A Master of Public Health, or MPH, is a graduate degree for students who want to improve health at the population level. Instead of focusing only on one patient at a time, public health professionals study communities, health systems, disease patterns, environmental risks, health policy, prevention, and the social factors that shape health outcomes.
The best MPH programs help students build practical skills in areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy, health communication, community health, global health, and public health leadership. Many programs also include an applied practice experience, capstone, practicum, internship, or integrated learning project so students can connect classroom work with real public health challenges.
For this list, we focused on established, highly respected MPH programs with strong public health schools, broad specialization options, research strength, applied learning opportunities, and flexible formats where available. Students should always confirm tuition, accreditation status, admissions requirements, modality, and concentration availability directly with each school before applying.
Top 15 Master’s in Public Health Programs
| Rank | School | Program | Location | Notable Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johns Hopkins University | Master of Public Health | Baltimore, Maryland | Global public health, epidemiology, health policy, research scale |
| 2 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Master of Public Health | Chapel Hill, North Carolina | Public health leadership, nutrition, health behavior, applied practice |
| 3 | Harvard University | Master of Public Health | Boston, Massachusetts | Health policy, epidemiology, global health, quantitative methods |
| 4 | Columbia University | Master of Public Health | New York, New York | Urban health, health policy, sociomedical sciences, global health |
| 5 | Emory University | Master of Public Health | Atlanta, Georgia | Epidemiology, global health, CDC proximity, applied public health |
| 6 | University of Michigan | Master of Public Health | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Health behavior, health management, epidemiology, biostatistics |
| 7 | University of California, Berkeley | Master of Public Health | Berkeley, California | Community health, environmental health, infectious disease, online options |
| 8 | University of California, Los Angeles | Master of Public Health | Los Angeles, California | Health policy, community health sciences, environmental health, urban health |
| 9 | University of Washington | Master of Public Health | Seattle, Washington | Global health, epidemiology, public health genetics, health systems |
| 10 | Boston University | Master of Public Health | Boston, Massachusetts | Flexible certificates, health policy, global health, urban health |
| 11 | George Washington University | Master of Public Health | Washington, D.C. | Health policy, public health advocacy, global health, online MPH option |
| 12 | Yale University | Master of Public Health | New Haven, Connecticut | Chronic disease epidemiology, health policy, social and behavioral sciences |
| 13 | University of Minnesota | Master of Public Health | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public health administration, maternal and child health, nutrition, epidemiology |
| 14 | Tulane University | Master of Public Health | New Orleans, Louisiana | Tropical medicine, global health, disaster management, community health |
| 15 | New York University | Master of Public Health | New York, New York | Global public health, health policy, community health, urban health |
1. Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University offers one of the most recognized Master of Public Health programs in the world through the Bloomberg School of Public Health. The program is a strong option for students who want a rigorous, research-driven MPH with access to a large public health faculty, extensive research centers, and a global professional network.
The Johns Hopkins MPH is especially appealing for students interested in epidemiology, global health, infectious disease, health policy, biostatistics, environmental health, and public health leadership. The program is designed for working professionals as well as full-time students, and its flexible structure can make it a good fit for students who already have health, research, policy, or nonprofit experience.
Students who want a highly quantitative, globally connected, and academically intensive public health education should give Johns Hopkins serious consideration. The school is particularly strong for students who want to work in public health research, international health, government agencies, health systems, or advanced doctoral study.
2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers an MPH through the Gillings School of Global Public Health. UNC is one of the strongest public universities in the country for public health, and its MPH program is known for combining academic depth with practical, community-focused training.
UNC offers MPH pathways in areas such as applied epidemiology, health behavior, nutrition, environmental health, maternal and child health, global health, and health policy. Students can pursue training that prepares them for work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, research organizations, and community health programs.
This program is a strong choice for students who want a public university MPH with a broad range of public health concentrations and a strong reputation in applied public health. It may be especially useful for students who want to work in population health, community health, public health nutrition, or policy-focused roles.
3. Harvard University
Harvard University offers a Master of Public Health through the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The program is designed for students who want advanced professional preparation in public health practice, leadership, research translation, and policy.
Harvard’s MPH options include areas such as epidemiology, global health, health policy, health management, quantitative methods, nutrition, occupational and environmental health, and social and behavioral sciences. The school’s location in Boston also gives students access to a major healthcare, research, biotechnology, and academic hub.
This program is a strong fit for students with clear professional goals and the academic background to succeed in a demanding public health environment. It is especially attractive for students interested in leadership roles, public health research, health systems, global health, or policy work.
4. Columbia University
Columbia University offers an MPH through the Mailman School of Public Health in New York City. The program is known for its integrated public health core, urban health perspective, and access to one of the largest and most diverse metropolitan areas in the United States.
Students can study areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health sciences, health policy and management, population and family health, and sociomedical sciences. Columbia is also a strong option for students interested in health equity, immigrant health, global health, climate and health, and community-based public health work.
Because of its New York City location, Columbia can be especially valuable for students who want access to major hospitals, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, international NGOs, and policy-focused organizations. It is a good fit for students who want a rigorous MPH with a strong urban and global health orientation.
5. Emory University
Emory University offers an MPH through the Rollins School of Public Health in Atlanta. Emory is a standout option for students who want to study public health near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other major public health organizations.
The Rollins MPH includes options in areas such as epidemiology, global health, behavioral, social and health education sciences, environmental health, health policy and management, and biostatistics. Students can benefit from Atlanta’s public health ecosystem, including opportunities connected to government agencies, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, and international health groups.
Emory is especially strong for students who want careers in epidemiology, global health, infectious disease, emergency preparedness, or applied public health practice. Its location and professional network make it one of the most practical choices for students who want direct exposure to public health agencies.
6. University of Michigan
The University of Michigan offers an MPH through the School of Public Health in Ann Arbor. The program combines strong research resources with a broad public health curriculum and a strong emphasis on solving real-world health problems.
Michigan offers MPH pathways in areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health behavior and health education, environmental health sciences, nutritional sciences, and health management and policy. Students can prepare for roles in research, community health, hospital and health system leadership, policy, consulting, nonprofit work, or public agencies.
This is a strong program for students who want the resources of a major public research university and the flexibility to pursue either quantitative, policy, management, behavioral, or community-focused public health work. It is also a good option for students who may want to continue into doctoral study later.
7. University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley offers an MPH through the Berkeley School of Public Health. Berkeley’s public health program is known for its strength in population health, social justice, environmental health, infectious disease, and community-based public health.
Students can pursue MPH study in areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health sciences, health policy and management, infectious diseases and vaccinology, maternal, child and adolescent health, and public health nutrition. Berkeley also offers online MPH options, which may appeal to working professionals who need more flexibility.
Berkeley is a strong choice for students interested in health equity, environmental health, climate and health, infectious disease, public policy, or community health. Its location in the San Francisco Bay Area also gives students access to public agencies, research organizations, health technology companies, and nonprofit organizations.
8. University of California, Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles offers an MPH through the Fielding School of Public Health. UCLA is a strong option for students who want to study public health in a major urban region with deep connections to healthcare, policy, community organizations, and research institutions.
UCLA’s MPH options include areas such as biostatistics, community health sciences, environmental health sciences, epidemiology, and health policy and management. The school is especially well suited for students interested in urban health, health equity, healthcare systems, environmental health, and policy issues affecting large and diverse populations.
This program is a good fit for students who want a public university MPH with access to Los Angeles-area public health agencies, hospitals, advocacy organizations, and research opportunities. Students interested in health disparities and community-based work may find UCLA especially appealing.
9. University of Washington
The University of Washington offers an MPH through its School of Public Health in Seattle. The program is known for strengths in global health, epidemiology, health metrics, public health genetics, environmental health, and health systems.
Students can pursue MPH study in areas such as epidemiology, global health, health systems and population health, environmental and occupational health sciences, nutritional sciences, and public health genetics. The school’s Seattle location provides access to major healthcare systems, global health organizations, technology companies, and research institutes.
The University of Washington is a strong option for students who want a research-intensive MPH with strong global health and data-oriented opportunities. It is especially appealing for students interested in global disease prevention, health systems, analytics, and public health work that crosses research and practice.
10. Boston University
Boston University offers an MPH through the School of Public Health. The program is known for flexibility, a practical curriculum, and a location in one of the country’s major healthcare and higher education centers.
BU’s MPH allows students to build expertise through functional and context certificates, with options related to areas such as epidemiology, health policy, healthcare management, global health, environmental health, community assessment, program management, and health communication. This structure can be useful for students who want to tailor their degree toward a specific career goal.
Boston University is a strong choice for students who want a career-oriented MPH in a city with major hospitals, universities, research centers, and public health employers. It can be especially useful for students who want a flexible curriculum that connects public health theory with practical skills.
11. George Washington University
George Washington University offers an MPH through the Milken Institute School of Public Health in Washington, D.C. The program is especially strong for students interested in health policy, public health advocacy, global health, and public health leadership.
GW offers MPH options in areas such as epidemiology, health policy, global health, environmental and occupational health, community-oriented primary care, public health communication, and health promotion. The school also offers online MPH options, which may be helpful for working professionals.
Because of its Washington, D.C. location, GW can be a strong fit for students who want to work in federal agencies, policy organizations, advocacy groups, global health organizations, or public health consulting. Students interested in the intersection of public health and government should place GW high on their list.
12. Yale University
Yale University offers an MPH through the Yale School of Public Health. The program blends academic rigor with training in applied public health, research methods, and leadership.
Yale offers MPH tracks in areas such as chronic disease epidemiology, epidemiology of microbial diseases, environmental health sciences, health policy, social and behavioral sciences, biostatistics, healthcare management, and advanced professional public health. Students can also benefit from connections across Yale’s schools, centers, and research institutes.
This program is a strong choice for students who want a smaller public health school within a major research university. It may be especially attractive for students interested in epidemiology, chronic disease, infectious disease, health policy, social determinants of health, or preparation for research-focused careers.
13. University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota offers an MPH through the School of Public Health in Minneapolis. The program is known for strong public health administration, maternal and child health, epidemiology, nutrition, community health, and environmental health options.
Students can pursue MPH study in areas such as public health administration and policy, epidemiology, maternal and child health, community health promotion, environmental health, nutrition, and biostatistics. The university’s connections to healthcare systems, public agencies, and community organizations in the Twin Cities can help students connect their training to applied practice.
The University of Minnesota is a good option for students who want a public university MPH with strong Midwestern public health connections and a wide range of specialization options. It is especially well suited for students interested in health administration, population health, prevention, maternal and child health, or nutrition.
14. Tulane University
Tulane University offers an MPH through the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans. Tulane has a long history in public health and is especially well known for global health, tropical medicine, disaster management, and community health.
Students can study areas such as epidemiology, global community health, health policy, environmental health sciences, disaster management, maternal and child health, nutrition, and tropical medicine. New Orleans also provides a unique setting for students interested in health equity, climate-related health risks, disaster response, and community resilience.
Tulane is a strong choice for students who want a public health education with a global and community-centered perspective. It may be especially appealing for students interested in infectious disease, global health, emergency preparedness, tropical medicine, and health challenges affecting vulnerable communities.
15. New York University
New York University offers an MPH through the School of Global Public Health. NYU’s program is a strong option for students who want to study public health in a major global city while focusing on health equity, policy, community health, analytics, or global health.
NYU offers MPH concentrations in areas such as biostatistics, community health science and practice, environmental public health sciences, epidemiology, global health, public health nutrition, public health policy, and social and behavioral sciences. The program’s New York City location gives students access to public agencies, healthcare systems, international organizations, and community-based nonprofits.
This program is a good fit for students who want a globally oriented MPH with strong urban health opportunities. Students interested in public health practice, global health, health equity, public health nutrition, or policy may find NYU especially relevant.
What Can You Do With a Master of Public Health?
An MPH can prepare students for many different public health careers. Graduates may work in government agencies, hospitals, health systems, universities, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, consulting firms, insurance organizations, global health agencies, or community health programs.
Common job titles for MPH graduates include:
- Epidemiologist
- Public health analyst
- Health policy analyst
- Community health program manager
- Infection prevention specialist
- Global health specialist
- Environmental health specialist
- Health education specialist
- Biostatistician
- Public health consultant
- Population health manager
- Healthcare quality improvement specialist
- Maternal and child health specialist
- Emergency preparedness coordinator
- Research coordinator or research manager
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that epidemiologists typically need at least a master’s degree, and many have an MPH or a related graduate degree. BLS reported a 2024 median annual wage of $83,980 for epidemiologists and projected 16 percent employment growth from 2024 to 2034. For medical and health services managers, BLS reported a 2024 median annual wage of $117,960 and projected 23 percent employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
How to Choose the Right MPH Program
The best MPH program depends on your goals. A student who wants to become an epidemiologist may need a different program than someone who wants to work in health policy, hospital leadership, global health, health education, or environmental health.
Before applying, compare programs based on the following factors:
- Accreditation: Look for programs accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.
- Concentrations: Choose a school with a track that matches your career goals.
- Format: Consider whether you need an on-campus, online, hybrid, full-time, or part-time option.
- Applied experience: Review practicum, internship, fieldwork, and capstone requirements.
- Career support: Look for employer partnerships, alumni outcomes, career coaching, and networking opportunities.
- Location: Consider whether the school is near public health agencies, hospitals, research centers, or organizations where you may want to work.
- Cost: Compare tuition, fees, scholarships, assistantships, employer support, and living expenses.
Is an MPH Worth It?
An MPH can be worth it for students who want to build a career focused on prevention, population health, health equity, disease control, health policy, environmental health, global health, or healthcare systems. The degree can also be useful for clinicians, nurses, social workers, researchers, policy professionals, and healthcare administrators who want to expand their impact beyond individual patient care.
However, students should choose carefully. The return on investment can vary depending on the school’s cost, the student’s chosen concentration, prior work experience, geographic market, and career goals. A lower-cost accredited MPH with strong applied experience may be a better fit for some students than a more expensive program with a larger national reputation.
Final Thoughts
The best Master of Public Health programs give students more than a credential. They help students understand how disease, policy, environment, data, behavior, and healthcare systems shape the health of entire communities. Whether you want to investigate outbreaks, improve health policy, manage public health programs, address health disparities, or work in global health, an MPH can provide a strong foundation for meaningful work.
Johns Hopkins, UNC, Harvard, Columbia, Emory, Michigan, Berkeley, UCLA, Washington, Boston University, George Washington, Yale, Minnesota, Tulane, and NYU all offer highly respected MPH programs. The right choice depends on your career goals, preferred format, budget, and the type of public health work you want to do after graduation.
