Do you want a career in public health? Are you looking for a Master’s degree program in Public Health? Then pursuing your dreams from the USA would be the perfect step. The most well-sought-after universities in the USA are offering the most comprehensive programs. They have diverse research opportunities and access to a vast and vibrant healthcare sector. The advanced courses offered by US universities not only focus on theoretical knowledge but also give real-world chances for their students to learn from first-hand experiences. Study in USA to train yourself with the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact on public health.
As study abroad consultants it is our job to help you get admission into your dream university and assist you throughout the process. We at Contentholic will guide you to find the best university according to your needs. Our professional SOP writers will also help you in writing your course SOP and other critical documents as well.
The Master in Public Health (MPH) from the top universities in the USA will help you become highly skilled experts in this field. You can help communities facing challenges related to health issues, by working together with various stakeholders and making the communities aware of precautions or solutions. With this degree, you can get into many areas such as analyzing data, shaping policies, monitoring public health threats, and conducting health research. Read this blog to know the top 15 universities for MPH in the USA.
1. Brown University: School of Public Health
The MPH program of Brown University trains its students on issues facing the health sector through case-based learning. Students are expected to critically analyze a population’s health and develop action-based interventions for the betterment of physical and mental health. The program is also designed in a way that students gain communication skills to better express, translate, and transmit empirical and scientific information to advance the field of public health. The per-year cost of this program is approximately USD 80,705.
The students have to complete a thesis by the end of the program which would be either a program evaluation, policy assessment, or research. The students will also have to complete an internship to get first-hand experience in this field. The core courses of this program are Designing and Evaluating Public Health Interventions; Biostatistics and Applied Data Analysis; Applied Public Health: Policy, Leadership and Communication. This a 2-year program but can be accelerated to 1 year for a selected few students. Students can also get a dual degree such as MPH/MPA, a 1-year UG/MPH, and a 5-year MD/MPH.
2. Johns Hopkins University: Bloomberg School of Public Health
This is a high-ranked school known for its program and impact on global public health. The School provides a full-time program of 11 months and an online/part-time program that can be finished between 2 to 3 years. The program is interdisciplinary and the students have the flexibility to change their focus areas. The annual full-time tuition fee for this program is approximately USD 82,440 (USD 16,488 per term).
The required courses are Population Dynamics and Public Health; the Social Determinants of Public Health; and Negotiation and Mediation for Public Health Professionals. Students have to go through a 100-hour practicum experience aligning with their professional goals during the program. At the end, they have to complete a capstone project applying their knowledge to real-world public health challenges.
3. Tulane University: School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
Tulane’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine is the oldest school of public health in the United States and is the only school with a combination of public health and tropical medicine. Tulane has 9 different MPH programs covering the 5 core areas of public health. The total yearly cost of attendance for this program is USD 74,360. The foundation courses include Biostatistics; Health System: Policy and Management; and Design Strategies for Public Health Programs. There is an online MPH program as well called Community Health Sciences.
4. Boston University: School of Public Health
The MPH program at Boston University helps students transform their lives and make a positive impact on society. The students have to gain hands-on experience and try to find solutions for the challenges faced by health professionals. There are full-time, part-time as well as hybrid options to complete this program and the students have the flexibility to switch from full-time to part-time. Full-time students can complete the program in 16 months and part-timers can complete it in 2-3 years. The yearly cost of attendance for full-time students is approximately USD 90,942.
The students can specialize in one or two areas with the help of an integrated curriculum. Students would have to complete 240 hours of practicum experience to gain professional skills as well as the Integrative Learning Experience to have in-depth knowledge of the specialized areas.
5. Harvard University: Harvard T.C. Chan School of Public Health
The T.C. Chan School has one of the best public health Master’s programs in the US. The curriculum has been designed to intellectually stimulate students while students focus on specializing in areas according to their career interests. There are two forms of the MPH program at Harvard created according to students’ experiences and education qualifications:
- Students who have already completed a Master’s, have at least five years of working experience in public health or related field, or are currently students of dental and medical school having completed their primary clinical year can take up the 45-hour credit MPH program. They can also take this program as part of a joint degree. This would be a 1-year program and would cost around USD 105,510.
- Then there is the traditional 65-hour credit program which needs to be completed in 3 semesters and a summer practicum experience between the second and third semesters. This would be of 1.5 years and would cost around USD 96,690.
- Colombia University: Mailman School of Public Health
The MPH program of the Mailman School of Health is unique as its approach is interdisciplinary, integrative, and collaborative. The degree can be completed in 2 years but selected few students can avail of an accelerated 1-year program. The per-year tuition fee of this program is approximately USD 47,024.
The program consists of seven elements which include a core curriculum, certificates, modules, discipline, practicum, leadership, and integration of science and practice. Working professionals can also take up an Executive Master of Public Health program to get an in-depth knowledge of public health for career advancement.
6. Yale University: Yale School of Public Health
The MPH program at Yale School of Public Health is taught by the US and international leaders of the public health sector. This is a two-year traditional program. The program is quite interdisciplinary and therefore, students often take up courses in other areas and collaborate with other schools. There are around 25 different research centers and programs and students often collaborate with the faculty for research and learning opportunities. This program’s total estimated cost is USD 79,942. Working health professionals can also take up the Executive program which is in hybrid mode.
7. Colombia University: Mailman School of Public Health
The MPH program of the Mailman School of Health is unique as its approach is interdisciplinary, integrative, and collaborative. The degree can be completed in 2 years but selected few students can avail of an accelerated 1-year program. The per-year tuition fee of this program is approximately USD 47,024.
The program consists of seven elements which include a core curriculum, certificates, modules, discipline, practicum, leadership, and integration of science and practice. Working professionals can also take up an Executive Master of Public Health program to get an in-depth knowledge of public health for career advancement.
8. Emory University: Rollins School of Public Health
Emory University has a comprehensive program for students coming from different educational backgrounds and provides 10 different MPH programs. Each of these programs is different and therefore, has its specific expectations and requirements. Students have to complete 200-400 hours of applied practice experience in a public health context. The cost of attendance for one year is approximately USD 78,542.
The core courses include Perspectives in Environmental Health; Critical Issues in Global Health; and Behavioural Sciences in Public Health. Emory also provides an accelerated degree program for external graduates and professional degree holders. It also offers an Executive program for professionals working in applied epidemiology, applied public health informatics, and prevention science.
9. Drexel University: Dornsife School of Public Health
Drexel University’s MPH program is an interdisciplinary program through which students learn the necessary skills to face tough public health issues. The program is available both on-campus and online with several concentrations to choose from. The program can be finished in 12, 18, 21, and 33-month periods. Students have to complete 300 hours of on-the-job practice within the program duration. Students would get the opportunity to work with award-winning faculty on various research projects. Students can also choose from more than 16 minors to complement this program. The tuition fee per credit hour is USD 1,375.
10. The George Washington University: Milken Institute School of Public Health
The Milken Institute School of Public Health is the only school for public health in Washington D.C. George Washington University is one of the pioneers of public health education and offers concentrations in Community Primary Care and Global Health Epidemiology and Disease Control. Students have the option to opt for an online program called MPH@GW which is taught by the same faculty that teaches the residential program students. The program has a flexible schedule and can be completed within 1 to 5 years. The cost of attendance for one academic year is approximately USD 67,574.
11. University of Michigan: School of Public Health
The School provides an MPH program in both online and on-campus format. If students choose an on-campus format, then it is of two-year with hands-on experience through internships. The curriculum is designed to make the students gain practical experience in the context of local as well as global levels. The online program has a special focus on population and health sciences. The cost of attendance for a full-time on-campus student would be USD 87,200 per year and for the online program, the per-year tuition fee would be USD 55,000.
12. University of Pittsburgh: Graduate School of Public Health
The Graduate School of Public Health of the University of Pittsburgh offers 8 specializations in its MPH degree program. The programs under this degree are of 2 years and 45 credits. Through these specializations, students can gain the necessary skills to work in any area of their interest in the public health field. The School also offers Graduate Certificates in LGBT Health and Wellness; Global Health; and Health Equity. The full-term per-year fee is approximately USD 55,386.
In the summer months, students have to complete their experiential learning component of the curriculum. The School always coordinates with many local and state agencies for its programs to provide its students with professional working opportunities.
13. University of Washington: School of Public Health
The University of Washington’s MPH degree program features a common core curriculum. The curriculum itself incorporates research and practical experiences so that students can uncover various perspectives and different kinds of opportunities for fieldwork. The main emphasis is on public health interventions and determinants of health. The teaching methods used are learning through case studies and working in groups to solve real-world problems. All students have to complete a field experience under supervision in a public health practice environment. All the programs under this degree are 24 months and their approximate fee is USD 44,250 per year.
14. Rutgers University: Rutgers School of Public Health
The MPH degree program includes nine concentrations, 10 certificate courses, and a focus on global education and research opportunities. The courses are 45 credits and can be completed within 2 years. The core courses are Biostatistics, Social and Behavioral Health Sciences in Public Health; and Leadership and Management Essentials for Public Health. Students can also choose to complete a certificate course to specialize in one field and upgrade their skills. Students who are currently working as public health clinicians can complete their degree for 42 credit hours. The per-credit tuition fee is USD 1,558.
15. University of Minnesota: School of Public Health
The MPH program at the University of Minnesota has a multidisciplinary approach. They have six health sciences schools that offer a unique model among the public health education system in the United States. These schools present scopes for students to work with different faculties in gaining distinctive knowledge and perspectives. There are nine different concentration areas, some of them are even executive or advanced options. Students also have options for dual degrees along with MPH in business, medicine, nursing, urban and regional planning. Most of the programs can be completed within two years and require applied practice experience in a real-world setting. The per-credit fee for the MPH degree program is USD 1,156.
Courses Offered Under MPH Degree
There are a vast number of different programs that students can opt for under the MPH degree offered by different universities. Some of them are Generalist; Epidemiology; Global Health; Health Behavior; Health Services; Maternal and Child Health; Mindfulness; Aging and Public Health; Biostatistical Methods for Public Health and Clinical Research; Food, Nutrition, and Health; Global Environmental Sustainability and Health; Health in Crisis and Humanitarian Assistance; Health Leadership and Management; Health Systems and Policies; Infectious Diseases; Women’s and Reproductive Health; Community Health Sciences; Health Educations ad Communications; Chronic and No-communicable Diseases; Mental Health and Substance Abuse; Pharmaceutical Development, Deliver and Access; Sex, Sexuality and Gender; Quantitative Methods; Comparative Effectiveness Outcomes Research; Health and Human Rights; Health Promotion, Research and Practice; History, Ethics and Law; Injury and Violence Prevention; Toxicology; Climate Change and Health Concentration; Public Health Modelling; Regulatory Affairs Track; Urban Health; Physical Activity in Public Health; Population and Health Sciences; Human Genetics; LGBTQ Health; and Leadership Practice and Research.
Admission Requirements
There are several documents needed at the time of admission for the MPH degree program at US Universities.
- Official Transcripts: These tell the admission officials about your academic performance which includes courses taken, grades, and GPA.
- Standardized Test Scores: Some of the US Universities ask about standardized test scores such as the GRE, MCAT, DAT, PCAT, etc to determine the ability of the student for the program.
- Evidence of Quantitative Ability: Some universities ask for proof of quantitative and analytical skills from the MPH program. The evidence could be in the form of work experiences, research, or courses taken.
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR): Applicants would need 2-3 LORs written by teachers, employers, mentors, or others who can testify about the applicant’s skills and qualities.
- Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose (SOP): The SOP is an introduction essay about the applicant to the university and convinces the admission officials why the applicant is a good fit for the program and the university.
- Reflective Essay: Some universities ask about reflective essays and is not the same as an SOP. This essay reflects on the life experiences, applicant’s feelings, and thoughts about some aspects related to the program or their life.
- Resume/CV: Highlighting your academic and professional achievements, relevant activities, and skills.
- Language Proficiency: Submit the scores of standardized English Language Tests such as CAE, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, etc if you are a non-native speaker.
- Prior Work Experience: Some universities require the applicant to have a prior work experience of at least 2 years if they want to get admission to the MPH program. It could be health-related or a doctoral degree in the field underlying public health.
Conclusion
This blog has provided brief information about the top 15 US universities offering MPH degree programs for students to fulfill their study abroad experience. US universities not only provide excellent education but also a chance to be part of a new culture and meet new people with diverse backgrounds. However, the application process can often come across as confusing, especially for international students. Contentholic’s study abroad consultants can ease your worries. Contentholic will also help you with assistance in writing SOPs, LORs, Essays, etc through its SOP Writing Services. Our professional SOP writers have the expertise about the formats of these written documents asked by the US universities. Therefore, if you do not want to take any chances of getting accepted into your dream university, getting help from professional services will surely help you get the ticket to success.