According to the American Public Health Association (APHA), Public Health “promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work, and play.” Public health professionals with a Master of Public Health from one of the best public health schools in the south can advance their career opportunities and prepare for roles in public health leadership that promotes and protects health in their communities and around the world.
If you are looking to advance your public health career in this diverse and dynamic field , one of these top MPH programs in the southern United States may be the one to help you reach your goal. With many public health concentrations to choose from, it is possible to tailor a degree in public health to meet your specific interests and community needs. Read on to check out these best MPH degree programs in the US that can help you prepare for the exciting field of public health.
- #1 University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- #2 Emory University
- #3 University of South Florida
- #4 University of Alabama at Birmingham
- #5 Tulane University
- #6 University of Florida
- #7 East Tennessee State University
- #8 University of Georgia
- #9 University of North Texas
- #10 University of Texas
Methodology for 10 Best MPH Degrees in the South
This MPH program rankings of the best Master’s in Public Health programs in the South was developed using an initial pool of schools derived through the College Navigator website. Schools were excluded from the MPH program rankings if not accredited by CEPH (Council of Education for Public Health). School of public health ranking from the best mph programs in the south was based on U.S. News recognition, tuition rate, concentrations available, and unique program traits. Tuition costs posted are from the College Navigator website and are used for comparison purposes. Tuition costs should be confirmed by students with their schools of interest. Master of public health program information for these best mph schools was acquired from each school of public health website.
10. University of Texas
Master of Public Health Degree
In State Tuition $8,524
Out of State Tuition $36,273
With six campuses throughout the state, the University of Texas offers a master of public health degree program that can be completed by full-time students in approximately 18-24 months. A minimum of 45 semester credit hours, planned practice experience, and a culminating experience designed to demonstrate knowledge of public health are required to complete the Master of Public Health. Seven concentrations in public health are available, including Biostatistics, Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Health Promotion/Health Education, Community Health Practice, Health Services Organization, and Healthcare Management. In addition, the Customized MPH program at one of the top Texas MPH programs grants public health graduate students the flexibility to select cross-disciplinary coursework that is relevant to their area(s) of interest, such as health policy or environmental and occupational health. The dual degree public health programs available are designed so both degrees can be completed in the shortest time possible while still maintaining the integrity of each degree program.
9. University of North Texas, Fort Worth
Master of Public Health Degree
In State Tuition $6,012
Out of State Tuition $21,995
The University of North Texas, located in the heart of Fort Worth, offers a master of public health degree designed to be completed in 2 years (5 semesters including summer) and 48 credits. One of the best MPH programs in Texas with concentrations in Epidemiology, Maternal Child Health, and Public Health Practice, this program boasts small class size with 10-20 students in concentration classes and 20-35 students in core classes. Students participate in weekly career and field preparation meetings.UNT has one of the online MPH programs in Texas with a Professional option online and 3 dual degree options for those who qualify, with varying credit requirements. An appealing part of this program is that an MPH student completes an intensive hands-on 600-hour experience in conjunction with local public health nonprofits, governmental institutions, and health systems. This 3-semester experience begins in the summer semester, giving students hands-on experience in a significant project that not only provides resume material, but professional references as well.
8. University of Georgia, Athens
Master of Public Health Degree
In State Tuition $8,878
Out of State Tuition $25,186
University of Georgia has one of the best MPH programs in Georgia, where students can earn their MPH with 44 credits in 2 years. Students can specialize in one of seven concentrations, including Biostatistics, Management of Disasters, Environmental Health Science, Epidemiology, Gerontology, Management and Health Policy, and Health Promotion and Behavior. The College of Public Health also offers certificate programs in the areas of gerontology, global health, and disaster management that can be earned in conjunction with a master of public health. Dual degree options allow students to pair an MPH specialization with a career pursuit in business, law, pharmacy, medicine, social work, or veterinary medicine. The required culminating experience and internship are completed in the final semester, offering students an opportunity to gain valuable expertise and direction for their careers, whether it be health policy, community health sciences, or occupational health.
7. East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
Master of Public Health
In State Tuition $8,784
Out of State Tuition $23,904
Flexible with full time or part-time study available in 5 concentrations, East Tennessee State University’s public health program requires 43 credits, including 6 credits of field experience. Biostatistics, Community Health, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, and Health Service Administration concentrations are available, with Community Health, Epidemiology, and Health Services Administration available either on campus or in an online format. MD and Pharm students may enroll in the dual MPH program. ETSU offers some interesting tuition arrangements, including a discounted rate of 55% off out of state tuition for out of state students enrolled in their online program. In addition, students from select border counties in Virginia and North Carolina are eligible for in-state tuition. MPH students at ETSU can look for opportunities as graduate and research assistants to further enhance their educational experience.
6. University of Florida, Gainesville
Master of Public Health
In State Tuition $10,770
Out of State Tuition $27,335
This 2 year, 48 credit program has six concentrations available to on-campus MPH students that include Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Public Health Management and Policy, Public Health Practice, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Students wishing to complete their MPH online can choose from Public Health Practice, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. There is an accelerated program for those who qualify that may be completed on a full- or part-time basis. The University also boasts five joint programs as well as collaborative programs with doctoral-level gradual degrees. A “Nontraditional Doctoral/Master’s Degree” (Ph.D./MPH) can be developed on an individual basis as well. Concurrent master’s programs in a variety of disciplines are also possible, as well as a combined bachelor’s/MPH program. Of the MPH programs Florida has to offer, UF is excellent.
5. Tulane University, New Orleans
Master of Public Health
Tuition $61,066
Founded in 1912, Tulane University boasts the oldest school of public health in the country and is the only American combined school of public health and tropical medicine. With 11 available concentrations, you may be able to find just what you’re looking for at Tulane. MPH concentrations in Community Health Sciences, Disaster Management, Epidemiology, Health Education and Communication, Health Policy, Health Systems Management, International Health and Development, Maternal and Child Health, Nutrition, Occupational and Environmental Health, and Occupational Health and Safety Management round out the extensive offerings. The flexibility of programming can help you hone your skills and knowledge in your specific area of interest through the many Certificate Programs for current master’s students as well as Combination Degrees. Tulane’s one of a kind summer public health experiences abroad offer unique trainings in China, Cuba, Italy, Suriname, and Taiwan.
4. University of Alabama at Birmingham
MPH Degree
In State Tuition $8,424
Out of State Tuition $19,962
Birmingham, nicknamed “The Magic City,” boasts the nation’s third-largest hospital and is a hub for science, research, and entrepreneurship that has more green space per capita than any other city in the country. This southern oasis is home to The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s MPH degree program. This southern MPH requires 44 credits to complete, with 5 areas of concentrations available in an on-campus or flexible online format. Concentrations are available in Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Health Behavior, Health Care Organization & Policy, and Population Health. Coordinated dual degree opportunities are abundant, with an amazing 17 dual MPH degrees available in this highly collaborative field. The fast track bachelor’s to graduate public health master’s program is available to those who qualify. Research opportunities are possible to help expand student experience.
3. University of South Florida, Tampa
Master of Public Health
In State Tuition $8,350
Out of State Tuition $19,048
This top-rated public health graduate program in South Florida, University of South Florida requires 42 credits with additional credits hours required for some concentrations. Students can focus their skills by completing coursework in one of University of South Florida’s many concentration areas: applied biostatistics; epidemiology; health care organization and management; health policy and programs; environmental and occupational health; global communicable disease; maternal and child health; public health education; and global health practice. Six concentrations are available in an online format. Dual programs with the master of public health are available as well as four Combined MPH Concentrations in Epidemiology & Communicable Disease; Epidemiology & Global Communicable Disease; Epidemiology & Global Health; and Epidemiology and Maternal Child Health. Their international field experience is a practicum open to all public health students and is mandatory for public health majors in the Global Health Practice concentration. This structured and supervised educational public health experience takes place in an agency, institution, or community in a developing country.
2. Emory University, Atlanta
Master of Public Health
Tuition $45,800
Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health has much to offer the MPH candidate, with 9 concentrations, 12 dual degree programs and 9 certificates that can be earned while in the MPH program. Concentrations include Behavioral Sciences/Health Education; Biostatistics; Environmental Health; Global Environmental Health; Epidemiology; Global Epidemiology; Health Policy; Health Care Management; and Global Health. Certificates in topics related to public health that may further focus your interest and can be earned while in the MPH graduate degree program include a Certificate in Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology; Humanitarian Emergencies; Human Rights; Injury & Violence Prevention; Maternal & Child Health; Mental Health; Religion & Health; Socio-Contextual Determinants of Health; and Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene. Emory’s rigorous MPH program includes a 200-400 hour practicum and a culminating experience requiring a written product and an oral or poster presentation. An online Executive MPH is available in some concentrations to those qualified and have public health experience.
1.University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Master of Public Health
In State Tuition $10,552
Out of State Tuition $28,844
This 42-credit program from the University of North Carolina takes two years to complete, including an applied practicum and culminating experience. At UNC’s Gillings School of Public Health at the Chapel Hill campus, students can choose from among 12 concentration areas, including: 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; and Public Health Data Science. The 200 hour (minimum) Practicum begins from year one of the program, providing real world opportunity to integrate and apply knowledge and skills. UNC school of public health boasts a dynamic community of world class faculty, student colleagues and exceptional staff from across North Carolina and around the world. The residential program begins each fall and is designed to be full time, while the five online concentrations can be completed full or part time in as little as 20 months. Some concentrations in public health may be accelerated if qualified.
FAQs
How will a Master in Public Health in the South advance my career?
This master’s degree will not only prepare you for leadership roles in public health, but will also prepare you for more advanced education and research opportunities in public health. Choosing to concentrate your studies in one area will also guide you in your new role in this dynamic public health promotion field.
Is there a benefit to earning my MPH in an on campus traditional program compared to earning it in an online flexible public health major program?
The school of public health programs listed in this article have traditional on campus programs, with some online public health degrees options with more flexible formats available at some schools. Consider how you learn and finances to help you choose the option that works best to get you to your goal to attend a top school of public health. Public health professionals that are working may opt for an online graduate degree from one of these public health schools to boost their career.
What if I can’t commute to a program in the South?
Future articles will look at the top public health programs in other regions of the country. It’s beneficial to contact the public health degree program you are interested in directly to explore how they can help you reach your academic goals in public health. The school of public health may be remote study options, graduate school housing, or scholarships that can help you in your pursuit of your graduate degree.
By Carol Dolan BS RN BSN CDE
May 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 Educator (CDE) currently working with adults and children living with diabetes in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
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