California is seeing a growing demand for skilled public health professionals. Cities and counties across the state need people who can help improve health systems, guide community programs, and shape policy to keep residents safe and healthy. That’s why earning a Master of Public Health (MPH) is so valuable. It equips you with practical skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience to make a real difference in communities, healthcare organizations, and government agencies.
But choosing the right MPH program isn’t always easy with so many schools offering different formats, some fully online, others on-campus, and some a mix of both; it can feel overwhelming. On top of that, students worry about accreditation, specialization options, career outcomes, and whether the program will give them practical, experience. These are valid concerns because the wrong choice can cost time, money, and opportunities.
We’ve highlighted some of the top MPH programs in California that are respected, flexible, and focused on preparing graduates for in-demand public health roles. These programs not only give you solid classroom training, but also fieldwork, internships, and connections that help you step directly into a career in public health.
Best MPH Programs in California
These are the top five best Master of Public Health (MPH) programs in California, selected for their strong curriculum, flexibility, practical training, and reputation in preparing students for careers in public health.
1. University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley’s Online MPH is a flexible 27-month program designed for working professionals, with about 90% of the coursework done remotely. Students pick from specializations like Health Policy & Management, Epidemiology & Biostatistics, or Food, Nutrition & Population Health, or build a custom interdisciplinary course.
While most of the program is online, there are two mandatory summer campus visits (5–7 days each) for immersion, networking, and community building. The curriculum focuses on public health challenges, and students complete a practicum to gain field experience. The program is fully CEPH-accredited.
2. University of Southern California (USC)
USC’s Online MPH is offered through the Keck School of Medicine and can be completed fully online. The program includes core public health classes, a 260-hour practicum, and a capstone project. You get to choose from concentrations like Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Community Health Promotion, Global Health, Health Services & Policy, or a Generalist track.
There’s also a fast-track option that lets you finish in just four semesters. USC supports students with one-on-one advising and career counseling throughout. The program is CEPH-accredited, and USC is regionally accredited.
3. California State University, Fullerton (CSUF)
CSUF’s MPH program is designed with community health in mind, and its public health faculty are actively involved in research ranging from obesity to air quality. The program is 42 units and offers tracks like Health Promotion, Environmental Health, and more.
It also places a strong emphasis on practical, local public health work through field placements and project-based learning. Tuition is very affordable compared to many private schools.
This MPH is CEPH-accredited, which means it meets high standards for public health education.
4. California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA)
Cal State LA’s MPH is focused on urban community health, especially in diverse city settings like Los Angeles. It’s a 5-semester degree program with classes in the evening, making it workable for people with jobs.
Students explore how to improve public health in city environments, study health inequities, and design interventions for underserved groups. The program encourages community leadership and hands-on public health work.
This MPH is CEPH-accredited through a term running through 2028.
5. California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
CSUN’s MPH offers two main options: Community Health Education and Applied Epidemiology. Their community education track focuses on skills like designing public health programs, planning interventions, and working with communities.
The epidemiology track digs into biostatistics, disease surveillance, and research methods. The program is built to be flexible for working professionals, and classes are taught by experienced faculty.
The CSUN MPH is CEPH-accredited, which is a mark of quality for public health education.
Average Salaries for MPH Graduates in California
If you get a Master of Public Health (MPH) in California, you can expect a pretty decent salary, but it depends a lot on what job you land, what city you’re in, and what kind of public health work you do. According to Salary.com, a public health practitioner in California now makes, on average, about $108,000 a year, though that can range from roughly $100,000 to $125,000 depending on experience and role.
If you go into more technical or specialized public health work, the pay can be even higher. For example, Research.com reports that online MPH grads in California working as epidemiologists often earn between $70,000 and $90,000, while health services managers can pull in $100,000 or more.
A good data point is from the University of San Francisco (USF) MPH program, where their 2022 graduates reported an average salary of $85,508.
On a more local level, for some MPH positions in California (especially in senior or leadership public health roles), posted salaries are very high; for example, Indeed lists a “Public Health Officer” role averaging as much as $179,939/year.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does an MPH program in California cost, and how can I afford it?
The cost varies a lot by school. Some online MPH programs in California range from $30,000 to $70,000, depending on whether you’re in-state or out-of-state, and how the school charges per credit.
There are scholarships, fellowships, and financial aid options; many schools (like UC Berkeley) offer merit-based and need-based funding.
2. Are there part-time or flexible MPH options for working professionals?
Yes. Many MPH programs in California are designed for working people. You can take classes in the evenings or part-time. Some programs also include practicum or capstone projects to fit into work schedules.
3. Do MPH programs in California require a thesis or research project?
Not always. Depending on the school, there can be different ways to complete your degree, for example, a comprehensive exam, a project, or a thesis. At some schools, you don’t need to write a full thesis.
4. What are the career prospects for MPH graduates in California?
Graduates with an MPH in California can work in a variety of public health roles: epidemiology, health policy, environmental health, community health, and more. According to research, many public health professionals in the state also move into management roles or data-intensive public health work.
5. Is work experience needed to apply for an MPH in California?
It depends on the program. Some schools prefer or require public health‑relevant work or volunteer experience, especially for certain concentrations. When you apply, you’ll often need to explain how your past work or volunteer roles relate to public health.