Best MPH Programs in Pennsylvania: 2025 Guide to Accredited Public Health Degrees

*Honorable Mention: Northeastern University offers a fully online MPH program that can be completed either full-time or part-time in as little as 1.5 or as many as 5 years. Go to their website to learn more.  

If you are interested in pursuing a fully online accredited MPH degree program, go to CEPH’s website and filter by ‘Online Programs Only’ MPH degree programs in Pennsylvania to see a full list.

Once you’ve decided to pursue a graduate degree in public health, your next step is understanding the admissions process for MPH programs. In Pennsylvania, as in other states, most CEPH-accredited MPH programs share similar admissions criteria, including:

While you don’t need to have majored in public health or a related field, having a background in health, behavioral science, or biology can be helpful. Foundational coursework in statistics, biology, psychology, or public policy can prepare you for graduate-level public health study.  Many public health schools, such as George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health, University of North Carolina’s Gillings School of Global Public Health, and Tufts University (which also has a dual degree in public health and physician assistant studies in partnership with a PA program), offer undergraduate degrees that specialize in public health studies. That said, applicants with degrees in unrelated fields such as computer science or business administration are still welcome—strong motivation and a clear sense of purpose can go a long way.

GRE requirements vary by school. Many MPH programs have removed the GRE from their admissions requirements altogether. For example, Touro University California and many others now offer test-optional or test-free admissions pathways. If standardized testing is a concern for you, we have a separate article that highlights MPH programs that do not require the GRE. 

Most programs request 2–3 letters of recommendation, ideally from a mix of academic and professional references. You’ll also need to submit a personal statement, which gives you the opportunity to tell your story, explain your career goals, and articulate why you’re drawn to public health—and to that specific program.

While many MPH programs begin in the fall, some offer spring or summer start dates. Be sure to review each school’s timeline and requirements carefully to avoid missing deadlines. You can also refer to our MPH application timeline guide to help you plan.

Remember, just as schools evaluate applicants, you should also evaluate the programs. Talk to alumni or current students, attend virtual info sessions, and reach out to admissions counselors. Ask about class sizes, mentorship, practicum opportunities, and alumni outcomes. You’re investing your time, money, and energy—make sure the program aligns with your personal, professional, and academic goals.

MPH tuition in Pennsylvania varies widely depending on the school, program format, and your residency status. For in-state students, you’ll find affordable options starting around $516 per credit at public institutions like West Chester University and Slippery Rock University. On the higher end, tuition at private universities, such as the University of Pennsylvania, can reach up to $5,044 per credit hour.

When comparing programs, please ensure that you account for not only tuition but also fees, textbooks, transportation, and practicum-related expenses. Many schools provide detailed cost breakdowns on their financial aid webpages—review these carefully to get a complete picture of your investment.

Ways to Offset the Cost of an MPH Degree

Earning your MPH doesn’t have to break the bank. There are several financial support options to explore:

There are abundant health needs in Pennsylvania so there are a plethora of public health opportunities for MPH graduates. You could become an epidemiologist, policy analyst, physicians assistant, health educator, and more. If you are asking, what can you do with a public health degree? look no further - this is the place to explore that exact question. If you are looking to stay in Pennsylvania after graduating, you have many options for career opportunities. You could go into city or state government and work for your local or state health department.

You could work for a non-profit organization running their health communications team, or become a community health educator at a local hospital teaching your community about health behaviors and health services. Pennsylvania has many renowned academic medical institutions, such as University of Pennsylvania, where you can work in hospital administration or research. There are endless opportunities, so if you are interested in pursuing a career in public health in Pennsylvania, now is a great time to do so.  

With the current public health landscape in Pennsylvania, such as the high incidents and death rates from cancer, high rates of heart disease and drug-related deaths, and disparate health care access to the large rural population, the state presents a unique opportunity and strong need for public health professionals in the field^1,2,7.  Pennsylvania needs MPH graduates to fill these gaps and uncover fresh ideas and knowledge to help solve the problems the state is facing.

With the variety of accredited programs, flexible formats, and strong job market, Pennsylvania is a great place to pursue your MPH degree. Are you ready to explore your MPH options in Pennsylvania? Use the public health programs that are profiled here, and the information above, as a starting point for your exploration, and come back periodically throughout your search to ensure you are considering factors that are important to you.