9 Best MPH Programs in Massachusetts – 2024


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Looking for a way to make a broad impact on the health status of communities within the Bay State? Then you should look into enrolling in one of the many MPH programs in Massachusetts. Public health is a very flexible specialty, and Massachusetts-educated public health professionals find employment as health educators, occupational health specialists, epidemiologists, hospital administrators, and community health activists. As a public health professional in the Bay State, you can look forward to earning $102,450 a year on average. Many MPH programs in Massachusetts offer online options so that you can continue working while you pursue your education. Find out more by reading about the 9 best MPH programs in Massachusetts for 2024.



RECOMMENDED ONLINE MPH PROGRAMS

FOLLOWING ARE THE 9 BEST MPH PROGRAMS IN MASSACHUSETTS (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2024

(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 9 best campus-based and online MPH programs in Massachusetts.)


1) Harvard University - Cambridge


Programs Offered: MPH (45-Credit and 65-Credit)

MPH-45 Concentrations Offered: Clinical Effectiveness, Epidemiology (On-Campus & Online), Global Health, Health & Social Behavior, Health Management, Health Policy, Occupational & Environmental Health, and Quantitative Methods

MPH-65 Concentrations Offered: Health & Social Behavior, Health Management, Health Policy, and Nutrition


About the School: Counted among the best MPH programs in Massachusetts, Harvard University’s MPH program has produced global leaders who have improved the health of people across the world. Whether you are keen on studying in an environment that is conducive to research or desire to be mentored by a faculty that comprises of influential public health professionals, at Harvard, you can effectively achieve both these goals. To earn your MPH degree, here you will take classes in a combination of online, in-person, and in-field learning.

Program Details: This MPH program is offered through two formats, a 45-credit, and 65-credit coursework. To be eligible for the 45-credit coursework you must either have a graduate degree or be currently studying to become a doctor or dentist. You can also apply to this program with a minimum of five years of work experience in public health or a related field. On the other hand, to qualify for the 65-credit program you must have a baccalaureate degree with at least two years of related work experience.

Depending on the program you enroll in, the college offers several concentration options, with the 45-credit program offering concentrations such as Clinical Effectiveness, Epidemiology, Global Health, Health & Social Behavior, Health Management, Health Policy, Occupational & Environmental Health, and Quantitative Methods. If you enroll in the 65-credit program you can complete your MPH either in Health & Social Behavior, Health Management, Health Policy, and Nutrition.

Regardless of the program or concentration you enter, you will develop foundational competencies upon which the concentration courses build upon. Each concentration also includes a list of electives, an applied learning experience, and an integrative learning experience.

Key Highlights

• The 45-credit program in clinical effectiveness offers an option to complete the entire coursework in three consecutive summers. This program is open to physicians who have completed their residency.
• Should you be interested in expanding your professional role, you can consider any of Harvard’s dual degrees. You can combine your MPH either with a degree in medicine, dentistry, law or urban planning, based on your goals and interests.


2) Boston University - Boston


Programs Offered: MPH and Executive Master of Public Health (Online)

MPH Concentrations Offered: Community Assessment, Program Design, Implementation, & Evaluation, Environmental Health,Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Global Health Program Design, Monitoring, & Evaluation,Health Communication & Promotion,Health Policy & Law,Healthcare Management,Program Management,Chronic & Non-Communicable Diseases,Global Health,Human Rights & Social Justice,Infectious Disease,Maternal & Child Health,Mental Health & Substance Use,Pharmaceutical Development, Delivery, & Access, and Sex, Sexuality, & Gender


About the School: Are you passionate about human rights & social justice? If so, you may want to check out Boston University’s MPH program that stands out among all other MPH programs in Massachusetts for not only offering the one-of-a-kind concentration in human rights & social justice, but also for offering the widest range of concentrations in the entire state. Precisely, here you can gain specialized knowledge and skills in any of the 20 concentrations that aim towards solving several pressing issues that erupt in optimizing public health. As a graduate of this school, you can expect to find promising jobs in varied settings, including federal and private healthcare organizations, after all, almost all of its graduates get suitably placed within six months of graduation.

Program Details: Depending on your educational background, you can enroll in either the regular MPH or Executive program. While the regular program is offered on-campus, the executive program can be completed entirely through the distance format. To be eligible for both programs, a baccalaureate degree is required, however, for the executive program, you must also have at least five years of relevant work experience.

The regular MPH core courses educate you in quantitative methods for public health, leadership & management for public health, health systems, law & policy, and community & population health. The concentration courses build upon this core foundation by deepening your knowledge in your chosen area of emphasis. You can complete this program within 16 months of full-time study. To graduate, you must complete a total of 48 credits.

If you opt for the 42-credit executive program you will learn concepts that can be immediately applied to your workplace. On a full-time basis, you can complete the executive program within one year, however, part-time classes take around two years to complete. The online executive coursework teaches you financial management, health law, policymaking, quantitative methods for public health, and strategic management of healthcare organizations.

Key Highlights

• This public health school ranks 8th among the best graduate schools in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• If you are seeking financial assistance to fund your master's in public health, you will be glad to know that here, almost 92% of students receive some sort of financial aid.


3) Tufts University - Massachusetts


Programs Offered: MPH (On-Campus & Online)

On-Campus Concentrations Offered: Behavioral Science & Health Communication, Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Health Services Management & Policy, and Nutrition

Online Concentrations Offered: Epidemiology & Biostatistics


About the School: Equipped with an MPH degree from Tufts University, you will demonstrate exceptional critical thinking and decision-making skills to make a difference in the lives of people locally and across the world. Here, you will be trained by a group of passionate public health professionals and scholars who are not only driven to solve public health problems but also committed to the success of students pursuing this degree. Also, extensive real-world world experiences that can be completed anywhere in the nation or even in another country expose you to a global perspective. The college’s MPH program can be completed online or in a face-to-face format, depending on the concentration you choose.

Program Details: If you are searching for online MPH programs in Massachusetts that train you exclusively in epidemiology and biostatistics, then you may want to consider enrolling in the online MPH program at Tufts. This program teaches you to analyze data in facing the challenges of public health. The 42-credit curriculum comprises 18 core and 12 concentration-specific courses.

On the other hand, if you prefer in-person instructions you can enroll in the on-campus program that offers concentration options in Behavioral Science & Health Communication, Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Health Services Management & Policy, and Nutrition. Regardless of the concentration, you enroll in you must complete 42 credits, which most students finish within three semesters with full-time classes. The core courses across all the MPH concentrations educate you in epidemiology, public health programs, policy & advocacy, biostatistics, health care organization budgeting, and evaluation of public health programs.

Key Highlights

• As a Tuft MPH student, regardless of the concentration or format, you can choose to complete your experiential learning at any of the college’s partner sites in Guatemala, India, Panama, and the Republic of Namibia.
• If you are someone with professional work experience of at least five years, the college offers a generalist track that can be tailored to suit your unique requirements. Apart from the core courses which you must complete, you can individualize the remaining part curriculum to match your career goals.


4) University of Massachusetts-Amherst – Amherst


Programs Offered: BS/MPH, and MPH (On-Campus & Online)

B.S./M.P.H. Concentrations Offered: Epidemiology, Community Health Education, Health Policy & Management, and Nutrition

MPH On-Campus Concentrations Offered: Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental Health Sciences, Community Health Education, and Health Policy & Management

MPH Online Concentrations Offered: Public Health Practice and Nutrition


About the School: Whether you are already having a baccalaureate degree or aspiring to earn one, at the University of Massachusetts you can either advance your education with an MPH or complete a dual degree of BS/MPH rolled into one program. Here, the curriculum is designed and delivered by an award-winning faculty that strives to solve many issues of public health in today’s world, including obesity, diabetes prevention, women’s health, global health, aging, and autism. Through community-partnerships and meaningful internships, the college not only promotes better health but also provides MPH students with umpteen real-world learning experiences across diverse sections of the population.

Program Details: The MPH degree comes with a range of concentration options, including biostatistics, community health education, environmental health sciences, epidemiology, and health policy & management, public health practice, and nutrition. These MPH programs in Massachusetts can be completed on-campus or online, depending on the concentration you choose. While the tracks in Public Health and Nutrition are offered online, the other five areas are on-campus offerings. Regardless of the concentration you take, the credits required for graduation are 42, comprising core & concentration-specific courses, electives, a practical experience, and a culminating experience.

The dual degree of BS/MPH post completion of your undergraduate studies prepares you with a master’s in public health with just one year of graduate study. Regardless of the track you take, the program requires you to complete 12 graduate credits in your final year of undergraduate study. Out of the total 42 credits required for graduation, the remaining 30 credits are taken after you complete your baccalaureate-level courses, precisely in the next one year, after which you earn your MPH. The compressed time frame makes this one year of MPH study extremely demanding, for which you must have excellent quantitative skills.

Key Highlights

• The dual degree requires you to complete a minimum of 96 credits by the end of the junior year.
• The MPH program requires you to complete a 10-week practice experience in a real-world setting.


5) University of Massachusetts-Lowell – Lowell


Programs Offered: MPH

Concentrations Offered: Dietetics, Epidemiology, Healthcare Management, Nutrition, and Social & Behavioral Science


About the School: There is no better time than now to pursue a career in public health. For a successful professional experience, you must consider enrolling in one of the best master of public health schools in Massachusetts that prepares you to face public health challenges, both locally and globally. The University of Massachusetts-Lowell is one such school where you can graduate with excellent knowledge and skills to positively influence public health and wellness. The college’s expert faculty have made strides in their respective fields, be it in health promotion, epidemiology, environmental sustainability, or occupational health. As an MPH student here, not only will you be mentored by these experts, but you will also be provided internship opportunities at prominent real-world settings where you can gain a broad learning experience.

Program Details: To qualify for this MPH program you must have completed either a BA or BS with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program is offered in the on-campus format with five-degree concentrations; Dietetics, Epidemiology, Healthcare Management, Nutrition, and Social & Behavioral Science. Regardless of the path you choose, graduation requires you to complete 42 credits, out of which 21 credits are in core courses common to all five concentrations. The core coursework builds a solid foundation in vital topics of environmental health, epidemiology & biostatistics, public health policy, leadership & management, and social & behavioral determinants of health. Additionally, you must complete the concentration-specific courses and a two-semester integrated practical learning experience.

Key Highlights

• If you qualify, you can make your MPH education affordable by availing of any of the financial aid opportunities offered by the college, including scholarships and paid internships.
• Upon completion of this master of public health program in Massachusetts you can explore various promising careers including that of a biostatistician, health commissioner, policy analyst, disaster preparedness researcher, and regulatory affairs specialist, to name a few.


6) MCPHS University – Boston


Programs Offered: MPH (On-Campus & Online)


About the School: If you are keen on joining a workforce that reports a high level of satisfaction, then, what better than that of public health. Preparing you for this promising career through innovative teaching and well-designed hands-on learning opportunities, MCPHS’s MPH program, commonly ranked among the best MPH programs in Massachusetts can be a befitting choice. Here, you can complete your MPH by taking online classes or by attending in-person sessions. Graduates of this program are known to demonstrate exceptional skills in leadership, communication, systems thinking, and interprofessional practice. The community-oriented MPH education provides experiential learning opportunities in community settings, where you apply theoretical knowledge to solve community-identified issues.

Program Details: To be eligible for this MPH program you must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, in addition to a background in public health or a related field. The program can be completed either part-time or by taking full-time classes. Regardless of the schedule, upon enrollment, you start with an orientation session and thereafter take courses that focus on core competencies and community health. The 18-credit core courses educate you in environmental health, health policy & management, social & behavioral sciences, biostatistics & epidemiology, and qualitative research methods. The concentration-specific courses emphasize community health science & practice, preparing you for program design & evaluation, community health assessments, and health promotion & education for diverse communities. Additionally, you must complete two elective courses in an area of interest.

Key Highlights

• The college also offers a bachelor’s degree in public health. So, if you have not already completed your undergraduate studies enrolling in the dual degree of BSPH and MPH will be a prudent step. Not only will you complete your education faster, but you will also develop a robust base in vital public health competencies.
• As an MPH student here, you will have access to Boston’s Longwood Medical and Academic Area, which is a global center for world-class research and healthcare facilities.


7) Northeastern University - Boston


Programs Offered: BS/MPH and MPH (On-Campus & Online)

MPH Concentrations Offered: Urban Health


About the School: The field of urban health requires competent public health professionals who understand the complex issues and health disparities of urban areas not only locally, but also across the world. There are not many MPH programs in Massachusetts out there like the one offered by Northeastern University that exclusively focus on urban health to address the many unique challenges of urban environments. Here, you will graduate with the professional knowledge and the cultural sensitivity to effectively navigate through public health problems of the diverse urban populations. To suit the needs of working students, the college offers this MPH program with both online and in-class study options, with the in-person classes held in the evenings. Apart from the regular MPH, the college also offers a dual degree BS/MPH that will help you complete your education faster.

Program Details: To be eligible for the MPH degree you must have an undergraduate degree, whereas the dual degree is open to students who apply in the junior year of their undergraduate study, provided they have an overall GPA of 3.5 in that semester. With this dual degree, you can earn an MPH within five years, instead of the otherwise six-year coursework.

The MPH coursework whether in the dual degree or stand-alone degree comprises 42 credits. The curriculum consists of public health core, urban health core, and elective courses. Additionally, you must also complete a practicum and a capstone to finally earn your degree. In addition to the core competencies of biostatistics, environmental health, epidemiology, administration & policy, and social behavior & health, you also learn about the history of urban health, race, ethnicity & health in the US, and urban community assessment.

Key Highlights

• Should you take the dual degree, you will complete a maximum of five MPH courses in the final year of your undergraduate studies after which you will graduate with a bachelor’s of science degree. Thereafter, you can take the MPH portion of the coursework either part-time or full-time and complete it within one or two years.
• The electives can be chosen from several cross-departmental course offerings, thereby allowing you to hone skills that help you in reaching specific career goals.


8) American International College - Springfield


Programs Offered: MPH


About the School: With a master’s in public health degree from American International College you will effectively be able to improve health by collaborating with professionals working for urban planning, health care, education, and administration. Commonly recognized as one of the best MPH programs in Massachusetts, the MPH degree here, known for its excellence in education and research not only prepares you for global public health practice but also to engage in innovative research in various pressing areas of public health. Graduates of this program are currently playing pivotal roles in the promotion of health and prevention of disease across the nation. Designed to fit into the schedules of working students, you can pursue this degree through flexible schedules and formats.

Program Details: This career-focused MPH program trains you to apply the newly acquired knowledge to work almost immediately. Whether you are seeking a high-paying position or career fulfillment, you will be ready to explore a plethora of employment options, post-graduation. The program is open to students who have completed their undergraduate education from an accredited institution. The 42-credit curriculum mainly focuses on population health, social determinants & health equity, public health ethics, epidemiology, environmental health, statistics, and social & behavioral aspects of public health. You also learn about healthcare management & policy, healthcare systems & financing, research methods in public health, and healthcare program development & evaluation. The program ends with a capstone and experiential learning experience.

Key Highlights

• The college provides real-world learning opportunities from the very start of the program, taking it until the culminating experience. You will get involved in community-based projects where you will work with local organizations to address issues of public health.
• The MPH faculty is highly experienced, having a broad range of expertise in various fields, ranging from community public health to epidemiology.


9) Regis College – Weston


Programs Offered: MPH (Online) 3. online MPH programs in Massachusetts

Concentrations Offered: Epidemiology and Health Policy & Management


About the School: An MPH degree can kickstart your career in one of the most promising fields today. If you have been aspiring for a career in public health but lack the time and will to go back to back to school then enrolling in one of the sought-after online MPH programs in Massachusetts can be a good idea. At Regis College, you can conveniently achieve this goal without having to commute to school as the MPH program is offered entirely online. Apart from the flexibility of three start dates, the program also offers an affordable tuition cost, lower than other well-known master’s in public health programs in Massachusetts. Here, you can choose from specializing in epidemiology or health policy & management and complete the program in seven semesters.

Program Details: The MPH program is 42-credit coursework that includes half of the courses in core competencies and the other half in your chosen area of emphasis. Also, as part of your training, you will complete a capstone and an experiential learning experience. While the epidemiology track prepares you for the prevention of disease, if you choose the health policy & management track you will learn to develop and implement policies to address emerging health needs. The foundational courses that form a base for both these tracks include courses in biostatistics, health ethics & law, contemporary issues in environmental health, epidemiology, health administration, and social & behavioral sciences. Additionally, after completing all the courses you will undergo a practicum of 270 hours in a real-world setting. This experience can be completed at your workplace, that is if your current role matches the criteria.

Key Highlights

• The Epidemiology track requires you to complete a course in statistics to be eligible for admission. Alternatively, if you haven’t already completed this course you can do so along with the MPH courses, provided you complete it before the Epidemiologic Methods course.
• The program offers you the flexibility to work full-time, nonetheless, you must be prepared to spend almost 20 hours per week dedicated to the MPH coursework.


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


What are the Total Number of Accredited MPH programs in Massachusetts?

According to the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), there are currently 7 accredited Master’s in Public Health programs in Massachusetts.

Total MPH Programs
in Massachusetts
7



MPH Programs in Other Cities & States