10 Best Public Health Graduate Degrees in the U.S. 2025

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of public health has become obvious. For those who want to earn a graduate degree in public health, there are many options available.

Keep reading to discover the top ten public health graduate degree programs in the United States.

Top Public Health Graduate Degree Programs

Many excellent colleges and universities in the United States offer graduate programs in public health. We've listed our top ten picks below in alphabetical order.

All programs listed are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

1. Emory University

Emory University is a private research university in Atlanta, Georgia. It offers graduate programs in public health through its Rollins School of Public Health.

Students can earn a Master of Public Health, Master of Science in public health, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in several areas, including:

• biostatistics
• epidemiology
• global epidemiology
• health policy and health services research

Some areas of study are available in online or accelerated formats, and graduate certificates in public health are also available.

2. George Washington University

George Washington University is a private research university in Washington, D.C. Its Milken Institute School of Public Health offers multiple degree options.

At the graduate level, this includes a Master of Public Health and a PhD.

Areas of study include:

• environmental health
• epidemiology
• global health
• health and biomedical data science

An online Master of Public Health is available. Other programs offered by the school include Doctor of Public Health, Master of Science, and Master of Health Administration programs.

3. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is a private research university in Baltimore, Maryland. It offers dozens of graduate degrees through its Bloomberg School of Public Health.

This includes a Master of Public Health that can be earned on-campus or online in concentrations like:

• epidemiologic and biostatistical methods for public health and clinical research
• food systems
• infectious diseases
• women's and reproductive health

Additionally Master of Science and Master of Art degrees are available, as are PhDs and a Doctor of Public Health degree that can be earned on campus or online.

4. University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley, is a public research university in Berkeley, California. Its School of Public Health offers multiple graduate degrees.

Master of Public Health, Master of Science, and PhD degrees are available in areas such as:

• community health science
• environmental health sciences
• epidemiology
• infectious diseases and vaccinology

The Master of Public Health is available in an online format. Master of Science degrees are also available in some areas.

5. University of Iowa

The University of Iowa is a public research university in Iowa City, Iowa. It offers several degrees through its School of Public Health.

At the graduate level, the school offers Master of Public Health and Master of Science degrees, as well as PhDs.

Departments within the school include:

• biostatistics
• community and behavioral health
• epidemiology
• occupational and environmental health

Additionally, the school offers a Master of Public Health degree, undergraduate degrees, and certificate programs.

6. University of Michigan

The University of Michigan is a public research university in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Its School of Public Health offers four master's degrees as well as a PhD.

The school's Master of Public Health is offered by six different departments, including:

• environmental health sciences
• epidemiology
• health behavior and health education
• nutritional sciences

Some concentrations are available online. Other master's degrees include Master of Science, Master of Health Services Administration, and Master of Health Informatics degrees.

7. University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota is a public research university that spans the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. It offers public health degrees through its School of Public Health.

The Master of Public Health degree is available in several fields, such as:

• environmental health
• epidemiology
• maternal and child health
• public health nutrition

Some programs are available in a hybrid format. The school also offers Master of Healthcare Administration, Master of Science, and PhD degrees.

8. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Its Gillings School of Global Public Health offers multiple degree options.

Over a dozen concentration options are available for the Master of Public Health degree, including:

• applied epidemiology
• global health
• health equity, social justice, and human rights
• maternal, child, and family health

Online options are available for the Master of Public Health degree. Other degrees offered include Master of Science, Master of Health Administration, and PhD degrees.

9. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is a private research university in Los Angeles, California. It offers public health degrees through its Keck School of Medicine.

The Master of Public Health can be earned on campus or online.

It offers concentrations such as:

• biostatistics/epidemiology
• community health promotion
• global health
• health services and policy

Other programs available through the school's Department of Population and Public Health Sciences include Master of Addiction Science, Master of Science, and PhD degrees.

10. University of Washington

The University of Washington is a public research university in Seattle, Washington. Its School of Public Health offers several graduate degrees.

Students can earn their Master's of Public Health online or on campus.

Concentrations include:

• epidemiology
• environmental health
• global health
• health systems and population health

Other master's degrees include a Master of Health Administration, a Master of Health Informatics and Information Management, and multiple Master of Science degrees.

At the doctoral level, students can earn a PhD in over half a dozen fields or a Doctor of Global Health Leadership and Practice degree.

FAQs About Public Health Graduate Degree Programs

Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about public health graduate degree programs.

Can I Earn a Graduate Degree in Public Health Online?

Many programs, including several listed above, offer public health degrees online. However, not all specializations are available online.

How Long Are Graduate Programs for Public Health?

The length of a graduate program will depend on what degree you're earning. Generally, master's degrees take about two years, but accelerated programs are often available.

Doctorate programs can vary, but often take at least four years to complete.

What Specializations Are Available in Public Health Graduate Degree Programs?

Available specializations vary between programs.

Common areas of specialization include:

• biostatistics
• environmental health
• epidemiology
• global health

Find Public Health Graduate Degree Programs

Students can find public health graduate degree programs through many exceptional colleges and universities. Check out the programs above to find the right fit for you today!