10 Online Master of Public Health Programs With No GRE Requirement

If you're interested in improving community health, addressing public health challenges or advancing into leadership roles within healthcare and government organizations, a Master of Public Health (MPH) can help you build the skills needed to make an impact. Many universities have eliminated GRE requirements in recent years, making graduate education more accessible to working professionals and recent college graduates.

Today, you can find accredited online MPH programs with no GRE requirement at public and private universities across the country. Below, we'll explain what the GRE is, whether MPH programs still require it and some of the best online options available for future public health professionals.

What Is the GRE and Why Do Some Schools Require It? 

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that has traditionally been used as part of the graduate admissions process. The exam evaluates verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing skills, giving universities one way to compare applicants from different educational backgrounds.

Historically, some MPH programs required GRE scores because public health coursework often includes statistics, research methods, epidemiology and data analysis. Universities viewed the exam as one indicator of whether students were prepared for graduate-level academic work.

In recent years, however, many grad schools don’t require the GRE anymore. Admissions committees increasingly place greater emphasis on factors such as undergraduate GPA, professional experience, recommendation letters and personal statements. As a result, many online MPH programs now offer admissions pathways that do not require standardized test scores.

Is the GRE Required for MPH Programs?

A growing number of Master of Public Health programs no longer require GRE scores for admission. This trend reflects a broader shift toward holistic admissions practices that evaluate applicants based on their overall academic and professional qualifications rather than a single exam score.

Many MPH programs attract students from a wide range of backgrounds, including healthcare, social services, government, education, business and nonprofit organizations. Because of this diversity, admissions committees often focus on academic performance, leadership potential, work experience and commitment to improving public health outcomes.

While some universities still require GRE scores for certain public health programs, they are becoming less common than they once were. For prospective students, no-GRE admissions policies can reduce application costs, simplify the admissions process and make it easier to pursue graduate education while balancing work and personal responsibilities.

Top Online MPH Programs That Don't Require the GRE 

Public health professionals work to improve health outcomes at the community, state and national levels through education, research, policy development and disease prevention efforts. The schools below offer online MPH programs that do not require GRE scores for admission, helping students pursue graduate education while preparing for careers in public health leadership and practice.

1. East Tennessee State University

East Tennessee State University is located in Johnson City, Tennessee, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Its Master of Public Health program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the primary programmatic accreditor for public health education. The online MPH allows students to customize their studies through several concentration options, including:

• Community health
• Epidemiology
• Health management and policy
• Health services administration

Students complete coursework in areas such as biostatistics, environmental health, epidemiology and health policy while developing practical skills that can be applied across public health settings. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, official transcripts and other required application materials. GRE scores are not required for admission.

2. George Washington University

George Washington University, located in Washington, D.C., offers an online Master of Public Health designed for students who want to address public health challenges through research, policy and community-based initiatives. It's one of a few 1-year online MPH programs. The program combines foundational public health coursework with opportunities to tailor the degree to specific career interests. Students can choose from several concentration areas, including:

• Health policy
• Public health leadership and management
• Environmental and occupational health
• Epidemiology
• Global health

The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and the MPH program is accredited by the CEPH. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and submit official transcripts, a résumé, recommendation letters and a statement of purpose. George Washington University does not require GRE scores for admission.

3. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota offers an online Master of Public Health designed for students who want to improve health outcomes through leadership, education and community-based initiatives. The program emphasizes practical public health skills and explores topics such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, environmental health and program planning.

Located in Winona, Minnesota, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The MPH program is accredited by the CEPH. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and submit official transcripts and other required admissions materials. GRE scores are not required for admission.

4. University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham's Master of Public Health is accredited by the CEPH. The program offers multiple concentration options that allow students to tailor their education to specific public health interests and career goals. Students can choose from areas such as:

• Epidemiology
• Health behavior
• Healthcare organization
• Population health
• Environmental and occupational health sciences

The university is located in Birmingham, Alabama, and is accredited by the SACSCOC. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, official transcripts and other application materials required by the university. GRE scores are not required for admission.

5. University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, Kentucky, and is accredited by the SACSCOC. Its online Master of Public Health is accredited by the CEPH and is designed for students seeking careers in public health practice, administration and community health improvement.

The program provides a broad public health foundation while allowing students to focus on issues affecting populations and communities. Coursework covers epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, environmental health and public health leadership. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and submit official transcripts and other required application materials. The University of Kentucky does not require GRE scores for admission.

6. University of Massachusetts Amherst

The University of Massachusetts Amherst, located in Amherst, Massachusetts, offers multiple online Master of Public Health pathways for students with different career goals. Students can choose between the MPH in Public Health Practice and the MPH in Global Health, allowing them to focus on community-based public health initiatives or health challenges that affect populations around the world.

The university is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), and the public health programs are accredited by the CEPH. Coursework covers epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, program planning and population health. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, official transcripts and other required application materials. GRE scores are not required for admission.

7. University of Nevada Reno

The University of Nevada Reno's online Master of Public Health is designed for students seeking careers in public health leadership, program management, health education and community health improvement. The program provides a broad foundation in public health principles while helping students develop practical skills in data analysis, policy evaluation and population health.

Located in Reno, Nevada, the university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The MPH program is accredited by the CEPH. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and submit official transcripts and other required admissions materials. GRE scores are not required for applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, though test scores may be required for those with lower GPAs.

8. University of New England

The University of New England's online Master of Public Health is accredited by the CEPH. The program is designed for working professionals and students seeking careers in public health practice, healthcare administration, community health and policy development. Coursework explores epidemiology, environmental health, health systems, biostatistics and public health leadership.

The university is located in Biddeford, Maine, and is accredited by the NECHE. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, official transcripts and other required application materials. The University of New England does not require GRE scores for admission.

9. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is located in Los Angeles, and is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Its online Master of Public Health is accredited by the CEPH and is designed for students who want to address complex public health challenges through leadership, research and community engagement.

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The program combines foundational public health coursework with opportunities to explore specialized interests and emerging health issues. Students study topics such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, environmental health and health promotion while developing practical skills that can be applied across healthcare, government and nonprofit settings. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, official transcripts, a résumé, letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose. GRE scores are not required for admission.

10. University of Southern Florida

The University of South Florida is located in Tampa, Florida, and offers an online Master of Public Health designed for students seeking careers in public health practice, healthcare organizations, government agencies and community health programs. Students can choose from several concentration options, allowing them to tailor the degree to their professional goals. Available concentrations include:

• Public health practice
• Epidemiology
• Nutrition and dietetics
• Global communicable disease
• Health, safety and environment

The university is accredited by the SACSCOC, and the public health program is accredited by the CEPH. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and submit official transcripts and other required application materials. GRE scores are not required, although applicants may choose to submit them if they believe the scores will strengthen their application.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

Because public health is a broad field with many career pathways, we focus on factors that help students identify programs that meet the following requirements:

• Accreditation: We give preference to regionally accredited colleges and universities. We also consider accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), which is the primary accrediting body for public health programs in the United States.
• Public Health Curriculum and Concentrations: We evaluate the breadth of coursework and the availability of concentration options. Programs that allow students to specialize in areas such as epidemiology, health policy, global health, public health practice or health management receive additional consideration.
• Admissions Accessibility: Schools that do not require GRE scores receive additional weight in our rankings. We also review GPA requirements and other admissions criteria to identify programs that provide accessible pathways for a diverse range of students.
• Online Flexibility and Student Support: We consider online course delivery, scheduling options, faculty support, experiential learning opportunities and career resources that help students balance graduate education with work and personal responsibilities.

Typical Admissions Requirements for MPH Programs

Admissions requirements for Master of Public Health programs vary by university, but most schools seek applicants who demonstrate academic readiness and an interest in improving population health. Because public health is an interdisciplinary field, MPH programs often welcome students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds.

Most online MPH programs require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Schools typically request official transcripts and may establish minimum GPA requirements, often ranging from 2.75 to 3.0. Some programs also require a résumé, personal statement or letters of recommendation that highlight an applicant's academic preparation, professional experience and career goals.

Many MPH programs no longer require GRE scores and instead use a holistic admissions process. While healthcare or public health experience can strengthen an application, it is not always required. Students from fields such as healthcare, education, business, social sciences, government and nonprofit organizations may all be eligible for admission depending on the program.

How Much Do Online MPH Programs Cost?

The cost of an online MPH program varies based on factors such as the university, program length and residency status. In many cases, total tuition ranges from approximately $15,000 to $60,000, although highly ranked private universities and specialized programs may cost more.

In addition to tuition, students should budget for expenses such as technology fees, textbooks, software, practicum costs and graduation fees. Some programs may also include optional networking events, professional development opportunities or field experiences that can affect the total cost of attendance.

Most accredited universities accept the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), allowing eligible students to access federal loans and other forms of financial aid. Students may also qualify for scholarships, employer tuition assistance programs, military education benefits and public health workforce development grants. Comparing total costs alongside available financial aid can help you identify an MPH program that aligns with your budget and career goals.

How To Choose the Right No-GRE MPH Program

With many universities eliminating GRE requirements, prospective students have more options when selecting an MPH program. As you compare schools, it is important to look beyond admissions policies and evaluate factors that can affect your educational experience, specialization opportunities and long-term career goals.

Accreditation

Accreditation should be one of your first considerations when evaluating MPH programs. Look for regionally accredited universities and consider programs accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). CEPH accreditation indicates that a program meets standards recognized throughout the public health profession and may be preferred by some employers and doctoral programs.

Concentrations and Career Goals

Public health is a diverse field, so it is important to choose a program that aligns with your interests. Some MPH programs offer concentrations in areas such as epidemiology, health policy, community health, environmental health, global health or health management. Reviewing available specializations can help ensure the curriculum supports your career objectives.

Online Format and Flexibility

Many MPH students balance graduate school with work and family responsibilities. Review whether courses are offered asynchronously, synchronously or through a combination of formats. You should also consider any practicum, internship or field experience requirements and how they fit into your schedule.

Cost and Financial Aid

Graduate education is a significant investment, making it important to compare tuition, fees and other expenses. Review available scholarships, grants, employer tuition assistance programs and federal financial aid opportunities. Most accredited universities accept FAFSA applications and participate in federal aid programs.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Public health employers often value practical experience. Programs that include internships, practicum experiences, community partnerships or applied research projects can help you develop real-world skills while building professional connections in the field.    

Career Outlook With an MPH

A Master of Public Health can prepare graduates for careers in community health, epidemiology, health education, healthcare administration, public policy, environmental health and many other areas. As public health organizations continue to address issues such as chronic disease prevention, health equity, emergency preparedness and population health management, demand for trained professionals is expected to remain strong.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of health education specialists and community health workers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations over the next decade. Additional opportunities may also exist in government agencies, healthcare systems, nonprofit organizations, research institutions and international health organizations.

Because public health encompasses many different career paths, job outlooks vary by specialization. Graduates who develop skills in areas such as epidemiology, data analysis, health policy and program evaluation may find opportunities across a wide range of industries and settings. An MPH can also provide a foundation for leadership roles or further graduate study in public health and related fields.

FAQs About No-GRE MPH Programs

If you're considering a Master of Public Health, you may have questions about admissions requirements, accreditation and career opportunities. Below are answers to some of the most common questions prospective students ask when researching online MPH programs with no GRE requirement.

Can You Get Into an MPH Program Without the GRE?

Yes, many universities no longer require GRE scores for admission to MPH programs. Instead, schools often evaluate applicants based on undergraduate GPA, professional experience, recommendation letters and personal statements. This approach allows admissions committees to assess an applicant's overall qualifications rather than relying heavily on a standardized test score.

Are No-GRE MPH Programs Easier To Get Into?

While removing the GRE requirement can make the application process more accessible, universities still maintain admissions standards designed to identify students who are prepared for graduate-level coursework. Applicants may still need to meet GPA requirements and submit materials that demonstrate academic and professional readiness.

Is CEPH Accreditation Important for MPH Programs?

CEPH accreditation is one of the most recognized quality indicators in public health education. Programs accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health meet standards related to curriculum, faculty qualifications and student outcomes. While some employers may not specifically require a CEPH-accredited degree, many students choose accredited programs because they are widely recognized throughout the public health field.

Can You Complete an MPH Fully Online?

Many universities offer fully online MPH programs that allow students to complete coursework from anywhere. However, some programs may include practicum, internship or field experience requirements that must be completed in a professional setting. Before enrolling, review the program structure and experiential learning requirements to ensure they fit your schedule and career goals.

Is an MPH Worth It for Career Advancement?

For professionals interested in public health leadership, policy development, community health improvement or healthcare administration, an MPH can provide valuable skills and knowledge. The degree may help prepare graduates for a wide range of roles in government agencies, healthcare organizations, nonprofit groups and research institutions. Career outcomes vary based on factors such as experience, specialization and location, but many professionals pursue an MPH to expand their opportunities and increase their impact on population health.  

Find No-GRE Grad Schools 

Start your journey toward an MPH by exploring the accessible online programs highlighted on Learn.org. To find out more about admissions requirements, costs, and financial aid, reach out to specific programs individually.