Best MPH Programs in New Jersey (On-Campus & Online Options)

New Jersey is a strong place to pursue an MPH program. The state has their unique public health needs given the dense population and rural vs non-rural health equity and access disparities. The state is also facing specific health concerns surrounding the opioid crisis and air pollution. In addition to this, New Jersey is located between Pennsylvania and New York, in prime location between two of the biggest cities in the country - Philadelphia and New York City.

This proximate location leads to strategic internships and employment advantages, opening up the door to thousands of public health opportunities at your fingertips. In addition to the neighboring states, New Jersey has a robust healthcare infrastructure, with a plethora of teaching hospitals such as RWJBarnabas Health, nonprofit organizations such as Camden Coalition, and local public health departments. The diversity of New Jersey’s landscape leads to diverse MPH training, with multilingual outreach, cultural competency, and unique specializations available.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in public health in New Jersey, now is a great time to do so.

New Jersey offers several flexible options for completing your Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. Whether you’re a full-time student, working professional, or someone needing a balance of both, the state’s public health programs come in on-campus, online, and hybrid formats to suit a variety of learning needs.

On-Campus MPH Programs: In-person MPH programs offer a fully immersive educational experience. You’ll benefit from face-to-face instruction, hands-on research opportunities, and the chance to engage in campus activities and student organizations. This format is especially beneficial for recent undergraduates or individuals making a full-time career shift into public health.  Rutgers University in New Brunswick and Montclair State University both offer great in-person MPH programs. 

Online MPH Programs: With the growth of remote learning in recent years, many students now prefer the flexibility of online MPH programs.Fairleigh Dickinson University and William Paterson University both offer fully online MPH degrees. While convenient, online learning requires discipline and proactive engagement. Consider these strategies for success:

• Join virtual discussions: Stay active in class forums and video conferences to enhance your learning and build connections.

• Maximize university resources: Use this time to access academic support services, professional development workshops, and virtual office hours.

• Explore the alumni network: Find out whether the school offers networking opportunities tailored for remote learners.

• Create a sense of community: Actively reach out to classmates and professors to build relationships and feel supported throughout your studies.

Hybrid MPH Programs: If you’re looking for a blend of both in-person and remote learning, hybrid programs may offer the ideal compromise. These programs combine online coursework with periodic on-campus requirements, making them great for students who want flexibility without sacrificing in-person interaction. Stockton University offers a great hybrid MPH program in New Jersey.

When evaluating MPH programs, accreditation should be one of the first things on your checklist. The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)  is a recognized accrediting body by the U.S. Department of Education. CEPH is an independent agency responsible for accrediting public health programs in the United States. This rigorous process takes approximately three years and includes comprehensive evaluations, such as site visits and academic reviews, to confirm that the program meets national standards of quality and relevance.

As of now, there are over 260 accredited public health and dual degree programs in the United States. Accreditation ensures that the curriculum is sound, the faculty are qualified, and the program equips students with the skills needed to succeed in the field. In addition to granting accreditation, CEPH publishes detailed information about each program, including its learning format (online or in-person), available concentrations, curriculum structure, and direct links to the program’s website.

By visiting the CEPH website, prospective students can explore a wide array of MPH programs. While many schools cover similar foundational public health subjects, some distinguish themselves by offering specialized tracks, such as behavioral science, health policy, occupational health, health promotion, or healthcare management. You can even filter for fully online MPH programs or narrow down your search by area of interest using the Concentration tab.

Once you’ve identified programs that match your goals, follow the embedded links to each school’s website to learn more or request additional information directly.

Honorable Mention: New York Medical College, right across the river from west New Jersey, offers an MPH degree program that has over 50 practicum site placements for students. The program is tailored for working professionals, with a mix of online, late afternoon, and on-campus evening classes to cater to your individual needs.

Additional Honorable Mention: Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health is ranked the #1 Master of Public Health program in the country according to US News and World Report. The Bloomberg School offers a fully online MPH degree program that can be completed either full-time or part-time, with flexibility to transition between online and in-person learning.

After deciding to pursue a graduate public health education, your next question may be what are the prerequisites for enrolling in a public health program? MPH programs in New Jersey, like those nationwide, generally follow a similar set of admissions criteria. You can expect to submit your undergraduate transcripts, meet minimum GPA requirements, include a current resume or CV, gather 2–3 letters of recommendation, and write a personal statement outlining your goals and motivation for applying. While it’s not mandatory to hold a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field, applicants with backgrounds in areas like biology, psychology, nursing, social work, or public policy may find that their prior coursework gives them a head start in graduate studies. Universities such as California State University, University of New England, National University, and Ohio University offer undergraduate degrees tailored to public health, which can help ease the transition into an MPH. However, students from other disciplines, such as business or computer science, are just as welcome. If your academic background isn’t directly aligned with public health, your statement of purpose is your opportunity to connect the dots and articulate your interest and readiness for the field.

Although some programs may still require the GRE, many have made the test optional or removed it altogether.  Boston University’s Online MPH program and a growing number of other schools no longer list the GRE as a requirement. (We’ve compiled a separate article listing MPH programs that don’t require GRE scores, if you’re looking for more options.)

Most MPH programs also ask for letters of recommendation, ideally from a mix of academic, professional, or personal mentors who know you well. These letters play a key role in illustrating your readiness for graduate work and your commitment to a career in public health.

Additionally, MPH programs are welcoming to career changers and those entering graduate school later in life. Don’t let any assumptions about the typical student profile hold you back from applying—diverse experiences are an asset in public health education.

Just as schools are assessing whether applicants are the right fit, you should be doing the same in return. Reach out to current students or alumni to hear about their experiences. Ask questions, request informational materials, and set up time with admissions staff. Whether online or in person, take steps to gather all the information you need to make an informed decision. After all, this program will shape the next chapter of your life—it’s worth making sure it’s the right one.

As you explore your MPH options in the Garden State, you might be asking: What does it actually cost to earn an MPH in New Jersey? Affordability is a crucial factor when choosing a graduate program. Whether you're leaning toward an online format, considering public vs. private institutions, or evaluating in-state vs. out-of-state tuition, it’s important to weigh the total cost of attendance, not just the advertised tuition per credit.

From the programs outlined earlier, it’s clear that tuition varies significantly depending on the institution and residency status. In addition to per-credit costs, students should factor in other common graduate school expenses such as books, student fees, and any costs associated with practicums or fieldwork. Each school provides a detailed tuition breakdown on its website—be sure to explore those pages for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

No matter where you choose to pursue your degree, affordability should remain top of mind. There are several funding mechanisms available to help make graduate education more manageable:

New Jersey faces a wide array of public health challenges, making it a rich environment for MPH graduates to make an impact. With a Master of Public Health degree, you’ll be well-positioned to pursue careers in diverse areas such as epidemiologist, biostatistician, environmental health, health education, and more.

If you plan to stay in New Jersey post-graduation, you’ll find plenty of opportunities across sectors:

• Government: Join city or state agencies, such as the New Jersey Department of Health to work on public initiatives and health regulations.

• Nonprofit Organizations: Contribute to mission-driven organizations that focus on underserved populations, health equity, or disease prevention, like the Camden Coalition or other local NGOs.

• Healthcare Systems: Major healthcare providers such as RWJBarnabas Health and Hackensack Meridian Health offer careers in community health, program development, and healthcare operations. 

In short, New Jersey offers a vibrant job market for MPH graduates, with roles that align with nearly every public health discipline. If you’re passionate about improving health outcomes and making a measurable difference in communities, now is an ideal time to step into the field.