If you are considering advancing your career in public health by pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, but want to complete your degree more quickly than a traditional program, check out these top one year MPH programs. Professionals with this advanced degree can expect to accelerate their career opportunities and be prepared for roles in this growing field that strives to protect and promote health. If you are seeking to advance your public health degree, one of these top one year MPH degree programs may be the one to help you reach your goal in a more expedient manner. Continue reading to see if one of these accredited MPH programs is the one to help you meet your educational and career goals.
Featured Programs
Methodology for Accelerated MPH Programs 2021
Ranking for the 10 Best One Year MPH programs was developed using an initial pool of programs derived from the College Navigator website. Only programs accredited by the Council of Education for Public Health (CEPH) were included for consideration. Program ranking was based on national recognition of the program, concentrations available, and unique program traits. Tuition costs listed are from the College Navigator website and are used for comparison purposes only. Tuition costs should be confirmed with schools of interest by applicants. Program information was from the program websites.
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
- Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
- Columbia University, New York, NY
- Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- University of California, Berkeley, CA
- George Washington University, Washington, DC
- Yale University, New Haven, CT
- University of California, Davis, CA
- Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
10. University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
MPH Online
Tuition $46,272
This robust one year accelerated online MPH program is offered by USC’s Keck School of Medicine. With six concentrations to choose from, students can concentrate in Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Community Health Promotion, Global Health, GeoHealth, Health Services and Policy, or Generalist. Students take 2-4 courses each term, including a practicum during the final semester to encourage mastery of knowledge and skills. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis, and accepted students begin in May. It is recommended that students in this accelerated MPH program not be employed while enrolled.
9. Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
MPH On Campus
Tuition $56,067
Northwestern University’s accelerated 12 month MPH program is ideal for students wishing to pursue intensive study coupled with practical experience. This MPH program promises to prepare graduates to bring public health skills and knowledge to their professional field, with an emphasis on data and analytic skills. Students can choose from four concentrations including Generalist, Community Health Research, Epidemiology, and Global Health. This program attracts a diverse student body that includes physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, social and physical scientists and health researchers. Students have the opportunity to transfer credits upon approval, further saving time and money. Graduates of this program are well prepared to address public health issues on a community, state, national or global scale. In addition to required courses, students complete the Applied Practical Experience and Culminating Experience, providing practical experience and networking opportunities.
8. University of California, Davis, CA
MPH On Campus
In state tuition $11,442
Out of state tuition $26,554
University of California’s Davis campus is the home of the UC Davis accelerated MPH program offered through the School of Medicine. This vigorous program is designed to be completed in just 10-12 month, saving both time and money. Students can choose between two areas of concentration: General Public Health and Epidemiology. With student cohorts of 40 or less, each cohort takes their required core courses together, developing strong connections with classmates. This accelerated MPH program includes a practicum in a public health setting, helping students to solidify both skills and knowledge and providing meaningful networking opportunities. This 56 credit MPH program focuses on the essential in the field of public health, with small class sizes offering personalized instruction, a history of successful job placement for graduates, and a strong professional network in the field.
7. Yale University, New Haven, CT
MPH On Campus
Tuition $43,300
This Advanced Professional MPH program offered by Yale University can be completed in just 11 months of full time study. This rigorous program is designed for professionals with clear career goals in public health. Applicants to this degree are expected to have either a : doctoral degree in a public health related field, master’s degree with two years of relevant work experience, bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5 years of related work experience, or have completed their third year of medical, dental or podiatric school in the United States. This program offers six concentration tracks including Applied Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Health Policy, Global Health, Preventive Medicine, or Occupational and Environmental Medicine. This one year MPH program begins with a seven week summer session followed by two semesters.
6. George Washington University, Washington, DC
MPH Online
Tuition $31,770
This one year accelerated online MPH degree program offered by George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health is a rigorous program requiring students to take an average of 11.5 credits each quarter, and includes a culminating experience. These program requirements are identical to the traditional MPH program, and students accepted to the accelerated program are not permitted to work during enrollment. GWU boasts in their students ability to generalize this degree and customize the curriculum with electives in Environmental and Occupational Health, Epidemiology and Public Health Research Methods, Global Health, Health Communication, Health Policy, and Program Planning and Evaluation. Cohorts for this rigorous program begin in April and July. This program promises to prepare leaders for the ever changing field of public health.
5. University of California, Berkeley, CA
MPH Online
In State Tuition $11,442
Out of State Tuition $26,544
This intensive accelerated MPH program from Berkeley Public Health is constructed to produce leaders with skills in health policy and management competencies and knowledge to compliment clinical education. This MPH in Health Policy and Management requires 42 credits completed over two semesters and a 6 week summer session that is completed prior to the fall semester. This program begins in July and is completed the following early May. Candidates to this accelerated MPH program are doctoral prepared clinicians or those on that pathway. Graduates of this top program are sought after by domestic and global employers, and valued for their leadership in improving health care.
4. Emory University, Atlanta, GA
MPH On Campus
Tuition $42,800
This 12 month accelerated MPH degree program from Emory University is offered in Health Care Management. This excellent program is designed with students wishing to build their leadership skills for work in health care. Students can expect to develop skills and knowledge that will boost their career. Skills in accounting, marketing, Human Resource Management, and Operations Management will help graduates find success in health care management and policy analysis. Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health also requires an Applied Practice Experience (APE), designed to add to student application of skills and knowledge. Graduates of Emory’s accelerated MPH are positioned for jobs in health policy and management, and research in government, industry and academia.
3. Columbia University, New York, NY
MPH On Campus
Tuition $47,600
This one year accelerated MPH program from top ranked Columbia University is offered in Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, Population and Family Health, Sociomedical Sciences and General Public Health. Columbia University’s demanding program is made up of five integrated components that builds on one another. Candidates applying to this competitive program typically have a doctoral or nearly complete doctoral degree, a master’s level degree and /or five years of work or research experience. This program includes a practicum component, with MPH candidates working alongside public health professionals, adding valuable experience and networking opportunities.
2. Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
MPH On Campus
Tuition $48,008
Harvard University’s top ranked T.H. Chan School of Public Health offers a 45 credit MPH program that can be completed in just one academic year of full time study. This accelerated MPH degree program is designed for students who already hold a graduate level degree, are currently medical or dental students who have completed their primary clinical year, or have five years or more of relevant public health experience. Most fields of study can be completed in a part time option as well, taking 2-3 year to complete. In addition to required courses, students complete an Applied Practice Experience and an Integrative Learning Experience that help students develop knowledge and skills for the workplace. MPH students may also enroll in elective courses offered by other Harvard faculties, MIT or Tufts Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. MPH students can expect unique experiences both in and out of the classroom, building the skills and knowledge needed to apply public health training in meaningful ways. Graduates develop relationships with peers and faculty that are leaders in their field, opening opportunities at home and abroad.
1. Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
MPH On Campus
Tuition $55,350
This accelerated MPH offered by Johns Hopkins University’s nationally ranked Bloomberg School of Public Health can be completed in just 11 months, starting in July and ending in May. Students can complete most of their 80 credits on campus in five 8-week semesters. Students in this top program can base their electives on professional interests and goals, with over 200 courses available in both on campus and online formats to build on knowledge and skills. With opportunity to choose one of 12 concentrations, students can choose from: Age and Public Health; Child and Adolescent Health; Epidemiologic & Biostatistical Methods for Public Health & Clinical Research; Food, Nutrition and Health; Food Systems and Public Health; Global Environmental Sustainability & Health; Health in Crisis and Humanitarian Assistance; Health Leadership and Management; Health Systems and Policy; Infectious Diseases; Social & Behavioral Sciences in Public Health; Women’s and Reproductive Health. Each concentration has about 20 required credits, leaving 20-30 credits for electives. Student ability to customize their program is a crowning feature of this accelerated MPH program that draws exceptional students from around the globe.
FAQ
Why consider an accelerated one year MPH program?
A one year MPH program is a solution for students who are eager to begin their careers and don’t want to delay advancement in their careers with a traditional program. If you are looking to get into the field of public health more quickly by enrolling in an accelerated one year MPH program, the accelerated MPH program is a great option.
What are some benefits of an acceleration MPH degree program?
Besides the savings on time and expense, obtaining a higher degree such as the MPH, opens doors to greater career opportunities and higher salaries. Check out these top programs to find one that will help promote your career.
Do all accelerated MPH programs take one year to complete?
Programs listed in this article are specifically one year MPH degree programs. There are accelerated MPH programs that take longer than one year, but take less time than a traditional MPH program.
Why pursue a master’s degree in public health (MPH)?
Public health is a growing and exciting field that is expected to grow, opening up opportunities for people with an advanced degree in public health. Public Health professionals can help to improve access to health care, control infectious disease, help reduce violence and substance abuse, as well as reduce environmental hazards. These top one year accelerated MPH degree programs can help graduates get into the field quickly and with the confidence and skills to make a difference.
How do I know which program is right for me?
Factors to consider when choosing a program include program curriculum, on campus or online community, alumni association, alumni association and cost are just a few things to be considered. Contact your school of interest directly to find out more and help you narrow down your program choices.
What is the career outlook in public health?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) indicates an occupational outlook for public health as faster growth than average at 13% between 2019-2029. It is anticipated that the growth in this field is driven by initiatives to improve health outcomes while lowering healthcare costs.
How much money can I expect to make as a public health professional?
While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) indicates average incomes for occupations, pay scales vary depending on experience, education level, location and organization type. For example, the median annual wage for health education specialists was $55,220 in May 2019.
Can someone with an advanced degree in public health really make a difference in the world?
Public health professionals often work with vulnerable populations, improving access to care. Public health professionals may work directly in the field or support health organizations in a multitude of capacities; the work public health professionals do has a direct impact on the health and safety of communities at home or abroad.
Why does it matter if my program is accredited?
Accreditation ensures a quality program that is worthy of your time, money and effort. If you are going to make the effort to pursue an advanced degree, consider accredited programs for quality assurance. The programs listed in this article are accredited by Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
How can I finance my online degree?
Often students find academic funding opportunities by researching scholarships, grants, loans and work study. By speaking with someone in financial aid at your school of interest you can find out what is available through the school.
What job titles do people with their MPH degree have?
Titles for graduates with an MPH degree may include: health communications specialist, health research scientist, program director, public health management analyst, or public health researcher, along with many other titles. Public health professionals with their MPH degree may work in the public or private sector, governmental agencies, academia, and research, as well as industry or community based organizations.
Can public health professionals really make a difference in today’s world?
The public health initiatives promoted over the last 100 years have added 25 years to the life expectancy in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), public health’s greatest achievements in the last century include: infectious disease control, workplace safety, food safety, mother/baby health and wellness, declining death rates from heart attack and stroke, motor vehicle safety, family planning, immunizations, clean water and education on tobacco hazards. What future health initiatives will make the next century a healthier one?
What are the organizations for public health professionals?
The professional organizations in public health help emerging and established professionals gain access to networking opportunities, conferences, career guidance, and continuing education. Organizations include: American Public Health Association, United States Public Health Service, and Council on Education for Public Health.
By Carol Dolan BS RN BSN CDCES
December 2020
Carol graduated with her BS in Nutrition from Montclair State University and her BSN in Nursing from Rowan University. She is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) currently working with adults and children living with diabetes in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
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