Writer: Carol Dolan BS RN BSN CDCES
Welcome to our ranking of MPH programs that don’t require GRE.
Are you considering advancing your public health career by pursuing one of the MPH programs that don’t require GRE? While most Master’s in Public Health programs require a GRE score, you can begin your journey to graduate school today by pursuing one of the MPH programs that don’t require GRE. Check out these cheapest online MPH no GRE CEPH accredited Master’s in Public Health degree programs that do not require students to take the GRE. See if one of these mph programs no gre is the right fit for you to advance your career so you can make a bigger impact in the field of public health.
Earning a Master’s in Public Health degree from one of these MPH programs no GRE programs can set you apart as a qualified applicant for a wide array of career opportunities in public health practice. Professionals in the field of public health may work in a variety of areas that include government or NGO agencies, education, and research. With the ability to make an impact in local communities or global health, the Master’s in Public Health degree will provide the entree to make a difference in the quality of life and health of people. Check out these schools to find a program that fits your educational and career goals.
- #1. New Mexico State University
- #2. University of Montana
- #3 University of South Dakota
- #4 American Public University
- #5 University of Colorado
- #6 California State University, Northridge
- #7 Southern Connecticut University
- #8 Liberty University
- #9 University of Alabama
- #10 Jackson State University
- #11 West Chester University
- #12 CUNY School of Public Health and Policy
- #13 University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- #14 University of Alaska
- #15 Simmons University
Methodology for Ranking the 10 Most Affordable MPH Programs Not Requiring GRE
The initial pool consisted of 19 Master’s in Public Health programs with tuition under $42,000 that did not require a GRE for all or some of their MPH concentrations. All schools in the initial pool had a Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accredited Master’s in Public Health program. Tuition costs were taken from the national center for education statistics College Navigator website. In-state tuition rates were used for comparison purposes, and schools were ranked in order according to their in-state tuition rate. Prospective students should communicate with their school of choice to verify tuition costs and application requirements for their program of interest.
15. Simmons University, Boston, MA
Tuition $21,528
Simmons University’s online MPH program does not require the GRE to apply, with the school welcoming candidates from all academic areas of study, and looks at health related or social science backgrounds and experiences as added qualifications. Simmons values applied community experience through work, volunteering, or community organization as they enhance and inform students’ collaborative experience. Prospective students are evaluated using a holistic approach based on the whole picture, including essays, work experience, motivation, and leadership ability. Simmons University seeks to prepare graduates to “work toward achieving health equity at local, national, and global levels.” Students can expect to gain the skills and knowledge to become effective public health practitioners through online courses, self paced coursework, and 2 in person immersion experiences that seek to view public health through the lens of equity and social justice. Students develop content competence in areas of interest that ensure an impact on public health issues that matter. WIth multiple opportunities to customize the MPH degree program, students can focus on what matters most to them in areas such as maternal health, food insecurity, public health policy, and more. Students have two options for completing this degree and can complete this program in 21 months (Traditional) or in as little as 12 months (Accelerated).
14. University of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska
In-State Tuition $10.773
Out-of-State Tuition $22,659
This Master’s in Public Health online degree program promises to prepare public health practitioners to assess population needs and plan, implement and evaluate public health programs to address the needs and assure conditions that promote and protect the health of populations. This MPH in Public Health Practice is an interdisciplinary degree providing a broad background to meet the challenges in the complex and diverse field of public health. Focusing on the needs of Alaska and the circumpolar north, this MPH program is both affordable and does not require the GRE to enter. Students with diverse backgrounds in natural sciences, social sciences, health professions, human services, business, education and law have successfully entered the field of public health through this MPH program. This online UOA MPH degree program is designed for both mid-career students and recent graduates, ensuring students can continue to work in their community with minimal disruption to life and careers. Students are required to appear in person for an oral defense of the practicum thesis or practicum project. With a focus on the health care and program needs of Alaska and the Circumpolar North, UOA’s accredited MPH in public health practice offers a broad, interdisciplinary education with an ecological approach to protecting and promoting the health of populations. You’ll study with public health faculty who are recognized experts in their fields, including health equity, maternal and child health, circumpolar and global health, and tobacco prevention and control. UOA offers a dual degree MSW/MPH program, which develops professional expertise where public health and social work meet, training leaders to address the social and public health problems facing the state of Alaska, the nation and around the globe.
13.University of North Carolina, Chapel Hil
In-State Tuition $10,552
Out-of-State Tuition $28,278
UNC’s Gillings School of Public Health offers their top MPH program with something to meet anyone’s interests with 13 concentration areas to choose from. MPH concentrations for the residential program include: Applied Epidemiology; Environmental Health Solutions; Global Health; Health Behavior; Health Equity, Social Justice and Human Rights; Health Policy; Leadership in Practice; Maternal Child and Family Health; Nutrition; Nutrition with RD; Population Health for Clinicians; Plant based Health; and Public Health Data Science. Their online MPH concentrations include: Leadership, Nutrition, and Applied Epidemiology. This 42-credit program takes two years to complete, including an applied practicum and culminating experience. The 200 hour (minimum) Practicum begins from year one of the program, providing real world opportunity to integrate and apply knowledge and skills. UNC boasts a dynamic community of world class faculty, student colleagues and exceptional staff from across North Carolina and around the world. MPH candidates gain work experiences in all 100 counties of North Carolina, and 62 countries around the world. The residential program begins each fall and is designed to be full time, while the online concentrations can be completed full or part time in as little as 20 months. Some concentrations may be accelerated if qualified.
12. CUNY School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY
In-State Tuition $9,930
Out-of-State Tuition $23,160
With five MPH concentrations to choose from, CUNY students have a wide variety of choices of studies to pursue. This robust Master’s in Public Health program offers concentrations in: Community Health, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Health Policy and Management, and Public Health Nutrition. Concentrations requiring no GRE include Community Health, Health Policy and Management, and Public Health Nutrition (MPH concentrations in Epidemiology & Biostatistics, and Environmental & Occupational Health Science do require the GRE for admission). The Community Health Master of Public Health degree is designed to promote health in urban communities and includes competencies in assessment, community engagement, program development, grant writing, research, and evaluation. The MPH in Health Policy and Management promises to prepare students to plan and manage urban public health programs in a variety of settings, promoting and advocating for policies that promote health in an urban setting. The MPH concentration in Public Health Nutrition prepares students to promote nutritional well-being in a variety of populations by assessing nutritional needs of populations, evaluating and designing nutrition and food programs. Graduates of this Master of Public Health program go on to work in a variety of public and nonprofit organizations in New York and beyond.
11. West Chester University, West Chester, PA
In-State Tuition $9288
Out-of-State Tuition $13,932
This interdisciplinary Master of Public Health program promises to prepare students to be leaders that are skilled to protect and promote health in the community. With three MPH tracks to choose from, students can also select a focused elective track designed to provide students with cohesive and comprehensive knowledge in key areas of public health. Students have three tracts to choose from including: Community Health, Healthcare Management, and Environmental Health. Students develop skills and apply knowledge across disciplines for the promotion and protection of health in diverse populations. Concentrations include Community Health, Health Care Administration, and Environmental Health. This competency based curriculum offers courses in both in-class and online course formats. Full time students can expect to take 3-4 courses per semester, completing the program in 6 semesters. Part time students typically take 2 classes each semester and can complete in 9-10 semesters. A wide variety of practicum opportunities are available as well as opportunities for student participation in faculty research projects.
10.Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
Tuition $8,270
MPH students enrolled at Jackson State University will graduate prepared to be practitioners in the public health field with a choice of engaging public health concentrations. The JSU Master of Public Health program areas of concentration include Behavioral Health Promotion and Education; Epidemiology; and Health Policy and Management. This program is multidisciplinary, problem-centered, engaging, integrating the wide ranging elements to prepare the public health practitioner for the working world. Jackson State University’s MPH program’s three primary goals include instructional goal, research goal, and service which guide the program by placing a high value on quality, social justice, and collaboration. The goals and values of the MPH program reveal why students graduate from this program prepared to serve minority and underserved populations. Students can take courses full time or part time to complete the 45 required credits. Graduates find opportunity to work in a variety of areas including healthcare, preventive and regulatory agencies, community health promotion service organizations, health policy, and in health related public, not-for-profit,and private organizations. This MPH program includes a field practice internship that helps prepare students for the public health profession with practical application of knowledge gained. Students can complete this MPH in two and a half years of full time study or part time with an additional 2 semesters of study. Graduates of this affordable MPH program can expect to be prepared to enter public health practice prepared to make a difference.
9.University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL
In-State Tuition $8,100
Out-of-State Tuition $19,188
UAB’s School of Public Health’s robust and highly ranked MPH program can be applied to without the need to take the GRE. This program is committed to training the next generation of public health professionals, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to protect and improve health. Birmingham boasts the United State’s third largest hospital in addition to being a hub for science, research and entrepreneurship that has more green space per capita than any other city in the country. Graduates of this MPH program go on to work in their community, a wide variety of healthcare settings, including organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. Students can complete this 44 credit MPH program in an on campus or flexible online format, depending on their concentration. This Master’s in Public Health program offers a total of six concentrations including Environmental and Occupational Health; Epidemiology; Health Behavior; Health Care Organization and Policy; Maternal & Child Health Policy & Leadership, and Population Health. In addition, the MPH is offered as a dual degree in the following programs: MD/MPH, MPH/MBA, MPH/MSHA, MPH/JD, MPH/MSW, MPH/MSN, MPH/MS in Dietetics, MPH/OD, MPH/PharmD, MPH/MSPAS, MPH/MPA, and MPH/DMV. Research opportunities are possible to help expand student experience.
8.Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA
Tuition $7,935
Liberty University’s Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program that doesn’t require GRE is an affordable program that has appeal. Liberty University boasts one of the largest CEPH accredited Master of Public Health programs in the U.S., with classes centered on extensive hands-on fieldwork led directly by faculty. This 42 credit hour program allows for a transfer of up to 50% of your credits into the MPH program. Liberty’s robust MPH degree program focuses on the foundational concepts of administration, biostatistics, environmental health, epidemiology, research methods in the field, and social and behavioral theories in public health. This program promises students will develop strong research methods, awareness, and critical thinking skills that will transfer into any health setting. Master of Public Health specializations include epidemiology, global health, health promotion, and nutrition. Liberty’s BS to MPH (4 + 1 Track) allows BS students to complete their MPH in less time. Students gain a broad perspective with coursework from a variety of health-related disciplines. This program could lead to certification in various areas of public health, including certification as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). With a professional 120-hour practicum, students are able to practice professional skills and interact and network with public health and other professionals. MPH candidates can pursue research opportunities, including projects centered on data analysis from Liberty’s ongoing projects among the underserved of Lynchburg, with Hope of Life in Guatemala, and among the Mixteco in Richmond. Many public health students join the Liberty University Public Health Student Association to gain career information and professional public health opportunities.
7.Southern Connecticut University, New Haven, CT
In-State Tuition $7,865
Out-of-State Tuition $20,044
This MPH program from Southern Connecticut University is offered with the Health Promotion concentration in both the online and on campus format, and the online Executive MPH program in Management and Leadership. SCSU’s MPH program has a strong mission and vision for “healthy people in healthy communities” involving social justice, education, research, and service. Students participate in a 150-hour internship where students gain practice experience and improve skills learned in the classroom. In addition to the internship, a culminating experience requires MPH candidates to conduct research or implement a project designed by the student. This robust MPH degree program promises to provide current and incoming public health professionals with strong knowledge and skills in public health through field experience and research. The Executive Master of Public Health degree program’s concentration in management and leadership is designed for mid-career health professionals and aimed at developing leaders in management in healthcare, government agencies, insurance, biotechnology and research organizations. With 42-28 required credits, this affordable Master’s in Public Health program without a GRE requirement includes a meaningful capstone project. Graduates of the MPH program will contribute effectively, ethically and confidently to the field of public health. Graduates will be prepared to utilize scientific public health to assess health problems, formulate interventions and perform public health service in the community in which they serve.
6.California State University, Northridge, CA
In-State Tuition $7,176
Out-of-State Tuition $16,689
This robust Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from CSUN promises to prepare graduates to be public health professionals that will promote and protect the health and wellbeing of people in diverse communities. Applicants with a GPA above 3.0 are not required to take the GRE, all other applicants GRE requirements are individually determined. WIth concentrations available in Community Health Education and Applied Epidemiology, this flexible program is designed for working professionals. This MPH program prepares graduates for roles in program planning, implementation, evaluation, epidemiology, research as well as other important roles in public, private, and governmental agencies. Students complete this Master’s in Public Health program with core courses in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental and Occupational Health, and Health Administration. Elective courses give students an opportunity to focus their interests. This program boasts opportunities located in Los Angeles County for internships with partners such as AIDS Project Los Angeles, American Cancer Society, California Diabetes Association, Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles County Public Health, Tarzana Treatment Centers, Venice Family Clinic and more. Through practical application of knowledge and skills, public health professionals at CSUN can expect to develop the multidisciplinary skills needed to identify and assess the needs within a community, and plan, implement and evaluate programs with the hope to promote and protect health in the communities in which they serve.
5.University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
In-State Tuition $6,786
Out-of-State Tuition $22,590
This Master of Public Health (MPH) degree does not require the GRE and is offered through three collaborating institutions that make up the Colorado School of Public Health, one of the top graduate schools of public health in the nation, and the only collaborative school of public health in the region. MPH students can complete their program through the online program, Colorado State University, University of Northern Colorado, or CU Anschutz Medical Campus. Each location offers specific MPH concentrations that leverage the strengths of that institution. CU Anschutz Medical Campus offers the MPH in: Applied Biostatistics, Community and Behavioral Health, Environmental and Occupational Health, Epidemiology, Health Systems Management and Policy, Maternal and Child Health, and Population Mental Health and Wellbeing (most have option to add emphasis in global health). At Colorado State University, MPH concentrations include Animals, People & the Environment, Epidemiology, Global Health & Health Disparities, Health Communication. Physical Activity & Healthy Lifestyles, and Public Health Nutrition. University of Northern Colorado offers an evening program in Community Health Education. The online option is offered in Leadership & Public Health Practice, and Population Mental Health & Wellbeing. Students can expect hands-on opportunities to develop skills important to them and the field of public health. With 42-45 credits required, this MPH degree program can be completed in two to five years. With a practicum and capstone project requirement, graduates solidify their knowledge and skills through meaningful activities outside their coursework.
4.American Public University, Charles Town, WV
Tuition $6,660
American Public University’s online Master of Public Health (MPH) program promises to prepare public health professionals to protect and promote health at home and abroad. American Public University’s Master of Public Health is available online and can be completed in as little as two years full time or can take up to seven years part time to complete. The American Public University is part of the American Public University System (APUS) which offers educational programs to the military and service fields. The APUS mission is to provide quality education in a format that is accessible, respected, affordable and student-focused. This online MPH degree, not requiring students to take the GRE, provides MPH candidates with a foundation in the five core disciplines of public health. Teaching, research and service are used to prepare students to be effective in the public health field. This interdisciplinary degree promises to challenge students to seek implementable solutions and to develop preventative measures and impact public health policy and practices in their community. This 47 credit MPH program includes a 3 credit capstone project, giving students opportunity to expand and apply their skills and knowledge of public health.
3.University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
In-State Tuition $6,062
Out-of-State Tuition $11,656
Looking to prevent disease and prolong life by investigating society’s most pressing health problems by pursuing an affordable MPH degree? This MPH with no GRE requirement offered by University of South Dakota is an online program that is affordable. This MPH without GRE is offered in partnership with South Dakota State University, adopting an interprofessional approach. USD’s MPH program is the only program of its kind in the state, and is conveniently offered online. This MPH program promises to develop public health professionals and leaders to address the public health needs in rural communities. This robust MPH program addresses the five core areas of public health, including biostatistics, epidemiology, health services administration, social and behavioral sciences, and environmental health, and promises to develop public health leaders to address the public health needs in rural communities. Graduates of this MPH program can expect to be prepared to improve the health in rural and underserved populations, enhance employee wellness through disease prevention, programs and policies, or help hospitals to ensure maximum health and revenue while controlling costs, among other things.
2.University of Montana, Missoula, MT
In-State Tuition $5,076
Out-of-State Tuition $21,224
The University of Montana’s Masters in Public Health degree program is one of the most affordable MPH programs that does not require the GRE exam for admission. This MPH program offered by MU provides distance based learning in addition to scholarship and service activities, promising to prepare public health professionals that will use global insight to improve health to people in Montana and other rural communities and beyond. There are no face-to-face or on-campus requirements for this program. This affordable MPH without a GRE can be completed with 42 credits required, including 6 capstone credits and 9 elective credits. Electives can be chosen from a wide range of online or on campus courses. Students complete the MPH with a Community Health and Prevention Sciences Concentration (MPH-CHPS), This non GRE requiring MPH can be completed in just 2 years of full time study when taking 21 credits per year. It is anticipated that employed students who continue to work will require a minimum of three and a half years of part time study to complete this program by averaging 6 credits per semester. This MPH program helps enable public health professionals to gain knowledge to influence policy, apply problem solving skills, develop strategies for solving health related problems, enhance and improve communication skills, and be prepared for leadership roles in health promotion and disease prevention.
1.New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
In-State Tuition $4,981
Out-of-State Tuition $17,330
The New Mexico State University’s most affordable MPH that doesn’t require a GRE is offered with concentrations in Health Behavior and Health Promotion (HBHP) or Health Management, Administration, and Policy (HMAP). The HMAP concentration is available in the online format only. This MPH program without a GRE requirement is designed for the working professional in mind. The on campus program is scheduled to accommodate working professionals, with classes scheduled after 5 pm. The online courses are asynchronous to fit any student’s schedule. This robust MPH program is led by faculty members who are committed to providing excellent and innovative program instruction, whether on-campus or online. This MPH degree program is a 42 credit program, including 3 credits of field experience. HBHP concentration students can choose between a thesis or non-thesis option. The thesis option includes 6 credits of thesis courses and completion of the thesis document. The non-thesis option includes 3 elective credits and the completion of a comprehensive exam. Students completing the HMAP concentration must complete the non-thesis option. MPH students master core competencies during the program providing a strong academic foundation for careers in public health or further graduate study. Students become successful health professionals and leaders working with diverse populations. At this time international students are not eligible to participate in this MPH online program.
FAQ on MPH Programs That Don’t Require GRE
Although a school may not require a GRE score, they have other requirements that show if a student is prepared academically for graduate school. Graduate schools want their graduates to be successful, so with or without a GRE requirement, they will make sure incoming students are ready for the rigors of their program.
The admissions page of the school’s website will give important information including GPA requirements, references needed, work experience requirements, a personal statement of interest from the applicant, or letters of recommendation from an employer or a former instructor. Find out exactly what the program you’re interested in requires from their website and from speaking to an admissions officer.
If you’re looking to work to improve the health and lives of individuals and communities, getting your MPH may be a good plan. Public health professionals gain great satisfaction in their jobs. If you like research, working with people, number crunching, teaching, promoting health, you make benefit from getting your MPH.
GRE requirements are often waived for students with proven academic ability. But you will still need to check with your program of interest to confirm if it’s needed in your situation, so check with the admissions office to make sure you have all the requirements taken care of.
If you already have an advanced degree some programs will waive the GRE requirement. If this is the case, you will need to submit a waiver to have the GRE requirement waived.
First you need to consider what is most important to you. What concentration are you interested in? Do you want a full or part time program? Do you plan to work while in school? Do you want an on campus program or online? How do you plan to pay for school and does the program you’re interested in offer scholarships? There are many great MPH programs available so take some time to find one that you will be successful in.
If you have good academic skills, are able to learn and study independently, have good organizational skills, and basic computer and technical skills, you have the skills to succeed in an online program. Making the time and putting in the effort in an online program is necessary just as when taking on campus classes. Online programs have been around for a long time now, so find someone who has done it and ask them questions about their experience to see if it sounds like it would work for you.
Students often finance their masters in public health online no GRE program through a variety of methods that can include things like student loans, scholarships, personal savings, employer financing, research fellowships or teaching assistantships. Talk to your school of interest to discuss your education goals and financial needs as financial aid packages vary greatly.
Most online programs base their tuition on state residency, but there are some variations. Check with your school now interest and also compare in state tuition to other state and private school tuition rates.
SOPHAS is the centralized application service for public health programs. SOPHAS is a service of the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH). Their website has a program finder to help prospective students find their match for CEPH accredited public health programs.
A full-time program usually takes one to two years to finish. Part-time programs can take four to seven years. Schools sometimes have a time limit for finishing a degree, so know that going in. Transfer credits sometimes are accepted and can shorted your time to finish and maybe the cost.
A MPH can lead to leadership roles, program development, and public health research, among other things. Internship requirements sometimes turn into jobs. There is a pretty large variety of work environments that MPH holders work in.
Verbal and written communication skills are vital in public health. Interpersonal skills, time management, attention to detail and critical thinking skills are important to develop as a public health professional. Depending on the position held, skills like assessment, data analysis, content development, policy development, statistical analysis, and data management may be needed in a MPH graduate’s work.
Take some time to look at what concentrations are out there and consider where it can take you in your career. If you already have a direction in your career and want to continue in that direction, choose according to that fact. Some may want to switch direction and do something different. Speak with a career counselor, people in the profession, and maybe a colleague to help shed light on the subject. Shadowing someone that is working in your possible area of interest can help you decide on a concentration. Speaking with MPH students and professors can also help guide you in deciding which concentration is best for you.
People with a MPH can expect possibilities in public health in leadership, program development, and public health research, among other things. Internship requirements sometimes turn into jobs. There is a pretty large variety of work environments that MPH holders work in.
If you have a MPH degree, you have options for where you work. MPH holders work in public and private sectors, for health departments, in academia as researchers as well as non-profit organizations.
Public health professional you can impact individuals and populations. The CDC says public health initiatives over the last 100 years have added 25 years to the life expectancy in the U.S. due to improvements in workplace safety, food safety, motor vehicle safety, vaccinations, and declines in death from heart attack and stroke. There is still improvements to be made.
There are a lot of different Job titles in public health including: health communications specialist, health research scientist, program director, director of services, and public health management analyst to name a few. Lots of organizations need MPH degree holders, including public and private sector, government agencies, research organizations, academia, and community based organizations.
Public health workers with their MPH can expect to make more money and have more opportunity for leadership. Salaries vary greatly depending on who you’re working for, experience, education, and location. Salaries vary depending what sector you work in such government, universities, private companies, or non-governmental organizations (NGO’s). The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) has information on salary and job outlook for specific jobs.
The American Public Health Association (APHA) is the professional organization for public health workers. APHA works to strengthen the profession through continuing education and has an influence on federal policies. APHA boasts a global membership with members from over 40 countries.
By Carol Dolan BS RN BSN CDCES
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) currently working with adults and children living with diabetes in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
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This concludes our ranking of the 15 Best MPH Programs Not Requiring the GRE.
Source: Council on Education for Public Health