Navigating Maryland’s MPH Programs: Insights for Prospective Students

One major reason for pursuing an MPH degree in Maryland is the abundance of prestigious universities with public health programs, such as Johns Hopkins⁵ and the University of Maryland⁶. These universities also boast renowned healthcare systems. In 2022, Maryland ranked fifth in the United States for its healthcare offerings⁷. Additionally, Maryland is often discussed in public health circles for its innovative measures that are capping healthcare spending⁸. Maryland’s proximity to Washington D.C. is also of note for those interested in public health advocacy.

On top of being ripe with the opportunity to engage with public health from a federal perspective, Washington D.C. is home to many businesses and nonprofits geared toward improving the health of the American populace. An added bonus to its scholastic merit lies in Maryland’s location. With temperate weather, ease of travel, and diverse culture and culinary scene, Maryland is an incredible place to call home. 

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best MPH program for you⁹. All applicants should check the accreditation status of any graduate school they are interested in. Accreditation is awarded by the Council for Education for Public Health (CEPH). CEPH accreditation gives prospective students the ability to confidently verify whether an MPH program meets established educational standards. The programmatic offerings, in the form of concentrations and certificates, as well as the expertise of the faculty, are also important elements to examine in any MPH program.

It’s necessary to assess your own areas of professional interest and then confirm that the  public health program you’re considering will be able to properly support you in your pursuit. Additionally, the location of the program within the state is of note, as some campuses may have more learning opportunities or align better with one’s professional and/or personal goals. Some programs may be offered remotely and, thus, provide greater accessibility to some applicants.

A variety of public health graduate programs exist in Maryland, with both in-person and online MPH options. In this section, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the details of 10 noteworthy MPH programs in Maryland, including program strengths, MPH coursework, faculty accomplishments, and learning formats.

Traditional On-Campus Programs

Online/Hybrid Programs

Admissions requirements vary slightly between MPH programs but have many similarities¹⁸. Application cycles for all MPH programs, including those in Maryland, typically begin in August for programs beginning the following fall. Thus, it's a good strategy for applicants to begin researching specific programs and preparing their applications (i.e., reaching out to recommenders) in the months before August. A bachelor’s degree is required for admission to all MPH graduate programs, but most do not require specific undergraduate coursework or set a minimum undergraduate GPA requirement.

Some schools require GRE or GMAT (standardized test) scores while others do not; if interested in a particular program, this is an element to research well in advance to allow for studying and taking the test. The requirements around letters of recommendation vary, with typically a range of two to three letters needed for a complete application.

Experiences included on your application and your personal statement are ripe opportunities to highlight your passion for and dedication to the field of public health as well as make up for any other areas of the application that may be lacking, such as a low GPA.

Attending networking events and seminars is a great way to make the most of your MPH education in Maryland. Most MPH programs will offer many such opportunities throughout any given semester, including some online options. Engaging with local organizations through service and internships is also a fantastic way to amplify your educational experience. The Baltimore City Health Department, for example, serves a diverse population with many under-served constituents¹⁹. The Maryland Department of Health is also a great organization to work with at the state level²⁰. It was a highly influential organization in the movement of engaging hair salons in the COVID-19 vaccination effort²¹.

On a federal level, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) produces revolutionary research opportunities in addition to the organizations in nearby D.C.²². Beyond government work, Maryland is also home to fantastic non-profit organizations, such as Baltimore CONNECT²³, health systems like Johns Hopkins²⁴, and private companies such as Emergent²⁵. 

Overall, getting an MPH degree in Maryland offers a great opportunity to anyone interested in a career in public health. The location of Maryland is prime with great weather and easy proximity to the nation’s capital. There are numerous prestigious MPH degree options in Maryland, including Johns Hopkins University that’s been rated the number one MPH program in the country. These programs are competitive, so prospective students must work to produce quality applications. The state itself is home to many professional opportunities in public health in the government, public, and private sectors after graduation from an MPH program.

Consider applying today to an MPH program in Maryland to contribute meaningfully to the betterment of people’s health.