Best MPH Programs in Georgia for 2024: Online & On-Campus
From the research laboratory to the hospital to local and national government, public health is a vital field where you can be a positive factor as a Master of Public Health, or MPH. Read on to discover some of the best on-campus and online MPH programs in Georgia.
In the event of a global pandemic, like the one we lived through in 2020, public health becomes even more important on a national and a global scale. If you live in Georgia and are interested in a career in public health as a result of living through such interesting times, you are in the right place. One of the best ways to advance in this field is by earning your master’s degree in public health, or MPH, and this guide will show you how to do that..
Georgia in particular is a public health hotspot for students and professionals alike. It’s the headquarters for the Center for Disease Control (CDC), private organizations like Doctors for Global Health, and multiple world-class research universities. With those opportunities in mind, let’s look at some of the best campus and online MPH programs in Georgia to see if they may be right for you.
Best Colleges to Earn an MPH Degree in Georgia: Campus-based
While your own best campus program for an MPH will depend a lot on personal circumstances, there are a few crucial factors to consider. When you begin your research, you’ll want to ensure that you’re applying to schools that have rigorous academic quality, academic and financial support for students, and possible specialization options that interest you. Before we release the full 2024 ranking later this year on our website, here are some particularly high-quality Georgia campus-based MPH programs for you to consider.
The Rollins School of Public Health at Atlanta’s private Emory University is a nationally-renowned program that offers multiple options for you to earn your MPH. These include both traditional MPH and Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) programs. There is also an Executive MPH program geared towards working professionals, and its Accelerated MPH program for external graduate students, which can be completed in partnership with any professional degree program at an accredited US university.
When you apply for your MPH at Emory, you must apply for a particular specialization, rather than declaring one after you’re enrolled. You can choose from specializations including biostatistics, environmental health, epidemiology, health policy, and healthcare management, although every specialization includes required core and practical courses. As a private university, Emory’s tuition is at a set rate regardless of residency status, and financial aid may be available.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Graduate Programs:
- MPH
- MSPH
- Executive MPH
- Accelerated MPH for External Students
Specialization Options:
- Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences
- Biostatistics
- Environmental Health
- Environmental Health and Epidemiology
- Global Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
- Global Epidemiology
- Health Policy
- Healthcare Management
- Global Health
Mercer University, a private research university with its main campus in Macon, offers an MPH program through its College of Health Professions. This master’s degree, which has been offered at Mercer since 1998, can be completed on its own or in conjunction with a doctoral or second master’s program through its Doctor of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Pharmacy, and Master of Medical Science programs. Whichever you choose, your MPH at Mercer will take a total of 42 credit hours to complete, including core and elective courses and a mandatory internship.
The Mercer MPH has one admissions cycle per year. You must have an accredited undergraduate degree with a GPA of 2.85 or higher to be considered for admission, in addition to a personal statement and three letters of recommendation. GRE scores are optional but not required for admission. Financial aid may be available.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Graduate Programs:
- MPH
- DPT/MPH
- PharmD/MPH
- MMSc/MPH
- PsyD/MPH
The School of Public Health at Georgia State University offers six MPH programs from which to choose, as well as an accelerated BS/MPH for undergraduates studying public health, a combined MPH/PhD in Community Psychology, and a Law and Public Health JD/MPH. For those on the traditional MPH path, you can pick specialties such as biostatistics, environmental epidemiology, and environmental health. Many of these specializations offer the opportunity to complete some of your classes online, but all require at least some travel to the Atlanta campus.
You should have an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher to apply, although GRE scores are not required for MPH admission. As a state school, Georgia State offers a more affordable tuition rate for Georgia residents and additional financial aid may be available as well.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Graduate Programs:
- MPH
- JD/MPH
- BS/MPH
- MPH/PhD
Specialization Options:
- Biostatistics
- Environmental Health
- Health Promotion and Behavior
- Epidemiology
- Health Management and Policy
- Environmental Epidemiology
Top Online MPH Programs in Georgia
You want to earn your MPH but maybe you aren’t a fan of moving to campus. Whether you’re looking to save money, have family or professional responsibilities that make relocating to campus a challenge, or just prefer to study from home, you might be a good candidate for a Georgia online MPH. Studying your MPH online allows you to earn your degree with greater convenience and flexibility. The following programs are just a few examples of high-quality fully or partially online MPH programs in Georgia – stay tuned for our full ranking out later this year.
This is the flagship institution in Georgia’s state university system, and UGA has a wide range of online degree offerings, including their online MPH program. This 44-credit degree, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, includes traditional lecture courses to be completed online in a cohort model, and a required internship that can take place in your local community, although you will need advance approval.
To apply for the online MPH at UGA, you should have a 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA as well as a current resume, letters of recommendation, and an online application. Online MPH tuition is at a set rate regardless of residency status. Applications are open once per year for an annual autumn start date.
Graduate Programs:
- MPH
Program Options:
- Full-Time
- Fully-Online
- Partially-Online
Morehouse School of Medicine is a private Historically Black College and University with a campus in Atlanta specializing in healthcare and health sciences. It offers an online MPH program which is referred to as an Executive MPH, or eMPH. You can complete this two-year program, which is designed for working professionals with some relevant experience, entirely online, although you will have to attend an on-campus orientation when the program begins. Once enrolled, you will be completing between 45 and 48 credits to graduate.
To apply for this program, you should have earned an accredited bachelor’s degree and have a minimum of five years’ work experience in healthcare. You should also have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher and have successfully completed at least one college-level math or statistics course.
Delivery:
- Online
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Graduate Programs:
- MPH/eMPH
Apublic university with a main campus in Savannah and several satellite campuses, GSU offers a fully online MPH through its Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health. In this program, you can choose between two different specializations, applied public health and public health informatics. Either way, you’ll be completing your coursework entirely online, in addition to hands-on field experiences through your integrated capstone project and your practicum courses. Classes are flexible so you can work while you study.
Students new to online learning may benefit from Georgia Southern’s online student support system. Georgia Southern does not require GRE scores for applicants to the online MPH program. Courses start every fall, and priority admission deadlines increase your odds to be accepted.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Online
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Graduate Programs:
- MPH
Specialization Options:
- Applied Public Health
- Public Health Informatics
Financial Aid for MPH Students in Georgia
Before you begin your MPH, it’s valid and important to think about how you’re going to pay for it. Be sure to check out your school’s financial aid options, and any school-specific scholarships, fellowships, and research or teaching assistantships for which you may be eligible, although you should note that many assistantships are only for on-campus students.
Beyond that, look into outside funding opportunities, including filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid by the deadline to secure any federally-subsidized grants or even loans for which you might be eligible.
In Georgia, financial aid may include grants and loans funded or supported by the Georgia Student Finance Commission. However, you should also look into private scholarship opportunities, such as those sponsored by charitable foundations or professional organizations. Check out our Public Health Scholarships page for a collection of those for you to explore.
Job Outlook for MPH Graduates in Georgia
While many people pursue MPH degrees out of the desire to make the world a better place, or for personal fulfillment, it’s also natural to wonder about your job prospects after graduation. The good news for future MPH holders is that Georgia is a great place to work, whether for the Georgia Department of Public Health or one of the many health organizations that call the state home.
After you’ve completed your MPH, you’ll have a variety of possible jobs from which to choose in both the public and private sectors, and they can pay excellent wages, with some averaging six-figure salaries. Here’s a look at some potential careers you can pursue once you’ve finished your MPH:
| Job Growth Rate (2018-2028) | Average Annual Openings (2018-2028) | Annual Mean Wage (2023) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Manager | 17.1% | 8,050 | $134,440 |
| Data Scientist | 34.7% | 270 | $119,040 |
| Health Specialty Teacher, Postsecondary | 25.4% | 690 | $134,440 |
| Health Education Specialist | 5.9% | 270 | $69,790 |
| Community Health Worker | 30.5% | 120 | $52,610 |
Sources: Projections Central; Bureau of Labor Statistics
Georgia Public Health Professional & Student Resources
As a public health professional, you’ll want to build your network and connect with others in your field, and that starts as a student. Luckily, Georgia has a wealth of public and private organizations that can help you make connections and find professional opportunities. Check out just a few of them here:
- Georgia Public Health Association
This non-profit organization is dedicated to promoting the health of Georgia citizens and advocating for best practices in the state’s public health policy. They host regular meetings as well as an annual conference where you connect with fellow members and learn about plans for the year. - Georgia Department of Public Health
The Georgia Department of Public Health is a state government entity that promotes public health through efforts including disease prevention initiatives, emergency preparedness and response, and immunization and child health. They also collaborate with 159 county health departments across the state. - Georgia Global Health Alliance
Headquartered in Atlanta, the Georgia Global Health Alliance seeks collaboration with the many world-class health institutions in the state. They are a membership group for Georgia’s health organizations that have been growing for decades. They promote cross-organizational teamwork, including workshops and initiatives for public-private partnerships. - Task Force for Global Health
Founded in 1984, the Task Force for Global Health, originally named the Task Force for Child Survival, was initially an organization to promote childhood immunizations in underserved areas. It has since expanded to a more general vision of fostering global health initiatives. Today, they fund initiatives such as vaccination programs and health research. - Georgia Society for Public Health Education
A membership organization, the Georgia Society for Public Health Education works with students, professionals, and other community partners to advance public health education across the state. They promote professional development as well as advocacy for health equity, and host networking and continuing education events around Georgia.
