Welcome to our ranking of the best MPH programs in the Midwest.
According to the American Public Health Association (APHA), professionals in the field of public health work to promote and protect the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work, and play. Public health practitioners and researchers advocate for policies that can help build healthy communities at home and around the world. If you have an interest in promoting and protecting health in your own community or internationally, earning a master of public health degree from a school of public health can advance career opportunities and help you prepare for roles in the growing field of public health.
This list of the top 10 Best Master of Public Health Degree Programs in the Midwest will assist you in finding excellent public health degree programs to help you meet your career goals. MPH programs from a school of public health with multiple concentrations to choose from can help you tailor this degree to meet your specific interests. Whether you choose one of the public health degree programs offered through an on campus traditional program or one of the online MPH programs, public health education produces public health leaders that are key to the future of public health. Read on to learn more about these top MPH programs and find a program from one of these public health schools from the best schools in the midwest that will help meet your career aspirations.
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- #1 University of Minnesota
- #2 University of Michigan
- #3 University of Iowa
- #4 University of Illinois-Chicago
- #5 The Ohio State University
- #6 St. Louis University
- #7 University of Nebraska
- #8 North Dakota State University
- #9 Case Western University
- #10 Indiana University-Bloomsburg
Methodology for the 10 Best MPH Degrees in the Midwest
Ranking for the Top 10 Best MPH programs from the best schools in the Midwest was developed using an initial pool of public health schools from the College Navigator website. All public health schools in the initial pool were accredited by CEPH (Council of Education for Public Health). Each school of public health was ranked based on U.S. News recognition, tuition cost, concentrations available and unique program traits. Tuition costs posted here are from the College Navigator website and are used for comparison purposes. Official tuition costs should be confirmed by students with their schools of interest. Information for MPH programs was acquired from school websites.
10. Indiana University, Bloomington
Master of Public Health
In-State Tuition $10,033
Out of State Tuition $31,932
Indiana University School of Public Health offers a Master of Public Health degree that will open the doors to a variety of exciting opportunities for aspiring public health professionals. There are seven concentrations that can lead you to a meaningful career in public health. Concentrations include behavioral, social & community health; biostatistics; environmental health; epidemiology; physical activity; public health administration; and parks and recreation (online) round out the offerings. A specialized degree is offered, allowing students to combine any two of the following three concentrations: behavior, social, & community health; physical activity; and public health administration. In addition, students can choose to combine a concentration area with one of the graduate certificates available in a range of cutting-edge public health topics. Students have the opportunity to work with faculty members through mentored out of the classroom community engagement experiences as well as research opportunities. Each of these MPH programs can be completed in 44-47 credits, typically taking 2 years to complete (3 semesters coursework, 1 semester applied learning).
9. Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland
Master of Public Health
Tuition $50,838
The MPH program at Case Western Reserve University promises to provide the solid ground needed to assess needs, strengths and resources in diverse populations, as well as skills needed to help you meet contemporary public health challenges. This master of public health program, housed in the Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, offers five concentrations, an Intensive Research Pathway (IRP), and 11 dual graduate degrees. Concentrations include Population Health Research, Global Health, Health Informatics, Health Policy & Management, and Health Promotion & Disease Prevention. The IRP can be done with any of the MPH program’s five concentrations, but most closely aligns with Population Health Research. The MPH IRP provides a route to a career in research and enrollment in a Ph.D. program. Students benefit from the school’s robust network of community partners locally and abroad for internships and research opportunities. At Case Western, hands-on experience with nationally recognized health systems, or participating in research with faculty who are influencing public health policy nationally and internationally will expose you to people and ideas that can help shape your career. This 42 credit program can be completed full time in 2 years or part-time within 5 years.
8. North Dakota State University, Fargo
Master of Public Health
In-State Tuition $7,585
Out of State Tuition $11,377
North Dakota State University offers the Master of Public Health degree with concentrations in American Indian Public Health, Community Health Sciences, Food Safety, and Management of Infectious Diseases. A dual PharmD/MPH degree is offered as well. Budding public health professionals have opportunity to dual specialize or add an additional certification. The American Indian Public Health concentration is an innovative program created in response to the unique public health challenges related to the diversity and rurality of that population. Courses are available on campus or off campus through live broadcast using the Interactive Video Network (IVN) for students to connect live to classes. NDSU is positioned as a top research university as reported by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education, and the MPH program fosters the University’s culture of academic excellence by keeping class sizes small and promoting opportunities for students to work closely with faculty on research projects. Practicum affiliations with local, national, and global public health sites provide valuable experience to MPH students as they prepare to enter public health practice. Graduate students residing in the Western Interstate for Higher Education (WICHE) region are eligible to apply to receive Western Region Graduate Program (WRGP) resident tuition rates. This 42 credit program can be completed on a full time or part-time basis.
7. University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
Master of Public Health
In-State Tuition $9,207
Out of State Tuition $26,379
The University of Nebraska’s practice-centered curriculum integrates theory and application, with students enrolled in the Master of Public Health engaged in real-world Public Health experiences. This MPH program can be completed with 42 credits and offers 6 concentrations that provide specialized education and expertise. Concentrations include Biostatistics, Environmental and Occupational Health, Epidemiology, Health Promotion, Maternal and Child Health, and Public Health Administration & Policy. All concentrations except Maternal and Child Health are available on campus or in a flexible online format. Dual degree programs are available and include the MPH with JD, MBA, MD, MPAS, MSW, or PharmD graduate-level degrees. Dual degree programs are not available in online format at this time. A culminating experience in the field gives students the opportunity to gather data for a final project that equips and prepares students to take on greater responsibilities in the field of public health.
6. Saint Louis University, St. Louis
Master of Public Health
Tuition $22,500
St. Louis University is the only accredited Catholic, Jesuit school of public health in the United States. Faculty in the public health department are internationally recognized as leaders in public health research and practice, with diverse research interests. With 8 concentrations offered, students may combine any two concentrations. Concentrations include: Behavior Science & Health Education; Biosecurity & Disaster Preparedness (online option available); Biostatistics; Epidemiology; Global Health; Health Management & Policy; Maternal and Child Health; and Public Health Practice. Dual degree opportunities combine the MPH with JD, MD, Nutrition & Dietetics, or MSW degrees. All students gain practical experience in their field of choice by completing an internship following their first year of study in addition to a final Capstone project. Internships can be completed in St. Louis, nationally, or internationally. Students who complete their MPH at St. Louis University pass their Certified Public Health exam at a higher rate than the national average, with 91 percent passing their exam on the first try and 100 percent on the second attempt (2017). There are a limited number of merit-based scholarships and graduate research assistantships available. This program requires between 42-54 credits to complete.
5. The Ohio State University, Columbus
Master of Public Health
In-State Tuition $12,092
Out of State Tuition $38,693
OSU, the third-largest university in the country, has a national and international reputation in education and research and one of the top public health programs. This large university boasts small, selective graduate programs that provide students the opportunity to form lasting personal relationships with faculty and peers. Ohio State’s MPH program is offered in two formats, including a traditional weekday format and a flexible part-time format for professionals wishing to advance their career in public health through one of the top public health programs. With seven concentrations to choose from, students have a wide range of options to help reach their career goals. Concentrations include Biomedical Informatics, Biostatistics, Clinical Translational Science, Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Health Behavior & Health Promotion, and Veterinary Public Health. With many dual degrees offered, it is likely you will find what you’re looking for at Ohio State. All students complete a two semester hour practicum and culminating experience, providing professional experience and direction. The culminating experience provides the opportunity to apply, integrate, and synthesize knowledge and experience to a public health issue. The curriculum requires 45-48 credits to complete.
Master of Public Health
In-State Tuition $14,181
Out of State Tuition $25,346
The only fully accredited school of Public Health in the state, University of Illinois at Chicago’s School of Public Health is dedicated “to excellence in protecting and improving the health and well-being of people around the world by educating public health professionals and the community, conducting research and affecting public health policy.” Areas of concentration include Community Health Sciences, Environmental and Occupational Health, Epidemiology & Biostatistics, and Health Policy & Administration. The MPH program can be completed in two years and includes field experience that culminate in a Capstone project. This program may be completed either on campus or in an online format. For those with more than three years of professional experience in the field, a shorter professional enhancement program is available. Collaboration with other colleges within the university is encouraged by offering joint degree programs including MBA/MPH, MD/MPH, MA in Anthropology/MPH, DVM/MPH, MSW/MPH, as well as a coordinated JD/MPH with IIT Kent College of Law and a coordinated DC/MPH with National University of Health Sciences.
3. University of Iowa, Iowa City
Master of Public Health
In-State Tuition $10,875
Out of State Tuition $29,822
This 42 credit hour MPH program can be completed in two years, with core courses available both in on campus and flexible online formats. Five concentrations available include Biostatistics, Community and Behavioral Health, Epidemiology, Environmental and Occupational Health, and Health Policy. A 200-hour capstone project is required in a public health setting as well as a for-credit practicum experience. Dual degrees are available for students in the DVM, JD, MD, and PharmD programs. In addition, University of Iowa offers a unique MPH program for practicing veterinarians designed so these professionals can continue to work while taking classes. These students participate in two 2-week summer institutes, one at the University of Iowa and the other at Iowa State University in consecutive summers. The remainder of courses are available in asynchronous format via internet (two classes in each fall semester and two classes in each spring semester). Students in this program can complete their degree in two years; however, they may take up to four years.
In-State Tuition $25,894
Out of State Tuition $52,124
The University of Michigan school of public health offers this top Master of Public Health program. It offers 6 options for concentrations including Biostatistics, Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Health Behavior & Health Education, Health Management & Policy, and Nutritional Sciences. Some concentrations may further meet your specific interests through sub-concentrations. Through the Tailored MPH, students can build a personalized curriculum to closely match interests while providing the same rigorous training and coursework of other School of Public Health degree programs. The Applied Practice Experience (APEx) component of the curriculum helps students develop professionally by exposing them to real-world public health activities, settings, and practitioners. This unique opportunity helps students practice skills learned in the classroom that are based on their individual interests and professional goals. All MPH students will complete at least one APEx during their program. The Integrated Learning Experience (ILE)/Capstone is distinct from the APEx. The ILE is a culminating experience in the second year of study allowing students to synthesize select foundational and concentration competencies in a written product. Dual degree students would incorporate learning from both of their degrees into their ILE experience.
1. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Master of Public Health
In-State Tuition $18,468
Out of State $28,578
An MPH degree from this top-ranked School of Public Health prepares students to engage in the challenging field of public health through its comprehensive curriculum. As one of the top MPH programs, this program emphasizes practical aspects of public health, preparing students for a career in population health and community awareness. The Master of Public Health degree may be completed in two years with the standard program requiring 48 credits to complete. Most concentrations require community engagement as part of the degree. Concentrations are available in Biostatistics, Community Health Promotion, Epidemiology, Maternal & Child Health, Public Health Administration & Policy, Public Health Nutrition, Executive Public Health Administration & Policy, and Executive Public Health Practice. Some areas of concentration have sub-concentrations to further tailor the program to your area of interest. Some concentrations offer dual degrees, and an accelerated program requiring 34 credits is available to students who have completed an MD, DDS, DVM, or Ph.D. in a related field. Students are engaged in global health initiatives in India through research, education, and service.
FAQs
How will a Master of Public Health degree from one of these MPH programs in the Midwest advance my career?
A Master of Public Health degree from one of these MPH programs can help prepare you for work in a health-related agency or organization, possibly in a leadership capacity. These MPH programs can also prepare you for a career in public health research or further education. The concentration area of study will help guide career opportunities in public health. Public health students studying health education, occupational health science, health policy, community health education, global health and health behavior can all make a difference in public health.
How do I know what public health concentration is best to pursue?
With so many options available to earn an MPH, it’s not surprising that it may be difficult to narrow down which master of public health degree concentration to pursue. Asking yourself questions like what interests you in public health? Why do you want to pursue an MPH? Where do you see yourself working? What past experience do you have that you plan to draw on in your future work? Taking time to shadow a public health professional that works in an area that interests you may help you decide which direction to go in. Talking to MPH students and professors may also help guide you to the best concentration for you. Some of the most popular concentrations in public health include: Global Health, Women and Children’s Health, Epidemiology, Social and Behavioral Health, Community Health, Health Promotion, and Food and Nutrition.
Are there benefits to earning a Midwest MPH degree in a traditional format compared to the more flexible online formats available?
For those who prefer an MPH programs with face to face interaction and networking, a traditional campus experience may better fit your needs. Some may find it easier to stay on track with fewer distractions with an on-campus format. If flexibility is what you need or you are not able to pick up and relocate due to personal responsibilities, one of the MPH programs with a good online program may be just the ticket. Although most are asynchronous, some distance programs are synchronous and require you to meet at a scheduled time weekly and participate in class live at that time. Check out the online MPH programs near you or out of state.
What if these MPH Midwest schools are too far for me to commute to?
Look for one of the MPH programs closer to home or investigate programs offering remote study options. Speak to your school of interest about graduate student housing, scholarship opportunities, and how to meet your academic goals. Graduate students focus on their goals and look for ways to accomplish them. Exhaust the possibilities to find a way to make your MPH a reality. Some MPH programs offer flexible options and accelerated formats. Online MPH programs offer the flexibility many need.
What is an entry-level pay scale for a professional with an MPH?
There is a wide range of salaries that you can expect to earn in the field of public health, depending on which direction you choose. Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics at BLS.Gov can help give you more information regarding the pay scale in your area of interest and geographical area. Completing graduate school and earning a degree from a MPH program will open opportunities.
How can I finance my degree?
MPH programs are often financed through a variety of methods that may include loans, scholarships, savings, employer financing, research fellowships or teaching assistantships. Financial aid packages vary so talk to your school of interest about your goals and financial needs.
What kind of job titles might I have once I earn my MPH degree in the Midwest?
Job titles you may have include health communications specialist, health research scientist, director of programs, director of services, or public health management analyst, to name just a few. You may work in the public or private sector, a governmental agency, academia, research, industry, or community-based organizations.
What can I do with a degree in public health?
Graduates who earn an MPH degree from a top school of public health can go on to practice and research opportunities in academia, government agencies, private industry, and community-based programs. Graduation from one of these MPH programs with your Master of Public Health, will provide the skills needed when addressing public health issues. Communication and leadership skills, as well as evaluation and analysis expertise, will help you to solve problems and make decisions in your public health role.
Will a graduate degree in public health really make a difference in the world today?
In the last 100 years, public health initiatives have added 25 years to the life expectancy of people in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control, public health’s greatest health improvements in the last century include workplace safety, infectious disease control, food safety, mother-baby health, decline in death from heart disease and stroke, motor vehicle safety, immunizations, family planning, fluoridated drinking water, and the health hazard of tobacco use. With a goal of improving health disparities and providing health equity, there is much to be done. What health policy and health initiative will make this next century a healthier one in the US and abroad? What role will you play?
What is the professional organization for public health?
The American Public Health Association (APHA) is the public health organization for public health professionals. With a vision to “Create the healthiest nation in one generation,” APHA champions the health of all people and all communities. They strive to strengthen the public health profession and speak out for public health issues and policies backed by science. APHA influences federal policy and has a nearly 150-year perspective, bringing together members from all fields of public health. Their mission is to improve the health of the public and achieve equity in health status. Their values reflect the beliefs of their members from all disciplines of public health and over 40 countries.
By Carol Dolan BS RN BSN CDCES
September 2023
Carol graduated with her BS in Nutrition from Montclair State University and her BSN in Nursing from Rowan University. She is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) experienced in working with adults and children living with diabetes in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
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