Empowering Change: A Guide to Master’s in Public Health in Health Equity

Published on: May 19, 2025
taneia surles

WRITTEN BY

Taneia Surles, MPH
Katherine Paul

REVIEWED BY

Katherine Paul, MPH

Health equity is a human right, as it is the attainment of the highest level of health for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, job, religion, or other factors. A key goal of public health is health equity: a just society where everyone can achieve their best health, unburdened by unfair disadvantages.

Here’s a quick video on health equity from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8UAanK5WNA

If you are interested in this area of public health, consider pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Equity. This degree will equip you with the skills and knowledge to address disparities and drive equitable health outcomes.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about an MPH in Health Equity, including curriculum, career prospects, notable achievements in the field, and tips for picking the right program that fits your academic and professional goals.

What is an MPH in Health Equity?

An MPH in Health Equity is a two-year program that teaches students about public health education through the lens of health equity. Throughout this program, you’ll explore the core beliefs and concepts of public health and research-based health sciences.

An MPH in Health Equity typically combines core public health courses with specialized coursework on health equity concepts. These additional classes help graduates analyze how factors like education, income, and environment influence health outcomes while equipping them with strategies to advance social justice and equity in healthcare. Students can expect to learn how to design, implement, and evaluate public health programs and policies aimed at reducing health disparities and promoting equity.

With any graduate program you pursue, there are specific competencies you should be able to meet by the time you cross the stage at graduation. Competencies are expectations of the desired skills, knowledge, and behaviors of a student graduating from a program or completing a course. These competencies highlight the practical knowledge and skills that will enable you to not just do well, but excel in your academic pursuits and professional life.

To give you an idea of what that may look like for an MPH in Health Equity, here are the concentration competencies for a Master of Public Health in Health Behavior and Health Equity at the University of Michigan:

  • HBHEQ600:

    Explain how social-ecological and life course frameworks can be applied to address key health determinants, disparities, and equity through targeted programs and policies.

  • HBHEQ600:

    Utilize theories, models, and concepts from social and behavioral sciences to analyze and influence health behaviors while fostering health equity.

  • HBHEQ622:

    Employ research and evaluation techniques to assess the impact of health programs, interventions, and policies on behavior and health equity.

  • HBHEQ651:

    Develop strategies for designing, executing, and overseeing socio-behavioral health education initiatives and policies that enhance public health and safety.

  • HBHEQ651:

    Incorporate ethical community engagement principles and methodologies into the creation and implementation of health education programs and policies to advance health equity.

Career Opportunities in Health Equity

With an MPH in Health Equity, you’ll be prepared for a range of careers in public health, particularly those focused on reducing health disparities and improving community well-being. Graduates often find opportunities in government agencies, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, academic research, and advocacy. In these roles, they work to expand access to care, tackle systemic barriers, and create strategies that lead to better health outcomes for all.

Here’s a look at some potential career paths with an MPH in Health Equity:

  • Public health program manager: As a public health program manager, you’ll develop, implement, and monitor public health initiatives and programs. As of 2024, the median salary for this role is $133,000 per year.1

  • Epidemiologists: These public health scientists study and identify the patterns, causes, and control of disease in groups of people. The 2023 median salary for epidemiologists is $81,390 per year.2

  • Global health consultant: A global health consultant collaborates with government agencies, organizations, and businesses to develop programs and procedures that address global health equity challenges. The median salary for this public health role is $206,000 as of 2024.3

  • Health communications specialist: These professionals work with government agencies, universities, and non-profit organizations to create messages about health and wellness for specific audiences. On average, health communication specialists earned a median annual salary of $74,000.4

Possible work settings and industries this public health degree could include:

Educational Pathways and Curriculum

The curriculum for an MPH in Health Equity will ultimately depend on the school and program. However, regardless of which program you decide to pursue, you can expect to receive a solid foundation in the theoretical and practical public health concepts. With any MPH program, you’ll start by taking core public health courses and then specialization or concentration courses in health equity. Health equity courses can cover a range of topics, such as population health, global public health, environmental health, and health promotion.

To give you a better idea of what an MPH in Health Equity curriculum looks like, here’s a look at the plan of study from the University of North Carolina’s Master of Public Health with Health Equity and Social Justice concentration:

  • SPHG 711: Data Analysis for Public Health

  • SPHG 712: Methods and Measures for Public Health Practice

  • SPHG 713: Systems Approaches to Understanding Public Health Issues

  • SPHG 721: Public Health Solutions: Systems, Policy & Advocacy

  • SPHG 722: Developing, Implementing, & Evaluating Public Health Solutions

  • HBEH 720: Health Equity Methods

  • ENVR 784: Community-Driven Research and Environmental Justice

  • EPID 826: Introduction to Social Epidemiology

  • EPID 892: Translating Health Equity Methods into Practice

  • HBEH 700: Leading for Health Equity

In addition to coursework, you can expect to complete an applied learning experience (APE), also known as a practicum or field placement. An APE allows you to gain hands-on experience working for a public health organization. Most schools require you to complete this experience, allowing you to apply the practical and theoretical knowledge and skills you’ve earned throughout the program to real-world public health challenges.

As you learn more about an MPH in Health Equity, you’re likely wondering what the educational requirements may look like. While specific admission requirements will vary with each school, they typically include the following:

  • A GPA of 3.0 or higher

  • GRE scores (although many schools have made this optional)

  • Two to three letters of recommendation

  • Relevant experience, such as employment, research, training, shadowing experiences, volunteering, etc.

  • A personal statement

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (for non-native English speakers)

Advancing Health Equity: Strategies and Success Stories

Health equity is achieved when everybody can attain their highest level of health, regardless of social, economic, or environmental factors. Advancing health equity requires a multi-faceted approach that includes public policy changes, community-driven solutions, healthcare system improvements, and advocacy efforts. 

Below are some key strategies that can improve health equity:

  • Addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH): Social determinants like housing, education, employment, and access to healthy foods play a crucial role in health outcomes. Having programs that provide stable housing, reduce food deserts, and promote financial stability can help reduce health disparities.

  • Culturally competent healthcare: Cultural competency ensures that healthcare providers understand and respect the cultural differences of their patients to improve their health outcomes. This can include training providers on implicit bias and offering language services.

  • Health policy and advocacy initiatives: Expanding Medicaid and enforcing anti-discrimination laws are just a few important legislative efforts to remove health equity barriers.

  • Community-led health initiatives: Empowering local communities to lead health initiatives ensures interventions are tailored to their specific needs, which can reduce disease burden and improve health outcomes.  

Although there’s more work to do, there have already been several successful strides in advancing health equity in the United States. Here are just a few notable achievements to take note of:

  • The Affordable Care Act (ACA): This act led to the expansion of Medicaid, which has reduced the rate of uninsured Americans in low-income areas and improved access to healthcare for millions.5

  • The REACH program (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health): This CDC program has collaborated with communities to reduce each health disparity associated with chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. This program has reduced health disparities in chronic disease risk factors through improved nutrition, physical activity, and access to healthcare.6

  • Black Infant Health Program: Black women face higher rates of maternal and infant mortality due to racism, SDOH, and health disparities.7 This California program provides prenatal and postpartum care, mental health support, and community-based care for Black mothers. The program’s efforts have led to improved birth outcomes, reduced stress, and increased maternal well-being.8

By getting an MPH in Health Equity, you can impact diverse communities by leading initiatives like the ones above to improve health equity for all.

Choosing the Right MPH Program

Now that you see what an MPH in Health Equity offers, you can search for programs. You want to ensure that your prospective school and program have all the necessary qualifications to set you up for success as a future public health professional in health equity.

To help you get started, here are some tips for choosing an MPH degree in Health Equity:

  • Accreditation:

    Make sure the program is accredited, particularly by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). CEPH is an independent accrediting agency for schools of public health and public health programs.

  • Faculty expertise:

    Don’t skip over the teaching faculty during your program search. Review your future professor’s publications, professional experience, and involvement in health equity research.

  • Flexibility:

    If you’re a working professional, online MPH programs can provide you with the flexibility required to balance work and study.

  • Alumni success:

    What are the program’s alumni doing now? While it’s easy to focus all your time on the curriculum and admission requirements, you can also see if past graduates are doing work that interests you. You can do this by looking through the program’s page or checking out their LinkedIn page.

Profiles of Noteworthy MPH Programs in Health Equity

Tufts University School of Medicine

The MPH at Tufts University School of Medicine is offered on-campus and online, with an accelerated on-campus option, emphasizing a personalized and community-based approach.  

Key Features:

  • Focus: Provides a strong foundation in public health, emphasizing equity and social justice, with a focus on the social and behavioral determinants of health .  

  • Curriculum: Includes core public health courses (epidemiology, biostatistics, public health assessment and action), concentrations (epidemiology & biostatistics, global health, health management & policy, individualized, nutrition, population health promotion), and a practicum experience .  

  • Format: On-campus, online, and accelerated on-campus options available.  

  • Career Paths: Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in public health across various sectors, including government, non-profit, and private sectors.  

Important Considerations:

  • Cost: $2,000 per credit hour

  • Prerequisites: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, transcripts, a submitted and verified application in SOPHAS, and three letters of recommendation are required for all applicants. Applicants who attended college or university at an institution outside of the United States or English-speaking Canada will need an ICAP WES Course-by-Course Evaluation. All non-native English speakers are required to provide proof of English proficiency as part of their application.

For those driven by a commitment to health equity and social justice, this program offers a personalized learning journey with a variety of format choices.

George Washington University

The online MPH at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health offers a variety of specializations, including a Health Equity concentration, with a focus on social justice and health disparities.

Key Features:

  • Focus: Provides a comprehensive public health education with a strong emphasis on addressing health inequities and promoting social justice.

  • Curriculum: Covers core public health topics and specialized courses in health equity, including social epidemiology, health policy analysis, and community-based participatory research.

  • Format: Fully online, asynchronous program designed for working professionals.

  • Career Paths: Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in public health, including health policy analysts, community health advocates, and researchers.

Important Considerations:

  • Cost: $1,890 per credit hour

  • Prerequisites: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, transcripts, a submitted and verified application in SOPHAS, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement are required for all applicants. International students will need to provide a foreign transcript evaluation (like WES) and show proof of English language proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo.

This program is designed for those passionate about health equity and social justice, providing an accessible and flexible learning environment online.

Temple University

Temple University's MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences dives into how social factors and behaviors impact health and contribute to health disparities, with a real focus on working with communities and involving them in the process.

Key Features:

  • Focus: Provides a comprehensive understanding of the social and behavioral factors that influence health and contribute to health inequities.

  • Curriculum: Covers core public health topics and specialized courses in social and behavioral sciences, including health behavior theory, program planning and evaluation, and community-based participatory research.

  • Format: Offered on-campus, with some courses available online.

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

Important Considerations:

  • Cost: $1,161 per credit hour for Pennsylvania residents, $1,590 per credit hour for out-of-state students, and $1,087 per credit hour for online courses.

  • Prerequisites:  A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, transcripts, a submitted and verified application in SOPHAS, three letters of recommendation, goals statement, and resume are required for all applicants. Incoming students are required to have a laptop that meets certain minimum hardware specifications. International applicants must provide TOEFL scores (minimum 79 iBT if English is not their native language) and a WES evaluation for degrees earned outside the US. 

If you're interested in the social and behavioral side of public health and want a program that really focuses on working with communities, this could be a great fit.

Boston University

If you're passionate about health equity, Boston University's MPH program will equip you with a thorough understanding of health disparities and the social forces behind them, emphasizing how to develop effective interventions for change.

Key Features:

  • Focus: Equips students with the knowledge and skills to address health inequities and promote social justice through research, advocacy, and community engagement.

  • Curriculum: Covers core public health topics and specialized courses in health equity, including social epidemiology, health policy analysis, and community-based participatory research.

  • Format: Offered on-campus, with some courses available online.

  • Career Paths: Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in public health, including health policy analysts, community health advocates, and researchers.

Important Considerations:

  • Cost: $2,083 per credit hour (All students accepted into the 2025 on-campus MPH degree program are guaranteed grants to immediately reduce the cost of tuition.)

  • Prerequisites: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, transcripts, a submitted and verified application in SOPHAS, three letters of recommendation, and two years of work experience are required for all applicants. International students whose native language is not English must provide official results of the Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). International applicants must also submit a WES ICAP evaluation.

This program is designed for individuals passionate about health equity, offering a valuable combination of challenging academics and practical, real-world experience.

University of Maryland (College Park)

The MPH in Health Equity at the University of Maryland School of Public Health provides a comprehensive understanding of health disparities and social determinants of health, with a focus on developing interventions to promote health equity.

Key Features:

  • Focus: Equips students with the knowledge and skills to address health inequities and promote social justice through research, advocacy, and community engagement.

  • Curriculum: Covers core public health topics and specialized courses in health equity, including social epidemiology, health policy analysis, and community-based participatory research.

  • Format: Offered on campus.

  • Career Paths: Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in public health, including health policy analysts, community health advocates, and researchers.

Important Considerations:

  • Cost: $1,036 per credit hour (in-state), $1,919 per credit hour (out-of-state)

  • Prerequisites: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, transcripts, a submitted and verified application in SOPHAS, and a statement of purpose are required for all applicants. International applicants must provide TOEFL scores.

For those who want to dive deep into health equity while also gaining practical skills, this program offers a powerful combination of academic rigor and real-world application.

Xavier University of Louisiana

Xavier University of Louisiana's MPH in Health Equity is dedicated to understanding and eliminating health disparities in underserved communities. The program uniquely emphasizes the social determinants of health and the power of community-based participatory research.

Key Features:

  • Focus: Provides a comprehensive understanding of health disparities and social determinants of health, with a focus on developing interventions to promote health equity in underserved communities.

  • Curriculum: Covers core public health topics and specialized courses in health equity, including social epidemiology, health policy analysis, and community-based participatory research.

  • Format: Offered on-campus.

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

Important Considerations:

  • Cost: $1,029 per credit hour

  • Prerequisites:  A bachelor's degree with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75. Online application, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. International applicants whose native language is not English must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores. 

This program is a good option for those committed to addressing health disparities in underserved communities and seeking a program with a strong emphasis on community-based participatory research.

Simmons University

Simmons University’s Online Master of Public Health (MPH) program is dedicated to addressing health disparities and promoting health equity, with a particular emphasis on social justice and policy change. The program empowers students to understand the root causes of health inequities and equips them with the tools to create effective interventions for underserved populations.

Key Features:

  • Focus: Offers a comprehensive understanding of health equity, including the social determinants of health and strategies for addressing systemic disparities through public health practice and policy advocacy.

  • Curriculum: Covers essential public health topics, with specialized courses in health equity, community health education, policy analysis, and epidemiology. The program emphasizes practical applications and includes a culminating practicum focused on health equity initiatives.

  • Format: Online, allowing for flexibility while maintaining a rigorous academic environment.

  • Career Paths: Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in public health, including positions as health policy analysts, community health advocates, researchers, and public health educators, focusing on health equity and social justice.

Important Considerations:

  • Cost: $1,500 per credit hour

  • Prerequisites: A bachelor’s degree with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. No specific major required, but coursework in biology, statistics, or social sciences is recommended. Applicants must submit a personal statement and transcripts.

This program is ideal for those passionate about addressing health disparities and making a lasting impact on health equity through community-focused public health initiatives..

Next Steps

Your pursuit of an MPH in Health Equity shouldn't end here. Begin researching programs, registering for webinars and informational sessions, and contacting admissions offices. However, take the necessary time to thoroughly evaluate each program before making a final decision that will shape the beginning of your journey into health equity.

Sources

1https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/public-health-program-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,29.htm

2https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm# 

3https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/global-health-consultant-salary-SRCH_KO0,24.htm 

4https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/health-communications-specialist-salary-SRCH_KO0,32.htm 

5https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/a363f6e41c8a02d785a55dec4fbd5b7c/aca-briefing-book-aspe-03-2022.pdf 

6https://www.cdc.gov/reach/php/program-impact/index.html# 

7https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7384760/# 

8https://first5center.org/blog/the-history-of-public-health-programming-for-black-infants-and-families-in-california-and-the-birth-disparities-that-persist

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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