Guide to Earning a Master of Public Health in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is a distinct and strategic location for pursuing a public health education. By receiving an education in D.C., you gain access to federal public health institutions like NIH, HHS, and CDC. There are also non-federal government branches to pursue employment in, such as the DC Department of Health. Several prominent Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have offices in DC, such as the United Nations Foundation (the United Nations being headquartered in New York), Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and the American Red Cross. DC is a hub for public policy opportunities, with many policy think tanks located in the area, such as the Cato Institute, D.C. Policy Center, Center for American Progress, and the Institute for Policy Studies. There are also major health care organizations and associations housed in DC, such as Children’s National Hospital and the American Medical Association.

Because of their proximity to these government organizations, students have access to internships and employment opportunities post-graduation at NIH, CDC, FDA, HHS, World Bank, USAID (for those interested in global health), and all of the NGOs that are headquartered in D.C. Being a hub for innovation, major think tanks such as Brookings and Urban Institute are housed in D.C. and offer opportunities for employment after graduation. In addition to the formal education programs, Washington, D.C. is an international hub that offers ample cultural and networking advantages and opportunities. It is one of the best places for students with international health interests due to the culturally diverse nature of the city and the robust global health networks. Furthermore, living in D.C. brings many lifetime perks. The city is home to some of the best free museums in the country, great public transit, and rich student life.

Over the past several years, online learning has become an increasingly popular option for graduate students. These programs offer flexibility and convenience, making them ideal for individuals who are balancing full- or part-time work, caring for families, or who prefer not to relocate for school. That said, remote learning also comes with its own set of challenges—such as staying engaged, building a strong network, and forming meaningful professional connections in the field. If you’re considering earning your public health degree online, here are a few strategies to help you make the most of the experience:

Washington, D.C. is home to MPH@GW, which is the fully online MPH program at George Washington University. This online MPH program is a flexible, respected way to earn your graduate degree from a school that has nationally recognized MPH offerings. Earning your MPH online is great for flexibility and adaptability to your unique lifestyle. George Washington University offers four concentrations for their fully online MPH students: Health Informatics, Global Health, Climate Health, and Women, Youth and Child Health. 

MPH@GW has three paths for completion.

The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, is the independent accrediting body for public health programs in the United States. Earning CEPH accreditation is a rigorous process that typically takes around three years and includes site visits and comprehensive evaluations to ensure that a program meets established academic and professional standards. Today, there are more than 260 accredited public health degrees and joint degree programs nationwide. CEPH also maintains a public directory with key details about each program’s history, curriculum, concentration areas, and links to official websites.

A quick search on CEPH’s website will show you an extensive list of accredited MPH programs. While many of these programs share a common core curriculum in public health fundamentals, several offer specialized concentrations such as health promotion, health informatics, or health management. You can also use filters to explore only online MPH programs or to narrow your options based on your specific interests. To get a clearer picture of what each program offers, it’s helpful to open multiple program websites side by side and compare their curriculum, faculty, and focus areas.

Keep in mind that not all Master of Public Health programs are CEPH-accredited. Although attending a non-accredited program may not necessarily hinder your job prospects, it could limit your eligibility for certain certifications.  For instance, becoming a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) requires a degree from a CEPH-accredited institution. This might not be a major concern if you are not pursuing that credential or a terminal degree later on, but it’s an important consideration as you evaluate your options.

Admission criteria for Washington, D.C.’s accredited public health graduate programs closely mirror the admission requirements of other MPH programs nationwide. Most require a completed bachelor’s degree, a competitive GPA, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. While an undergraduate degree in public health or a related field (such as healthcare management or health administration) can be helpful, it’s not mandatory. Students with backgrounds in fields like behavioral health, behavioral science, or health services, or even unrelated disciplines like business administration or computer science, are welcome and often bring valuable perspectives to the classroom. In your undergraduate education. Institutions like Cornell University and Southern New Hampshire University even offer undergraduate majors tailored to public health studies, though such a foundation is not a prerequisite for success in an MPH program.

Some programs may still require GRE scores for admission; but many have moved away from standardized testing in recent years. The University of North Carolina’s MPH program does not require the GRE. (We’ve compiled a separate article highlighting additional MPH programs that have eliminated this requirement.)

Letters of recommendation are typically expected from individuals who can speak to your academic or professional qualifications, such as supervisors, professors, or colleagues. Most programs will also ask for a statement of purpose, a document similar to a cover letter, where you can articulate your motivations, interests, and goals.   While many programs begin in the fall(August or September),some MPH online options often offer rolling admissions or year-round start dates for added flexibility.

Lastly, remember that the admissions process is a two-way street. Just as programs are assessing whether you are a good fit, you should also be evaluating whether the school aligns with your goals, values, and career aspirations. Reach out to faculty and alumni to get a clearer sense of the culture and opportunities. Ask questions, attend virtual sessions, and review resources beyond the official website. This is a significant commitment, so it’s important to find a program that supports your vision and sets you up for success.

As we’ve outlined, Washington, D.C. offers a unique ecosystem of public health employment, including government, NGOs, and advocacy spaces. Let’s break down the opportunities by grouping below.

As we saw from the tuition stats above, pursuing graduate school can be expensive, so it’s helpful to consider the postgraduate MPH salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in Washington, D.C. have an average salary that exceeds that of the national average by 35%⁵. For example, the average salary for a public health analyst in D.C. is over $100k/year, $92k/year for an epidemiologist, and $103k/year for a policy associate^6,7,8.