Want to make a real difference in the world? Start with public health.
If you’re passionate about creating healthier communities, preventing disease, and leading change in a field that impacts everyone—a Master of Public Health (MPH) is your next move.
With an MPH, you’ll gain the skills to:
- Use data to solve real-world health problems
- Influence public policy and drive social change
- Research and respond to public health threats
- Educate communities and promote health equity
MPH grads work everywhere—local and global nonprofits, government agencies, hospitals, research centers, and innovative startups.
The Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Science (MS) and Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degrees prepare students to help improve the health of the general public. They come at this goal from very different perspectives. Dive into the details below to learn more.
| Degree | Focus | Types of Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Public Health (MPH) | Prepares you for a career as a public health practitioner. |
|
| Master of Science (MS) | Prepares you, through rigorous research, for a career in science and/or the opportunity to pursue a PhD. |
|
| Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) | Prepares you to effectively run the business side of healthcare organizations and manage healthcare teams. |
|
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare industry is expected to add more jobs than any other field in the coming decade. Health care jobs in general are expected to increase by 13 percent and management roles by 28 percent between 2021 and 2031.
Additionally, jobs that require an MPH typically offer much-higher-than-average salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median pay for medical and health services managers in the U.S. for 2021 was $101,340 per year.
Media annual wages for medical and health services managers
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021.
| Government | $117,000 |
| Hospitals: state, local, and private | $119,450 |
| Outpatient care centers | $99,540 |
| Offices of physicians | $98,230 |
| Nursing and residential care facilities | $83,550 |
The Bureau reported that the 2021 U.S. median wages for epidemiologists was $78,830. Dietitians earned a median wage of $61,650.
Top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the University of Minnesota School of Public Health offers students several key advantages.
Connections. Partnerships with Twin Cities communities, state agencies such as the Minnesota Department of Health, nonprofit organizations, policy makers and local companies including the Mayo Clinic, UnitedHealth Group, 3M, Medtronic, and Ecolab provide opportunities for collaboration and real-world experience.
Supportive Environment. Students are supported through a cohort peer model, accessible faculty, and a network of more than 12,000 alumni who are dedicated to student success and mentoring.
Integrated Health Sciences. The University of Minnesota’s innovative infrastructure of six health sciences schools—one of four such models in the country—gives our students the ability to learn from and work with a diverse array of health experts.
Comprehensive Curriculum. Students engage with and learn from faculty who are deeply involved in current practice and research. Coursework also includes an Applied Practice experience, a hands-on opportunity for students to implement their public health knowledge and skills in real-world settings.
The UMN School of Public Health offers a number of MPH programs. They can be completed in two years and may require engagement in the community.
Community Health Promotion
This MPH program trains you to improve community health and reduce inequities. You’ll gain real-world experience and the research and policy skills needed to design and evaluate prevention programs that make a lasting impact.
Learn more: Community Health Promotion MPH
Environmental Health
With this MPH degree, you’ll be ready to tackle urgent health challenges in communities, workplaces, and ecosystems worldwide. You’ll build a strong foundation in environmental and occupational health, and have an opportunity to explore an area of emphasis like global health, epidemiology, toxicology, or injury prevention and more.
Learn more: Environmental Health MPH
Epidemiology
Epidemiologists are public health detectives—tracking disease, uncovering patterns, and protecting communities. This MPH program lets you tailor your path with standard coursework, a focus on infectious disease, or an accelerated option for those with advanced clinical or research degrees.
Learn more: Epidemiology MPH
Maternal & Child Health
As the first in the nation to offer this MPH program, UMN SPH trains leaders dedicated to improving the health of women, children, and families. Choose from two flexible tracks: Standard, for those new to the field, or Advanced Standing, for students with health degrees or significant professional experience.
Learn more: Maternal & Child Health MPH
Public Health Administration & Policy
This MPH program trains you to lead and innovate in public health administration, equipping you to improve organizations and influence policy for better public health outcomes. You’ll develop the expertise needed to drive systemic change in healthcare, public policy, and community health initiatives.
Learn more: Public Health Administration & Policy MPH
Public Health Administration & Policy (Executive)
This MPH program is designed for professionals with at least three years of experience who are ready to step into leadership roles and work to improve the health of populations. The program blends online and on-campus coursework and can be completed in 25 months.
Learn more: Executive Public Health Administration & Policy MPH
Public Health Data Science
This MPH program—one of only a handful of such programs in the U.S.— equips students with the comprehensive skills required to help design, understand, implement, and analyze public health initiatives and data.
Learn more: Public Health Data Science MPH
Public Health Nutrition
Graduates of this MPH program promote disease prevention by encouraging healthy food choices at both the individual and community levels. Choose from two formats: the Standard Program, focused on nutrition, health behavior change, and policy, or the Coordinated Master’s Program, which also prepares you for the Registered Dietitian exam.
Learn more: Public Health Nutrition MPH
Public Health Practice (Executive)
Designed for working professionals with advanced degrees, this flexible MPH program allows you to advance your career while fitting your schedule. Tailored to meet individual educational needs, students can choose from courses across the University of Minnesota and attend either online or in person.
Learn more: Public Health Practice Executive MPH
