Is an MPH in Community Health Right for You?

Published on: May 5, 2025
taneia surles

WRITTEN BY

Taneia Surles, MPH
Katherine Paul

REVIEWED BY

Katherine Paul, MPH

Image source: https://myknee.trekeducation.org/1569-2/

Are you interested in pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) but don’t know which area of focus or specialization to choose? If so, you’ve landed in the right place. Community health, in particular, is a significant aspect of public health that many prospective students decide to pursue for their graduate studies. But, before diving into an MPH in Community Health, it’s crucial to understand what this term actually means to public health.

According to the American Hospital Association (AHA), community health is the non-medical approach to improving health, preventing disease, and reducing health disparities in specific populations with the help of the social determinants of health (SDOH). If you have a bachelor’s degree in public health, the SDOH is a concept you’re likely familiar with. The SDOH are non-medical factors that impact health outcomes, including economic, social, and environmental conditions.

Community health education is the public health practice of looking at the health of a community as a whole, identifying current health issues and trends, and collaborating with stakeholders to solve these problems through targeted education and programs.

If you’re seeking an impactful career in public health where you work directly with your community, consider an MPH in Community Health. Keep reading to learn more about this graduate program, including curriculum, admissions requirements, career opportunities, and much more.

What is an MPH in Community Health?

An MPH in Community Health is a two-year program that gives students the skills and knowledge to address complex public health challenges at the community level. This graduate degree focuses on community health education, health promotion, and public health research, and it prepares graduates to plan, implement, and evaluate programs that improve health outcomes in different populations.

Typically, an MPH in Community Health includes core courses in key public health concepts, followed by concentration courses in community health education.

The core concepts of an MPH program typically are:

While curricula vary by program, here’s a look at some of the courses within CUNY’s MPH in Community Health degree program:

  • PUBH 601: Foundations of Public Health Knowledge

  • PUBH 611: Health Equity, Communication, and Advocacy

  • PUBH 612: Designing and Evaluating Public Health Interventions

  • PUBH 613: Designs, Concepts, and Methods in Public Health Intervention

  • PUBH 614: Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis Methods in Public Health Research

  • CHSS 622: Community Organizing to Advance Health and Social Justice

  • CHHS 623: Applied Mixed Methods in Community Health Research

  • CHSS 624: Community Health Program Planning, Evaluation, and Sustainability

You can take a look at this video from the university that provides further information about this program:

In addition to courses, you can expect to complete an applied learning experience (APE) during your community health MPH program. An APE, or applied learning experience (ALE), is a hands-on opportunity for students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world public health challenges. APEs are also sometimes called a practicum and are essentially a graduate-level internship. They can take place at local health departments, nonprofit organizations, or community health clinics, allowing students to work directly with community health initiatives.

Your program may require you to apply what you’ve learned from your APE by presenting a capstone paper or delivering a presentation. APEs provide a valuable opportunity to put your coursework into practice in real-world settings while also helping you explore potential career paths after graduation.

Graduates of an MPH in Community Health program can pursue careers in a variety of settings, which we’ll explore in more detail in the next section.

Career Paths with an MPH in Community Health

Earning an MPH in Community Health opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities in public health, including policy, research, and community health education. When you walk across the stage at graduation, you'll be a well-rounded professional and a sought-after candidate in various public health sectors. Graduates commonly find roles in nonprofits, higher education institutions, community health clinics, healthcare organizations, and government agencies.

Some public health jobs that you can pursue with this graduate degree include:

Community health educator

As a community health educator (also known as a health education specialist), you’ll educate people on various health and wellness topics that encourage them to make healthy lifestyle choices. In 2023, community health educators earned a median annual salary of $62,860.1

Substance abuse counselor

Substance abuse counselors, or addiction counselors, provide care and support to people dealing with a dependence on drugs and alcohol, but can also assist people with gambling or pornography addictions as well. These professionals may facilitate group and individualized therapy, create customized treatment plans, and perform assessments. Substance abuse counselors earned $53,710 on average in 2023.2

Clinical research coordinator

A clinical research coordinator is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a clinical trial. These professionals ensure that the study stays in accordance with the regulations, protocol, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements. As of 2024, the average annual salary for a clinical research coordinator is $68,406.4

Social and community service manager

As a social and community service manager, you’ll oversee the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization that supports the public’s well-being. You may be responsible for managing the program or organization’s budget, establishing administrative procedures, and evaluating the work performance of staff and volunteers. In 2023, social and community service managers earned a median annual salary of $77,030.5

Educational Requirements and Admission

You’ve seen what an MPH in Community Health entails and what career paths you can pursue after graduation. If everything aligns with your academic and career goals, the next step is to look into each program's educational and admission requirements. MPH programs often share the same requirements, but it’s crucial to thoroughly review each prospective program to ensure you have everything you need before starting the application process.

To give you an idea of what the educational requirements may look like, take a look at the preferred qualifications for the University of Minnesota’s MPH in Community Health Promotion:

  • College-level coursework in social behavioral sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science, economics, history, or geography)

  • College-level quantitative analysis, with preferred courses in statistics or biostatistics, research methods, calculus, or other advanced mathematical modeling

  • At least one year of paid work or volunteer experience in a public health setting

In addition to a program’s preferred educational or work experience qualifications, admissions requirements must also be considered. Regarding the admissions process, most MPH schools use the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS). SOPHAS is the centralized application service for public health programs.

Within SOPHAS, schools may require you to submit the following materials to be considered for admission into their program:

  • Application fee ($145 and $55 for each additional school)

  • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher

  • Resume or CV

  • Official transcripts from your previous institution(s)

  • English proficiency exams, including the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Testing System (IELTS)

  • A statement of purpose and objectives

  • Three letters of recommendation

  • GRE scores (although most programs no longer require them)

Application deadlines will vary depending on which public health degree program you apply to. Be sure to add the specific deadlines for your preferred programs to your planner or calendar so you can submit your materials on time. You can also contact a school’s admissions office to request information on application materials and deadlines.

The Impact of Community Health Professionals

Community health professionals play a significant role in influencing public health outcomes. Through community health practice, these public health professionals work to identify and address health disparities, advocate for policy changes, and implement preventive strategies tailored to specific populations.

To better understand how these professionals engage in public health practice, here’s what they do to make an impact in their communities:

  • Identifying major public health problems within specific geographic areas.

  • Creating an intervention plan to address gaps in community resources, such as establishing mobile clinics, outreach programs, and community health centers.

  • Educating their communities on pursuing preventive care and engaging in healthy behaviors to encourage lifestyle changes.

  • Providing essential health services, such as counseling, social support, and behavioral health screenings.

  • Advocating for policies that provide better care for at-risk populations to policymakers.

  • Assisting individuals in accessing medical and social services, such as affordable healthcare, insurance, transportation and translation services, housing, education, and food.

  • Collaborating with other community agencies or organizations to address their community’s physical, mental, cultural, and social characteristics, such as education, housing, nutrition, and transportation.

During public health crises, community health professionals are on the front lines—coordinating emergency responses, disseminating crucial information, and ensuring that vulnerable, diverse populations receive critical resources. Their work seeks to improve others’ well-being and strengthen public health infrastructures, making their communities more resilient against future health threats.

Because community health professionals focus on education and outreach, they empower their communities to make informed decisions about their health. Their commitment to health equity aims to ensure that everyone in their community, regardless of socioeconomic status or background, can achieve health equity. Overall, the dedication and impact of community health professionals contribute to creating healthier, more equitable societies.

Choosing the Right Program

Once you decide to pursue an MPH in Community Health, you’re ready to start researching academic programs. You want to ensure that you choose the right program that fits your educational and career goals to be well-prepared to address challenges within health systems and communities.

To make the process nice and easy, here are a few tips to get you started on your program search:

Look for accreditation

As a prospective MPH student, you must ensure your programs hold accreditation. Accreditation is a very intense review process every public health program and school must undergo to determine if their educational programs meet specific standards. MPH programs are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), an independent accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Schools usually list their accreditations on their website, but you can also look up schools on CEPH to confirm their accreditation.

Review faculty expertise

Part of your success in an MPH program depends on the expertise of the teaching faculty. You want to ensure you’re learning from an expert who has spent several years working in community health and knows which aspects of this field are essential for you to know to become a well-rounded public health professional. You can typically find additional information on teaching faculty—such as work experience and involvement in research—on the school’s website. Or, if the program has an open house, you can talk with your prospective professors in person.

Take note of campus resources and facilities

At some point in your program, you’ll likely need assistance—whether for academic support or personal needs. That said, you want to know what resources are available for students to help them succeed academically, professionally, and even personally. If possible, take a campus tour before applying to see if there are libraries, collaborative spaces, laboratories, and student centers to meet with your professors, peers, or professionals who can provide support.

If you are considering an online MPH degree, see if they offer online student support services, such as tutoring, academic advising, an e-learning platform, mental health counseling, or other services.

Colorado School of Public Health

The online MPH in Community Health Education at the Colorado School of Public Health is a 2-year program with a focus on community engagement and health promotion. It's designed to be flexible for working professionals, with classes held in the evenings.  

Key features:

  • Focus: Equipping students with the skills to plan, implement, and evaluate health programs, advocate for policy changes, and improve community health outcomes.

  • Curriculum: Includes core public health courses (biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, etc.), specialized courses in community health promotion and engagement, and electives. A practicum provides real-world experience.

  • Global Health Emphasis: An optional emphasis in global health allows students to explore international health challenges.

  • Career Paths: This program equips graduates for diverse roles, including those of health educators, community organizers, epidemiologists, and public health nurses.

Important Considerations:

  • Cost: $920 per credit hour (in-state), $1,491 per credit hour (out-of-state) 

  • Prerequisites: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, official transcripts from all institutions submitted to SOPHAS, a preferred minimum GPA of 3.0, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. (Non-U.S. transcripts must be evaluated by World Education Services). 

This program is ideal for anyone passionate about community health who needs a flexible online way to learn.

University of Oklahoma

The online MPH at the University of Oklahoma is a two year program emphasizing population and community health with a focus on social determinants of health.

Key Features:

  • Focus: Provides a deeper understanding of population and community health, emphasizing the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes.

  • Curriculum: Covers core public health topics, including epidemiology, social and behavioral sciences, environmental health, the U.S. healthcare system, and health policy.

  • Format: Fully online, designed to be flexible for working professionals.

  • Career Paths: This program sets graduates up for diverse public health careers in areas like health administration, health education, community health, and epidemiology.

Important Considerations:

  • Cost: $575 per credit hour

  • Prerequisites: A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (or the international equivalent), a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and the following: online application, professional resume, personal statement, TOEFL or IELTS scores (for non-native English speakers), and official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.

For individuals drawn to the social determinants of health and who value the flexibility of online learning, this program is worth exploring.

University of Illinois at Chicago

The online MPH in Community Health Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago focuses on preparing students for public health practice and administrative roles.

Key Features:

  • Focus: Provides a scientific knowledge base, practical public health experience, and research skills.

  • Curriculum: Covers core public health topics and specialized courses in community health sciences, including community-based participatory research, health promotion, and program evaluation.

  • Format: Fully online, with full-time or part-time enrollment options.

  • Career Paths: Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in public health practice and administration.

Important Considerations:

  • Cost: $730 per credit hour

  • Prerequisites: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, application, SOPHAS application, personal statement, resume, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all institutions attended. (International transcripts must be uploaded to the UIC system with a UIC International Credential Evaluation.)

This program is ideal for anyone interested in working directly with communities in public health, whether in hands-on roles or in administrative positions.

University of Southern California

The online MPH in Health Education and Promotion at the University of Southern California is a 15-month cohort-based program that prepares students for the CHES exam.  

Key Features:

  • Focus: Provides students with the knowledge and skills to educate the public about health issues, facilitate community change, and develop interventions to improve health.

  • Curriculum: Covers core public health topics and specialized courses in health education and promotion, including health behavior theory, program planning, and community health assessment.

  • Format: Cohort-based online program with a practicum experience.

  • Career Paths: Graduates are prepared for various roles in health education and promotion, including health educators, community health workers, and public health educators.

Important Considerations:

  • Cost: $2,354 per credit hour

  • Prerequisites :A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a preferred minimum GPA of 3.0, three letters of recommendation (at least one academic, on department letterhead, and less than a year old), a statement of purpose, and a resume. (International applicants must submit official transcripts with degree title and date conferred in the native language and an exact English translation, along with TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores if their native language is not English.) 

For those drawn to health education and promotion, and who thrive in a focused, collaborative learning setting, this program offers a streamlined path.

Tulane University

Tulane University's online MPH program provides a flexible, self-paced, and CEPH-accredited educational experience.

Key Features:

  • Focus: Provides a comprehensive public health education with a flexible, self-paced format.

  • Curriculum: Covers a wide range of public health topics, including epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and environmental health.

  • Format: Fully online, self-paced program designed for working professionals.

  • Career Paths: Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in public health, including epidemiology, health administration, and global health.

Important Considerations:

  • Cost: $1,770 per credit hour

  • Prerequisites: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, official transcripts from all institutions attended, two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose and objectives, and a resume. (International applicants must also submit a transcript evaluation and proof of English proficiency.)

This program caters to individuals who require a flexible, online learning format and prioritize a self-directed pace, all while maintaining the credibility of CEPH accreditation.

East Stroudsburg University

The online MPH in Community Health at East Stroudsburg University combines online learning with service learning and capstone experiences, with a focus on health disparities in rural communities.

Key Features:

  • Focus: Prepares graduates to address complex needs in population health, with an emphasis on health disparities in rural communities.

  • Curriculum: Combines online coursework with service learning and capstone experiences in practice and research.

  • Format: Online with supplemental Zoom sessions for interaction with peers and faculty.

  • Career Paths: Graduates are prepared for various roles in community health, including community health workers, health educators, and public health nurses.

Important Considerations:

  • Cost: $559 per credit hour (in-state), $817 per credit hour (out-of-state)

  • Prerequisites: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and GRE scores (waived for applicants with a 3.5+ GPA; a minimum combined score of 285 is desired for others).

This program is a good option for those interested in community-based public health, particularly in rural settings, and seeking a program that combines online learning with practical experience.

University of Massachusetts Amherst

The accelerated 4+1 BS/MPH in Community Health Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers a fast track to an MPH for eligible undergraduates.    

Key Features:

  • Focus: Prepares students to address health inequities and improve quality of life through community health education.

  • Curriculum: Combines undergraduate and graduate coursework, allowing students to complete both a BS and an MPH in five years. Includes a practicum component.

  • Format: Accelerated program for eligible undergraduates, with coursework and a practicum experience.

  • Career Paths: Graduates are prepared for various roles in community health education, including health educators, community organizers, and public health educators.

Important Considerations:

  • Cost: $675 per credit hour

  • Prerequisites: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

If you're an undergrad eyeing a fast track to an MPH in Community Health Education, this program could be a solid choice.

Conclusion

Community health is a vital component of public health practice. Pursuing an MPH in Community Health is a meaningful step toward a career dedicated to improving the health and well-being of communities. This graduate degree opens the door to a variety of career paths aimed at addressing complex public health challenges, equipping professionals with the skills to make a lasting impact. As you begin your graduate program search, take the time to explore each option thoroughly to ensure it aligns with your academic and career goals, helping you make the best choice for your future.

Sources

1https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm 

2https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm 

3https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm# 

4https://www.salary.com/research/salary/recruiting/clinical-research-study-coordinator-salary 

5https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm

About the Authors

Written by:

Taneia Surles , MPH

Taneia Surles, MPH, is a writer, editor, and public health professional. She is currently a full-time SEO writer at a mental health startup. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a Master of Public Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She has written for publications like AARP, Business Insider, Breastcancer.org, Everyday Health, Health.com, and Healthline.

taneia surles

Taneia Surles , MPH

Contributor

Education: University of Alabama at Birmingham, MPH

Reviewed by:

Katherine Paul , MPH

Katherine Paul, MPH is a senior project manager at a leading medical communications and publications organization. She supports multidisciplinary teams handling large-scale accounts, the deliverables of which improve health outcomes and patient well-being. Ms. Paul holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Health Promotion from Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health and passed the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) shortly after graduation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Dickinson College.

Ms. Paul previously worked at a public health non-profit where she managed all aspects of diverse health-related projects, including the implementation of a randomized controlled clinical trial on sexual health for teens with developmental disabilities, as well as the evaluation of a statewide tobacco cessation program with more than 20,000 annual cases. She has developed and delivered posters and presentations at national conferences including the American Public Health Association (APHA) annual meeting. 

Opinions and information published by the author here on MastersPublicHealth.com are of my own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of my employer or other organizations for my designated roles.

Katherine Paul

Katherine Paul , MPH

Editorial Lead

Education: Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health

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