If you are interested in a career where you can make a difference by protecting and promoting health in your community or around the world, a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the West may be your ticket. The Master of Public Health is the professional degree that prepares degree holders to solve public health problems. The MPH will equip you with the skills needed to succeed in a variety of environments such as local, state, national and international public health agencies and health care organizations.
This list of top 10 MPH programs in the West can help guide you to a degree to get your start in this exciting field. Keep reading to find a program to help meet your academic and career goals.
- #1 University of California, Berkeley
- #2 University of Washington, Seattle
- #3 University of California, Los Angeles
- #4 San Diego State University, San Diego
- #5 University of Colorado, Denver
- #6 University of Arizona, Tucson
- #7 Oregon State University, Corvallis
- #8 University of Utah, Salt Lake
- #9 University of California, Davis
- #10 University of Hawaii, Manoa
Methodology for the 10 Best MPH Degrees in the West
Rankings for the Top 10 Best MPH programs in the West was developed using an initial pool of schools from the College Navigator website. The 34 schools in the initial pool were accredited by the CEPH (Council of Education for Public Health). Schools were excluded from the initial pool if not accredited by the CEPH. Programs were 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 school of interest. Information for program profiles was acquired from school websites.
1. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY
MPH
In-State Tuition $11,442
Out-of State Tuition $26,544
MPH students at University of California, Berkeley can expect a rigorous 2-year full-time program with choices of concentrations in Biostatistics; Environmental Health Sciences; Epidemiology; Epidemiology/Biostatistics; Health & Social Behavior; Health Policy & Management; Global Health & the Environment; Infectious Diseases & Vaccinology; Interdisciplinary; Maternal & Child Health; and Public Health Nutrition. The Master of Public Health degree is available in an On-Campus format, or through the On-Campus/Online MPH program. Berkeley’s hybrid MPH program requires students to participate in two one week sessions on campus, with remaining coursework completed online. Concentrations may require public health practice experience, a written and oral comprehensive exam, or thesis style research project. There is also an 11-month program in some areas of study, which is intended for concurrently enrolled doctoral students or for students who have already completely their doctoral degrees. The UC Berkeley School of Public Health’s Online Master of Public Health program requires 42 credits to complete, including two intensive one week on-campus experiences. This 27-month program is designed for the working professional. Joint, concurrent and dual degree programs are offered for students wishing to combine other disciplines with their public health studies. Some of these degrees are offered in conjunction with other schools or departments on the UC Berkeley campus, and others are in partnership with neighboring institutions.
2. UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON, SEATTLE
MPH
In-State Tuition $15,510
Out-of-State Tuition $27,801
The University of Washington’s Master of Public Health program consistently is seen on national rankings, and with good reason. This MPH program provides students with a rigorous academic program and opportunity for practical experience, enabling students to solve 21st century public health challenges. Typically taking 2 years of full time study to complete including a practicum and master’s thesis, the University of Washington offers MPH degrees in the following areas: Biostatistics, Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Global Health, Health Services, and Nutritional Sciences. Within these areas are multiple “tracks” to further focus a student’s interests. One new track under Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences is called One Health, which provides training to investigate health linkages between humans, animals and their shared environments. Be aware that the UW School of Public Health is revamping this popular MPH program to continue to prepare students for the changes in public health well into the future. This new program will take effect in the 2020-2021 school year, and will not affect the MPH Executive program (online) or the Community-Oriented Public Health Practice MPH track under Health Services.
3. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES
MPH
In-State tuition $11,442
Out-of-State tuition $26,554
A Master of Public Health from UCLA Fielding School of Public Health prepares students to be at the forefront of public health efforts, with graduates having gone on to take leadership roles at the local, national and international levels. UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health offers a Master of Public Health that is a school-wide degree, allowing students to gain broad training in public health while permitting specialization in one department to gain focused knowledge in a particular area. Students specialize in one of the School’s five departments: Biostatistics, Community Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Environmental Health Sciences or Health Policy and Management. The MPH is typically a two-year program, though there are accelerated options for qualified students. Most concentrations have a practical field work component, a written component and/or comprehensive exam requirement for graduation. In addition, the Executive MPH program caters to working professionals with coursework and projects scheduled on weekends and is designed around cohorts allowing for valuable networking with fellow students.
4. SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN DIEGO
MPH
In-State Tuition $7,176
Out-of-State Tuition $16,680
San Diego State University School of Public Health offers an affordable and robust curriculum to boost your professional opportunities. San Diego State’s MPH graduates promote public health locally, nationally and internationally. With strong community collaborations including with the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, SDSU’s location provides opportunity to train a diverse student body and impact health disparities in the region. Six concentrations for the Master of Public Health degree include Biometry, Epidemiology, Environmental Health, Health Management & Policy, Health Promotion & Behavioral Science, and Health Promotion & Behavioral Science (available only online). Additionally, SDSU’s MPH program offers students the opportunity to earn a dual degree with the Master of Social Work and a Master of Latin American Studies. Most concentrations can be completed in 2 years and require a field placement experience as well as a written requirement. The online program can be completed in 18 months, with 8-week courses and 1 week break between courses.
5. UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, DENVER/Anschutz Medical Campus
MPH
In-State Tuition $6,786
Out-of-State Tuition $22,590
The University of Colorado’s top MPH program requires 42-45 credits and is designed to be completed in two years. Students may take a maximum of 15 credits per semester, and must complete program requirements in 5 years. Each MPH concentration requires a practicum and capstone in keeping with the school’s practice-based learning curriculum. With fourteen concentrations, University of Colorado’s Master of Public Health program offers variety in their robust offerings, providing academic opportunities in an area of study that most fits a student’s unique academic and career interests. Concentrations include: Applied Biostatistics; Community & Behavioral Health; Environmental & Occupational Health; Epidemiology; Global Health & Applied Biostatistics; Global Health & Community & Behavioral Health; Global Health & Environmental & Occupational Health; Global Health & Epidemiology; Global Health & Health Systems, Management & Policy; Global Health & Maternal & Child Health; Health Systems, Management & Policy; Leadership & Public Health Practice, Maternal & Child Health; and Population Mental Health & Wellbeing. Leadership & Public Health Practice is offered online to those with significant professional experience under their belt.
6. UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA, TUCSON
MPH
In-State Tuition $11,716
Out-of-State Tuition $32,065
The University of Arizona’s Mel & Enid Zuckerman School of Public Health offers a vigorous MPH program that will be sure to get your attention. The Master of Public Health program is designed to be completed in 2 years full time, or in up to 6 years part time, and includes an internship requirement. Students are able to obtain the MPH degree through one of nine concentration areas on campus and three concentration areas online: Biostatistics; Environmental & Occupational Health (with tracks in Environmental & Occupational Health OR Industrial Hygiene); Epidemiology; Family and Child Health (with tracks in Global Health OR Maternal & Child Health); Health Behavior Health Promotion; Health Services Administration (available at UA’s Phoenix & Tucson campuses); One Health; Public Health Policy & Management; Public Health practice (available at UA’s Phoenix campus). UA’s Online MPH offers concentrations in Applied Epidemiology, Health Promotion, and Health Services Administration. Six Dual Degrees pair the MPH with MD, JD, PharmD, MBA, MA in Latin American Studies, and MS in Mexican American Studies. The University of Arizona’s world-class faculty of public health leaders helps create a dynamic learning experience that is collaborative and interactive, matching student dedication to public health with their thirst for knowledge.
7. OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY, CORVALLIS
MPH
In-State Tuition $12,555
Out-of-State Tuition $23,787
Oregon State University’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences Master of Public Health program promises to prepare students for a thriving career in public health. This program can be completed in 2 years full time or up to 7 years part time. With 8 distinct options for study, the Master of Public Health program includes innovative and integrated coursework that offers the ability to design an area of focus within your concentration for all on-campus offerings. With ample access to faculty and the ability for involvement with prominent research projects, OSU offers opportunities for work around the globe. There are 7 on-campus concentrations including Biostatistics; Environmental & Occupational Health; Epidemiology; Global Health; Health Management & Policy; Health Promotion & Health Behavior; and their new concentration in Physical Activity. The 60 credit Online MPH in Public Health Practice can be completed either full time or part time. A dual degree with the DVM is offered. The MPH in Physical Activity is a unique offering meant to help graduates promote active lifestyles in local communities.
8. UNIVERSITY OF UTAH, SALT LAKE
MPH
In-State Tuition $6,988
Out-of-State Tuition $24,665
The University of Utah’s MPH degree program is a general public health education program and provides coursework in biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, health policy and administration, and social and behavioral science. This 45 credit program offers some unique opportunities and can be completed in 2 years full time, or can be completed on a part time basis or in some cases accelerated. The University of Utah collaborates with partners who utilize knowledge to impact the public’s health directly, which may be through research supported by the National Institutes of Health, engaged scholarship working with community partners, partnering with state and local health departments, or working with medical delivery systems. Unique to the University, students have the amazing opportunity to study at two international Division of Public Health’s University of Utah campuses. The University of Utah Asia Campus offers the unique opportunity to complete the degree solely in Korea or split time between all campuses. This program may be accelerated and completed in one year. Beginning in the Summer 2019 the University will open a MPH program in Ghana, which will provide another option for international exposure. These programs allow students to fully engage a global health education experience with flexibility to study at one or all campuses. Dual degrees with MPP, MPA and MHA are also available.
9. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS
MPH
In-State Tuition $11,442
Out-of-State Tuition $26,544
UC Davis Health’s MPH programs is a 56 credit program that can be completed in 2 years. This program’s strength is in the collaborative opportunities within the UC Davis community, including the Schools of Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Management, Law, Education, Nursing, and the Colleges of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Engineering, and Letters & Science. With two specialty areas, students can tailor their program to their interests through the many electives available. Robust practicum experiences are available through UC Davis’ historically strong partnership with the public health community, including the California Department of Public Health, local county health departments, and non-profit agencies. The practicum experience involves working with an organization on an approved project, writing a final report and making an oral presentation. University of California Davis Master of Public Health degree consistently prepares students for the expanding range of professional opportunities in leadership roles in public health.
10. UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII, MANOA
MPH
In-State Tuition $15,600
Out-of-State Tuition $37,080
The MPH degree at the University of Hawaii is designed to provide individuals with a broad background to enhance their professional practice in the field of public health at state, national and international levels. Concentrations in Epidemiology, Health Policy & Management, Native Hawaiian & Indigenous Health, and Social & Behavioral Health Sciences are offered in this beautiful location. The unique concentration in Native Hawaiian & Indigenous Health is designed to provide students with skills and training necessary to serve indigenous people and assist in addressing their unique health and wellness needs. Students are required to take advanced level training in Indigenous health policy, ethics and research design. Electives for this concentration are available across campus, and students will participate in on-going research programs with Indigenous communities through a practicum experience.
FAQs
Why pursue a career in public health?
Public health is an exciting and growing field of study with a broad focus on protecting populations through preventing disease and promoting good health. Professionals confront complex health issues including access to health care, infectious disease control, and reducing environmental hazards, violence, substance abuse, and injury. Public Health professionals come from varying educational backgrounds and can specialize in an array of fields.
Who should consider a degree in public health?
Public health is a field that offers job opportunities to suit a variety of interests and skills–whether math-oriented, people-focused, or research-based. Public health is ideal for those who gain satisfaction in knowing they are working to improve the lives of others.
Where do public health professionals work?
Professionals of public health occupy both public and private sectors. The public sector includes local, state, or federal health departments. Public health professionals may also work at a university as researchers. Working for a non-profit organization can land a job in health advocacy, policy, or research for organizations such as the American Cancer Society or Red Cross, or a non-profit that focuses on specific health issues. Work in the private sector may be with a pharmaceutical company, health insurance company or hospital.
What kind of job titles might I have once I earn my MPH degree in the West?
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 is an entry level payscale for a professional with a 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 payscale in your area of interest and geographical area.
How will a Master of Public Health degree from the West advance my career?
A Master of Public Health degree can help prepare you for work in a health related agency or organization, possibly in a leadership capacity. The MPH 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.
What kind of Bachelor’s degree is most beneficial to being accepted into a top MPH program in the West?
Most MPH programs are interested in a potential candidate’s academic performance in general as well as a demonstrated interest in public health rather than a degree title. There really is no best degree to pursue as a Bachelor’s degree.
How long does the MPH degree take to complete?
Full-time programs are typically 2-2.5 years long, while part-time students may take up to 7 years to complete, depending on the university. Some accelerated programs may be completed in about a year.
What are some new or unique concentrations that may be interesting?
One Health: The One Health concentration focuses on the interconnectedness of health among human, animal and environmental systems and how to work within a multi-disciplinary team.
Physical Activity: This concentration will help prepare MPH students for a variety of careers that involve developing, implementing and evaluating community-based programs designed to promote physically active lifestyles.
Indigenous People: A concentration related to indigenous people will help develop the knowledge of history, policy, health determinants and ethics needed to address and eliminate the inequities faced by Indigenous people that involve a broad array of topics related to health.
Are there benefits to earning a MPH degree in a traditional format compared to the more flexible online formats available?
For those who prefer 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 less 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, 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.
What if these MPH West schools are too far for me to commute to?
Look for a program 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 schools offer flexible options and accelerated formats.
How can I finance my degree?
Graduate school is 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.
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. What health initiatives will make this next century a healthier one in the US and abroad and 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 in concerned with the health of people and communities at large, promoting scientifically based perspectives towards a healthier society. APHA has an effect on federal policy out of its 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 CDE
May 2019
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.
Related:
This concludes our ranking of the top MPH degrees in the West.
Related Rankings:
| 10 Best MPH Degrees in the Midwest |
| 10 Best MPH Degrees in the Northeast |
| 10 Best MPH Degrees in the South |