How to Earn an MPH in Arizona: Top Schools and Career Paths

A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is a more comprehensive study into the public health world. There is ample flexibility in the world of MPH degrees: they can be completed full or part-time, during the day or exclusively in the evenings, online, in-person or hybrid, in as little as one year and as long as five, and with dozens of different focus areas. Equipped with an MPH degree, there are endless outcomes for potential public health career paths. You could work for a hospital, government, non-profit organization, or for-profit entity. You could become a consultant, public health nurse, epidemiologist, hospital administrator, and much more. 

Given Arizona’s specific health issues, there is a great need for health promotion specialists, epidemiologists, and health policy experts in the state. Below, we will dive into more detail regarding Arizona’s specific public health needs, opportunities, and accredited MPH programs.

Arizona has unique public health needs given the state’s population, climate, and geographical landscape. The state has large rural and tribal populations that face disparate health outcomes compared to the rest of Arizona’s population⁴. The environment and warming climate present unique issues that are felt even more acutely by these populations^4,7. Given these unique state-level needs, Arizona is a ripe place to study public health. According to a study completed in 2025, the healthcare industry in Arizona has grown at an average rate of 2.9% annually over the past decade, almost twice the amount of the national average¹¹.

As Arizona’s public health workforce grows, there is a parallel growing demand for public health professionals from state-based employers. An Arizona-based foundation, the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, projects that the state will need almost 133,000 new health care workers over the next ten years, but will produce just shy of 57,000, leaving a massive gap of 76,000 employees¹¹. If you are interested in pursuing a career in public health in Arizona, now is the best time to do so.

Like MPH programs nationwide, Arizona’s accredited public health programs generally share common admissions requirements. These typically include a bachelor’s degree, a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. While it’s not necessary to hold an undergraduate degree in public health or a related field like epidemiology, having completed relevant coursework—such as statistics, biology, or other social and health sciences—can strengthen your academic foundation and help prepare you for graduate-level studies.

GRE Requirements:

Many programs in Arizona have dropped the GRE requirement in recent years, including the University of Arizona. Be sure to check individual program policies. (You can also refer to our separate guide on GRE-free MPH programs.)

Letters of Recommendation and Personal Statements:

Most MPH programs require 2–3 letters of recommendation, which can come from academic faculty, supervisors, professional mentors, or colleagues. Additionally, applicants must submit a personal statement outlining their motivation for pursuing an MPH degree, career goals, and reasons for applying to a specific program. Think of it as an academically focused cover letter tailored to your public health journey.

Application Timelines:

While many MPH programs follow a traditional fall start (August or September), some—particularly online programs—offer multiple start dates throughout the year. For example, the University of Arizona Online MPH accepts new students in the fall, spring, and summer terms. In contrast, Northern Arizona University has a firm January 15th application deadline.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Finally, don’t forget: choosing an MPH program is a two-way street. Just as programs assess your fit, you should also assess theirs. Reach out to faculty, talk with current students or alumni, and explore each school’s resources and culture. This investment in research will help ensure the program you choose aligns with your goals and learning style.

Arizona offers various traditional on-campus programs, like Northern Arizona University’s MPH in Health Promotion. This public health program, with an emphasis on indigenous health, requires students to live near campus and attend in-person classes with the rest of their cohort. Arizona is also home to many online MPH programs, such as University of Arizona’s MPH online program and Arizona State University’s MPH online program. These programs are great for their flexibility and adaptability to your unique lifestyle. 

In recent years, online education has seen significant growth, and for good reason. It offers convenience and adaptability, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Virtual learning can make it more difficult to connect with peers, engage with faculty, and build a professional network. If you're considering an online MPH program, here are a few strategies to maximize your experience:

When researching Master of Public Health programs, accreditation is one of the most important factors to consider. In the United States, the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, is the primary agency responsible for accrediting public health programs. CEPH ensures that programs meet rigorous academic and professional standards, preparing graduates for meaningful careers in the field.

The accreditation process typically takes about three years and includes detailed program evaluations, site visits, and curriculum reviews. Currently, there are more than 260 accredited public health and dual-degree programs across the country. In addition to overseeing program quality, CEPH also maintains a public database that includes program formats (e.g., online vs. in-person), degree concentrations, and links to official program websites.

If you visit the CEPH website, you can easily explore accredited MPH programs and compare them side by side. While most programs share core public health coursework, many offer unique concentrations, including Indigenous health, health promotion, health informatics, and healthcare administration. You can filter your search by format (such as “online only”) or by concentration area to find programs that align closely with your career goals.

It’s also worth noting that not all MPH programs are CEPH-accredited. While attending a non-accredited program doesn’t automatically limit your career, it can affect future options, particularly if you plan to pursue specific certifications or terminal degrees. For example, becoming a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) generally requires graduation from a CEPH-accredited institution.

In short, CEPH accreditation serves as a mark of quality and credibility. It ensures your education meets national standards and can enhance your competitiveness in the job market or when applying for additional credentials. When weighing your options, consider accreditation status as a key factor in your MPH program decision.