Do you have an interest in making a difference in the field of public health through research? If so, this list of the top 10 Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) degree programs may help you find your way to a program that will be sure to lead you into this exciting and growing field. This degree provides students with the advantage of understanding the field of public health, from application to research. This master of public health degree equips students for research and technical positions with a variety of employers including government, industry, and universities. If you boast an analytical mind and are interested in promoting and protecting health at home or abroad, a Master of Science in Public Health may be the degree to pursue.
This list of top 10 public health degrees can help guide you to a master of public health program to advance your career in the exciting field of public health and work to improving human health. Keep reading to find a graduate school offering a master of public health program that promises to meet your academic and career goals.
- #1 University of North Carolina
- #2 John Hopkins University
- #3 Emory University
- #4 University of South Florida
- #5 University of Alabama Birmingham
- #6 Tulane University
- #7 University of North Texas Health Science Center
- #8 Campbell University
- #9 Saint Louis University
- #10 Meharry Medical College
Top 10 Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) Programs Methodology
Rankings for the Top 10 Best MSPH programs were developed using an initial pool of schools from the College Navigator website. The 14 schools in the initial pool were accredited by the CEPH (Council of Education for Public Health). Schools were excluded if not accredited by the CEPH. Programs were ranked based on U.S. News recognition, tuition cost, concentrations available and unique program traits. In-state tuition was used for comparisons when ranking state schools. 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.
10. MEHARRY MEDICAL COLLEGE, Nashville, TN
MSPH
Tuition $27,570
This 45 credit MSPH program includes 21 credits of elective coursework used to focus degree candidates’ interests. A 400 hour externship in a public health agency provides work experience in the form of at least ten 40-hour work weeks. This externship is typically completed during the summer between the first and second years of study. Master of Science in Public Health candidates participate in externships in local, state, federal, and international organizations. The Meharry Medical College MSPH program seeks to contribute to the public health field by increasing representation from traditionally disadvantaged backgrounds through a program that is evidence-based and culturally sensitive. Graduates of this master of public health program can expect to have the knowledge, skills and training to address issues faced by underserved populations.
9. SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY, Saint Louis, MO
MSPH
Tuition $21,960
Saint Louis University’s Master of Science in Public Health degree program is designed for students with terminal degrees seeking additional training in population-based research methods to further support their clinical research activities. This 36-credit MSPH program includes a research project that incorporates principles of their area of concentration that results in a publishable manuscript. MSPH candidates may choose from concentrations in Behavior Science and Health Education, or Epidemiology. This MSPH program promises to allow students to develop the practical skills needed to grow in their public health career. A limited number of scholarships and research assistant positions for master of public health students are available and are based on GPA and standardized test scores.
8. CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY, Buies Creek, NC
MSPH
Tuition $14,041
Campbell University’s setting in central North Carolina places this MSPH program in an ideal setting for the program’s focus on rural health disparities, improving public health and community outreach. Master of Science in Public Health candidates work closely with the local health system toward improving public health in the region. Student-led practicums have been effective in working towards eliminating local health care disparities and developing community health intervention and education programs. These master of science in public health practicums are conducted by teams of students, providing valuable hands-on experience in public health with unique opportunities in farmworker health, animal services, and global opportunity in Haiti. This two-year full time program has a fall semester start and requires a minimum of 42 credits to complete, including electives to focus interest. Practicum experiences begin in the first semester, with the second year dedicated to research and elective coursework.
7. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER, Fort Worth, TX
MSPH
In-State Tuition $8,524
Out-of-State Tuition $28,446
This master of science in public health program is a demanding full-time program that prohibits outside employment during enrollment. UNTHSC’s MSPH program has a fall semester-start with a small class size (15-30 in core classes and 6-12 in concentration classes). This MSPH program is in a cohort format, where students complete the program in a pre-determined sequence and pace. This format has been shown to improve student completion and success rates, in addition to providing strong networking opportunities between students and faculty. Students complete 9 credit hours each semester over 5 semesters that include summer. MSPH students participate in weekly interlude meetings that provide career and field preparation programs. There are two concentrations available: Epidemiology and Health Behavior Research. Interprofessional Education (IPE) activities bring students together from across university schools for cross-disciplinary training. MSPH students can expect to complete significant research, writing, and publishing activities during their 2 years at UNTHSC, with their thesis proposal meeting journal standards and submitted for publication. In addition, MSPH will be expected to contribute 2-3 research articles over the course of this program. There are full-time tuition and fees scholarships available to highly qualified master of public health students.
6. TULANE UNIVERSITY, New Orleans, LA
MSPH
Tuition $59,000
Students enrolled in Tulane University’s master of science in public health program can expect to earn a professional degree that includes a science orientation. This challenging MSPH curriculum provides a foundation in the five core areas of public health that include epidemiology, behavioral science, environmental health, biostatistics, and management with the addition of study in a scientific topic. Graduates of this top program are prepared for public health practice and research in their area of study. Concentrations available in this program require 42-46 credits, an Applied Practice Experience (APE) and Integrative Learning Experience (ILE). Choose from a concentration in biostatistics, environmental health sciences, or industrial hygiene to boost your public health career to the next level. Students in the industrial hygiene concentration are required to pass the industrial hygiene comprehensive examination or obtain American Board of Industrial Hygiene (CIH) certification.
5. UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM, AL
MSPH
In-State Tuition $8,100
Out-of-State Tuition $19,188
A master of science in public health (MSPH) degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s challenging graduate School of Public Health focuses on research-oriented study, preparing candidates with skills to meet the demand for clinical investigators in public health. The online MSPH degree program in outcomes research is designed for students interested in careers that evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of treatments in health care. The master of science in public health concentration in clinical and translational science is an on-campus applied statistics degree with a focus on public health. This program is an ideal post-medical or other health science degree training program, supplementing students’ area of training. Graduates of this program can expect to have the academic training to develop and lead public health research programs and projects. Applicant’s undergraduate curriculum must include a 2-semester sequence of calculus and linear algebra. Students accepted into UAB’s MSPH program are admitted in the fall term.
4. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA, Tampa, FL
MSPH
In-state tuition $8,350
Out-of-state tuition $19,048
The Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) program from the University of South Florida focuses on research design, data collection, and analysis and application of research in public health leading to the improvement and protection of health of diverse populations. Students with quantitative and qualitative skills with an interest in public health research will find this challenging program will prepare them for roles in public health research, academia, or epidemiology. Concentrations include: socio-health sciences, health education, maternal and child health, behavioral health, health care organizations and management, health policies and programs, environmental health, toxicology/risk assessment, global communicable disease, epidemiology, or biostatistics.
3. EMORY UNIVERSITY, Atlanta, GA
MSPH
Tuition $44,800
This top MSPH program promises to provide degree candidates with an academic background in a specific field. This program is for students with a strong background in math and science with an interest in a research-based public health career. Concentrations include: biostatistics, environmental health & epidemiology, epidemiology, global epidemiology, and health policy & health services research. MSPH students complete a 200-400 hour practical experience that is designed for students to apply their understanding and research findings in a public health setting, giving the opportunity to earn practical hands-on experience. MSPH students are also required to complete an integrative learning experience in addition to the applied practical experience. The integrative learning experience may take on different forms and requires students to integrate and apply the competencies developed during the course of study, applied practice experience, and related field experiences. The integrative learning experience requires students to produce a written product as well as an oral or poster presentation.
2. JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY, Baltimore, MD
MSPH
Tuition $58,720
Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health offers this master of public health degree for students who want more focused skills in a specific public health field as well as for those who have less than two years of health-related work experience. This master of science in public health degree program combines hands-on field experience with coursework knowledge to provide students with the opportunity to integrate academic training with meaningful and practical work experience in the field. MSPH students can expect to complete this program in four semesters as a full-time student, which includes both the internship and a written culmination of students learning. Concentrations include: global disease epidemiology & control, health education & health communication, human nutrition, health policy, health systems, population, family, and reproductive health, and social and behavioral interventions.
1. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, Chapel Hill, NC
MSPH
In-State Tuition $10,552
Out-of-State Tuition $28,844
A Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) from UNC’s Gillings School of Global Public Health promises to prepare students for careers in public health practice, advanced education, research, or management in public health. Concentrations for the MSPH include environmental sciences and engineering, epidemiology, health policy and management, and maternal and child health. Students in the environmental sciences and engineering concentration are expected to have a strong science or engineering background. The health policy and management concentration is designed to improve research and analytical skills. The maternal and child health concentration is open to students with (or expected to complete) a terminal health professional degree or allied health professional degree. Students can expect to complete this program in 1.5 to 2.5 years, depending on the concentration. The MCH program concentration begins in the fall only.
FAQs on MSPH Programs
What’s the difference between MSPH or MPH degree ?
The MPH and MSPH programs differ in multiple ways. The MSPH is considered to be an academic research degree that can be used to prepare students for an advanced degree, such as a doctorate. An MPH degree is the degree that is geared toward public health practitioners. The MSPH teaches the core disciplines found in an MPH degree with the addition of research methods, epidemiology and biostatistics. While MPH and MSPH programs have some things in common, there are distinct differences.
Why should I pursue my MSPH graduate school degree?
MSPH students develop a solid foundation in behavioral science principles and theories in addition to research, including program planning, implementation and evaluation. Some MSPH programs provide opportunity to take part in research studies in areas such as health policy, health initiatives and health education.
Do I need pre-requisites for an MSPH degree?
Depending on the program and concentration, incoming students may need higher math and sciences to help them succeed in an MSPH academic program. Check with your program of interest to find out more.
Why consider a career in public health?
Public health is an exciting and growing field of study with a broad focus on protecting populations by preventing disease and promoting good health. Professionals with an MSPH degree are poised to research and confront complex health issues that face human health.
Who should consider a Master of Science in Public Health?
Public health is a field that offers job opportunities to suit a variety of interests and skills. In general, individuals seeking an MSPH should be analysis-oriented and have an interest in protecting and promoting health through the field of public health. Whether you are interested in crunching numbers, conducting research, health policy, or working with people, public health is a field where there is satisfaction in knowing that lives are being improved.
Where do public health professionals work?
Public health professionals work in both public and private sectors. Graduates with a public health degree from an MSPH degree program may find work in local, state, or federal health departments. Public health professionals with an MSPH may also work at a university as researchers. Working for public health programs for a non-profit organization may be in health advocacy, policy, or research for organizations such as the American Cancer Society, or a non-profit that focuses on specific health issues. Employment in the private sector may be in pharmaceuticals, health insurance or health care.
What kind of job titles might I have once I earn my MSPH degree?
Job titles may include health research scientist, director of programs, director of services, or public health management analyst, or health policy leader to name a few. You may find work in public health programs in the public or private sector, a government agency, academia, research, or community-based organizations.
How will a Master of Science in Public Health degree advance my career?
The MSPH can prepare you for a career in 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 MSPH graduate program?
Schools looking at MSPH potential candidates look for the candidate’s overall demonstrated academic performance and interest in public health, and an emphasis in math and science rather than the title of the degree. Students entering an MSPH program can have a bachelor’s degree in any variety of subject matter, but should have a strong math and science background.
How long does the MSPH take to complete?
Full-time programs are typically 2-2.5 years long, while some part-time programs may take up to 7 years to complete. Many MSPH degree programs are offered on a full-time basis.
Are there a lot of online MSPH programs available for those who need a more flexible format?
No. While online MPH programs abound, it is not so for MSPH programs. Of these top 10 MSPH programs, UAB has one online MSPH concentration available in outcomes resources.
What is an entry-level payscale for a professional with an MPH degree?
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 and what other experience and degrees you have. Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics at BLS.Gov can help give you more information regarding pay scale in your area of interest and geographical area.
How can I finance my degree?
Financing a graduate degree is often through 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 research and initiatives have added 25 years to the life expectancy of people in the United States. The Center for Disease Control reports that public health’s greatest health improvements in the last 100 years 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 hazards of tobacco use. MSPH degree holders will help 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. APHA’s vision is to “Create the healthiest nation in one generation,” and champions the health of all people and all communities. APHA influences federal policy and brings together members from all areas of public health. Strengthening the public health profession and speaking out for public health issues and policies backed by science, APHA has a 150 perspective in public health with a mission to improve the health of the public and achieve health status equity. Members are from all disciplines of public health and over 40 countries.
By Carol Dolan BS RN BSN CDE
Updated June 2022
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.