Top 2 MPH Programs in South Dakota for 2027
MPH programs in South Dakota are positioned to meet growing need, with health specialties professors seeing a projected employment growth of 25% through 2028. The COVID-19 pandemic showed the critical need for skilled public health professionals. South Dakota is a chance for collaboration: the University of South Dakota (USD) and South Dakota State University (SDSU) jointly provide the state’s only Council on Education for Public Health-accredited MPH program. Both institutions offer the Master of Public Health, the most recognized professional credential for public health practice and leadership.
1. University of South Dakota (USD) MPH Program
The University of South Dakota offers a Master of Public Health program that emphasizes serving rural and Native American communities. This focus distinguishes the program within the public health education field and prepares graduates to address health disparities in underserved populations. The program operates through a partnership with South Dakota State University. Faculty from both institutions teach the courses.
The USD-SDSU MPH program holds accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes this independent agency, which sets standards for public health programs to ensure rigorous preparation for professional practice. CEPH accreditation serves multiple practical purposes for students. Graduates become eligible to sit for the Certified in Public Health exam administered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners without needing five years of public health work experience after earning their bachelor’s degree. Some employers require MPH-level positions to be filled by graduates of CEPH-accredited programs, and the U.S. Public Health Service is one of them. Students can apply for fellowships through the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health because of this accreditation.
The program seeks re-accreditation from CEPH. A site visit is scheduled for February 2026. This process has a third-party comment period that allows students, alumni, faculty, community partners and the public to share information about the program with CEPH through January 17, 2026.
Affordable Colleges Online recognized USD’s online health care education offerings as the No. 6 overall online programs in the nation. The rating acknowledged USD online programs in public health as noteworthy among the nation’s best online health programs. These programs are delivered in partnership with South Dakota State University. USD was the only university health care school in the upper Midwest to be recognized among the top online rankings.
Curriculum Structure and Core Coursework
The MPH program requires completion of 42 credit hours. The curriculum adopts an interprofessional approach and addresses five core areas of public health: biostatistics, epidemiology, health services administration, social and behavioral sciences, and environmental health. This structure aligns with standards that the Association of Schools of Public Health set for detailed public health education.
Major area coursework has 33 credit hours and foundational courses across all public health disciplines. Students take PUBH 701 Biostatistics for Public Health and PUBH 710 Epidemiology, each worth 3 credit hours. The curriculum has PUBH 702 Public Health Theory and Practice, which SDSU faculty teach. Students complete PUBH 750 Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health and PUBH 733 Environmental Health, also taught by SDSU.
Health systems and policy education comes through PUBH 740 Introduction to Health Systems and Policy. Program planning skills develop through PUBH 755 Program Planning and Evaluation, which SDSU teaches. Leadership training occurs in PUBH 729 Leadership and Project Management in Public Health. Students complete PUBH 760 Public Health and Native American Communities, which reflects the program’s emphasis on serving these populations.
The curriculum requires students to select 3 credit hours from applied practice experiences. Options are PUBH 721 Public Health Applied Practice Experience I, PUBH 722 Public Health Applied Practice Experience II, and PUBH 723 Public Health Applied Practice Experience III, each worth 1 credit hour. Students can take PUBH 720 Public Health Practice worth 3 credit hours as an alternative. The program mandates PUBH 730 Public Health Integrative Learning Experience and requires 3 credit hours.
Supporting area coursework totals 9 credit hours. You need 6 credit hours from USD and at least 6 credits from PUBH prefix courses. Supporting course options are ADS 754 Public Policy & Addiction, CPHD 601 Introduction to Bioinformatics, CPHD 610 Experimental Design and Analysis, and EDER 860 Advanced Statistics I. Students can choose from EDER 861 Advanced Statistics II, HSAD 710 U.S. Health Services System, HSAD 740 International Health Systems, or HSC 575 Process and Outcomes Evaluation. There are many more options like PSYC 514 Drugs and Behavior, SOC 510 Methods of Social Research, SOCW 640 Diversity and Social Justice in Rural and Urban Communities, PUBH 770 Public Health Immunology, and PUBH 792 Topics.
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
The application process requires submission of a completed graduate application form through the university’s online portal and a non-refundable application fee of $36. Applicants must provide official transcripts that verify receipt of an undergraduate degree and any previous graduate credit, in English or with translation. Transcripts must be complete and should have work-in-progress coursework if you’re currently enrolled. Foreign transcripts must have a grading scale, and for countries that issue them, a copy of the degree certificate or diploma.
The program requires successful completion of a baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an institution with institutional accreditation. No specific major is required, but adequate undergraduate preparation in social, health or biological sciences is recommended. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on their conferred degree or a graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale, on all graduate coursework.
International applicants face specific requirements. Those with degrees from countries other than the United States who got a high school diploma, undergraduate or graduate degree from an institutionally accredited American college or university or from an accredited institution in the approved list of English-speaking countries don’t need to submit an English proficiency exam score. The program requires a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-Based TOEFL, 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL, 8.5 on the TOEFL Essentials, 6.0 on the IELTS Academic, 53 on the PTE, or 110 on Duolingo for all other international applicants.
No standardized tests are required for admission. This policy removes a common barrier to graduate education and simplifies the application process.
Applicants must submit a statement of purpose for studying public health that has career plans relative to the Master of Public Health beyond transcripts and test scores. A current resume is required. The program requires two letters of recommendation. Students must complete a criminal background check upon acceptance.
Those who don’t meet all criteria above may receive provisional admission, subject to faculty approval. Admitted students are required to show proof of personal health insurance and a criminal background check.
The program operates on specific deadlines for fall start. The priority deadline falls on February 1 and gives applicants early consideration for admission and potential funding opportunities. The final deadline is May 1. Applications that are incomplete as of the application deadline are not guaranteed formal review by the respective departments.
Tuition Costs and Financial Information
The MPH program operates on a per-credit-hour tuition structure with fees. PUBH courses cost $470.45 per credit hour for online/off-campus tuition with state support, plus a delivery fee of $145.40. The cost for PUBH courses totals $24,018 with 39 total PUBH credit hours.
Non-PUBH elective courses cost $470.45 per credit hour for online/off-campus tuition on a self-support basis, plus a delivery fee of $145.40. The cost for non-PUBH courses amounts to $1,848 with 3 total non-PUBH credit hours. The total estimated cost for the 42 credit hour program reaches $25,866 and averages $616 per credit hour.
An alternative calculation shows the cost per credit hour at $470 with 42 credit hours required for graduation and produces a total estimated cost of $19,759. This variation likely reflects different fee structures or calculation methods.
USD also charges a Masters of Public Health delivery fee of $148 per credit hour. The total cost structure becomes more complex when you factor in the general online tuition rate of $484.10 per credit hour for online students.
Graduate assistantship opportunities provide substantial tuition reduction. Graduate assistant resident rates drop to $185.50 per credit hour plus a $56.30 general activity fee and total $241.80 per credit hour. Non-resident graduate assistants pay $220.50 per credit hour plus the $56.30 fee and total $276.80. Online graduate assistants pay $319.60 per credit hour with no general activity fee.
Special tuition rates apply to specific populations. Active duty military personnel pay $470.45 per credit hour plus $55.30 in fees and total $525.75. Spouses and dependents of active military at Ellsworth Air Force Base and internet students pay $484.10 plus $55.30 and total $539.40. South Dakota residents over 65 pay only $192.50 per credit hour plus $56.30 and total $248.80.
The SDAdvantage program offers resident tuition rates to new incoming graduate students pursuing on-campus programs who have an undergraduate degree from a South Dakota Board of Regents institution and reside in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin, or Wyoming.
Financial aid options extend to both online and on-campus students. The Office of Financial Aid works with students and families to explore affordability options. Graduate assistantship positions provide opportunities to earn reduced tuition rates in exchange for teaching, research and service efforts to the university. Individual departments award teaching and research assistantships. Students who don’t receive an assistantship within their department remain eligible for assistantships outside their academic program or within support offices.
USD awards nearly $10.7 million each year in student scholarships. Most scholarships target undergraduate students, but graduate students can explore various funding sources. Graduate assistantships are competitive and limited in number. Only a small number of master’s level students receive departmental awards.
Career Opportunities and Outcomes
Graduates of the MPH program develop capabilities to function in various public health settings. The program prepares students for positions in health service administration, epidemiology, biostatistics, public health policy, research, environmental health, hospital safety and infectious disease control.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for medical and health services managers to grow by 32% through 2029, a pace ranked as much faster than average. Health educator and community health worker jobs are projected to grow by 13%, also much faster than average.
USD provides workforce data for graduates through a partnership between the South Dakota Board of Regents and the US Census Bureau. Lists of USD degree completers are transmitted to the US Census Bureau each year under the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes program. The Census Bureau matches data against a national employment database. Outcome data has employment earnings, geographies and industries.
The PSEO system uses the federal Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics national jobs database and accounts for about 96% of employment in the U.S.. These workforce data have employment records from private-industry employment, state and local government employment, and federal government employment. Workers found to be insufficiently attached to the labor force are excluded from the analysis. This means those working fewer than three quarters of the year or earning less than annualized federal minimum wage.
Graduate outcome data from the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation provides insights. The report has data for graduates in fiscal year 2021 and shows the number of graduates earning wages in South Dakota through employer reports to the Reemployment Assistance program. Average annual wage calculations have a minimum of three quarters of actual wage data per graduate in a calendar year.
14 students received their master’s degree in public health from USD in 2022. Graduates of the master’s public health program at USD make a median salary of $54,328. This figure is lower than the typical median salary
2. South Dakota State University (SDSU) MPH Program
South Dakota State University delivers its Master of Public Health through a unique collaboration with the University of South Dakota. This partnership forms the only program of its kind in the state. The collaboration launched in January 2015 and combines faculty expertise from SDSU’s College of Pharmacy with other colleges across campus, such as nursing and agriculture. Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration ranked the program 13th in the 50 Most Affordable Online MPH Programs 2015.
Students can pursue the degree on full-time or part-time schedules through the 100% online format. The program attracts both undergraduates and healthcare professionals who are hired and seeking advanced education. SDSU and USD draw on their institutional strengths to address healthcare needs of rural and underserved communities. The MPH curricula focus on rural public health to create a distinct national and regional identity.
Both universities possess authority to grant the MPH degree. Students can choose which institution will confer their degree under this dual-granting structure. The arrangement offers administrative flexibility while maintaining consistent academic standards. Public health practitioners and leaders trained through the program specifically address public health needs of rural communities and Indigenous communities.
Full accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health confirms the program’s quality and rigor. CEPH serves as an independent agency that the U.S. Department of Education recognizes to accredit schools of public health and public health programs outside schools of public health. The program is currently seeking reaccreditation from the council.
The MPH represents the most recognized professional credential for practice and leadership in public health. Graduates with an MPH degree gain access to a broad range of career options in public, private, education and non-profit sectors. Students train in core competencies of public health education and prepare with knowledge and skills to assume various positions in South Dakota and beyond.
The COVID-19 pandemic showed the need to improve the public health workforce. The program helps students gain skills to respond to future public health issues. Public health professionals work in health departments, CDC, hospitals, higher education institutions, government agencies and health insurance companies.
Curriculum Structure and Core Coursework
Students must complete 42 credit hours, with 36 coming from core courses. The curriculum adopts an interprofessional approach to address the five core areas of public health: biostatistics, epidemiology, health services administration, social and behavioral sciences, and environmental health.
Students learn from a wide range of public health scholars and practitioners at both campuses. Mike Lawler, dean of USD’s School of Health Sciences, explains the interprofessional approach ensures students benefit from diverse faculty expertise. USD’s School of Health Sciences contributes expertise from programs such as addiction studies, physician assistant and occupational therapy.
Required coursework totals 36 credit hours and forms the foundation of public health education. Students must take at least 6 credit hours of supporting area coursework from either USD or SDSU. A 2018 program modification increased this requirement. Students now take at least 12 credit hours of supporting area coursework from either USD or SDSU.
The joint USD-SDSU curriculum committee proposed this modification in response to new Council on Education for Public Health accreditation standards. This change offers most important benefits to students interested in pursuing dual degree options at either university. The modification arranges the program with MPH programs across the country. The program stays competitive in the marketplace without needing additional resources to implement the change.
Supporting area coursework offers students opportunities to specialize their education based on career interests. Students can tailor their education while maintaining the complete foundation required for generalist MPH preparation. Each institution contributes distinct courses that reflect their programmatic strengths and faculty expertise.
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Applicants must submit a completed graduate application along with a $36 application fee. Official transcripts verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree from an institution with full regional accreditation for that degree are required. Applicants should hold a bachelor’s or advanced degree, though no specific major is required.
A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on the conferred degree or a graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better serves as the baseline academic requirement. The requirement is based on a 4.0 scale on all graduate coursework. Each institution may admit students on conditional or provisional status per university policy.
Two letters of recommendation must accompany the application. These letters should speak to the applicant’s potential for success in graduate-level public health education and professional practice. A statement of purpose for studying public health gives the admissions committee insight into applicant motivations and career goals.
Acceptance requires successful completion of a criminal background check. This requirement reflects the professional nature of public health work and the expectation that graduates will work with vulnerable populations in community settings.
International applicants face additional requirements. Those completing degrees at institutions outside the United States should review and follow specific guidelines. Additional admissions information is available for international applicants through the university’s graduate admissions office.
The program operates on specific deadline schedules. The priority deadline falls on March 1, while the final deadline is May 1. Applications are also accepted four weeks before the start of fall, spring or summer semesters. This rolling admission structure offers flexibility for students planning to start at different points throughout the academic year.
Graduate application requirements match standard SDSU processes. Applicants must submit official transcripts from each institution from which a degree was earned or will be earned, plus any institution where graduate credits were earned. Students who attended a South Dakota regental institution benefit from automatic transcript access and require no additional action.
Proof of immunity is required before taking on-campus courses. The MPH program’s online nature makes this relevant primarily for students who choose to participate in optional campus activities. Application files are sent to the appropriate department for review when all required documents have been received. A minimum of three to four weeks is needed for departmental review.
Tuition Costs and Financial Information
SDSU’s graduate tuition structure for 2025-2026 sets resident rates at $350 per credit hour. Non-resident students pay $673 per credit hour. With 42 credit hours required for program completion, resident students face total tuition costs of $14,700 before fees. Non-resident students pay $28,266.
The South Dakota Advantage program extends resident rates to qualifying students and charges $350 per credit hour for eligible participants. Minnesota Reciprocity students currently hired pay $575.60 per credit hour. The Western Regional Graduate Program also qualifies participants for the resident rate of $350 per credit hour.
Special populations receive distinct tuition rates. State employees, ROTC participants, teacher certification students and counselors pay $175 per credit hour. South Dakota residents over 65 pay $192.50 per credit hour. Active duty military personnel who are residents pay $350 per credit hour, while non-resident active duty military pay $673 per credit hour. Department of Defense civilian employees pay resident rates of $350 per credit hour if they are South Dakota residents, or $673 per credit hour if non-residents.
South Dakota National Guard members may qualify for free in-state tuition after federal tuition benefits are applied, though total benefits cannot exceed 100% of tuition cost. The graduate benefit is limited to 32 credit hours.
The general activity fee adds $51.85 per credit hour to tuition costs. This mandatory student fee supports the student experience and student activities, student organizations and student government. The fee also funds the University Student Union, the Miller Wellness Center and athletics. Facility funding for the University Student Union, Miller Wellness Center and dining facilities is assessed on all on-campus credit hours.
The application fee varies by program level: $21 for undergraduate applicants, $36 for general graduate school, and $94 for EngineeringCAS graduate school. Students attending a regental institution in the three terms prior to application qualify for a fee waiver. Military personnel who stopped out due to active duty calls longer than the three previous terms are also eligible for waivers.
Indirect costs represent expenses not billed by SDSU. Textbooks and supplies cost about $810 per year. Transportation expenses average $1,846 per year and cover parking, fuel, vehicle maintenance and travel costs. Personal expenses such as laundry, cell phone service, clothing and personal care products total $2,338 per year. Total yearly indirect costs reach $4,994.
Graduate assistantships eliminate tuition for both resident and non-resident students. These positions offer opportunities to earn while reducing educational costs. Teaching and research assistantships are competitive and awarded by individual departments.
Financial aid programs extend to graduate students through multiple channels. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships maintains an application portal with over 700 scholarships called Aztec Scholarships. Students filing applications through this portal become eligible for all relevant awards. Applications open in spring for current students and incoming students who have submitted their intent to enroll.
Career Opportunities and Outcomes
Graduates prepare for a range of public health positions and specialties. Career paths cover public health officer roles at federal, state or county levels, health services administrator, and health care industry analyst. Hospital-based positions span safety and infection control, quality improvement and quality assurance.
Specialized technical roles cover environmental health specialist and occupational safety and health specialist. Medical and health services manager positions attract MPH graduates with interests in healthcare administration. Research-focused careers as epidemiologists and biostatisticians require strong quantitative skills developed through the program’s core curriculum.
Population health initiatives hire graduates in health promotion and disease prevention roles. Policy work covers public health policy analysis, public safety and security planning, and disaster preparedness coordination. Legal analysis positions draw on graduates’ understanding of public health law and regulation.
Specific population focus areas offer career opportunities in mental health, maternal-child health, geriatrics and nutrition. Higher education institutions hire MPH graduates as faculty, researchers and program administrators. Research investigator positions exist in academic medical centers, government agencies and private research organizations.
Employment projections indicate strong job growth. Twelve point eight percent projected job growth in the next 10 years signals expanding opportunities for public health professionals. Job postings totaled 209,609 in the last 12 months and demonstrate robust employer demand.
Salary expectations vary by position and experience level. Epidemiologists earn average salaries between $78,000 and $100,000. Public health educators average $60,000. Health policy analysts command salaries ranging from $65,000 to $95,000. Biostatisticians earn between $75,000 and $120,000. Healthcare administrators see the highest earning potential, with salaries spanning $80,000 to $150,000.
Community health workers earn less at $40,000 to $60,000 but play essential roles in helping underserved populations access healthcare services. Environmental health specialists earn between $60,000 and $85,000. Global health professionals working with international organizations earn $50,000 to $120,000 depending on experience and organization type. Public health researchers earn $70,000 to $100,000. Health communications specialists command salaries between $60,000 and $80,000.
Program Delivery and Flexibility
The program operates as an online offering designed with flexibility for working professionals. Students choose between full-time and part-time enrollment options based on their schedules and commitments. This structure has attracted both recent undergraduates and healthcare professionals who are hired and looking for the next level of education.
The 100% online delivery eliminates geographic barriers and allows students across South Dakota and beyond to access quality public health education without relocating. All courses are offered online to meet the
Find Your MPH Now
Both USD and SDSU offer the same CEPH-accredited MPH program through their unique partnership. You get flexibility in choosing which institution grants your degree. The 42-credit-hour curriculum is online and designed for rural and Native American communities, a focus that sets this program apart on a national level. With 12.8% projected job growth and salaries ranging from $40,000 to $150,000 based on your specialty, career prospects remain strong. Your choice between institutions comes down to tuition costs and campus preference, but either way you’ll receive the same quality education to prepare you for meaningful public health work.