Florida deals with a lot when it comes to public health. The state keeps growing, people move in from different places, and we have both large cities and very rural communities. Add in the beaches, heat, and hurricane season, and you can see why health planning and community support are ongoing priorities here.
A Master of Public Health (MPH) is designed for people who want to help shape healthier communities. Instead of treating one person at a time, MPH programs focus on big-picture health, things like preventing disease, improving access to care, researching community needs, and helping officials make better health decisions. It’s a degree that connects real people, real data, and real solutions.
Florida has several universities with strong MPH programs, each offering something a little different. Some focus more on research, others have close ties to local health departments, and many offer flexible online or hybrid options for working adults. So, there’s room to find something that fits your schedule and your goals.
This article breaks down the best MPH programs in Florida, what stands out about each school, and the type of student each program may be a good fit for.
Top 10 MPH Programs in Florida
These are the ten best MPH programs in Florida based on program quality, reputation, available concentrations, student support, and recognized accreditation.
1. University of Florida (UF) – Gainesville
The MPH program at the University of Florida focuses on preparing students to work in real-world health settings, from hospitals and community clinics to global health agencies. Students can choose from several concentration areas, such as Epidemiology, Public Health Management, Environmental Health, and Social & Behavioral Sciences, allowing them to tailor their learning to a career path they care about.
UF also offers flexible learning options, including online and on-campus formats, making it easier for working professionals to continue their education. Faculty at UF are research-active and often involve students in public health projects happening across Florida and beyond. The UF MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
2. University of Miami (UM) – Coral Gables / Miller School of Medicine
The University of Miami’s MPH program has a strong focus on public health research, community outreach, and hands-on learning. Students engage with health care systems across South Florida, which provides exposure to diverse populations and real health challenges.
The curriculum balances coursework in public health foundations with electives that encourage specialization in areas like global health, epidemiology, or health policy. Miami also provides access to medical school resources, cross-disciplinary classes, and research opportunities with faculty.
This is a good program for students who want strong medical and scientific integration in public health training. The UM MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
3. University of South Florida (USF) – Tampa
USF’s College of Public Health is one of the largest and most recognized in Florida. They offer MPH programs both fully online and on campus, along with a wide range of concentration options such as Global Health, Nutrition, Environmental Safety, Epidemiology, and Public Health Practice. Students also complete applied learning experiences where they work directly with health departments, NGOs, or research teams.
The program is known for its flexibility, making it ideal for students balancing work and school. USF also maintains strong partnerships with public health agencies, which can help students with internships and job placement. The USF MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
4. Florida State University (FSU) – Tallahassee
FSU’s MPH program blends public health theory with practical training and community engagement. Students learn the foundations of epidemiology, health policy, environmental health, and public health program evaluation.
There are opportunities for students to get involved in research through faculty-led projects and partnerships with state health organizations in Tallahassee. The program is structured to help students develop both analytical and communication skills that apply directly to public health careers.
FSU also offers internship placements that give students hands-on experience in real community settings. The FSU MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
5. Florida International University (FIU) – Miami
FIU’s MPH program is rooted in serving diverse urban and multicultural communities, especially in Miami and South Florida. Students gain experience working with populations that face real public health challenges, from chronic disease to environmental hazards.
The curriculum covers foundational public health subjects, with opportunities to specialize in areas like epidemiology or health promotion. FIU is also known for major research activity and partnerships with local and global health organizations.
This is a program that suits students who want hands-on, community-focused public health work. The FIU MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
6. Nova Southeastern University (NSU) – Davie / Fort Lauderdale
NSU’s MPH program is designed with flexibility in mind, offering both online and face-to-face course options. The program focuses on preparing students to address real-world health problems through evidence-based solutions.
Students take courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and health policy, with the option to shape their pathway through electives and applied practicum experiences. Because NSU has strong health science and medical programs, students also benefit from access to resources across the university’s health departments.
The NSU MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
7. University of North Florida (UNF) – Jacksonville
UNF’s MPH program provides students with practical skills that can be used directly in public health settings. The program offers concentration options in Health Promotion and Education or Epidemiology, allowing students to push deeper into the area they want to specialize in.
Small class sizes mean students work closely with faculty and receive more personalized support. The curriculum includes applied learning experiences where students work with local clinics, community organizations, and public health agencies. The UNF MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
8. University of West Florida (UWF) – Pensacola
UWF’s MPH program is particularly friendly to working adults, offering part-time, full-time, online, and hybrid learning options. The program emphasizes practical skills that help graduates work in disease prevention, health education, and public health administration.
Students complete coursework that builds a foundation in public health science and then gain field experience through internships or applied projects. The program is known for strong mentorship and community engagement within the Florida Panhandle region. The UWF MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
9. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) – Boca Raton
FAU’s MPH program focuses on preparing students to work in public health settings that range from community clinics to global health organizations. Students learn how to analyze health trends, create health education programs, and evaluate public health interventions.
FAU also has local partnerships that allow students to participate in research or fieldwork experiences. The program is straightforward, structured, and supportive, making it a good fit for students who want practical public health training. The FAU MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
10. University of Central Florida (UCF) – Orlando
UCF’s MPH program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in public health. Students learn foundational skills while also applying what they learn to real-world health challenges through internships, research opportunities, and community projects.
The program emphasizes communication, data literacy, and project management, skills that are valuable in public health careers. UCF also offers both online and in-person options, giving students the flexibility to learn in a way that works for them. The UCF MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
Public Health Job Outlook in Florida
Public health is one of those fields where demand continues to grow, mainly because communities, hospitals, and government agencies need trained professionals to handle disease prevention, health education, emergency response, and general population wellness.
In Florida, the job outlook is especially strong because the state has a large and diverse population, including many older adults and coastal communities that require ongoing health planning.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for public health professionals in Florida is expected to grow by 12%–15% in the next few years, which is faster than the average for many other fields.
Roles such as epidemiologists, health program coordinators, community health workers, and public health analysts are becoming more common in local health departments, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, research institutes, and even private companies.
If you are interested in a career where your work has a visible impact on real communities, the MPH opens the you to a wide range of meaningful paths.
How Much Can You Earn With an MPH in Florida?
Salaries in public health vary depending on the job title, level of experience, and where you work. However, many MPH graduates in Florida are able to build stable careers with room for growth. Here’s a general salary outlook in the state:-
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Epidemiologists: around $68,000 to $95,000 per year
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Public Health Program Managers: typically $70,000 to $100,000+, depending on organization size
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Community Health Educators: usually $47,000 to $62,000
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Health Policy Analysts: often $60,000 to $90,000
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Environmental Health Specialists: about $50,000 to $76,000
While some entry-level roles may start on the lower side, the field tends to reward experience and specialization. Working with larger organizations, state agencies, research institutes, or moving into leadership roles can significantly increase earning potential.
The MPH degree helps position graduates for those higher-earning opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need a specific undergraduate major to apply for an MPH?
No. Many MPH students come from diverse backgrounds such as biology, nursing, psychology, social sciences, or even business. Schools mainly look for a strong academic record and interest in public health.
2. Can I complete the MPH fully online?
Yes. Several schools on this list offer fully online MPH programs, making it easier for working adults to balance school and career.
3. How long does it take to finish the MPH program?
Most MPH programs take about two years for full-time students. Part-time options may take 2.5 to 3 years, depending on course load.
4. Is CEPH accreditation important?
Yes. CEPH accreditation ensures the program meets recognized public health education standards. It can also be helpful for certain job applications and further career advancement.
5. What careers can I pursue after earning an MPH?
Graduates can work in epidemiology, health education, global health, research, environmental health, nonprofit leadership, healthcare administration, and government public health agencies.