Master’s in Public Health Program
Choose your area of study
Compared to provider-to-patient care, public health graduate programs prepare students for roles in the broader health sector. Students develop leadership, communication, technical, and analysis skills to understand how policy intersects with public health challenges, business foundations, and sociological concepts.
Most Master of Public Health (MPH) programs are applied or professional degrees that prepare students for direct entry to careers in public policy, education, and health services. Examining public health fundamentals such as epidemiology, ethics, health policy, and biostatistics, graduates typically progress to roles as health services managers, policy analysts, environmental health scientists, and epidemiologists.
A Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) covers similar core concepts, but the program curriculum typically focuses on research and skill development in data collection, research design, and analysis. These programs prepare students for careers in education, research, and policy analysis by emphasizing academic over applied learning.
Public health manages a wide array of complex factors that affect community health, and graduate programs likewise provide a wide selection of specializations and concentrations to develop highly skilled professionals with core competencies and specialized expertise. Consider the workplace and discipline you envision yourself in, your educational goals, and personal interests to choose the right public health program and specialization, such as:
- Epidemiology
- Nutrition and dietetics
- Disaster management
- Occupational health and safety management
- Occupational and environmental health/epidemiology
- Biostatistics
- Maternal and pediatric health
Research schools and programs
As you begin applying, visit school and program websites for more details, such as curriculum, faculty, and specializations. Contact admissions counselors and program representatives for additional insights or information. These resources can also direct you to in-person and virtual campus tours, information sessions, and other events.
Keep accreditation in mind throughout your research. The United States higher education system relies on institutional accreditation to ensure high-quality and standardized education in most schools, and accreditation status can significantly impact your education and career.
Institutions must earn regional or national accreditation for their students to qualify for federal financial aid, and some employers may require accreditation to satisfy job requirements. Many public health employers also require programmatic accreditation from the Council of Education for Public Health (CEPH). Search the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to verify the status of your selected schools.
Prepare for tests and applications
Public health master’s programs typically require a minimum 3.0 GPA and a bachelor’s degree in public health or related field. Since public health is a wide-ranging interdisciplinary field, many bachelor’s degrees in sciences and social sciences qualify. Undergraduate coursework in statistics, biology, and other STEM subjects or public health-related professional experience can strengthen your application. Contact an admissions counselor to confirm the required information and materials.
Other standard admissions requirements include:
- Application form and fees
- College or university transcripts
- Letter(s) of recommendation from professors or employers
- Personal essay
- Statement of purpose
- Current resume or CV highlighting relevant experience
- GRE or GMAT scores
- TOEFL scores (for students educated in a non-English language)
Select your program
Public health graduate programs offer varying resources, opportunities, and logistics that can influence your selection. Consider your educational and professional goals, financial resources, scheduling needs, and other factors to determine the best program for you.
For instance, many master’s students already have careers and attend graduate school concurrently with their jobs. These students typically benefit from part-time, hybrid, online, and other flexible course delivery options.
Other influencing factors may include:
- Curriculum
- Graduation requirements
- Tuition
- Local cost of living
- Practicum opportunities
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Speak with your institution’s financial aid office for tuition, fees, and other expenses. Financial aid offices can also provide information about the school’s funding resources for master’s students, such as scholarships, grants, assistantships, and fellowships. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to assess your eligibility for need-based loans, grants, scholarships, and other financial assistance.
Some private organizations and non-profit foundations offer merit or needs-based funding for students, and employers may provide tuition assistance benefits for their employees. Graduate students can apply for direct unsubsidized loans and grad PLUS loans for additional financial support.
Best 50 Accredited Master’s in Public Health Programs
Discover More Options
How we rank schools
Our list covers master’s programs in public health, which prepare students for a wide range of medical careers, including work as an epidemiologist, biostatistician, or health educator. We evaluated programs that offer online, in-person, and hybrid formats.
The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and accredits degree programs that meet a high academic standard in specific criteria and coursework important to a career in the public health sector. CEPH accreditation helps your future job prospects because some employers only hire graduates of CEPH-accredited schools and programs.
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
What Can You Expect From a Master’s in Public Health Program?
A master’s in public health program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practical application of public health management and policy. Students employ tools and techniques that enhance their abilities to research, analyze, and implement evidence-based strategies to address public health challenges.
Program curricula vary depending on the school and specialization. Students complete a blend of core and elective coursework to satisfy their specialized fields and graduation requirements. Students usually participate in supervised practicums or internships and may also complete a capstone project or thesis.
As per CEPH accreditation guidelines, most programs require at least 42 credits for graduation and take approximately two years of full-time study to complete.
Potential courses you’ll take in a master’s in public health program
- Public Health Politics and Systems: Students analyze policy-making in public health and structural impediments to regulatory decision-making by exploring major health policy issues. Students demonstrate comprehension and analysis competency through case studies and seminar papers.
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics: This course delves into epidemiological principles and methods through epidemiologic data, research designs, and hands-on application. Course content may cover causal inference, disease rate measurement, and inferential reasoning.
- Leadership and Communication: Students address practical and theoretical examples of public health issues to enhance the leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills necessary for implementing and managing health programming.
- Prevention and Intervention Programming: Using theoretical and practical strategies, students study problem-based approaches to prevention and intervention across various levels and disciplines of public health. Topics may include theories of health behavior and environmental, social, biological, and psychological influences.
Master’s in Public Health Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to a master's in public health degree program?
Visit the program and school websites and speak to an admissions counselor to start the application process. Most schools have a web-based admissions portal that guides you through the process and shows you how to upload the correct materials, such as test scores, essays, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Verify application deadlines and seek additional guidance from an admissions counselor to strengthen your application and streamline the process.
How much does a master's in public health degree cost?
Yearly tuition for a master’s program averages $20,513, not including housing, fees, and materials. Out-of-state and private institutions are typically higher, although scholarships, grants, loans, and other funding can sometimes offset or completely cover tuition fees. Create a budget reflecting your combined academic and living costs to anticipate yearly expenses.
How long does it take to earn a master's in public health degree?
Most public health master’s programs require between 42 and 60 credits to satisfy graduation requirements and usually take about two years to complete. Course delivery and logistics, such as part-time, online, or accelerated study, can affect program completion timelines.