5 Top MPH Programs in Maine

If you are looking for an MPH program in Maine, you’re in luck, as there are several programs between two universities available to you. Depending on your desired specialty, you are sure to find a good fit. Luckily, despite changes to the workforce as AI grows in usage and popularity, public health remains a growing field, and epidemiologists are expected to grow in employment at a rate of 16% over the next decade.

University of New England and University of Southern Maine are where you can find your Maine MPH programs, and you can also find eligible programs from online options. Once your graduate, you can start your career in public health at a government agency, a community nonprofit or in an academic institution.

Our review ranks the five best MPH programs in Maine and focuses on accreditation, concentrations, tuition and admission requirements that will help you make an informed decision for your future.

1. University of New England (UNE) Online MPH Program

The University of New England delivers its Master of Public Health through a 42-credit curriculum designed for online completion. This asynchronous format lets you access course materials at any time without attending scheduled class sessions. The program suits working professionals from different time zones.

You can complete the degree in as few as 18 months when you pursue full-time enrollment. Part-time options extend this timeline based on your course load each semester. The program structures its academic calendar around three semesters per year, with two eight-week classes per semester. One eight-week class at a time maintains full-time student status, which makes a difference for federal financial aid eligibility.

The curriculum builds skills across multiple professional areas. These include epidemiology, biostatistics, social and behavioral health, program development and evaluation, public health policy, administration, and management. Two mandatory components anchor the program: the Applied Practice Experience (APE) and the Integrative Learning Experience (ILE). The APE provides hands-on work with public health organizations in your community and lets you network with public health professionals before graduation.

UNE holds accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), which granted the program a 7-year accreditation in June 2019—the maximum duration possible under CEPH guidelines. The university maintains continuous CEPH accreditation since October 2011. This is the only CEPH-accredited, fully online MPH program in Maine. The New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE) provides regional accreditation to the university.

Concentrations Offered

UNE offers four distinct pathways for your MPH degree. You must declare your concentration before you take your first elective course.

The Epidemiology concentration centers on investigating causes and patterns of disease and injury. Students who select this pathway complete three epidemiology electives plus one general elective, though you can choose a fourth epidemiology elective instead of the general option. Expert epidemiologists who work in the field develop and teach each course under what UNE calls the scholar-practitioner model.

The Global Health concentration prepares you to address international health challenges. The program features a partnership with Ghana and offers students the chance to participate in global health experiences as part of their degree.

The Public Health Education and Communication concentration focuses on developing skills for community health education, health promotion strategies, and effective public health messaging.

The Generalist concentration lets you customize your degree by selecting four elective courses that arrange with your specific career ambitions. This flexibility lets you design your program around individual professional goals without committing to a specialized track.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The current tuition rate is $895 per credit hour. Based on the 42-credit requirement, you can expect to invest about $37,590 in total tuition costs. Several fees apply to your enrollment:

The online delivery format eliminates expenses related to campus visits, parking, or relocation costs. You remain responsible for purchasing textbooks and course materials at the beginning of each semester.

More than 90% of UNE students receive some form of financial aid. The university processes applications through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Financial Aid Office provides detailed information regarding available funding options and can be reached at (207) 602-2342. Veterans should explore the specific education benefits and requirements available through the university’s dedicated resources.

Admission Requirements

UNE takes an all-encompassing approach when it reviews applications for the MPH program. The admissions committee assesses multiple factors rather than relying on grade point averages or test scores alone.

Your application package must include:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. International applicants need to submit degrees to assess grade and degree equivalency.
• Completed online application through the UNE application portal.
• Current resume or curriculum vitae that documents your professional and academic background.
• Goal statement that explains your motivation for pursuing the MPH degree.
• Names and contact information for two professional or academic references.
• Official transcripts that show conferral of your bachelor’s degree or above from a regionally accredited institution.

The admissions committee values previous academic performance as indicated on your transcripts and thinks about this as part of the review process. Strong candidates demonstrate quantitative skills, writing ability, and critical thinking capacity. Work experience, volunteering, research, or internship activities relevant to public health and health equity strengthen your application, though these are valued but not required.

The program does not require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores to consider admission.

Why Choose UNE MPH

Several factors distinguish the UNE MPH program among public health education options. The CEPH accreditation will give your degree national standards that employers recognize and maintains arrangement with current public health competencies outlined in 2018 and revised in 2024. This accreditation carries weight when you seek employment or advancement in public health roles.

As the sole CEPH-accredited MPH program in Maine that is online, UNE provides access to graduate public health education without geographic constraints. The asynchronous format accommodates various schedules and learning priorities and lets you balance coursework with professional and personal responsibilities.

The curriculum’s focus on practical application through the Applied Practice Experience connects academic learning with real-life public health work. You gain exposure to public health organizations and build professional networks before you complete your degree. Faculty members serve as public health practitioners, educators, and researchers who help with online discussions and maintain regular communication with students through email and course platforms.

The concentration options provide either specialized training in specific areas or the flexibility to create a customized educational path. Whether you pursue epidemiology skills, global health expertise, education and communication competencies, or a self-designed generalist track, the program adapts to your career trajectory.

2. University of Southern Maine (USM) Hybrid MPH Program

Program Overview and Format

The University of Southern Maine operates its MPH program through a hybrid format that combines in-person instruction with remote access options. The Portland campus hosts all courses, but they’re livestreamed at the same time. You can choose between attending physically or participating remotely for each class session. This hyflex approach gives you flexibility to adapt your attendance based on weekly schedules, work commitments or personal circumstances.

Evening hours accommodate working professionals, with classes meeting once per week. The schedule permits you to maintain full-time employment while progressing through the program. You can access all MPH courses online through Zoom or similar technology. Most courses offer both synchronous livestream options and asynchronous online modalities. Two-way audio and video technology enables real-time interaction whatever your physical location.

The degree requires 45 credit hours to complete. The curriculum divides into 33 credit hours of required core courses and 12 credit hours of electives. Nine of your elective credits must carry the MPH designation at minimum, while the remaining three credits can come from the MPH program or other graduate programs. This structure provides some customization while keeping everything in public health competencies intact.

The Council on Education for Public Health accredited USM’s MPH program in 2022 for a seven-year period extending through 2029. CEPH awarded accreditation originally in 2015. The program has managed to keep continuous accreditation since that time. The university holds regional accreditation from the New England Commission on Higher Education.

You must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 throughout the program to show satisfactory progress toward your degree. No course with a final grade below B- counts toward graduation requirements. Your cumulative GPA dropping below 3.0 will place you on probation. You must raise it to 3.0 within the following semester or face withdrawal from the program.

Concentrations Offered

USM delivers a generalist curriculum rather than specialized concentrations. This multi-disciplinary approach provides a broad population health and health systems viewpoint. The curriculum equips you with foundational knowledge and core skills to perform effectively in public health fields of all types, including management and leadership positions.

The generalist model develops competencies in informed decision-making through epidemiology and biostatistics coursework. You build oral and written communication skills throughout the curriculum, along with leadership and management capabilities. Coursework incorporates both individual and team assignments designed to integrate learning across disciplines.

Your elective selections shape your specialization within the generalist framework. Nine required MPH electives and three additional credits available from any graduate program let you emphasize areas aligned with your career trajectory. Faculty connections with Maine’s practice community create opportunities to tailor your field placement and capstone project toward specific public health sectors.

Tuition and Financial Aid

USM offers reduced tuition rates for out-of-state students compared to typical graduate programs. The current tuition structure appears below:

The MPH program gives all out-of-state students the reduced tuition rate shown above automatically. Mandatory fees include the Comprehensive Fee at $89 per credit hour and the Technology Fee at $10 per credit hour. These fees cover fixed costs of educational and student services plus campus technology support.

Additional one-time and conditional fees apply to your enrollment. Every newly admitted graduate student pays a $60 enrollment fee upon matriculation. You pay $30 each semester if you participate in an installment payment plan. Late payment fees reach $50 per month with a maximum of $200 per semester.

The university provides over 150 graduate assistantships with stipend and tuition assistance. These competitive positions involve working 20 hours per week with faculty members. Assistantships offer both financial support and professional development opportunities through involvement with nationally recognized faculty and staff on public health research projects.

Scholarship and fellowship opportunities supplement assistantship funding. The School of Health Professions awards scholarships through donations from program supporters, with availability varying by emphasis area. Specific scholarships include the Fred Barten Memorial Scholarship in Health Administration, the Lynn Cook Hartwig – Hattiesburg Clinic Scholarship Endowment and the Outstanding Master of Public Health Research Award.

Both federal and state financial aid programs remain available to eligible students. You apply through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submit your FAFSA early and ask about employer tuition benefits to maximize aid eligibility. Public health-specific scholarships such as APHA Public Health Fellowship Programs provide additional funding sources.

Admission Requirements

USM does not require Graduate Record Examination scores for MPH admission. The admissions committee assesses applications holistically and thinks about multiple factors beyond standardized test performance.

You must hold an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution to qualify for admission. The minimum GPA requirement is 2.75 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework. A minimum TOEFL/IBT score of 79 is what international applicants must achieve.

Your complete application consists of a graduate application submitted to the Graduate School, a statement of purpose, official transcripts, a current resume and three letters of reference. Reference letters should come from individuals qualified to assess your readiness for graduate study. The School of Health Professions Graduate Admissions Committee reviews all applications and weighs GPA, writing skills showed in your essay and reference letter content when making admission decisions.

Application deadlines vary by intended start term. Submit your application by August 1 for fall semester admission. Spring semester applicants face a December 15 deadline. Summer term admission is also available. Complete your admission and course enrollment by July 1 for fall admission, December 1 for spring admission or May 1 for summer admission to qualify for graduate assistantship opportunities.

Why Choose USM MPH

The hybrid format distinguishes USM among MPH programs in Maine by offering flexibility without sacrificing in-person involvement opportunities. You gain access to on-campus resources, face-to-face faculty interaction and peer networking while maintaining the option to attend remotely when circumstances require. This model serves students throughout Maine and beyond. Relocation requirements are eliminated while educational quality is preserved.

Faculty members maintain strong connections with Maine’s public health and healthcare communities. These relationships create pathways for field placements in a variety of settings including state and local health departments, community-based organizations, primary care and multispecialty physician practices, hospitals and health-related agencies. Your summer field experience provides hands-on exposure to ground public health operations.

Graduates pursue careers in both public and private sectors as community liaison consultants, executive directors, network contract managers, public health researchers, data analysts, communications managers and program coordinators. The program’s integration into Maine’s urban and regional health systems positions you within professional networks before graduation. Alumni work throughout Maine, across the United States and around the world.

The generalist curriculum prepares you for diverse career paths in policy analysis, health services, program development and community health leadership. The multi-disciplinary approach builds adaptability across public health challenges rather than narrowing your expertise too soon. Combined with elective customization options, this structure accommodates evolving career interests throughout your graduate education.

3. UNE MPH in Epidemiology Concentration

Program Overview and Format

Epidemiology serves as the foundational science of public health. It focuses on breaking down causes and patterns of disease and injury. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies epidemiologists as disease detectives who track disease occurrence and patterns. Choosing this concentration at UNE gives you the specialized skills for disease detection, data collection, data analysis, epidemiological investigation, biostatistical analysis, and statistical basis for policy making.

The concentration operates within UNE’s 42-credit MPH framework. What distinguishes this path is the scholar-practitioner model, where expert epidemiologists working in the field develop and teach each course. This approach will give you ground knowledge and prepare you for success upon graduation. Faculty members bring current fieldwork experience into your coursework. They bridge academic theory with hands-on application.

You can complete the program in as few as 18 months. The 100% online, asynchronous delivery allows you to maintain full-time employment while advancing your epidemiology expertise. Campus visits are not required. This eliminates travel and relocation expenses.

Concentrations Offered

This epidemiology pathway represents one of four concentration options within UNE’s MPH program. You must declare this concentration before enrolling in your first elective course.

The concentration requires three courses totaling nine credits:

These courses build upon the foundational epidemiology and biostatistics knowledge gained in core MPH coursework. Applied Epidemiology develops your capacity to implement epidemiological methods in a variety of public health settings. Biostatistics II advances your analytical capabilities for quantitative data management and interpretation.

The curriculum arranges you with five concentration-specific competencies. You learn to identify strengths and weaknesses in public health research and programs. You determine potential threats to study validity. You also assess study design appropriateness relative to priority population needs. The program trains you to assess public health program effect on specific populations through data analysis interpretation. You use epidemiology practices to break down and address factors influencing disease distribution within diverse populations. You demonstrate knowing how to integrate disease surveillance and screening components into public health practice.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The epidemiology concentration carries the same tuition structure as UNE’s general MPH program. Tuition is $895 per credit hour. Based on the 42-credit requirement, your total program investment reaches $37,590 approximately. The online format eliminates commuting costs and campus-related fees.

Financial aid options remain available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. More than 90% of UNE students receive some form of financial assistance. Contact the Financial Aid Office at (207) 602-2342 for information about funding opportunities and eligibility.

Admission Requirements

The admissions process for the epidemiology concentration follows UNE’s holistic review approach. You need a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. The admissions committee reviews applications rather than relying solely on grade point averages.

Strong applicants demonstrate a solid mix of quantitative, writing, and critical thinking skills. These capabilities matter especially when you have epidemiology work, which demands statistical analysis, clear communication of findings, and complex problem-solving. The committee values previous academic performance as indicated on your transcripts. Relevant work experience, volunteering, research, or internship activities strengthen your application, though these remain valued but not required.

You submit the same application materials required for all UNE MPH pathways: completed online application, current resume, goal statement, two professional or academic references, and official transcripts. The program does not require GRE scores.

Why Choose This Concentration

Employment projections favor epidemiology specialists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 5% growth from 2019 to 2029, exceeding the national average. The median annual wage for epidemiologists reached $74,560 in May 2020. Earnings vary by industry, with scientific research and development services offering $99,020, hospitals providing $84,420, and local government positions averaging $70,470.

The scholar-practitioner model delivers current, applicable knowledge from professionals working as epidemiologists. This connection to ground practice means your coursework reflects contemporary challenges and methodologies rather than solely theoretical frameworks. So you graduate prepared for contributions to public health organizations.

The concentration’s alignment with CDC-identified competencies positions you for roles in government agencies, research institutions, healthcare systems, and community organizations. Your training in biostatistical analysis, data collection methods, and epidemiological investigation applies to infectious disease tracking, chronic disease prevention, environmental health hazards, and emerging health threats. These skills proved valuable during recent public health emergencies. They demonstrate epidemiology’s critical role in community health protection.

4. UNE MPH in Global Health Concentration

Program Overview and Format

Global health challenges just need professionals who understand health systems beyond local boundaries. UNE’s Global Health concentration prepares you to address programs, policies, and driving factors of health outcomes regionally, nationally, and internationally. This pathway increases your understanding of health disparities and protective factors among a variety of populations.

The concentration operates within the same 42-credit MPH framework. You get the entire program online through asynchronous coursework. You explore emerging disciplines like One Health, which breaks down the interrelationship between humans, animals, and the changing environment. Pandemic preparedness receives particular attention. Recent global health crises showed the interconnectedness of public health across borders.

You explore realistic ways to reduce adverse health outcomes while leveraging existing strengths in communities worldwide. The program uses culturally appropriate and interdisciplinary approaches. The curriculum boosts your leadership and strategic management skills across different health settings. Faculty members teach from a scholar-practitioner model and bring ground global health experience into your coursework.

The program appeals to both full-time and part-time working professionals in public health. UNE partners with Ghana to offer students opportunities for global health field experiences as part of their degree requirements. This international component provides hands-on exposure to health systems in low- and middle-income countries.

Concentrations Offered

This Global Health pathway represents one of four available concentrations within UNE’s MPH program. You select this concentration before you enroll in your first elective course. The curriculum builds cultural responsiveness into your education through a global lens. You explore public health policies, programs, successes, and challenges worldwide.

Three elective courses specific to Global Health constitute your concentration coursework and total nine credits. You complete one additional general elective to reach the required 12 elective credits. The concentration develops competencies in understanding health determinants across a variety of cultural contexts. You learn to apply One Health principles to complex health challenges and implement pandemic preparedness strategies in various settings.

Your coursework explores social determinants of health from an international perspective. You recognize how factors like poverty, education access, political stability, and environmental conditions shape population health differently across regions. So you gain tools to analyze health disparities through multiple lenses rather than applying single-solution approaches.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The Global Health concentration carries similar tuition rates to UNE’s general MPH program at $895 per credit hour. Your total program investment reaches about $37,590 for the 42-credit degree. The general services fee of $395 per semester applies to your enrollment as well.

Financial aid options remain available through standard federal programs. Contact the Financial Aid Office at (207) 602-2342 for specific funding information. The Cornelia Cogswell Rossi Foundation scholarship covers up to $10,000 total tuition for students committed to working with marginalized populations in Maine communities. But this scholarship requires you to complete field experiences with Maine organizations, which may limit international field placement options.

Admission Requirements

Admission criteria for the Global Health concentration mirror the integrated review process used across all UNE MPH pathways. You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. The admissions committee reviews applications in a complete manner rather than focusing on GPA metrics alone.

Your application demonstrates quantitative, writing, and critical thinking skills through academic transcripts and your goal statement. Work experience, volunteering, research, or internship activities relevant to public health and health equity strengthen your candidacy. These remain valued but not required. International experience or language proficiency beyond English boosts your application for this concentration, though neither constitutes a requirement.

Why Choose This Concentration

Career opportunities in global health span government agencies, international nonprofits, bilateral aid organizations, and multinational health initiatives. Your training in culturally responsive approaches positions you for roles that just need cross-cultural competence and sensitivity to a variety of health belief systems.

The One Health framework you acquire applies to emerging infectious diseases, zoonotic disease transmission, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental health threats that cross borders. These competencies proved essential during recent pandemic responses. They remain critical for future global health security efforts.

Your global point of view combined with practical leadership skills prepares you for program management roles in international settings. Whether working domestically with refugee populations, implementing global health initiatives abroad, or analyzing international health policies, this concentration equips you with frameworks to understand health beyond single-nation contexts.

5. UNE MPH in Public Health Education and Communication

Program Overview and Format

Health education specialists design, implement and assess programs that promote healthy behaviors in communities. The Public Health Education and Communication concentration prepares you for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam. This professional credential demonstrates competency in health education practice. It opens doors at community health organizations, hospitals, nonprofits and government agencies.

The concentration follows UNE’s 42-credit online format with asynchronous course delivery. You complete the same core MPH requirements as other concentrations and then select specialized electives in education and communication strategies.

Concentrations Offered

Three required courses totaling nine credits define this concentration pathway. GPH 727 Grant Writing develops your knowing how to secure funding for public health initiatives. GPH 729 Public Health Education Design and Delivery teaches you how to create effective health education programs tailored to specific populations. GPH 765 Public Health Social Marketing gets into how marketing principles apply to health behavior change campaigns. You select one additional elective to complete the 12-credit elective requirement.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition matches other UNE concentrations at $895 per credit hour. Your total investment reaches $37,590 for the complete degree. The Rossi Foundation scholarship provides up to $10,000 in tuition support for students committed to serving marginalized Maine populations. Recipients must complete field experiences with Maine organizations and work in Maine upon graduation.

Admission Requirements

The general UNE MPH requirements apply here as well. You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. The admissions committee values quantitative skills, writing ability and critical thinking capacity. GRE scores are not required.

Why Choose This Concentration

This pathway positions you for immediate CHES certification and expands your professional credibility and employment prospects. Grant writing skills are critical in public health roles since most programs rely on external funding. Social marketing competencies help you craft messages that reach diverse audiences and motivate behavior change. You can address health disparities through culturally appropriate communication strategies.

Get Ready for Your New Career

Selecting the right MPH program depends on your specific circumstances and career goals. UNE’s online concentrations suit you if flexibility and specialized training matter most, especially for epidemiology, global health, or health education paths. USM’s hybrid format works best when you value face-to-face interaction while you maintain remote access options. Each program holds CEPH accreditation and ensures your degree meets national standards. Review your budget and professional aspirations before making a decision. Employment for epidemiologists continues growing 19% through 2033. Now is a good time to invest in your public health education.