Public health is a lot more about treating illnesses; it’s about protecting entire communities, preventing disease, and promoting wellness. Every decision in this field can influence thousands, even millions, of lives. That’s why public health professionals are in such high demand today. The world needs trained experts who can act quickly, think critically, and guide effective health interventions with global health challenges, evolving diseases, and persistent healthcare disparities.
Earning a Master of Public Health (MPH) can be transformative for healthcare professionals already in the field. It equips you with practical skills in epidemiology, biostatistics, policy, and program management, helping you move from frontline care to leadership, research, or policy roles. The work is sensitive, missteps can have wide-reaching consequences, so a solid foundation is essential.
Choosing the right program is critical. Not all MPH programs are created equal. A strong program combines rigorous academics, practical experience, career support, and faculty who understand the field. Selecting carefully allows you to take what you learn and pour it back into your work, your community, and the health of the populations you serve.
With that in mind, we carefully researched the best MPH programs in Georgia. Using respected rankings, program features, and practical outcomes, we’ve compiled a list of five schools that stand out. Check them out below.
Best MPH Programs in Georgia
1. Emory University – Rollins School of Public Health
Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health offers a flexible, high‑quality MPH program with a variety of concentrations, and they make dual degrees very practical. Students can pair their MPH with business (MiM/MPH) to learn both management and public health.
They also offer an MD/MPH option for medical students who want to blend clinical training with public health skills like epidemiology, environmental health, and health policy. Rollins’ accelerated MPH program lets students in other grad or professional programs finish their MPH in just two semesters.
Across their MPH tracks, students complete core public health courses, and they do an applied practice experience in real public health settings.
2. Georgia State University – School of Public Health
Georgia State’s MPH program is built around practical, hands-on learning, especially because it’s located in Atlanta, a global hub for public health. They offer six concentrations, including Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Health Management & Policy, Health Promotion & Behavior, and more.
Tuition is very accessible: for online MPH students, it’s $450 per credit hour, plus an online learning fee. The Epidemiology track (42 credit hours) can be done online or in person, giving students flexibility.
Their applied practice experiences and career services are very strong, helping MPH students transition smoothly into real-world public health careers.
3. University of Georgia (UGA) – College of Public Health
UGA’s MPH program combines solid academics with meaningful fieldwork. Their on-campus MPH requires 44 credit hours and includes a 300‑hour applied practice placement, so students get real experience in public health settings.
They offer seven concentrations, such as Biostatistics, Disaster Management, Environmental Health Science, Epidemiology, Gerontology, Health Policy & Management, and Health Promotion & Behavior. They also have a fully online MPH for working professionals.
UGA’s public health school is CEPH-accredited, which is important for quality and credibility. Their curriculum combines theory, research, and practice, preparing graduates to take leadership roles in public health agencies, nonprofits, government, and more.
4. Georgia Southern University – Jiann‑Ping Hsu College of Public Health
Georgia Southern’s MPH program is 100% online, making it a great pick for working professionals who don’t want to pause their career. They offer two concentrations: Applied Public Health and Public Health Informatics.
In the Applied Public Health track, students learn to lead, advocate, and build public health programs; they don’t just study theory; they apply what they learn. The Informatics concentration teaches you how to use data, systems, and technology to improve public health, including data visualization and information systems.
The program is also CEPH-accredited, and there is no GRE requirement, which makes the admission process smoother. Because of its flexibility and online format, Georgia Southern is ideal if you want a respected MPH but need to keep working.
5. Augusta University – School of Public Health
Augusta University’s MPH program is unique because it’s closely tied to its medical center, giving students a clinical-public health hybrid education. The MPH is mostly online, so you can work while you study, and there’s a part‑time option that takes about two years.
The school is organized into three departments: Biostatistics & Data Science, Community & Behavioral Health, and Health Management & Policy. Augusta emphasizes applied public health through a “capstone” project, so students don’t just learn in class; they do practical, hands-on work. Their goal is to tackle Georgia’s specific health challenges, rural health, behavioral health, and policy by training public health leaders who understand both medicine and community health.
MPH Tuition, Fees, and Scholarships in Georgia
The cost of an MPH in Georgia varies depending on the school and whether you choose in-person or online study. For example, Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health is on the higher end, with tuition around $42,000 per year, but it comes with world-class faculty, research opportunities, and strong networking that can pay off in your career.
Public schools like Georgia State University and the University of Georgia are more affordable for in-state students, usually between $25,000 and $35,000 per year. Online programs, like Georgia Southern’s, can cost less overall and let you keep working while studying. Most schools offer scholarships, assistantships, and grants to help offset costs, and some employers will even reimburse tuition.
When budgeting, remember to include living expenses, books, and fees; these can add another $10,000–$15,000 per year. Planning and exploring financial aid options early can make a big difference in keeping your MPH affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which MPH program in Georgia is best for working professionals?
Programs like Georgia Southern University’s online MPH and Augusta University are designed with flexibility in mind. They let you take classes part-time or fully online so you can continue working while earning your degree.
2. Are online MPH programs recognized by employers?
Absolutely. All five top programs are CEPH-accredited, which means employers trust the degree. Graduates from online programs have the same credentials as on-campus students.
3. How long does it take to complete an MPH in Georgia?
Full-time students usually finish in 2 years, while part-time or online students may take 2.5 to 3 years, depending on the schedule.
4. Do Georgia MPH programs require GRE scores?
Many schools, like Emory and Georgia Southern, have made the GRE optional. Admissions committees focus more on experience, personal statements, and recommendations.
5. What career paths can I pursue after an MPH?
Graduates work as epidemiologists, health policy analysts, program managers, biostatisticians, or global health officers. Some go into research, nonprofits, government agencies, or hospitals. Your choice of concentration can guide your career direction.