How to Choose the Right MPH Program in Utah

There are many benefits to in-person learning including the immersive experience of face-to-face faculty membership, research opportunities, and the ability to participate in student organizations. Fully on-campus MPH programs are great for recent undergraduates or career changers that can commit to attending their graduate school program in-person.

The rise of online education has made graduate degrees like the MPH more accessible than ever—especially for students balancing work, family responsibilities, and/or living in remote parts of the state. Online MPH programs offer a flexible pathway to public health credentials while typically maintaining the same admissions standards and academic rigor as their in-person counterparts. In most cases, students complete a similar curriculum and gain hands-on experience through virtual or community-based applied practice components.

That said, remote learning isn’t without its hurdles. It can sometimes feel isolating, and building strong peer connections or engaging fully with faculty may take extra effort in a virtual setting. If you're planning to pursue your MPH online, here are a few ways to stay connected and get the most from your program:

If you’re asking yourself, can I earn an MPH degree online in Utah? The answer is absolutely. Below we will detail fully online MPH programs you can earn exclusively from the comfort of your home. 

In addition to these two Utah-based universities, you have dozens of out-of-state options that are accessible to you. Schools like George Washington University and Indiana University offer fully online Master of Public Health programs that can be completed from wherever you are located in Utah. 

Admissions criteria for MPH programs in Utah are in line with what you’ll find across the country. Most programs expect applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree, submit official transcripts, a current resume or CV, two to three letters of recommendation, and a clear statement of purpose. Wondering what GPA is needed for admission? A 3.0 or higher is typically preferred—but a lower GPA doesn’t automatically disqualify you. In fact, strong supporting materials such as compelling recommendations, a thoughtful personal statement, or relevant experience can help offset a GPA under 3.0. Some programs may even request a letter of explanation, so it’s worth reviewing each school’s guidelines carefully.

While a background in public health or a related field (like social work, biology, health administration, or psychology) may strengthen your application, it isn’t required. Applicants from diverse academic paths—such as business or tech—are often welcomed, especially when they can demonstrate a passion for health equity or population health. Schools like National University, Utah Valley University, and Arcadia University offer undergraduate public health degrees, but many Utah MPH programs accept a wide range of academic foundations.

You might also be wondering about GRE scores. The good news is that many MPH programs in Utah and beyond have made the GRE optional or removed the requirement altogether. Well-known schools like Boston University’s Online MPH program and Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health in New York City no longer require this exam.We have a separate article detailing additional MPH programs that do not require a GRE. If you’re looking for programs that skip the GRE altogether—especially fully online options—we have a full guide outlining those pathways.

Nearly all MPH programs will ask for letters of recommendation—typically from supervisors, professors, or professional colleagues—and a personal statement outlining your goals and interest in public health. MPH programs are particularly welcoming to career changers and professionals returning to grad school later in life. So don’t let images of recent college grads discourage you from applying—experience is an asset.

Finally, remember: admissions is a two-way street. As you research MPH programs in Utah, take time to vet each school just as they’ll be reviewing your application. Reach out to current students or alumni, ask questions, and connect with admissions offices to get a deeper feel for the program’s culture and support. After all, this is an important investment in your future—so it’s worth making sure the fit is right for you.

Now that you have seen some programs laid out, you may be wondering what are the tuition fees for MPH programs in Utah? It’s important to find an affordable MPH program that meets your needs. Whether that means exploring exclusively online MPH programs, looking in-state vs. out-of-state, or inquiring about different funding options, it’s important to consider tuition as a factor when making your decision. 

As seen from the programs highlighted above, public health tuition ranges from school to school, public versus private university, and in-state versus out-of-state. In Utah’s case, it can even differ if you consider yourself a Latter-day Saint, in the case of Brigham Young University. In addition to the cost per credit (as listed above) there are additional typical costs associated with attending graduate school, such as books, taxes and fees, and practicum costs. Explore your prospective school’s websites to read more about their specific breakdown of tuition costs. 

You may now be wondering - are scholarships available for MPH students in Utah? Wherever you end up pursuing your graduate degree, we don’t want continuing education to break the bank, so it’s important to take finances and scholarships into consideration when looking at graduate schools.

There are abundant health needs in Utah, so there are a plethora of public health careers for MPH graduates. You could become an epidemiologist, biostatistician, environmental health specialist, community health educator, public health analyst, and more. You could start your career in policy, advocacy, health management, or global health. If you are asking, what can I do with an MPH degree in Utah? look no further - this is the place to explore that exact question. If you are looking to stay in Utah after graduating, you have many options for career opportunities. You could go into city or state government and work for the Utah Department of Health. If you want to work to improve access specifically for tribal populations, you could work for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services division called the American Indian/Alaska Native Health and Family Services (IHFS). If you are interested in healthcare operations, you can look into Intermountain Health or the University of Utah Health. You could work for a local non-profit organization or non-governmental organization running health communications. 

The average public health salary in Utah is $72,518 per year. Due to Utah’s specific public health landscape, there is great need for public health professionals to focus on improving access to care for rural and underserved populations. Utah has unique environmental challenges such as air pollution, so environmental health specialists are in demand. The state is also struggling with chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes, so becoming a community health educator or population health specialist is of great need. In short, there are endless opportunities, so if you are interested in pursuing a career in public health in Utah, now is a great time to do so. 

When evaluating MPH programs in Utah—or anywhere in the country—one of the most important factors to consider is accreditation. The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, serves as the official body for accrediting public health programs in the United States. Gaining CEPH accreditation is a multi-year process, typically taking around three years and involving extensive reviews, including site visits and a thorough assessment of the program’s curriculum, faculty, and outcomes. Accreditation confirms that the program meets national standards and equips graduates with the competencies essential for careers in public health.

CEPH also maintains a public directory of accredited programs, which makes it easy for prospective students to explore options. Each listing includes helpful information such as the program’s delivery format (in-person, online, or hybrid), degree offerings, concentration areas, and links to official program websites. When comparing programs, look closely at the curriculum. While most will share a foundation in core public health topics, some schools distinguish themselves with unique specializations—such as health informatics, policy, education, or administration. If you have a particular interest or career goal, use the Concentration filter to narrow your search.

Not all MPH programs carry CEPH accreditation, and while that doesn’t necessarily disqualify a program from consideration, it’s something to weigh carefully. Choosing a non-accredited MPH program could affect your eligibility for certain licensure or certification opportunities, like the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam. It may also limit access to federal financial aid or make it harder to apply to doctoral programs down the line. If you envision pursuing advanced training or working in a highly regulated public health role, selecting a CEPH-accredited program is strongly recommended.