Public health touches almost every part of daily life, from keeping drinking water clean to stopping the spread of disease. In Pennsylvania, several universities are helping train the next generation of professionals who want to make a difference in this field.
If you’re someone who cares about community health, disease prevention, or the policies that shape how care is delivered, earning a Master of Public Health (MPH) is a smart move. It’s a degree that opens the door to meaningful work, whether you see yourself managing health programs, analyzing data, or leading local health initiatives.
Across the state, you’ll find MPH programs that blend classroom learning with hands-on field experience. Some are based in large research universities like the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University, while others, like West Chester University, offer affordable and flexible options for working students.
In this post, you’ll find a breakdown of the best MPH programs in Pennsylvania, what each school offers, and what to expect in terms of coursework, cost, and career opportunities after graduation.
What the MPH Program Covers
A Master of Public Health is a professional graduate degree that focuses on improving the health of populations rather than treating individual patients. The program combines classroom learning, fieldwork, and research to prepare students for leadership roles in health departments, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and global health agencies.
Most MPH programs in Pennsylvania require around 42–48 credits, which take about two years of full-time study. Students start with core courses like Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Health Policy, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. These build a foundation for understanding how health systems work and how to respond to community challenges such as infectious diseases or health inequities.
After the core courses, students move into a concentration area, for example, community health, global health, environmental health, or health management, depending on their career goals. A capstone project or internship is usually required, giving students a chance to apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings such as hospitals, research centers, or public health departments.
The best part is how flexible many of these programs have become. Pennsylvania schools now offer online, hybrid, and evening options, making it easier for working professionals to earn their degree without pausing their careers.
Best MPH Programs in Pennsylvania
1. University of Pennsylvania (Penn)
Penn’s MPH gives you the chance to study public health from multiple angles since it draws from several schools across the university. The program includes core public health courses, six electives, two semesters of capstone seminars, and a hands-on practice experience.
You can study full-time and finish in about two years, or go part-time and spread it over three. Students choose from tracks like Global Health, One Health, or Epidemiology. Though the program follows CEPH standards, Penn’s accreditation comes through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Small classes and close faculty guidance make the experience personal and research-driven.
2. University of Pittsburgh
Pitt’s MPH stands out for its strong policy and management focus. It’s a 45-credit program that blends coursework in leadership, economics, and health systems with a real-world practicum. You’ll also complete a master’s essay or applied project before graduating.
The program is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), and the school itself consistently ranks among the top public health programs nationally. Students often move into government, hospital administration, or advocacy roles.
The learning is very applied, and the school’s network across Pittsburgh’s major health systems makes internships and mentorships easy to find.
3. Drexel University
Drexel’s Dornsife School is known for its community-focused approach and flexibility. You can take the MPH fully online or on campus, with options in Epidemiology, Global Health, Urban Health, and more. The program highlights practical learning through internships, field experiences, and service-based projects in Philadelphia and beyond.
It’s CEPH-accredited, so you can sit for the Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam after graduation. Courses run on a quarter system, making it possible to study year-round. Drexel’s focus on urban health and social justice gives students a strong sense of purpose while learning how to address real-world health problems.
4. Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)
Penn State’s MPH is offered through the College of Medicine at the Hershey campus. It’s a 42-credit program that covers the five core areas of public health and lets students specialize in tracks like Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Community and Behavioral Health, or Health Systems Organization and Policy.
Classes are designed for flexibility, often scheduled in late afternoons or early evenings. The program is CEPH-accredited and integrates research, community service, and leadership training. Students also complete a practicum and capstone project before graduation. It’s a great fit if you prefer a calm academic environment with access to one of Pennsylvania’s biggest research networks.
5. Temple University
Temple’s MPH programs give you options across several concentrations, including Environmental Health, Applied Biostatistics, Health Policy and Management, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Each one combines classroom learning with community-based fieldwork across Philadelphia’s hospitals, nonprofits, and health agencies.
The college has been CEPH-accredited for decades and remains one of the most recognized in the state. Courses can be taken full-time or part-time, and some tracks even offer online flexibility. Temple’s programs emphasize health equity and urban health, so you’ll gain the skills to design programs and policies that actually reach people where they live.
6. West Chester University
West Chester’s MPH offers a practical route into public health with concentrations in Community Health, Environmental Health, and Health Care Management. The program combines classroom work with field experiences that build leadership and project management skills. It’s CEPH-accredited, ensuring you meet national public health competency standards.
Students can study full- or part-time, and many work in local health departments or hospitals while completing their degree. The environment is supportive and smaller in scale than the big city schools, making it easier to connect with professors and tailor your learning to your career goals.
What Does an MPH Cost in Pennsylvania?
Tuition varies widely across Pennsylvania’s public health schools, so it’s worth looking closely before applying. Public universities like West Chester or Penn State usually charge between $16,000 and $28,000 for the full two-year program if you’re an in-state student, while out-of-state tuition can double that. Private schools such as the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University are pricier, averaging $45,000–$65,000 in total tuition.
However, many programs offer scholarships, graduate assistantships, or public-health workforce grants that can cut costs significantly. If you’re already working in healthcare or government, some employers even reimburse part of your tuition. Always check the school’s financial aid page early; funding deadlines often come months before classes start.
How Much Can You Earn with an MPH in Pennsylvania?
Public health salaries in Pennsylvania depend on the role and region, but most graduates start between $58,000 and $75,000 per year. Epidemiologists and data analysts often fall on the lower end initially, while professionals in management or health policy roles can earn $85,000 and above with experience.
Philadelphia tends to offer higher pay because of its hospital systems and research institutions, though the cost of living is steeper. Rural areas may pay less but often provide stronger community ties and leadership opportunities. Either way, the state’s ongoing focus on community health and preventive care means job growth for MPH-holders remains steady, especially in local health departments, nonprofits, and hospital networks.
FAQs
1. Are online MPH programs in Pennsylvania cheaper than on-campus ones?
Usually, yes. Many online tracks reduce campus fees and allow students to keep working full-time, which helps offset tuition costs.
2. Can I apply for financial aid as a part-time MPH student?
Yes, most schools extend federal aid and scholarships to part-time students, though assistantships may be limited.
3. How long does it take to finish an MPH?
Full-time students typically complete it in two years, while part-time or online learners may take up to three.
4. What’s the highest-paying field for MPH graduates in Pennsylvania?
Health policy, biostatistics, and management positions tend to offer the best salaries, especially within state agencies or major hospital systems.
5. Is it worth pursuing a doctoral degree after the MPH?
If you’re drawn to research, academia, or executive public-health roles, a DrPH or PhD can open higher-level career paths and pay scales.