Public health is one of the fundamental fields of study that help prolong and increase the quality of human life. With its function crucial to human survival, it makes sense to pursue this study area at an institution with global academic standards.
The United States has some of the world’s best universities, providing top-notch education. Besides the academic standards, the top universities for public health in the United States ensure that you’re getting advanced information in this study area. They ensure that the country is always ahead in addressing issues, affording students the opportunity to learn from best practices. In this article, let us take a look at the best public health universities in the United States!
Top Schools Offering Public Health Programs in the USA
1. Johns Hopkins University
- Bachelor’s Program | Master’s Program | Ph.D. Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
Johns Hopkins University is a private university in Baltimore, Maryland, and is among the top schools for public health in the world. Founded in 1876, the university is considered the United States’ first research university, spearheading the integration of education and research. At present, the university has acquired several campuses not only in the United States but also in Italy and China. It has also become one of the top universities in the country and across the globe.
Through its Bloomberg School of Public Health, the university offers degree programs in public health. With this, students get early admission to the master’s program at the university. The curriculum focuses on building a solid foundation in public health policies and knowledge of the healthcare system in the US.
International students looking to pursue a master’s in public health have several options. They can opt to study a Master of Public Health which can be taken full-time or part-time, or choose one of the academic offerings under the Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH). Graduates can also pursue research and teaching through the university’s Ph.D. program in Public Health. The university also offers a Doctor of Public Health degree program for those looking to pursue the most advanced qualification in this field.
2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Study Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, also known as UNC-Chapel Hill, was founded in 1789, making it one of the oldest universities in the country and also among the leading institutions for public health in the United States. Since then, it has taken several milestones, including becoming coeducational in 1877, desegregation in 1951, and the building of its hospital, UNC Healthcare, in 1952.
Currently, the university offers more than 70 degree programs across its 13 schools, including the Gillings School of Public Health. The school offers the Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH). Under this program, students can choose from four specializations during their sophomore year: nutrition, health policy and management, environmental health sciences, and biostatistics.
The school also offers the Master of Public Health (MPH) program, which students can choose to take on-campus, online, or through distance learning at a top public health school in the country. Moreover, students can explore public health through its 13 disciplines, such as global health, public health data science, and applied epidemiology. For the doctoral program, the school offers Ph.D. programs in specific study areas, such as biostatistics, health behavior, and maternal and child health.
3. University of Michigan
- Study Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Degrees/ Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
The University of Michigan was founded in 1817, making it the oldest in the state. From its foundation, the university has acquired nearly 13 square kilometers of land in various locations, where its four campuses sit. It also has 19 colleges, with more than 250 degree programs in different disciplines. Moreover, UMich is an excellent university for public health in the United States that provides education through its 10 schools, including the School of Public Health.
The school offers two bachelor’s (arts and science) in public health programs, as well as a dual-degree program. The dual-degree program includes literature, science, and arts (LSA) courses. All these undergraduate programs explore interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to learn about public health in relation to other relevant issues.
UMich offers five master’s programs, four master’s degrees, and one master’s degree which is fully taught online. Graduates can also pursue a Ph.D. program in public health, which can be completed for 2-5 years, full-time.
4. Columbia University
- Study Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
Columbia University was established in 1754 in its former name, King’s College, after the Royal Charter from King George II. As its foundation was before the Declaration of Independence, the university is no doubt the oldest higher education institution in New York and the fifth oldest in the country. However, it was only in 1896 that the university adopted its current name.
The university offers top public health degree programs in the United States through the Mailman School of Public Health. Its undergraduate program has a 4+1 scheme, which means that when students complete their Bachelor’s in Public Health, they automatically proceed to an accelerated master’s program. The transition occurs in the senior year of undergraduate studies, while the following year includes coursework, practicum, and thesis. Through this program, you’ll get a bachelor’s and master’s degree in public health within five years.
For the doctoral program, the university offers two: a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH). These two programs differ in focus careers. While the Ph.D. targets research work and teaching, DrPH is for those looking to explore public health leadership, program development, and practice.
5. University of California, Berkeley
- Study Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Degrees/ Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
The University of California, Berkeley is another excellent school for public health in the United States that was established in 1868, making it the first of the campuses of the UC system. With more than 350 programs, the university offers public health through its School of Public Health. It has a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health, as well as a more specialized Minor in Global Public Health, which is a summer minor. Students are required to complete coursework, a capstone project, or an honors thesis.
For the graduate programs, students can choose a concentration that offers the Master of Public Health degree. These include community health services, infectious diseases and vaccinology, and health policy and management. Some of these specialized areas even offer a direct academic path to a Ph.D. program.
Studying public health at top universities in the United States will help you gain advanced knowledge in addressing crucial global health issues and ensure you a bright future if you’re interested in working in a public health career. So, make the most out of your future and pick one of the universities on the list as your potential school for public health!
We hope that this article on the Best Universities for Public Health in the United States was helpful. Check also the Guide to Studying in the USA and Available Courses for International Students sections to learn more about studying in the United States!
About the Author: Hyun Lee
