How to Earn a Master of Public Health in Kansas

Published on: Dec 7, 2025
Kerra Henkin headshot

WRITTEN BY

Kerra (Henkin) Jones, MPH, ML
Katherine Paul

REVIEWED BY

Katherine Paul, MPH

Kansas, located in the heart of the Midwest, has a vital role in developing public health solutions for rural and agricultural communities. With its wide plains and dispersed populations, the state faces a distinct set of public health challenges, from managing obesity and chronic diseases to improving access to care in rural areas1,2.

In response to these challenges, Kansas has made strategic investments in developing a strong public health infrastructure3. Earning a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Kansas equips students with the knowledge and practical skills to address the health disparities unique to the region. Whether your goal is to become an epidemiologist, a health policy leader, or a rural health advocate, Kansas’s public health graduate programs provide the foundation needed to lead change.

Across the state, students can choose from several CEPH-accredited MPH programs, offered in flexible formats to meet diverse needs. Whether you’re looking for an in-person experience at a major research university or need the convenience of an online or hybrid program designed for working professionals, Kansas offers high-quality MPH educational opportunities that are accessible, relevant, and impactful.

Why Study Public Health in Kansas?

Kansas offers a compelling case for studying public health: it’s a state where pressing real-world health issues meet opportunity for impact. With nearly one-third of its population living in rural areas, Kansas faces critical challenges related to healthcare access and preventable chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes1,2,4. These rural health disparities make Kansas an important training ground for public health professionals committed to health equity and community-based solutions.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) plays an active role in addressing these challenges. On their website, you’ll find that KDHE has various programs and partnerships to help improve the health of their community members5.  MPH students in Kansas often find opportunities for internships, applied research, and employment directly through these initiatives.

Job prospects for MPH graduates in Kansas are strong, especially in public-sector roles and nonprofit organizations that serve rural and underserved populations. Epidemiologists, public health educators, and environmental health specialists are in growing demand6=8. 

Whether you're aiming to work in health policy, disease prevention, or emergency preparedness, Kansas offers a unique environment where your MPH degree can have a measurable impact, especially in communities that need it most.

Overview of MPH Programs in Kansas

Kansas is home to two CEPH-accredited Master of Public Health (MPH) programs, offered through the University of Kansas (KU) and Kansas State University (K-State). Both institutions provide a rigorous curriculum grounded in public health core competencies while offering distinct specializations.

Prospective students can choose from multiple delivery formats based on their learning preferences and life circumstances. KU and K-State offer online and in-person options, allowing students to complete coursework remotely with occasional in-person sessions or fieldwork. KU primarily offers on-campus instruction, emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach.

Flexibility is a key feature of MPH programs in Kansas. Both universities offer both full-time and part-time enrollment tracks. Full-time students typically complete their degree in two years, while part-time students, especially working public health professionals or career changers, can progress at a more manageable pace over three to five years. This flexibility ensures that both recent graduates and mid-career professionals can find a program structure that suits their goals.

Whether you're seeking in-person collaboration or the convenience of remote learning, Kansas MPH programs provide accessible, CEPH-accredited training tailored to a wide range of students across the state and beyond.

Featured CEPH-Accredited MPH Programs in Kansas

Kansas offers a strong selection of CEPH-accredited Master of Public Health programs that combine academic rigor with state and community relevance grounded in public health sciences. Below is a closer look at the two flagship MPH programs in the state, beginning with the University of Kansas and Kansas State University.

University of Kansas MPH Program

  • Location: Kansas City or Wichita campuses, Kansas

  • Concentrations: Epidemiology; Public Health Practice; Generalist

  • Format: In-person (Kansas City or Wichita options), hybrid, and fully online options

  • Program Length: 2 years full-time

Kansas State University MPH Program

Online MPH Programs in Kansas

Kansas offers two flexible and high-quality options for students seeking to pursue a Master of Public Health degree online through the University of Kansas and Kansas State University. Both CEPH-accredited MPH programs include online and hybrid course options making it accessible to students throughout the state.

Online MPH programs are great for:

  • Working professionals who need to balance education with employment.

  • Rural and remote students who may face barriers to attending campus regularly.

  • Parents and caregivers who require greater scheduling flexibility.

Students who aren’t ready to commit to a full MPH program may also consider graduate certificate programs in public health, which can provide foundational training and often counts toward degree requirements later on.

Students can pursue the MPH in several concentration areas, including Food Safety and Biosecurity; Infectious Disease and Zoonoses; Public Health Nutrition; Public Health Physical Activity; Epidemiology; Public Health Practice; Generalist (between both Kansas universities). These tracks prepare graduates to lead public health initiatives in health departments, nonprofits, and clinical settings, both in Kansas and nationwide. You can also consider fully online MPH programs from other CEPH-accredited institutions around the country. National University, University of North Carolina, Ohio University, and George Washington University are great online MPH programs that are open to students in any state. 

Online public health coursework in Kansas typically covers foundational topics such as epidemiology, health services administration, environmental health, community health education, and program planning. These program's flexibility, combined with CEPH accreditation, make them a compelling choice for students who need an accessible, reputable MPH pathway without relocating or pausing their career.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Admission to MPH programs in Kansas is competitive but very accessible, with both the University of Kansas (KU) and Kansas State University (K-State) offering clear and flexible graduate admissions pathways. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in a health-related or science-focused field, although other disciplines are welcome. Many programs recommend prior coursework in studies like health education, behavioral science, health administration, and public health policy. If you know that you are interested in public health in high school or early in college, many institutions, like Wichita State University, offer undergraduate degrees in public health studies. 

Both KU and K-State have adopted GRE-optional policies, allowing applicants to decide whether submitting scores strengthens their application. Instead, greater emphasis is placed on academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. In addition to these schools, many other institutions, such as California State University, New York Institute of Technology, and Columbia University do not have the GRE required for admissions. 

Typical deadlines include:

Be sure to visit each school’s official MPH page for the most up-to-date program details, including start dates and application timelines.

Application materials usually include:

  • Transcripts

  • A current resume or CV

  • Letters of recommendation from academic or professional contacts

  • A statement of purpose outlining your interest in public health, career goals, and reasons for choosing the program

A strong personal statement demonstrates alignment with the program’s mission and highlights relevant experiences in health, community service, or research. Thoughtful, personalized recommendations can also help your application stand out. Prospective students are encouraged to visit each university’s website to review program-specific details and request more information about admissions, curriculum, and application support.

Cost and Financial Aid for MPH Students in Kansas

MPH students in Kansas benefit from relatively affordable tuition rates, especially for in-state residents. At the University of Kansas (KU), in-state tuition for graduate public health students is $21,464 annually, while out-of-state students will pay $32,734 annually. Kansas State University (K-State) offers similar tuition structures, with in-state students paying approximately $10,534 per year and out-of-state students paying $21,042 per year. 

Each university provides an up-to-date tuition calculator to help estimate program costs:

Financial aid opportunities include university scholarships, Graduate Assistant (GA) and Teaching Assistant (TA) positions, and federal student loans. Many MPH students also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program after graduation, especially those working in public health departments or nonprofit organizations.

To further reduce costs, applicants are encouraged to apply early for competitive scholarships and inquire about tuition waivers or graduate assistantships during the admissions process. Both KU and K-State offer need-based and merit-based awards designed to support future public health leaders.

Career Paths for MPH Graduates in Kansas

Earning an MPH in Kansas opens the door to a wide range of impactful and stable public health careers across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Graduates are especially well-positioned to meet the needs of underserved and rural communities, where the demand for trained public health professionals continues to grow.

Common roles for MPH graduates in Kansas include:

  • Epidemiologist – Conduct disease surveillance and data analysis for state and local health departments.

  • Health Educator or Community Health Worker – Develop and implement health promotion programs in schools, clinics, and community organizations.

  • Policy Analyst – Advise on public health policy at the state level or within nonprofit advocacy groups.

  • Environmental Health Officer – Monitor environmental risks related to water safety, food systems, and agricultural practices.

  • Health Services Manager – Oversee planning and delivery of healthcare and public health programs in clinics, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations.

Key employers include the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), CDC field service offices, county health departments, Kansas Health System, Kansas Medical Center, rural hospitals, tribal health agencies, and community-based nonprofits. KDHE frequently hires MPH graduates for roles in infectious disease response, health equity initiatives, maternal and child health, and environmental monitoring.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for epidemiologists is approximately $83,980, while health educators earn a median of $63,0006,7. Both fields are projected to grow in the next decade6,7. For graduates willing to work in underserved areas, Kansas may offer additional benefits including rural health loan repayment programs, career advancement opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in population health outcomes.

How to Choose the Right MPH Program in Kansas

When selecting an MPH program in Kansas, several key factors can help you find the right fit. CEPH accreditation is essential as it ensures the program meets national standards for public health education and qualifies you for many federal and state jobs. Both KU and K-State offer accredited programs with strong academic reputations.

Consider the delivery format that best matches your lifestyle. KU and K-State both offer hybrid and online options that may suit working professionals or rural students. If you are interested in on-campus options, consider if you would prefer living in Kansas City, Wichita, or Manhattan. Cost is also important, and we recommend that you compare in-state versus out-of-state tuition, and explore scholarships, assistantships, and loan forgiveness options.

Equally vital is career support, including practicum placements and post-graduate advising. Both KU and K-State integrate hands-on learning experiences through required internships, enabling students to build real-world skills and professional networks in local public health settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas has two CEPH-accredited MPH programs: one at the University of Kansas and one at Kansas State University. Both offer 42-credit hour programs with various concentrations and practicum opportunities.

Graduates can pursue careers as epidemiologists, health educators, environmental health specialists, policy analysts, and community health program managers. Employers include the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), local health departments, nonprofits, and hospitals, especially in underserved rural areas.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. GRE scores are optional. Some programs recommend prior coursework in statistics or biology. Application deadlines vary by semester and school.

Additional Resources

For students exploring MPH programs in Kansas or seeking broader public health opportunities, the following resources may be helpful:

Whether you're drawn to public health research, rural health leadership, or community-based advocacy, Kansas offers the accredited training and local connections to turn your passion into impact.

References

  1. https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=424

  2. https://www.kumc.edu/communications/about/publications/kansas-medicine-and-science/fall-winter-2023/the-crisis-in-rural-health-care.html

  3. https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2265/Public-Health-Infrastructure-Grant

  4. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/states/kansas

  5. https://ks-kdhe2.civicplus.com/163/Disease-Injury-Prevention

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

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

  8. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-scientists-and-specialists.htm

About the Authors

Written by:

Kerra (Henkin) Jones , MPH, ML

Kerra (Henkin) Jones, MPH, ML is a program manager at one of the largest academic medical centers in the country. In her current role, she aligns and expands programming with needs identified in the federally mandated community health needs assessment, and deploys organizational resources to support community health improvement. Prior to this role, she was a community health educator for an advocacy nonprofit organization in Philadelphia. She has co-authored multiple research papers on criminal justice and substance abuse, and will be presenting on law enforcement assisted diversion at the 2023 American Public Health Association (APHA) annual meeting. 

Kerra holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master in Law (ML) from the University of Pennsylvania. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Health Sciences from Ithaca College.

Opinions and information published by the author on MastersPublicHealth.com are of her own and do not necessarily represent the views of opinions of her employer.

Kerra Henkin headshot

Kerra (Henkin) Jones , MPH, ML

Program Manager

Education: University of Pennsylvania

Knowledge: Community health education

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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