Top public health programmes at leading US universities

The world is not on track to ensure everyone can access the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship by 2030. There are 4.5 billion people not fully covered by essential health services, according to the World Health Organisation’s “Tracking universal health coverage: 2023 global monitoring report.”

Add the fact that many are still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and new diseases such as Mpox emerging, now is a great time to pursue a public health programme. In fact, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in this field are projected to grow, with 1.8 million openings per year from 2022 to 2031.

Public health experts use their qualifications — often a Master of Public Health — to drive major improvements in overall health and ensure equitable health distribution. They contribute to scientific research, shape informed policies, and advocate for meaningful actions to address public health challenges.

If this is the impact you want to create, here are three universities with public health programmes that you should consider:

Saint Louis University’s College for Public Health and Social Justice is among the leading public health institutions in the nation. Source: Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University (SLU)

Choosing the right university for a graduate degree in public health is crucial in shaping your future career. Saint Louis University’s College for Public Health and Social Justice (CPHSJ) is a top choice in the US. It’s on a mission to pursue health, well-being and social justice for and with communities through nationally renowned teaching and research, practical applications of knowledge, and authentic partnerships inspired by SLU’s Jesuit values. 

The Master of Public Health (MPH) at SLU is one of the oldest and largest programmes in the US Midwest, designed to develop well-rounded public health leaders. The programme offers several post-baccalaureate certificates in high-demand fields, including Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Behavioural Science and Health Equity, and more. These certificates allow students to advance their careers, deepen their knowledge, or explore specific areas of interest, providing an edge in the job market and making SLU graduates highly sought after by employers.

The 42-credit-hour MPH programme has core concentrations, with the option to add a certificate for just six additional credit hours. You can double-count six credit hours of their MPH electives toward any 12-credit-hour certificate, making it possible to complete the MPH and a certificate with only 48 credit hours. With this shorter completion time, you can join this industry and start making an impact sooner.

As one of the world’s leading Jesuit universities, SLU is committed to integrity, ethics, and service-oriented leadership. When MPH graduates leave SLU, they do so with not just a degree but a pledge to make a positive difference in federal, state, and local health agencies, consulting firms, hospitals, research centres, and universities. 

With its shorter completion time and diverse programme offerings, SLU stands out as a leader in public health education, preparing students to meet the growing global health needs.

Apply to Saint Louis University’s College for Public Health and Social Justice today.

Kent State University’s College of Public Health aims to develop public health leaders and advance sustainable innovations by collaborating with northeast Ohio community partners through teaching, research, and service. Source: Kent State University/Facebook

Kent State University

Kent State University makes international students feel welcome in its community. From day one, you’ll see that this university has a global outlook — as made clear in its competitive research, comprehensive education-abroad programmes, international curriculum, and robust international student and scholar programmes. Kent State is the only US university to win the 2022 Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalisation from the NAFSA: Associate of International Educators. It’s a prestigious award that speaks volumes about its excellence in making your Kent State education international.

The College of Public Health programmes best exemplify this. Standing out for their global context and intercultural competence, the Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Epidemiology prepare you to become a future leader at home and abroad.

If you aim to gain a unique skill set that leads to a range of career opportunities in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, or Social and Behavioural Sciences, choose the MPH. If you seek training in epidemiological and biostatistical methods related to clinical trials and clinical research, the MS is a better fit. Both programmes provide the education, experiences, and support you need to graduate and carve a successful, satisfying life in your work and commitment to becoming an engaged citizen. 

As a CPH graduate, you’ll have a degree from one of the top 100 public institutions, as ranked by US News & World Report in its 2023/24 edition of Best Graduate Schools. The college is also one of only 66 accredited schools of public health worldwide with an accreditation by the Board of Councilors of the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Founded in 1970, San José State University’s MPH programme has been CEPH-accredited since 1974. Source: San José State University

San José State University

San José State University’s fight to advocate for healthier communities began in 1970 when it introduced its Master of Public Health programme — which has been accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the nationally recognised accrediting body for both schools and programmes of public health since 1974. Aspirants from across the globe choose CEPH’s MPH to learn the fundamentals of creating better health outcomes.

It’s little wonder why. The highly-ranked programme is known for its emphasis on practice and community-based engagement through an integrated model of study that merges instruction and scholarship. Thanks to a diverse network of community programmes and practitioners, worksite internships abound for those ready to apply knowledge. 

Enter the MPH programme’s specialisation in community health education, delivered online and on campus. However delivered, both formats meet the same programme outcomes and fulfil the same essential course objectives, with the core assignments adjusted for mode. Graduates of the programme will emerge ready to leverage evidence-based best practices and culturally relevant, solution-oriented approaches to current and future health challenges.

Several graduates are already doing so. The practice-oriented MPH programme has produced many decision-makers who are adding value in diverse public health settings — think private industry, social services, government and every sector in between. This number grows every year, with graduates landing rewarding roles in the fields of academia, public policy, administration, epidemiology and research.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International