Top MPH Programs in Tennessee: On-Campus and Online Options

Published on: Oct 24, 2025
Kerra Henkin headshot

WRITTEN BY

Kerra Henkin, MPH, ML
Katherine Paul

REVIEWED BY

Katherine Paul, MPH

As the need for public health leadership continues to grow, a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree offers professionals the knowledge and tools to confront today's most pressing health challenges. From managing disease outbreaks to shaping policy and promoting health equity, MPH-trained individuals play a vital role in shaping healthier communities.

In Tennessee, public health professionals are working on the front lines of issues such as rural health access, chronic disease prevention, and the opioid epidemic1-3. The state’s urban-rural divide presents unique challenges, and opportunities, for those seeking to make a lasting impact through public health.

Whether you're a recent graduate, mid-career professional, or someone looking to transition into the health field, this guide outlines the top accredited MPH programs in Tennessee. You’ll find details on program types (online, hybrid, and in-person), areas of concentration, tuition, financial aid options, and public health career pathways throughout the state.

From Memphis to the Appalachian Highlands, Tennessee’s MPH programs are as diverse as the communities they serve.

Why Study Public Health in Tennessee?

Tennessee presents a unique landscape for public health professionals, offering both significant challenges and to drive real change. The state faces some of the nation’s most persistent health disparities, particularly in rural and underserved areas4. High rates of chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease are compounded by limited access to healthcare in Appalachian and rural counties1-4. Additionally, Tennessee continues to confront the ongoing opioid epidemic, with overdose rates that exceed the national average3,5.

These public health concerns have sparked increased investment in workforce development and education. Tennessee has launched initiatives to strengthen its public health infrastructure, including funding for local health departments, community health programs, and partnerships with higher education institutions. For students pursuing an MPH, this means greater access to research projects, practicum placements, and employment opportunities across the state.

The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) plays a central role in supporting these efforts. With divisions focused on environmental health, injury and violence prevention, and overdose response services, TDH provides a wide range of roles for MPH graduates. From epidemiology and health education to emergency preparedness and policy planning, the department partners with local agencies and universities to promote a healthier Tennessee.

Studying public health in Tennessee is more than solely an academic pursuit; it's a hands-on opportunity to serve communities in need, contribute to systems-level change, and help shape the future of health across a dynamic and diverse state.

Public Health Accreditation

The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is the nationally recognized accrediting body for public health education in the United States and is acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation ensures that graduate-level public health programs meet high academic and professional standards through a rigorous evaluation process, typically spanning three years. This process includes site visits, detailed self-studies, and comprehensive reviews to assess program quality and effectiveness. Currently, there are over 260 CEPH-accredited public health and dual degree programs nationwide.

CEPH's website provides in-depth profiles of accredited programs, including information on delivery format (online or on-campus), curriculum structure, available concentrations, and direct links to program websites. A quick search reveals a broad array of MPH offerings, many with core similarities, but each with its own strengths and areas of emphasis. Some programs distinguish themselves through specialized tracks such as health promotion, occupational and environmental health, behavioral sciences, health policy, or healthcare management. You can refine your search by concentration or location to find the best fit. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, visit each school’s site or request additional information to explore further.

In addition to CEPH, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is another accrediting agency specifically for schools in the South. This regional accrediting body ensures that colleges and universities meet rigorous standards for academic quality, institutional effectiveness, and continuous improvement throughout the southeastern United States.

List of Accredited MPH Programs in Tennessee

East Tennessee State University Master of Public Health

Location: Johnson City, Tennessee

Concentrations: Biostatistics; Community Health; Environmental & Occupational Health; Epidemiology; Public Health Leadership & Policy
Tuition: $672 per credit hour for in-state students, $1,513 per credit for out-of-state students, and $835 for fully online students. See more detailed tuition information here. 

Format: In-person and fully online MPH programs.

Meharry Medical College Master of Public Health

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Concentrations: Epidemiologist; Generalist
Tuition: $1,219.92 per credit hour or $29,278 per year

Format: On-campus

Tennessee State University Master of Public Health

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Concentrations: Public Health Science; Community & Behavioral Sciences
Tuition: $549 per credit for in-state students and $1,147 per credit for out-of-state students

Format: Online and in-person

Middle Tennessee State University Master of Public Health

Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Concentrations: Community Health
Tuition: $695 per credit for in-state students and $1,745 per credit for out of state students

Format: In-person and online offerings

University of Memphis Master of Public Health

Location: Memphis, Tennessee

Concentrations: Epidemiology; Biostatistics; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Urban Health; Generalist
Tuition: $678 per credit hour for both in state and out of state students

Format: In-person and online courses

University of Tennessee, Knoxville Master of Public Health

Location: Knoxville, Tennessee

Concentrations: Community Health Education; Epidemiology; Health Policy and Management; Public Health Nutrition; Veterinary Medicine
Tuition: On-campus courses: $758 per credit for in-state students, $1,787 per credit for out of state students. Online programs: $744 for in-state students and $819 for out of state students. See more information about tuition costs on UT’s website. 

Format: In-person and online program options

University of Tennessee, Chattanooga Master of Public Health

Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee

Concentrations: Chronic Disease Prevention & Control; Nutrition & Dietetics
Tuition: $11,110 per semester (9 credit hours) for on-campus classes and $10,438 per semester (9 credit hours) for online students

Format: Hybrid or fully online

Vanderbilt University Master of Public Health

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Concentrations: Epidemiology; Global Health; Health Policy
Tuition: $72,233 total for full-time MPH students; $1,969 per credit hour or $82,698 total for part-time MPH students 

Format: In-person

Online Master of Public Health Programs in Tennessee

Online MPH programs offer flexibility without compromising academic quality, making them ideal for working professionals, rural residents, and adult learners seeking career advancement. Tennessee has expanded its online MPH offerings through schools like Austin Peay State University. These online programs provide flexibility and are especially well-suited for working professionals, rural residents, and adult learners balancing school with other responsibilities.

Online public health education has grown rapidly in Tennessee, driven by the need for accessible training across the state’s urban and rural areas. While online MPH programs offer significant convenience, they also require intentional engagement to maximize the learning experience. If you're considering an online MPH program in Tennessee, here are a few strategies to get the most from your program:

  • Engage Actively in Virtual Classrooms —

    Use discussion boards, live sessions, and group projects to stay connected and deepen your understanding of the material. Active participation can help you build relationships with both faculty and peers.

  • Use University Resources —

    Even online, you’ll have access to academic advising, career services, faculty office hours, and virtual events. These services are valuable for exploring career paths and building a strong professional foundation.

  • Tap Into Alumni Networks —

    Many Tennessee programs support alumni connections through mentorship opportunities, networking events, and online communities. These connections can support your career long after graduation.

  • Build Peer Support —

    Make an effort to connect with classmates through study groups, cohort chats, or program forums. A strong sense of community can enrich your academic journey and reduce the isolation of remote learning. In addition to your cohort support, there are many public health associations, like Tennessee Public Health Association, that provide opportunities for peer support outside your university network. 

Concentration Options in Tennessee MPH Programs

MPH programs in Tennessee offer a range of concentrations designed to prepare graduates for targeted roles in public health practice and leadership. Common concentrations include:

  • Epidemiology trains students to track disease patterns, design studies, and analyze data to inform interventions.

  • Health Policy and Management focused on shaping and evaluating public health systems, legislation, and organizational effectiveness.

  • Community Health Education equips professionals to promote wellness, preventive care, and behavior change in diverse populations.

  • Health Administration develops leadership and operational expertise for managing public health programs and healthcare organizations.

In addition to these core pathways, Tennessee offers several specialized concentrations that reflect the state’s unique public health landscape. Some programs have an emphasis on rural health, a growing priority given Tennessee’s large population living outside metro areas. Students in these tracks develop skills for tackling access-to-care issues, chronic disease management, and emergency preparedness in rural settings. These concentrations are directly aligned with Tennessee’s most urgent public health needs, from the opioid crisis to health disparities1-3.

Choosing one of these concentrations not only enhances career preparation but also positions graduates to make measurable improvements in the well-being of Tennessee communities.

Admission Requirements and Application Tips

As with public health graduate programs across the U.S., Tennessee’s CEPH-accredited MPH programs typically follow consistent admissions standards. Most require a bachelor’s degree, a minimum undergraduate GPA (often around 3.0), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or statement of purpose. While applicants don’t need an undergraduate degree in public health or a related discipline like biology or sociology, prior coursework in statistics, behavioral sciences, or health-related fields can enhance your preparation.

Students applying to Tennessee schools, such as Belmont University and Lipscomb University, may come from a variety of academic backgrounds, including business administration, human performance, health planning, and data science. Programs across the state value interdisciplinary experience and often prioritize applicants with a demonstrated interest in public service, rural health, or health equity.

  • GRE Requirements:

    Many MPH programs do not require GRE scores for admission, reflecting a national trend toward holistic review. Schools such as the University of North Carolina and New York University no longer have the GRE required for admission. However, admissions policies can vary, so always check each school’s current requirements.

  • Letters of Recommendation and Personal Statements:

    You’ll typically need two to three letters of recommendation from professors, supervisors, or mentors who can speak to your academic and professional abilities. The personal statement is especially important and should explain your motivation for pursuing an MPH, describe your career goals, and highlight why the chosen program or concentration aligns with your interests and community impact.

  • Application Tips:

    • Clarify Your Purpose – Use your statement to tell your story: What draws you to public health, and how do you hope to serve Tennessee’s communities?

    • Be Strategic with Recommenders – Select references who can speak to your leadership, communication, or analytical skills across different settings.

    • Showcase Experience – Highlight volunteer work, internships, or professional roles related to health education, research, advocacy, or healthcare delivery—particularly in Tennessee or similar regions.

    • Know Your Dates – Every program sets its own application deadlines, and missing it could delay your enrollment by months. Be sure to check each university’s graduate school or public health program website for the most current application timeline and requirements.

    • Connect Early – If you have questions about curriculum fit, practicum options, or specific concentration tracks, consider reaching out to the program director at each school. They can provide guidance tailored to your background and help ensure your goals align with what the program offers.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition costs for MPH programs in Tennessee vary based on the institution, whether the program is online or on-campus, and your residency status (from Tennessee or from out of state). Tennessee residents typically benefit from lower in-state tuition at public universities like the University of Tennessee or Eastern Tennessee State University, while private institutions may have higher tuition rates. Online programs can also be more cost-effective, especially for working professionals.

When evaluating program costs, remember to look beyond tuition alone. Additional expenses may include university fees, textbooks, technology (especially for online learners), transportation, and practicum-related costs. Most Tennessee universities provide detailed cost breakdowns on their financial aid websites, and reviewing these early can help you budget wisely.

Ways to Offset the Cost of an MPH Degree in Tennessee

  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Graduates who work full-time for qualifying nonprofit or government agencies, such as the Tennessee Department of Health, may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness through PSLF. To qualify, you must earn your degree from a CEPH-accredited program and make 120 income-based loan payments.

  • Graduate and Teaching Assistantships (GAs/TAs): Select Tennessee MPH programs offer assistantships that provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for 10–20 hours per week of teaching, research, or administrative work. These roles are designed to fit around your academic schedule.

  • Scholarships: Numerous scholarships are available for MPH students in Tennessee. These include institutional awards and external funding from national sources like the American Public Health Association (APHA) or federal agencies such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Some scholarships prioritize financial need, academic merit, underrepresented students, or focus areas like epidemiology or rural health.

Careers in Public Health in Tennessee

Graduates of MPH programs in Tennessee are well-positioned to enter a variety of impactful roles that address the state’s most pressing health challenges. Common job titles include:

  • Epidemiologist – analyzes disease trends, conducts outbreak investigations, and informs policy decisions.

  • Health Educator – develops programs and resources to promote wellness and healthy behavior in schools, clinics, and communities.

  • Environmental Health Specialist – monitors environmental hazards, enforces public health regulations, and ensures safe living and working conditions.

Public health professionals in Tennessee are employed across multiple sectors, including state and local health departments, regional hospitals and health systems, federally qualified health centers, and nonprofit organizations focused on maternal health, addiction services, housing, and food access. The Tennessee Department of Health is one of the largest public health employers in the state, offering roles at both the central office and within 95 county health departments.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2024:

  • Epidemiologists earn a median annual wage of around $84,0006.

  • Health Services Administration Managers earn a median wage of $117,960 per year7.

  • Environmental Health Specialists can expect salaries around $80,060 per year8. 

MPH graduates entering Tennessee’s workforce can contribute meaningfully to community resilience, health equity, and long-term public health infrastructure while pursuing personally rewarding careers in a variety of roles and settings.

FAQ: MPH Programs in Tennessee

Yes. Several universities in Tennessee offer Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)-accredited MPH programs, including the University of Tennessee, East Tennessee State University, Meharry Medical College, and the University of Memphis. Accreditation ensures that programs meet national standards for quality and public health training.

Top online MPH options in Tennessee include programs from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga and East Tennessee State University. Both offer flexible, fully online formats with CEPH accreditation and concentration options tailored to workforce needs.

Tuition varies by institution and residency status. In-state students at public universities can expect to pay between $20,000 and $30,000, while private institutions may cost more. Financial aid, scholarships, and graduate assistantships can help reduce overall expenses.

Absolutely. Several Tennessee schools offer fully online MPH programs designed for working professionals, adult learners, and rural students. These programs offer the same academic quality and accreditation as on-campus options. We have an entire article detailing fully online MPH programs that you can explore.

Yes. The University of Tennessee is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and its MPH program is accredited by CEPH.

Key Takeaways

Tennessee offers a diverse selection of MPH programs ranging from fully online to traditional on-campus formats. These programs are designed to meet the needs of both full-time students and working professionals. As you explore your options, prioritize programs with CEPH accreditation to ensure quality and eligibility for licensure or federal employment.

Tuition rates vary significantly depending on the institution and whether you're a Tennessee resident. Finally, choosing the right concentration, such as rural health, epidemiology, or social and behavioral health, can help you align your education with the state’s most urgent public health needs and position you for meaningful, high-impact work.

References

  1. https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/division-of-health-disparities-elimination-/rural-health.html

  2. https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/measures/CHC/TN 

  3. https://tha.com/quality/opioids/ 

  4. https://www.msm.edu/Research/research_centersandinstitutes/NCPC/DigitalTechnologySurvey/StateofHealthEquity_Tennessee.pdf 

  5. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/drug_poisoning_mortality/drug_poisoning.htm 

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

  7. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm 

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

About the Authors

Written by:

Kerra Henkin , MPH, ML

Kerra Henkin, 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. 

Ms. Henkin 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 , 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

Dive Deeper in Research

Degree Guide

Exploring MPH Programs in South Carolina

Programs

Understanding MPH Program Rankings

Programs

Online MPH Programs: Benefits, Job Opportunities, and Costs