Mastering Public Health: Evaluating Florida’s Top MPH Programs

According to the Florida Department of Public Health, Florida Health was the first accredited public health system in the country³. As of 2023, Florida had more uninsured people than the national average, at 11.2% of their residents uninsured compared to 8% nationally⁴. Using the same data, as an access-to-care measure, the state of Florida had more active primary care providers than the national average, with about 263 per 100,000 people compared to 232 per 100,000⁴. The Commonwealth Fund, an independent private foundation that invests in research, ranked Florida as having the 36th best (or worst) health system in the nation⁵.

The states were ranked based on 56 measures comprising healthcare quality and access, disparities present, outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and service use and cost. This data shows some of the public health challenges specific to Florida as being access and affordability (ranked 47th in the nation), prevention and treatment, population health disparities (income disparities ranked 33rd and racial & ethnic equity ranked 22nd), and public health planning needs (such as emergency preparedness for COVID-19; Florida ranked 25th in the nation)⁶.

Despite some pressing public health challenges, there is a strong network of public health programs across the state, including those at Florida State University, Florida International University, University of North Florida, and the University of South Florida. All of this makes Florida a great place to continue your public health education journey.

The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is a recognized accrediting body supported by the U.S. Department of Education that evaluates and certifies public health programs across the country. Earning CEPH accreditation is a rigorous process that typically spans three years and includes comprehensive reviews, such as site visits and evaluations, to confirm that the program meets academic and professional standards. Currently, there are more than 260 accredited public health and joint degree programs nationwide, including over 45 located in Florida. In addition to reviewing and approving programs, CEPH also provides detailed summaries of each program's background, areas of concentration, curriculum structure, and links to official school websites for further exploration.

If you do a quick search on CEPH’s website, you’ll see that there is an abundance of unique MPH programs. Click on these program’s websites and examine the curriculum offerings. Many will have similar core public health courses, but some MPH programs offer unique focuses on specialties such as public policy, health promotion, and healthcare management. If you have a specific public health interest, click on the ‘Concentration’ tab and filter by your interest to see which schools tailor their curriculum to your specific goals. Open the different programs in new windows to compare their curriculum to see which is the best fit for you. Enrolling in an MPH program with a specific concentration may equip you with a more concentrated skillset to help with your job search down the line.

There are many other factors to consider beyond accreditation and curriculum offerings, such as program flexibility, availability of online MPH options, and the support for practical experience like internships or community engagement projects.

There are many great MPH programs in Florida, with over 45 accredited by CEPH. The 10 diverse programs highlighted here were selected due to their program strengths, unique offerings, and campus life.

Honorable Mention: The University of West Florida has online MPH programs in three concentrations: Generalist, Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, and Global Health. Also accredited by CEPH, if you are interested in a fully online Master of Public Health, learn more about the University of West Florida MPH program.

MPH programs across Florida share many of the same core admissions criteria found nationwide. While a specific undergraduate major in public health isn’t typically required, applicants will benefit from having completed coursework in relevant subjects such as biology, statistics, sociology, or epidemiology. Schools appreciate applicants with academic backgrounds rooted in the social or health sciences, but students with degrees in unrelated fields, such as engineering, business, or the arts, are still encouraged to apply. Many schools, such as Boston University and the University of North Carolina, have undergraduate degrees that specialize in public health studies or public administration.

Graduate programs often require standardized test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT, though many institutions have moved toward test-optional policies. In addition, most schools will ask for two to three letters of recommendation, ideally from academic mentors, supervisors, or other professionals who can speak to your potential for success in graduate-level public health training.

A thoughtful and well-written personal statement is typically required and serves as your opportunity to express why this degree is important to you, what draws you to the specific program, and how the MPH aligns with your long-term career aspirations. While many MPH programs start in the fall, some, especially online formats, offer rolling admissions or allow for flexible start dates throughout the year.

Prior work or volunteer experience in public health is often preferred. Whether you've interned at a local clinic, volunteered with a community organization, or held a position in healthcare administration, these experiences can significantly enhance your application and provide useful context for your studies.

Just as schools are assessing your potential fit, you should also assess each program to see whether it supports your needs and goals. Don’t hesitate to reach out to current students or alumni, schedule virtual Q&As, and connect with admissions offices for details not always listed online. The better you understand the program culture and offerings, the more confident you'll be in your choice.

Pursuing a career in public health is incredibly rewarding, but it's not typically associated with high financial returns. As of October 2024, the national average salary for a public health job in the United States was $79,657⁸ and in Florida, it is much lower, at $55,124 per year⁹. With this in mind, it’s important to carefully evaluate the financial aspects of graduate school to ensure your MPH education aligns with your budget and long-term goals.

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This federal initiative is designed to support those working in the public or non-profit sectors. If you make income-based payments on your student loans for 120 qualifying months (which don’t have to be consecutive), the remaining balance can be forgiven. This is a popular path for MPH grads working in government or non-profit roles.
  

• Graduate and Teaching Assistantships: Many universities provide GA or TA positions that come with tuition waivers, stipends, or both. These roles may involve helping faculty with research, supporting classroom instruction, or assisting with departmental administration. Hours and duties vary, but these roles often offer flexibility, especially valuable for full-time students balancing academic responsibilities.
  

• Scholarship Opportunities: There is a wide array of MPH scholarship opportunities for students. In addition to school-specific scholarships, there are over 70 private, non-profit, and government-sponsored scholarships. Many funding opportunities target certain public health specializations,  such as health administration, public health practice, health policy, and environmental health sciences.
  

• University-specific Financial Aid: While there is an abundance of scholarships, grants, and loans offered throughout the country for MPH students, your prospective university likely sponsors financial aid programs and assistantships that can reduce the cost of your graduate education. The University of South Florida offers many scholarships for graduate students. Florida International University also has a page dedicated to funding sources for students to help offset the cost of education. Take a look at each individual university’s website to see what financial aid packages they offer to their graduate students.

There are many potential public health careers that MPH graduates can pursue in Florida. Areas of employment include roles within state and local health departments, non-profit organizations, private healthcare firms, and many more. MPH graduates in Florida can work in health policy, program management, school commission, hospital leadership, health promotion, consulting, and more. The possibilities are endless.

Given Florida’s unique public health landscape, there is a great need for jobs in areas like health services administration, public health planning, and environmental health, so you will likely find an abundance of openings in those types of roles. Public health needs are ever-changing as our landscape evolves and grows, so you are entering a field of lifelong learning. Strap in and get ready for an exciting ride. 

With the current public health landscape in Florida, such as the high rate of non-insured, high prevalence of primary care providers, and below average overall health system rating, Florida has an opportunity to really improve their healthcare access and affordability. The state presents a unique opportunity for students in the field to tackle the public health challenges, and we need public health graduates to uncover fresh ideas and knowledge. If you are considering pursuing an MPH in Florida, explore how these programs can help meet your career education and goals.

Take the time to further familiarize yourself with options and take proactive steps towards your public health education. Contact admissions offices for more information, visit campuses, and attend virtual information sessions to learn more about the specific programs. Use these 10 profiled programs as a starting point for your exploration and come back periodically throughout your search to ensure you are considering the factors that are important to you.