9 Top Texas MPH Programs: How to Choose

Choosing among Texas MPH programs can feel overwhelming when you’re faced with multiple CEPH-accredited options across the state. Texas offers diverse public health degree opportunities, from programs requiring a minimum of 45 semester credit hours to accelerated formats at various institutions. You might be interested in a public health university of Texas system school or other accredited institutions. Each program brings distinct strengths. Some programs, to cite an instance, report acceptance rates around 46%, while others offer scholarship assistance to 93% of full-time students. This list breaks down nine top options to help you find your ideal fit.

1. Baylor University Master of Public Health Program

Baylor University’s public health degree in Texas operates through the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences with full CEPH accreditation extended to 2026. The program offers both on-campus and online delivery formats and gives you flexibility based on your location and schedule needs. On-campus students complete their degree within 18 months, while the online program runs between 12 to 24 months depending on your chosen pace.

The faith-based approach at Baylor integrates service, ethics and leadership throughout the curriculum and sets it apart from other Texas mph programs. You’ll benefit from small class sizes and low faculty-student ratios that create tailored mentoring relationships. All accepted residential MPH students receive 50% tuition remission and make this program available to more people.

Available Concentrations

Your concentration options vary based on format. The online program offers a single major in Community Health Science and comprises 42 credit hours. On-campus students can select from three concentrations: Community Health Science, Epidemiology, and Environmental Health Science. Each requires 42 to 43 credit hours based on the major.

The Epidemiology track focuses on disease occurrence, distribution and determinants in human populations. This prepares you for roles as an epidemiologist, data analyst or health policy advisor. Environmental Health Science addresses chemical, physical and biological agent exposures in community, workplace and home settings. The curriculum covers disaster preparedness and outbreak management.

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the SOPHAS system year-round on a rolling basis. The on-campus program requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, two reference letters, official transcripts and a personal statement. The GRE is optional but recommended if you have less than 3 years of work experience or lack a previous master’s degree.

On-campus admission follows specific deadlines. The priority application deadline is set for December 15, and a final deadline of July 15. The fall cohort begins in August. International applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores and should apply early to ensure timely processing.

The online program accepts applications throughout the year with start dates in January, April, July and September. Online applicants face no GRE requirement, though the test remains recommended for candidates with limited work experience.

Tuition Costs and Financial Aid

Tuition structures differ substantially between formats. The base rate is $2,651 per credit hour for Fall/Spring semesters for on-campus students. But the 50% tuition remission reduces your annual cost for 21 credit hours from $55,671 to $27,835.50. Summer courses cost $1,550 per credit hour.

Graduate assistantships provide additional funding for full-time on-campus students who apply at the beginning of their first semester. These Graduate Student Employee positions offer both financial support and hands-on experience aligned with your field of interest. You should complete the FAFSA using Baylor’s school code 3545 to access federal and state aid.

Program Format and Schedule

The online program operates on a quarter system with flexible enrollment options. You can take 1 to 4 courses per quarter, with 6 credit hours considered full-time. Three completion tracks exist: accelerated (17 months, 4 terms), full-time (21 months, 5 terms) and part-time (24 months, 6 terms).

Two mandatory one-credit public health immersion courses distinguish the online format. Public Health Immersion I brings you to Baylor’s Waco campus for a weekend of interprofessional education training, community health assessment activities and capstone project planning. The culminating experience has a minimum 250-hour internship at an approved organization. On-campus students complete both a mid-program practicum and a final-semester capstone project.

2. UT Southwestern Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health

UT Southwestern Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health stands among the most affordable public health university of Texas options at a premier academic medical center. The institution holds SACSCOC accreditation and will apply for CEPH accreditation at the earliest eligible point. You can choose between a full-time two-year pathway or a part-time three-year pathway, both leading to the same MPH degree. The three-year option offers a lighter course load each semester, beneficial if you’re balancing outside responsibilities while pursuing your public health degree in Texas.

The school received $10 million in original state funding and a transformative $100 million donation from the O’Donnell Foundation, translating into student resources. Most courses enroll 10-15 students with a student-to-faculty ratio under 2-to-1. The acceptance rate was 46% for the 2024-2025 entering class.

Available Concentrations

Your concentration selection shapes your methodological expertise. Four multidisciplinary options exist: Applied Epidemiology, Social & Behavioral Sciences, Health Economics, Systems, and Policy, and Health Data Science.

Applied Epidemiology trains you in various data types used in public health research and how these data are collected, managed, analyzed, and reported. Social & Behavioral Sciences builds skills to create transformative change in health equity through program design and evaluation. Health Economics, Systems, and Policy gives you the ability to conduct health services research, develop interventions within health system contexts, and assess population health from an economic point of view. The Health Data Science concentration provides rigorous programming, statistical modeling, analytics, and visualization training with emphasis on reproducible team-science approaches.

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Your bachelor’s degree in any field qualifies you to apply. You must submit three letters of recommendation and complete a personal statement (1,000 words maximum) that addresses your reasons to pursue an MPH, describes relevant public health experience, and explains why UT Southwestern fits your goals. The GRE remains optional but encouraged.

Applications are free with no interviews required. The priority deadline falls on February 15 to be considered for scholarships, with a final deadline of May 1. Admitted students receive scholarship notification shortly after acceptance.

Tuition Costs and Financial Aid

Dallas offers much lower living costs than most cities with public health schools. Estimated Year 1 tuition and fees are as follows:

93% of full-time MPH students also received scholarship assistance. Two full scholarships and multiple partial scholarships are available with no separate application required. You should file the FAFSA by January 1 with no parental data required. The Office of Financial Aid administers scholarships, grants, and student loans including Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Direct Grad Plus Loans, College Access Loans, and private education loans.

Program Format and Schedule

The program operates in-person at the Dallas campus. All students complete three credit hours of community service-learning experience and work with advisors to connect with UT Southwestern mentors and community partners. Your culminating Integrative Learning Experience demonstrates mastery through practice-based projects, essay-based exams, capstone courses, or integrative seminars, all producing a scholarly paper.

MPH coursework is offered in hybrid format compatible with the MD curriculum for MD/MPH dual degree seekers, with first summer courses online to provide maximum flexibility.

3. Texas A&M School of Public Health MPH Program

Texas A&M Health School of Public Health delivers one of the state’s most career-focused Texas MPH programs with a 98% job placement rate. The school was founded in 1998 and holds CEPH accreditation through July 1, 2026. Your connection to more than 500,000 Aggie alumni around the world provides exceptional networking opportunities. The extensive alumni network gives you access to over 100 industry partnerships for hands-on experience. Money Magazine recognizes Texas A&M as the #1 Best Value public university in Texas.

The school operates four departments: Environmental and Occupational Health, Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Health Policy and Management, and Health Behavior. The institution ranks as the 5th largest School of Public Health in the country by student count and combines research, service, and degree programs.

Available Concentrations

Your concentration choice determines your career trajectory within public health. Five specializations exist: Environmental Health gets into how air quality and industrial hazards affect communities and prepares you to develop protective strategies. Epidemiology sharpens your skills to track outbreaks and control epidemics using evidence-based approaches. Health Policy and Management gives you the tools to guide health systems, influence policies, and manage healthcare delivery. Health Behavior focuses on designing programs that enable and address health disparities at the community level. Occupational Safety and Health trains you to identify workplace hazards and promote wellness across industries.

Each concentration requires 45 credit hours and has core coursework, specialized classes, a practicum, and an integrative capstone experience.

Admission Requirements and Application Process

You just need a conferred U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution before the program starts to be eligible. Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA requirements vary: Epidemiology demands 3.0, while Health Behavior requires 2.75. Other concentrations enforce no minimum GPA threshold.

Applications open September 1, 2025, for Fall 2026 admission. International applicants face an April 15 deadline, whereas U.S. domestic applicants have until June1. You must submit your complete application via SOPHAS along with a $145 fee for your first program and $55 for each additional program. Three letters of recommendation are mandatory and should include at least one academic and one professional reference. Official test scores are not required, as GRE, GMAT, and MCAT are no longer part of the application process.

Tuition Costs and Financial Aid

Tuition rates differ based on residency status. Graduate students at Texas A&M can use the online tuition calculator by selecting “School of Public Health” for reference. The online MPH programs cost:

Scholarships are awarded each fall, with application information sent to newly admitted students during final admissions processing. Current students receive scholarship notifications each year via email. Assistantship positions remain limited and are not offered to incoming master’s students in most cases. You should complete the FAFSA to access federal student aid.

Program Format and Schedule

On-campus MPH programs admit for Fall and Spring terms only, with mandatory orientation during the week of August 17-21, 2026. Classes begin August 24, 2026. Distance education options exist for U.S. residents in Epidemiology, Environmental Health, Health Behavior, and Health Policy & Management. Online programs follow flexible curricula, and orientation sessions occur online.

4. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)

UTHealth School of Public Health maintains the longest continuous CEPH accreditation among Texas MPH programs. The school has held this difference since 1969 and received its most recent reaccreditation in 2020. The institution also carries SACSCOC accreditation to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degrees. You can access six physical campuses in Austin, Brownsville, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, and San Antonio. Resources and faculty expertise are available at all locations. The MPH requires a minimum 45 semester credit hours. This includes 18 core hours, practicum experience, and an integrative learning experience. Most full-time students complete the degree within 18 to 24 months.

Available Concentrations

Eight MPH specializations give you targeted career preparation. Community Health Practice develops skills to lead public health programs and interventions within communities. Environmental Health addresses chemical, physical, and biological exposures in settings of all types. Epidemiology provides methods training to investigate disease patterns and conduct research studies. Health Promotion/Health Education builds program design and implementation expertise. An optional Dietetic Internship track is accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Healthcare Management holds CAHME accreditation and emphasizes organizational theory, finance, operations management, and strategy in public health systems. Health Services Organizations focuses on planning, management, and evaluation of health systems and services. A Customized MPH option allows interdisciplinary coursework tailored to your professional interests.

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Your bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution qualifies you to apply. A 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale is recommended. Entrance exam scores remain optional for all MPH and MS programs, though you may submit GRE, GMAT, or MCAT scores. Waivers apply if you hold a doctoral degree, are admitted to a dual-degree program, or previously completed UTHealth’s General Public Health Certificate with a 3.4 GPA or higher.

Applications process through SOPHAS at a cost of $150 for your first designation and $60 for each additional program. You must submit three letters of recommendation (at least one academic reference preferred), a statement of purpose that addresses your candidacy and goals, and official transcripts from all institutions attended. The December 1 priority deadline qualifies you to receive new student scholarship consideration for fall admission, while April 15 marks the final deadline for most applicants. Spring admission closes November 1. International applicants who require F1 visa sponsorship can only apply to fall enrollment and need TOEFL scores of 95 (internet-based), IELTS scores of 7.0, or Duolingo English Test scores of 130.

Tuition Costs and Financial Aid

The Outstanding New Student Scholarship provides competitive funding to incoming students who apply by December 1. Out-of-state recipients receive in-state tuition rates during their first year based on academic merit. No separate scholarship application exists. You’re evaluated through your degree program application. Current students access many endowed scholarships funded by donors invested in the school’s mission. Many students work as graduate assistants, teaching assistants, or research assistants. Opportunities are posted through Handshake after admission.

Program Format and Schedule

You can select from in-person, hybrid synchronous, or online asynchronous formats that match your schedule needs. Hybrid courses provide live instructor access with online flexibility, while asynchronous options let you learn at your own pace.

5. UTSA Kate Marmion School of Public Health

UTSA’s Kate Marmion School of Public Health represents one of the newest additions to public health university of Texas options. The school began accepting MPH students in 2024 and holds accreditation from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Your degree requires 45 semester credit hours that you must complete within five years of enrollment while maintaining a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

The school addresses rural and community health issues across South Texas and works to improve healthcare access in underserved regions. You’ll participate directly with local and regional community health challenges through 180 hours of applied practice experience. Your integrative learning experience combines foundational and concentration competencies into a single written product worth 3 credit hours.

Available Concentrations

Three MPH concentrations target different public health career paths. Public Health Practice and Administration prepares you to lead and administer programs using evidence-based management practices and systems approaches that improve service quality. Health Systems in the Community Context positions you at the intersection of healthcare and public health. You’ll learn informed intervention development that addresses mechanisms influencing community health. Epidemiology emphasizes methodological and data analysis skills applicable across public health domains and is available fully online or hybrid.

Each concentration has 18 core credit hours, 9 concentration-specific credits, and 12 elective hours, plus your applied practice and capstone experiences.

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Your bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution qualifies you for admission. You need a cumulative 3.0 GPA in your last 60 semester hours. You’ll submit applications through the UT San Antonio Graduate Application platform along with official transcripts and two letters of recommendation from professional or academic sources. A personal statement addressing your community-work approach is also required.

International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL scores of 84, IELTS scores of 7.0, or Duolingo English Test scores of 115. Admission decisions arrive within 4 to 6 weeks of receiving your complete application. The Epidemiology concentration has a priority deadline on March 31 with a final deadline of June 15 for Fall 2026 entry.

Tuition Costs and Financial Aid

Graduate tuition for 2026-2027 runs $9,906 annually for Texas residents taking 9 credit hours. Merit and need-based scholarships operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. You should submit your FAFSA using school code 010115 early. Research and teaching assistantships provide competitive funding for qualified students.

Program Format and Schedule

Classes meet in-person during evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. Full-time students attend three evenings weekly. Part-time students receive flexible scheduling options. The Epidemiology concentration offers fully online or hybrid delivery.

6. University of North Texas Health Science Center MPH

UNT Health Science Center’s College of Public Health holds a difference as one of only four CEPH-accredited public health schools in Texas. The institution was founded in 1999 and received reaccreditation for the maximum seven-year term. Accreditation extends through July 31, 2031. This rigorous peer-reviewed process will give your degree professional standards in practice, research and service. The school focuses on eliminating health inequities and improving quality of life through public health education that communities in North Texas and beyond need.

Available Concentrations

Seven concentration areas shape your career direction: biostatistics, community health, environmental and occupational health sciences, epidemiology, health management and policy, maternal and child health, or a professional option. The epidemiology concentration operates as a cohort full-time program. You need 12 credit hours each semester. You’ll complete this track in five semesters over two years, including summer. The program starts in fall only. Maternal and child health admits fall terms only, while other concentrations accept students during fall, spring and summer semesters.

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Your bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution qualifies you to apply. There is no minimum GPA requirement, though a 3.0 GPA is recommended. Applications process through SOPHAS at www.sophas.org. You must submit official transcripts and examination scores from GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, or PCAT. The test requirement is waived for applicants possessing a professional doctoral degree with U.S. license. You also need three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose referencing your chosen concentration, and a current resume or CV. The March 15 priority deadline determines scholarship eligibility. International applicants need TOEFL scores of 550 (written), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (internet-based), along with WES transcript evaluations.

Tuition Costs and Financial Aid

Competitive scholarships reward new incoming students each fall semester. Chancellor’s Scholarship provides $10,000, President’s Scholarship offers $6,000, and Dean’s Scholarship awards $2,000. Applications verified in SOPHAS by March 15 receive automatic scholarship consideration. A scholarship may qualify you for in-state tuition rates even as a non-resident. Financial aid supports tuition, fees and living expenses.

Program Format and Schedule

The epidemiology program delivers on-campus instruction at UNT Health Fort Worth. Core classes have small sizes ranging from 20-35 students, and concentration courses have 10-20 students. The cohort format follows a pre-determined sequence and promotes strong networking opportunities and quality faculty relationships. Online MPH programs start twice yearly in fall and spring. They follow traditional 16-week schedules.

7. UT Tyler School of Community and Rural Health

UT Tyler’s Master of Public Health addresses rural health disparities throughout East Texas through an online program that focuses on Rural Population Health. Your degree requires 42 credit hours and has 11 core courses, two experiential courses (Applied Practice Experience and Integrative Learning Experience), and one elective. You can finish in as little as 15 months on a fast-track schedule if you have a strong health background. Most students complete the program within two years. You have up to six years from admission to finish your degree.

Available Concentrations

The program offers a generalist Rural Population Health concentration rather than multiple specialization tracks. Your elective selection shapes your focus area. Options come from Occupational & Environmental Health Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Epidemiology & Biostatistics, and Healthcare Policy Economics and Management. This structure prepares you to analyze health outcomes at different levels of rurality and develop intervention recommendations based on rural community health profiles.

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Your bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution qualifies you for admission with a cumulative 3.0 GPA. Prerequisites include two semesters of science courses and one semester of college algebra. You’ll submit three letters of recommendation from former professors or employers, a cover letter, resume, and personal statement that addresses your program interest and completion goals. The GRE is not required. Application deadlines fall on August 15 for fall admission, December 20 for spring, and April 15 for summer. The application fee is $50.

Tuition Costs and Financial Aid

Graduate tuition runs $499 per credit hour for Texas residents and $987 for non-residents. Financial support includes the Public Health Academic Scholarship that offers $250 per credit hour up to 3 credit hours ($750) per semester based on availability and academic merit. The New Graduate Fellowship provides up to $1,000 per year for incoming students who meet specific criteria.

Program Format and Schedule

Classes operate online during evenings. The program is designed for working professionals. The flexible structure accommodates both full-time and part-time enrollment patterns.

8. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center MPH

Program Overview and Accreditation

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s Julia Jones Matthews School of Population and Public Health operates one of the few online Texas MPH programs available statewide. The program earned full seven-year CEPH accreditation through July 1, 2031. Your degree requires 45 credit hours. You can complete it in 15 months through the accelerated track. The school serves 100+ counties across Texas from campuses in Lubbock, Odessa, El Paso, Amarillo, Dallas, and Abilene.

Available Concentrations

TTUHSC offers a generalist public health degree in Texas without specific concentrations, unlike other public health university of Texas programs. Your coursework covers Social & Behavioral Sciences, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Health Care Policy Management.

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Applications process through SOPHAS with a $150 fee to apply to your first program and $60 for additional programs. You’ll submit two letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose. International applicants must provide GRE scores and English proficiency tests.

Tuition Costs and Financial Aid

Graduate tuition runs $272 per credit hour for Texas residents and $682 for non-residents. Scholarships, federal loans and work-study programs provide funding options.

Program Format and Schedule

The 100% online format accommodates professional and personal commitments. Most students finish within two years, though the 15-month option exists.

9. University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Public Health Degree

UTEP’s MPH is the only program nationally offering a concentration in Hispanic and Border Health. The program is one of the most affordable public health university of Texas options and has been recognized as such. It holds CEPH accreditation through December 2025. Your 42-credit-hour degree emphasizes health equity in Hispanic and border communities through evidence-based approaches.

Available Concentrations

The Hispanic and Border Health concentration has 9 credit hours within the 42-hour curriculum. This singular focus prepares you for public health practice in Hispanic and border communities worldwide.

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Your bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA qualifies you for the cohort program. The program admits 12-15 students each fall only. Applications require three letters of recommendation (at least one academic), a 500-word essay describing your public health experience, current CV, writing sample and teleconference interview. GRE and MCAT scores remain optional. Submit applications by March 15 to be considered for fall enrollment.

Tuition Costs and Financial Aid

Annual tuition runs $8,508 for Texas residents and $21,164 for non-residents. UTEP awards over $220 million in financial aid each year. The Graduate School provides fellowships and assistantships that offer additional funding.

Program Format and Schedule

Your two-year curriculum has 15 core credit hours, concentration courses, 6 practicum hours and a culminating thesis or project. Practicum placements require full-time commitment from May through early August following your second-year completion. Faculty mentoring averages just 4-5 students per member.

Conclusion

Just to repeat, Texas offers diverse CEPH-accredited MPH programs tailored to different career goals and learning priorities. You’ll find suitable options among these nine schools whether you prioritize affordability, rural health focus, Hispanic and border health expertise, or specific concentrations like epidemiology.

Start by identifying your ideal specialization and preferred format (online, hybrid, or on-campus). Then compare tuition costs, scholarship opportunities and application deadlines. Many programs offer rolling admissions, so you can apply when ready.

The right MPH program combines your professional aspirations with practical considerations like cost and schedule flexibility. Your next step is choosing which program arranges best with your public health career vision.