Exploring the Best Master’s in Public Health (MPH) Programs

If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that public health is fascinating. No wonder there has been an explosion of interest in master of public health degrees, also known as MPH degrees. A graduate degree in public health management is right up your alley if you are interested in the American Health Care System, Community Health Issues, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.

The Growing Demand for Public Health Professionals

Public health professionals are in demand according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A top MPH program can lead to a rewarding career of improving the lives of others. Specifically, jobs for community health workers and epidemiologists are expected to grow by 13% and 19%, respectively.

Ranking Methodology for MPH Programs

To determine the best master’s degrees in public health, we put together a list of every university offering a Master of Public Health degree accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). The best MPH programs have strong connections to health agencies, diverse specializations, and hands-on learning opportunities. To determine our top 20 rankings, we used the following points-based system:

• Annual Out-of-State Graduate Tuition: Points are awarded based on affordability, ranging from 1 point for tuition under $60,000 to 5 points for tuition under $20,000.
• Annual Percentage of 20-Year Net Return on Investment (ROI): Higher percentages yield more points, with 9% and above earning 5 points.
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: Better ratios earn more points, with 10:1 or better receiving 5 points.

In the event of a tie in points, the higher ranking was awarded to the university with the lowest annual tuition for out-of-state graduate students.

Spotlight on Emory University: The Top-Ranked MPH Program

Topping our list of the best public health master’s programs is Emory University. Our #1 ranked school for a master’s in public health is Emory University, followed by Columbia University. This private research university is home to the Rollins School of Public Health, which often works closely with the nearby Center for Disease Control (CDC). This connection puts Emory high on the list for any grad student interested in a career in public health.

An MPH from Emory University can be earned in just two years or less. Among Emory’s most distinguished alumni are two Nobel laureates, 21 Rhodes Scholars, and six Pulitzer Prize winners. In addition, U.S. News & World Report ranks Emory as the 21st best national university, while the QS World University Rankings include Emory as the 160th best university in the world.

Diverse Focus Areas at Emory

As a public health major at Emory, you have your pick of 10 different focus areas in which to earn your degree, including:

• Epidemiology
• Global Epidemiology
• Health Policy
• Health Care Management

For those professionals who already work full-time, Emory also offers an online MPH degree.

Emory University’s MPH Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year

Emory University, as a private institution, applies the same tuition rates to all students, regardless of residency status. The rates for the Rollins School of Public Health are as follows:

• Master of Public Health (MPH) – 4 Semesters: $20,800 per semester
• Accelerated MPH (3 Semesters): $27,872 per semester
• Dual Degree Program (2 Semesters in Public Health): $32,240 per semester
• Part-time MPH/MSPH Programs: $2,370 per credit hour

Student Perspectives on the Rollins School of Public Health

Students of Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health frequently commend the program for its rigorous academics and supportive community. The faculty’s expertise and dedication to student success are often highlighted, with professors being described as “passionate experts in their field” who are “very approachable and accessible.” The school’s proximity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers unique opportunities for hands-on learning.