Top MPH Programs in Wisconsin: Campus & Online Options

The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is the official accrediting body for public health programs in the U.S., recognized by the Department of Education. Gaining CEPH accreditation is a rigorous, multi-year process—typically taking around three years—and involves in-depth reviews, site evaluations, and compliance with clearly defined standards. Accreditation ensures that a program’s curriculum aligns with industry expectations and equips students with the competencies required for the public health workforce. In addition to overseeing the accreditation process, CEPH also maintains a searchable database with program details, including delivery format (online or in-person), areas of specialization, curriculum structure, and links to school websites.

Exploring  CEPH’s database reveals a wide variety of accredited MPH programs. While many offer a shared foundation of core public health courses, some stand out for their specialized tracks—ranging from health informatics and health education to policy and program management. You can filter by learning format or area of focus to help narrow your options. If you have a specific career interest, using the “Concentration” filter is a helpful way to find programs tailored to your goals.

Keep in mind that not every MPH program is CEPH-accredited. While attending a non-accredited program might not impact your immediate job search, it could limit access to certain opportunities down the line, such as certification exams, federal financial aid, or admission into doctoral programs. For example, eligibility to become a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) requires a degree from a CEPH-accredited institution. Depending on your long-term goals, accreditation may be a key factor to consider during your decision-making process.

MPH programs in Wisconsin generally follow the same admissions requirements as other programs nationwide. Most require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA (often around 3.0), a current resume or CV, two to three letters of recommendation, and a well-crafted statement of purpose. While an undergraduate degree in a related area—like biology, psychology, social work, health policy, or public administration—can be beneficial, it’s not required. Whether you studied nursing or computer science, what matters most is your interest in public health and your ability to articulate why this path aligns with your goals.  Many schools, including Concordia University Wisconsin, Ohio University, Carroll University, and George Washington University offer undergraduate public health programs, but applicants from a range of academic backgrounds are welcome.

Another question you may be asking is are GRE scores required for MPH programs in Wisconsin? Some public health programs have GRE required for entry; however, many programs have dropped the GRE requirement in recent years. University of North Carolina, Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health in New York, and Rutgers University in New Jersey, along with many others, do not require this exam for entry into the program. We have a separate article detailing additional MPH programs that do not require a GRE. If you are interested exclusively in online Master of Public Health programs that do not require a GRE, we have an entire article detailing those exact programs. 

Letters of recommendation are a standard part of the application process. These typically come from former professors, supervisors, or colleagues who can speak to your academic abilities, work ethic, and readiness for graduate study. A personal statement is also essential—it’s your opportunity to explain why public health matters to you, what led you to apply, and what you hope to achieve. MPH programs are often filled with students from diverse backgrounds and career stages, so don’t be discouraged if you’re a mid-career professional or switching fields entirely. Many programs also offer flexible start dates, with options to begin coursework in the fall, spring, or summer terms.

Below are tips for how to strengthen your application.

The rise of online education has transformed how students pursue graduate degrees, especially in fields like public health. For many, online learning provides the flexibility needed to juggle work, family responsibilities, or rural living where campus access may be limited. In Wisconsin, several institutions offer online or hybrid MPH programs that make advanced education more accessible. These formats typically mirror in-person programs in terms of admissions requirements and curriculum, including practice-based learning that can often be completed in virtual or community settings. 

For example, the Medical College of Wisconsin offers a fully online MPH program that is flexible and ideal for individuals seeking to upskill in healthcare, education, or the nonprofit sector. A close midwest neighbor, Michigan State University, also offers a fully online MPH program. MSU’s MPH program costs $725 per credit hour and can be completed in as little as 19 months.

While the convenience of online education is a major advantage, it’s not without its hurdles. Building relationships with classmates, networking with professionals, and maintaining motivation can feel more challenging without in-person interaction. That said, many students find success and community through intentional engagement. If you’re considering an online MPH, keep these strategies in mind:

There are abundant health needs and opportunities in Wisconsin, so there are a plethora of public health careers for MPH graduates. You could become an epidemiologist, biostatistician, environmental health specialist, community health educator, and more. You could start your career in policy, health management, or global health. If you are asking, what can I do with an MPH degree in Wisconsin? look no further, this is the place to explore that exact question. If you are looking to stay in Wisconsin after graduating, you have many career opportunities. You could go into city or state government and work for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. If you are interested in healthcare operations, you can look into Froedtert Health or Ascension Wisconsin.

The average public health salary in Wisconsin is $80,402 per year. Due to Wisconsin's specific public health landscape, there is great need for public health professionals to focus on improving access to care for rural populations and public health innovation. If you want to work in a more urban area, look for jobs in Milwaukee, Madison, or Green Bay. There are endless opportunities, so if you are interested in pursuing a career in public health in Wisconsin, now is a great time to do so.