Best MPH Programs in Washington: Your Complete Guide

Published on: Jul 7, 2025
Kerra Henkin headshot

WRITTEN BY

Kerra Henkin, MPH, ML
Katherine Paul

REVIEWED BY

Katherine Paul, MPH

Washington state is at the forefront of public health innovation, grappling with challenges such as rising homelessness and rural access disparities1,3. These public health issues have highlighted the demand for skilled professionals in the state, creating a dynamic environment for those pursuing a Master of Public Health degree. 

Public health plays a foundational role in our communities, influencing nearly every part of daily life. From responding to disease outbreaks like COVID-19 to working towards equitable healthcare access across regions, the field is dedicated to improving population health and well-being. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong growth across the public health workforce in the coming years - community health worker jobs are expected to rise by nearly 15%, epidemiologists by about 20%, and health service managers by close to 30%4,5,6. With demand climbing steadily, earning a Master of Public Health degree can position you to be a leader and problem-solver in this vital and evolving field. 

Washington state is home to world-renowned institutions (such as the University of Washington), innovative health departments, and active public health policy reform, making it an excellent place to study public health. There are on-campus, online, and hybrid MPH programs in Washington with flexible pathways to becoming a certified public health professional in the state. Below, we will dive into more detail regarding public health programs offered in Washington, CEPH accreditation, admission requirements, career outlooks for public health degree graduates, and different degree funding options.

Why Study Public Health in Washington?

Washington is a great place to earn your Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. The state has the third highest rate of homelessness in the country, which unfortunately has been increasing in the past few years1. People experiencing homelessness unsurprisingly are at risk for worse health outcomes with both infectious diseases (i.e., tuberculosis) and non-infectious diseases (i.e., mental illness, heart disease, etc)7. Washington has unique public health needs given the urban centers like Seattle contrasting with the rural areas like Spokane and Yakima, highlighting disparities in healthcare access and outcomes3. Public health agencies in Washington have reported critical shortages in public health professionals, estimating that to meet current demands, the public health workforce needs to grow by 80% in the United States8. Wherever your specific public health interests lie, there are opportunities in Washington suited for them.

Needless to say, public health professionals are greatly needed. The diversity of Washington’s landscape leads to diverse MPH training and unique specialization opportunities. If you are interested in pursuing a career in public health in Washington, now is a great time to do so.

What is Public Health Accreditation?

The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is the nationally recognized accrediting body for public health programs in the United States acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education. CEPH ensures that public health graduate programs meet rigorous academic and professional standards through a detailed review process that typically spans about three years. The process includes site visits and comprehensive evaluations to verify that programs meet established criteria for quality and effectiveness. Currently, there are more than 260 accredited public health degree and dual degree programs across the country. CEPH also provides detailed summaries for each program, including format (online or on-campus), curriculum highlights, concentration options, and links to official program pages. 

A quick browse of the CEPH’s website reveals a wide range of MPH programs with varying strengths and focus areas. While many offer similar foundational courses in public health, some programs stand out for their unique specializations, such as health promotion, occupational health, behavioral science, public health policy, and healthcare management. You can filter your search to include only MPH online programs, or tailor your results by concentration area. Once you’ve identified a few options, follow the embedded links to each program’s website or request more information to get a deeper understanding of what they offer.

Types of MPH Programs in Washington

There are various MPH program formats to choose from when completing your MPH degree. Washington offers on-campus, online, and hybrid MPH programs.

On-Campus MPH Programs

There are many benefits to in-person learning including the immersive experience of face-to-face faculty mentorship, research opportunities, and the ability to participate in student organizations and easily connect with other future public health professionals. Fully on-campus MPH programs are great for recent undergraduates or career changers who can commit to attending their graduate school program fully in-person. The University of Washington in Seattle offers a great traditional on-campus MPH program with immersive field placements, labs, and access to Seattle’s research network.

Online MPH Programs

In recent years, the landscape of graduate education has evolved significantly, with online learning becoming a widely embraced option. Eastern Washington University has a great fully online Master of Public Health degree program that caters to a broad range of students. Online MPH programs are especially beneficial for those balancing work, family responsibilities, or geographic limitations that make attending in-person classes difficult.However, remote learning also presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to building community, staying engaged, and forming strong professional networks.

If you’re planning to pursue your MPH online, here are some strategies to help you stay connected and make the most of your experience.

  • Participate in discussions

    Stay active in virtual classrooms and discussion boards to deepen your learning and build relationships with your cohort

  • Make use of university resources

    Graduate school offers limited-time access to valuable resources. Be sure to take advantage of professional development workshops, networking events, faculty office hours, and student support services.

  • Do research on the alumni network

    Since virtual learning can limit in-person networking, look for programs that provide structured opportunities to connect with alumni and mentors in your field.

  • Connect with peers

    Online learning can feel isolating at times, so make an effort to form connections with peers, professors, and staff. Consider joining professional organizations, such as the American Public Health Association, to stay engaged with the broader public health community.

Hybrid MPH Programs

Hybrid MPH programs are the best of both worlds in terms of graduate education. They incorporate virtual lectures with in-person engagement, so they are best for students needing some flexibility in their graduate school experience. You can combine a weekend residency or summer intensive with online courses, which is ideal for rural students or those balancing work and family. University of Washington has a great hybrid Community Oriented Public Health MPH program that balances classroom learning with applied practice experience in the field.

Top MPH Programs in Washington

University of Washington

University of Washington School of Public Health
Location: Seattle, Washington
Format: On-campus & online programs
Accreditation: CEPH accredited
Focus: Online MPH, Environmental Health Sciences; Occupational and Environmental Medicine (designed for physicians); Epidemiology (General & Maternal and Child Health tracks); Global Health; Health Services Generalist; Health Systems and Policy; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Community-Oriented Public Health Practice; Nutritional Sciences; Public Health Genetics
Highlight: University of Washington’s MPH program is ranked among the top 10 programs in the country by US News & World Report.

Bastyr University

Bastyr University Master of Public Health
Location: Kenmore, Washington
Format: On-campus
Accreditation: CEPH accredited
Focus: Community Health Education
Highlight: In addition to CEPH accreditation, Bastyr University’s MPH program is also regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and fulfills the competencies for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification examination.

Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University Master of Public Health
Location: Cheney, Washington
Format: Fully online
Accreditation: Probationary accreditation by CEPH
Focus: Generalist; Health Management and Policy
Highlight: EWU’s online MPH degree consists of 60 credit hours and can be completed in as little as 14 months for a total tuition of $19,500. The program has seven rolling start dates per year, so you can begin coursework whenever is most convenient for you.

University of Puget Sound

University of Puget Sound Master of Public Health Program
Location: Tacoma, Washington
Format: In-person
Accreditation: Under review for accreditation by CEPH
Focus: Generalist but has a focus on health equity and minimizing disparities
Highlight: Class sizes at the University of Puget Sound’s MPH program are very small, with under 10 students, enabling a personalized educational experience.

Admissions Requirements and Application Tips

Master of Public Health  programs in Washington generally follow the same  MPH admission guidelines found across the country. To apply, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree, a personal statement, an updated resume or CV, and two to three letters of recommendation. While an undergraduate major in public health or a related discipline isn’t required, applicants with coursework in areas like health systems, public policy, health communication, informatics, or global health may have a stronger academic foundation.  Schools such as George Washington University and American University in Washington DC, and New York University offer public health-focused undergraduate degrees, but applicants from non-health backgrounds, like business, education, or the sciences, are also welcome. If your previous studies fall outside of public health, your personal statement is a valuable space to explain your transition and interest in the field. 

In terms of testing requirements, the GRE has become optional or waived at many institutions. Leading programs at schools like UC Berkeley Public Health, Brown School of Public Health, California State University, the University of North Carolina, along with many others, no longer require the GRE for admissions. If you’re targeting programs that value holistic admissions, this trend may work in your favor. (We have a full article listing additional MPH programs that no longer require a GRE.) 

Most programs ask for letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic readiness or professional strengths - typically a supervisor, professional colleague, or mentor. Your personal statement will serve as your chance to articulate your goals, background, and motivations for pursuing the MPH. It’s worth noting that public health programs are often welcoming to mid-career professionals and career changers. You don’t need to fit a traditional student mold to be a strong applicant. 

How to Strengthen Your Application

  • Refine your “why”

    Admissions committees want to understand your purpose. Why are you pursuing an MPH now? What experiences have inspired your interest in public health, and where do you see this degree taking you? Use your statement to show both your passion and your long-term vision.

  • Choose thoughtful recommenders

    Select individuals who know you from different aspects of your life—whether academic, professional, or community-based. The more comprehensive the picture of your capabilities, the better.

  • Emphasize relevant experiences

    Whether you completed a college internship, worked in healthcare or education, or contributed to a community health project, use your application to highlight the real-world experiences that make you a strong candidate.

Finally, remember that you’re choosing a program just as much as it’s choosing you. Reach out to faculty and current students, attend virtual info sessions, and explore the curriculum and culture before committing. Choosing an MPH program is a major investment of time and energy—make sure the fit works for your goals, your schedule, and your values.

MPH Careers in Washington

There are abundant health needs in Washington so there are a plethora of public health careers for MPH graduates. You could become an epidemiologist, health policy analyst, environmental health officer, community health program coordinator, and many more. You could start your career in policy, advocacy, health management, or global health. If you are asking, what career paths are available for MPH graduates in Washington? look no further - this is the place to explore that exact question. 

If you are looking to stay in Washington after graduating, you have many options for career opportunities. You could go into city or state government and work for the Washington State Department of Health. You could work for a local non-profit organization or non-governmental organization. If you are interested in philanthropy or global health, the Gates Foundation is a great organization to explore. If you want to work for a health system, explore PeaceHealth or MultiCare. Because Washington has both rural and urban areas, there is variety and diversity in the public health focus areas. Seattle is more research-heavy and focuses on global health, while an area like Spokane may focus more on rural outreach and maternal-child health. In short, there are endless opportunities, so if you are interested in pursuing a career in public health in Washington, now is a great time to do so. 

Scholarships, Funding, and Resources

Now that you have seen some programs laid out, you may now be wondering - are scholarships available for MPH students in Washington? 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.

  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL)

    Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) is one federal program to be aware of. If you work for a government agency or qualifying nonprofit organization after graduation, you may be eligible to have your student loans forgiven after making 120 qualifying monthly payments based on your income. This is a great option for those planning to stay in the public sector long-term.

  • Graduate and Teaching Assistantships (GAs and TAs)

    Graduate and Teaching Assistantships (GAs and TAs) are also common forms of financial aid. Many MPH programs offer these positions in exchange for reduced or waived tuition and a small stipend. GAs and TAs often support faculty with research, course preparation, or administrative work—usually for 5 to 20 hours a week. These roles may be in-person or remote, depending on the program. Be sure to check your prospective school’s website for openings and application deadlines.

  • Scholarships

    Scholarships are widely available, both from schools and external organizations. Some public health scholarships are merit-based or tied to specific concentration areas like health administration, public health practice, health policy, and environmental health sciences. Others are designed to support students from specific backgrounds, such as first generation students, American Indian and Alaska Native populations, and students from rural communities. It’s worth reaching out to admissions or financial aid offices to learn more about internal awards and how to apply.

FAQs Section

With a public health degree you can work in fields like epidemiology, environmental health, policy development, health education, and many more.

Yes, Eastern Washington University offers a CEPH-accredited fully online MPH program that can be completed in a little over 1 year.

Yes, most MPH programs require a practicum or capstone project that can be completed at a local organization.

Washington state offers more CEPH-accredited MPH programs than its neighboring states of Idaho and Oregon. You can explore CEPH-accredited MPH programs state-by-state here.

Conclusion

With the current public health landscape in Washington, such as disparate health outcomes for rural communities and high rates of homelessness, the state presents a unique opportunity and strong need for public health professionals in the field1,3. Washington’s commitment to innovation, equity, and public health training makes it an excellent choice for those pursuing an MPH degree. With so many MPH programs available in Washington, it’s essential to think about how each one aligns with your professional goals and personal circumstances. Take time to evaluate key factors such as accreditation status, areas of concentration, and available career support.

Be sure to explore program websites, reach out to admissions teams for additional details, and take advantage of campus visits or virtual tours when possible. Let the programs highlighted in this guide serve as a launch point for your research—and revisit this information throughout your journey to ensure you’re staying focused on what matters most to you.

References

  1. https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/01/09/washington-homeless-2024-count-report

  2. https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/climate-change-wa.pdf 

  3. https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/Pubs/346013.pdf 

  4. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/community-health-workers.htm 

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

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

  7. https://www.cdc.gov/homelessness-and-health/about/index.html 

  8. https://www.wsalpho.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/WSALPHO-Local-Public-Health-Workforce-Report.pdf

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

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