20 Best Master’s in Public Health Programs

Topping our list of the best public health master’s programs is Emory University. This private research university is home to the Rollins School of Public Health, which often works closely with the nearby Center for Disease Control (CDC). This connection puts Emory high on the list for any grad student interested in a career in public health.  

Emory University’s Master of Public Health (MPH) Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year

Emory University, as a private institution, applies the same tuition rates to all students, regardless of residency status.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition rates for the Rollins School of Public Health are as follows:

• Master of Public Health (MPH) – 4 Semesters: $20,800 per semester
• Accelerated MPH (3 Semesters): $27,872 per semester
• Dual Degree Program (2 Semesters in Public Health): $32,240 per semester
• Part-time MPH/MSPH Programs: $2,370 per credit hour

These rates are consistent for both in-state and out-of-state students.

An MPH from Emory University can be earned in just two years or less. As a public health major at Emory, you have your pick of 10 different focus areas in which to earn your degree, including:

• Epidemiology
• Global Epidemiology
• Health Policy
• Health Care Management

For those professionals who already work full-time, Emory also offers an online MPH degree. 

Among Emory’s most distinguished alumni are two Nobel laureates, 21 Rhodes Scholars, and six Pulitzer Prize winners. In addition, U.S. News & World Report ranks Emory as the 21st best national university, while the QS World University Rankings include Emory as the 160th best university in the world. 

Student Perspectives on Emory’s MPH Program: Students of Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health frequently commend the program for its rigorous academics and supportive community. The faculty’s expertise and dedication to student success are often highlighted, with professors being described as “passionate experts in their field” who are “very approachable and accessible.” The school’s proximity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers unique opportunities for practical experience and networking, which many students find invaluable.

As the fifth oldest university in the United States, Columbia University boasts quite a reputation. The private Ivy League research university is almost always included in rankings of the best schools in the world, and U.S. News & World Report currently ranks Columbia second on its list of the best American universities. 

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition rates for the Mailman School of Public Health are as follows:

• Master of Public Health (MPH) – Full-Time Program: $47,024 per year
• Accelerated MPH Program: $71,194 for the one-year program

These rates are consistent for both in-state and out-of-state students.

Columbia University’s School of Public Health offers one of the best public health graduate programs in the country. This Master of Public Health comes with six choices of discipline:

• Biostatistics
• Epidemiology
• Population and Family Health
• Environmental Health Sciences
• Health Policy and Management
• Sociomedical Sciences

As an MPH major, you work closely with other students and faculty in their discipline to:

• conduct research
• participate in a practicum
• complete a capstone project

Seven Founding Fathers graduated from Columbia University. More recent alumni have included:

• 100 Nobel laureates
• 29 foreign heads of state
• 122 National Academy of Sciences members

Student Perspectives on Columbia’s MPH Program: Students at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health describe the program as academically intense and rigorous, particularly the Core Curriculum, which provides a comprehensive foundation in essential public health principles. Many students appreciate the depth and breadth of knowledge offered by the faculty, who are recognized as experts dedicated to advancing public health and supporting students’ learning journeys.

Columbia’s location in New York City is frequently mentioned as a significant advantage, offering students unique opportunities for internships, fieldwork, and networking in a city with a dynamic public health landscape. However, some students note that the program’s intensity requires effective time management skills, and a few have expressed a desire for more career support for international students post-graduation.

Our #3 best MPH ranking goes to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It is the flagship of the University of North Carolina system. The large research university is considered one of the 15 “Public Ivys” – that is, a public university that promises the same quality of education as that of an Ivy League school.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition rates for the Gillings School of Global Public Health are as follows:

• In-State Students: $12,522 per year
• Out-of-State Students: $30,248 per year

These rates are subject to change and do not include additional fees or living expenses.

Graduate students may earn Chapel Hill’s Master of Public Health degree on campus, online, or via distance education. However, the customization options don’t stop there, as you may choose to concentrate your MPH on one of 13 different options. The Gillings School of Global Public Health ensures each grad student begins their professional career with the skills and knowledge needed “to solve urgent public health problems in North Carolina and around the world.”    

Additionally, Gillings School of Public Health rankings are ranked by U.S. News & World Report every few years. The public health rankings score UNC Gillings in the top three since the graduate school rankings began! Among its alumni, UNC can count:

• nine Nobel Laureates
• a U.S. President
• 38 Governors

The university also has its own hospital, UNC Health Care, which specializes in cancer care. 

Student Perspectives on UNC’s MPH Program: Students at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Gillings School of Global Public Health frequently praise the program for its academic rigor and the high quality of faculty, who are regarded as both knowledgeable and supportive. A major draw for students is the program’s emphasis on hands-on learning through internships and community projects, which allows them to apply their skills in real-world public health settings. The supportive environment within the program helps many students feel well-prepared for their future careers.

However, a few students feel that there are occasional communication challenges and some logistical issues that could benefit from more streamlined processes. Overall, the consensus indicates that Gillings offers a rich, challenging education that combines strong academics with practical experience, creating a robust foundation for a career in public health.

Established in 1876, Johns Hopkins is America’s oldest research university. It’s also one of the best. It has been included in rankings of the world’s best universities by U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, and Times Higher Education, among a slew of others. 

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition rates for the Bloomberg School of Public Health are as follows:

• Full-Time MPH Program (5 terms): $82,440 per year
• Part-Time MPH Program: $1,374 per credit hour

These rates are subject to change and do not include additional fees or living expenses.

Among the best public health schools in the world is Johns Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health. Johns Hopkins’ Bloomberg Schools also serves as the country’s largest public health training facility and the oldest center for epidemiological research.

The School of Public Health offers an 80-credit Master of Public Health degree. You can complete it on campus or online, full-time or part-time. Before graduation, you must complete a 100-hour practicum.  

To date, Johns Hopkins has produced nearly 40 Nobel laureates. Its Bloomberg School of Public Health is currently ranked by U.S. News as the best of its kind in the United States. 

Student Perspectives on the MPH Program: Students in the Bloomberg School of Public Health describe the MPH program as academically demanding, with a strong emphasis on practical, real-world application through internships and community-based projects. Faculty are noted for their deep expertise and dedication, creating a supportive environment that fosters success. Many students feel well-prepared for their public health careers upon graduation, citing the program’s thorough approach to both foundational and specialized public health topics.

Some students mention that while the program’s structure and resources are largely effective, there can be occasional communication and organizational issues that impact their experience. Despite these minor concerns, the overall consensus is that the Bloomberg MPH program provides a comprehensive, challenging, and rewarding educational experience.

The University of Michigan was one of the first research universities to be established in the United States. It is home to one of the oldest schools of public health, and its list of alumni includes:

• Former Mexican Minister of Health Julio Frenk
• Epidemiologist Larry Brilliant
• Flint Water Crisis whistleblower Mona Hanna-Attisha

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition rates for the School of Public Health are as follows:

• In-State Students: $17,905 per term
• Out-of-State Students: $29,417 per term

University of Michigan’s School of Public Health offers several master’s degree programs. This includes a Master of Public Health, a Master of Science, and a Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA). You may choose to focus your master’s degree on one of nine options or complete a supplemental certificate in a subject such as:

• injury science
• public health genetics
• global public health

Michigan has graduated 26 Nobel Prize laureates and six Turing Award winners. The university is also one of the foremost producers of Fulbright Scholars.  

Student Perspectives on the MPH Program: Students at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health describe the MPH program as highly collaborative, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and teamwork. Many appreciate the program’s flexibility, allowing them to tailor their studies to specific interests within public health, such as epidemiology, health policy, or environmental health. Faculty members are noted for their accessibility and commitment to student development, creating an environment where students feel supported both academically and professionally.

A recurring theme in student reviews is the benefit of Michigan’s extensive alumni network and partnerships with public health organizations, which provide valuable career connections and practical experience. Some students mention that the workload can be intense, especially with Michigan’s focus on quantitative skills, but they feel it prepares them thoroughly for real-world challenges in public health.

Boston University is a private university, classified as an R1 Doctoral University with very high research activity. BU has three Boston University Medical Campuses located throughout the city. The research centers are dedicated to more than 20 disciplines. The School of Public Health is situated on the medical campus in the South End neighborhood of Boston.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition rates for the School of Public Health are as follows:

• Full-Time MPH Program: $33,328 per semester
• Part-Time MPH Program: $2,083 per credit hour

BU’s School of Public Health offers a Master of Public Health that has been called a “revolutionary model of public health education.” This top MPH program is available:

• on campus in Boston
• online
• as a hybrid program

If you choose to pursue the degree at a full-time pace, you will be able to graduate in as few as 16 months. All students complete a comprehensive core curriculum before choosing more specialized training and completing a professional internship alongside public health professionals.  

Boston University graduates include:

• Eight Nobel laureates
• 10 Rhodes Scholars
• 23 Pulitzer Prize winners

Interestingly, it was in a lab on campus that Boston University professor Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876. 

Student Perspectives on the MPH Program: Students at Boston University’s School of Public Health often highlight the program’s strong emphasis on practical experience and community engagement. The curriculum is designed to provide hands-on learning opportunities, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world public health challenges.

Faculty members are frequently praised for their accessibility and dedication to student success, fostering a supportive learning environment. The school’s location in Boston offers numerous opportunities for internships and collaborations with leading public health organizations. Some students note that the program’s structure can be intensive, requiring effective time management skills.

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the 22nd best national university, UC Berkeley is the flagship of the prestigious University of California system and holds our #7 best MPH programs ranking.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition rates for the School of Public Health are as follows:

• In-State Students: $11,442 per year
• Out-of-State Students: $26,544 per year

Berkeley Public Health is separated into seven divisions:

• Biostatistics
• Community health sciences
• Environmental health sciences
• Epidemiology
• Health policy and management
• Infectious diseases and vaccinology
• An interdisciplinary option

Each division offers two or three-degree options, including a Master of Public Health degree. Regardless of division choice, Berkeley School of Public Health majors are given ample opportunity to work with their peers and mentors on research that fits their specific interests.   

To date, Berkeley counts among its faculty and alumni:

• 114 Nobel laureates
• 103 MacArthur “Genius Grant”
• 30 Pulitzer Prize winners

Berkeley also ranks as one of the top producers of Fulbright Scholars, MacArthur Fellows, and Marshall Scholars. 

Student Perspectives on the MPH Program: Students at UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health frequently describe the program as academically demanding, with a particular emphasis on data analysis and research skills. The program’s structure is appreciated for offering flexibility in specialization areas, allowing students to focus on interests such as epidemiology, environmental health, or global health. Faculty are regarded as both knowledgeable and approachable, creating a collaborative environment that supports student success.

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is the flagship of the University of Minnesota system and the largest university in the state. An R1 Doctoral University, Minnesota spends millions of dollars each year on research in various subjects. The university is also considered a Public Ivy. 

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition rates for the School of Public Health are as follows:

• In-State Students: $1,465 per credit
• Out-of-State Students: $2,265 per credit

Minnesota is home to the School of Public Health, which offers MPH degrees in:

• maternal and child health
• epidemiology
• public health data science
• four other concentrations

Most students choose to complete the degree over the course of two years. You can also complete the degree online. Online and hybrid programs allow for full-time workers to complete their master’s at a more flexible pace. The MPH at Minnesota culminates with an Applied Practice Experience in a real-world setting.  

The University of Minnesota is one of the leading producers of:

• Rhodes Scholars (25)
• Marshall Scholars (7)
• Truman Scholars (20)
• Fulbright recipients (127)

Among its alumni, faculty, and researchers can be counted 26 Nobel Prizes.

Student Perspectives on the MPH Program: Students in the University of Minnesota’s MPH program often highlight its strengths in health research and policy, noting the program’s rigorous approach to both quantitative and community-focused public health methods. Many appreciate the extensive network of connections with local health organizations, which enables students to find internships and gain field experience in areas such as epidemiology, environmental health, and health policy.

Faculty are frequently described as approachable and dedicated, contributing to an environment where students feel supported in their academic and professional growth. However, a few students mention that the program could benefit from improved communication regarding administrative processes.

First chartered in 1821, George Washington University is one of just five universities founded with a Congressional charter. Today, GW is the District of Columbia’s largest institution of higher education. It is classified as an R1 Doctoral University with a high volume of research activity. 

GW School of Public Health offers MPS and Master of Science degrees in nearly 30 concentrations, including:

• Global Health Epidemiology and Disease Control
• Humanitarian Health
• Maternal and Child Health

While most of the degrees must be earned on campus in the nation’s capital, some are available entirely online. Thanks to GW’s proximity to D.C., you will have the opportunity to intern with a number of organizations:

• Local
• National
• International Organizations

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition rates for the Milken Institute School of Public Health are as follows:

• Graduate Degree Programs: $1,890 per credit hour

Perhaps not surprisingly, GW can count among its alumni:

• 28 U.S. Senators
• 27 U.S. Governors
• 18 Cabinet Members
• 16 Foreign Heads of State

Student Perspectives on the MPH Program: Students at George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health often commend the program for its strategic location in Washington, D.C., which provides unique opportunities for internships and networking with federal agencies and non-governmental organizations.

The curriculum is described as comprehensive, covering a wide range of public health topics, and the faculty are noted for their expertise and accessibility. Some students appreciate the flexibility of the program, offering both online and on-campus options to accommodate diverse needs. However, a few students have expressed concerns about the cost of the program and the availability of financial aid.

The University of South Florida is a public university with campuses in:

• Tampa
• Sarasota
• St. Petersburg

Like many of the schools on our list of the best public health graduate programs, the University of South Florida is classified as an R1 Doctoral University. More than $560 million has been spent on research and development in recent years. 

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition rates for graduate programs are as follows:

• In-State Students: $431.43 per credit hour
• Out-of-State Students: $877.17 per credit hour

As a grad student at the University of South Florida School of Public Health, you have the option of pursuing:

• a Master of Public Health
• a Master of Science in Health
• a Master of Health Administration

Those earning an MPH can choose from more than a dozen concentrations including:

• Global Health Practice
• Epidemiology & Global Communicable Disease
• Behavioral Health

The University of South Florida’s long list of distinguished alumni includes:

• Cancer researcher Katherine Seley-Radtke
• Epidemiologist Donna K. Arnett
• Director of Smart Electronic Systems Laboratory Saraju Mohanty

Student Perspectives on the MPH Program: Students in the University of South Florida’s MPH program often highlight its diversity of concentrations, which allow them to specialize in areas like epidemiology, global health, and maternal and child health. Many appreciate the program’s flexibility, as it offers both on-campus and online options, enabling students to balance studies with work or other commitments. Faculty are described as supportive and accessible, particularly valued by students who engage in research or community projects alongside their coursework.

The program’s hands-on approach is frequently mentioned, with students noting the value of practical learning opportunities, including local internships and field placements, that enhance their readiness for public health roles.

Saint Louis University is the United States’ second-oldest Jesuit university and the oldest university west of the Mississippi. U.S. News & World ranks St. Louis University among the 2019 Best Graduate Schools. More specifically it is No 46 in Public Health and No. 13 in the country for its Master of Health Administration programs.

The university is home to the College for Public Health and Social Justice. This combines the School of Public Health with the School of Social Work and criminology and criminal justice programs. Among our master’s in public rankings, St. Louis University offers the most diverse options.

Graduate students interested in public health have their choice of a Master of Public Health in Public Health Practice or Biosecurity and Disaster Preparedness. The degrees are available either on campus in St. Louis, or as an online program. You may also choose to earn a dual MPH and:

• J.D.
• M.D.
• M.S.
• M.M.S.
• M.S.W.  

The University of Maryland is a large public university. It is the flagship of the University of Maryland system. It is an R1 Doctoral University within close proximity to Washington, D.C. Maryland frequently partners with the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, and other federal agencies for research and development. 

The MPH students at Maryland work through 14 core courses before continuing classes in their chosen concentration. Nine concentration options are offered, including:

• Health Equity
• Physical Activity
• Health Care Management

The school of public health degree program culminates in an internship and a capstone project. If you work full-time, or do not live near campus, you may also complete this MPH online. 

The University of Maryland is Public Ivy. Its long list of distinguished alumni includes:

• Nobel laureates Raymond Davis Jr. (physics) and Herbert Hauptman (chemistry)
• The “father of linear programming” George Dantzig
• The current curator of birds at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Sara Hallager

University of Iowa is the state’s oldest university. It is an R1 Doctoral University with very high research activity. Though it offers more than 200 areas of study, Iowa is especially well known for its best programs in public health care.

Iowa offers graduate students five concentration options for their Master of Public Health degree:

• Biostatistics
• Community and Behavioral Health
• Environmental Health Sciences
• Epidemiology
• Health Policy

Regardless of your concentration choice, the best MPH degree program through the School of Public Health prepares you for a career in public health through coursework and a 200-hour practicum project. 

Among University of Iowa’s most distinguished alumni are:

• Pioneer Space Scientist James Van Allen
• National Institutes of Health neuroscientist Mark Mattson
• Actor Ashton Kutcher

Like Berkeley, UCLA is a member of the University of California system. The university is home to the Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health. It enrolls nearly 700 students from 30 countries. The school specializes in global health and environmental health. It boasts 19 Memoranda of Understanding including in:

• Cambodia
• Germany
• Mexico
• Congo

As a Master of Public Health at UCLA major, you may choose between five departments:

• Biostatistics
• Epidemiology
• Community Health Sciences
• Environmental Health Sciences
• Health Policy and Management

In addition to coursework, you are required to complete an internship that combines your classroom knowledge with the real world. Most students complete their entire MPH in two years. Some grad students may be eligible for a faster, accelerated option.  

Eleven of UCLA’s current faculty members have been elected to the prestigious National Academy of Science’s Institute of Medicine. Notable faculty members include:

• “Modern Epidemiology” author Sander Greenland
• Bestselling alternative healthcare author Michael Goldstein
• Internationally recognized health systems researcher Milton Roemer

The University of Washington is a public research university and an R1 Doctoral University with very high research activity. It is especially well known for its medical research, though its research budget across all subjects consistently ranks amongst the highest in the country. 

Washington offers a master of public health degree in six areas:

• Epidemiology
• Global Health
• Health Systems and Population Health
• Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
• Nutritional Sciences
• Public Health Genetics

Regardless of your focus, you will complete a core curriculum of courses such as Analytic Skills for Public Health and Foundations of Public Health. The master’s degree program at the School of Public Health culminates in a real-world practicum. 

University of Washington’s long list of notable alumni includes:

• Nobel Prize-winning Biologist Linda B. Buck
• Pulitzer Prize-winning Author Marilynne Robinson
• Glass Artist Dale Chihuly

Drexel University is a large private university with one of the best public health master’s programs out there. Drexel is one of the “Top 100 Worldwide Universities” for granting U.S. utility patents, as named by the National Academy of Inventors and the Intellectual Property Owners Association. 

Drexel offers a Master of Public Health degree via its Dornsife School of Public Health. The flexible program allows you to earn your MPH on campus and focus on one of the following:

• Community and Health Prevention
• Environmental and Occupational Health
• Health Management and Policy
• Epidemiology

If you pursue this MPH program online, you can focus on any of the following:

• Epidemiology
• Global Health
• Urban Health

From the very first class, you are immersed in real-world public health experiences ranging from cutting-edge research to a professional internship. 

Drexel is home to five different research centers related to public health including:

• the Autism Public Health Research Institute
• the Center for Public Health Practice
• the National Resource Center on Advancing Emergency Preparedness

University of Pittsburgh, or Pitt as it’s so well known, is a public research university and an R1 Doctoral University. Pitt is especially well known for its medical programs, and in recent years has been one of the foremost recipients of federally sponsored health research funding. 

Via its Graduate School of Public Health, Pitt offers Master of Public Health degrees in seven different concentrations including:

• Health Policy and Management
• Human Genetics
• two relating to infectious diseases

Students in the school of public health may also complete additional coursework to earn valuable certificates:

• Health Systems Leadership
• LGBT Health and Wellness
• Health Equity
• Global Health

Each MPH degree culminates in a professional internship. 

University of Pittsburgh is a leading producer of:

• Fulbright Scholars (297)
• Marshall Scholars (10)
• Rhodes Scholars (8)

Among the university’s many distinguished faculty and alumni are six Nobel laureates and various members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. 

As California’s oldest private research university, University of Southern California enjoys quite a prestigious reputation.

USC’s Master of Public Health degree is offered via the top-ranked Department of Population and Public Health Sciences. Four concentrations are offered on campus and online:

• Biostatistics-Epidemiology
• Community Health Promotion
• Global Health
• Health Services and Policy

Regardless of your chosen concentration, you will complete a rigorous curriculum that culminates in a professional internship. 

USC’s health sciences campus is located in the nearby city of Alhambra. This campus is home to:

• USC’s Masters in Public Health Program
• The Primary Care Physician Assistant Program
• The Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research

UC Davis is the third University of California school to make our ranking of the best MPH degrees. However, Davis is best known for its veterinary program. Its medicine and public health programs have grown into large and respectable programs over recent decades.

In fact, Davis is home to the UC Davis Medical Center, which consistently ranks among the country’s best hospitals for both adult and pediatric medical specialties. 

From day one, graduate students earning their MPH from UC Davis work alongside the public health community. This unique 56-credit degree MPH program is accelerated and allows you to begin your career in just 10-12 months! You can choose between two concentration options: epidemiology or general public health. Both culminate in an internship or practicum experience. 

UC Davis is a Public Ivy university. It is also an R1 Doctoral University, with 14 faculty members of the Institute of Medicine. Included on Davis’s long list of accomplished alumni are two Nobel laureates and a National Medal of Science recipient.   

Established in 1845, Baylor University is Texas’s oldest continuously operating university. Baylor is well known for its programs in medicine and public health and houses one of our best MPH programs.

Baylor University offers a Master of Public Health in:

• Community Health
• Environmental Health Science
• Epidemiology

As an MPH major at Baylor, you will enjoy the following:

• global health opportunities
• low faculty-student ratios
• hands-on learning opportunities

Not only does U.S. News & World Report consistently rank Baylor University among the top 100 national universities, but in 2021 it also declared Baylor the 25th “most innovative” school in the country.

Our best MPH rankings include programs that are worth the time, energy, and money you invest.