8 Best MPH Programs in Alabama for 2027

Public health ranks as the #14 most popular master’s degree program in the United States. More public health professionals are needed to address health challenges at local, national, and global levels. As an MPH grad, you can work in the federal government, for a private organization or for a nonprofit. If you are looking for an MPH Program in Alabama, you’ll find they provide you with training in five core disciplines: biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, health policy and administration, and social and behavioral sciences. Public health programs in Alabama also have flexible options. You can choose public health degrees online or hybrid programs to fit your schedule. Our guide takes a look at eight of these such programs, to help you choose your MPH.

1. University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) – Master of Public Health

UAB School of Public Health is Alabama’s only accredited school of public health and offers complete training in population health sciences. The program sits in Birmingham and combines urban healthcare resources with academic excellence to prepare students for careers in government agencies, private organizations and community health settings.

The university operates as one of the most affordable options among accredited schools and programs of public health. UAB’s MPH program uses evidence-based public health frameworks across all concentrations and prepares graduates to work in local, state and federal agencies. These include organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.

Students get hands-on experience through required Applied Practice Experiences (internships) and complete an Integrative Learning Experience (capstone project). Online students can complete their internships in their local area. The school provides assistance in locating appropriate opportunities. The program ranks among the best online public health programs in the nation.

Concentration Areas and Curriculum

UAB offers six distinct MPH concentrations:

• Environmental Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Behavior
• Health Policy and Organization
• Maternal and Child Health Policy and Leadership
• Population Health

Most concentrations require students to complete 44 credit hours. This includes the MPH Core, concentration requirements, electives, capstone and internship. The Population Health concentration requires 42 credit hours and includes a 14-hour MPH core based on the Evidence-Based Public Health framework.

The Health Behavior concentration addresses behavioral, social and cultural factors related to individual and population health disparities. Students develop skills in designing theory-based behavior change strategies and applying evaluation methods. They also synthesize literature on social influences that affect health behavior.

The Population Health concentration provides an individualized curriculum designed for healthcare professionals or students in coordinated degree programs. Students select from all available master’s-level courses across five departments: Biostatistics, Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Health Behavior and Health Care Policy & Organization. Global Health program offerings are also available.

UAB also offers coordinated dual degree programs. Students can combine an MPH with degrees in medicine, business administration, health administration, public administration, nutrition sciences, social work, optometry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, veterinary medicine and law.

Admission Requirements

You will submit your application through the SOPHAS application system. The SOPHAS application costs $150 for your first school designation. Additional programs cost $60 each. After acceptance, you’ll complete a supplemental application through the UAB Graduate School.

The GRE is waived for all master’s degree programs. Applicants with fewer than five years of full-time professional healthcare or public health practice experience AND a GPA below 3.0 should submit a GRE score to strengthen their application.

A 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA is preferred at minimum. Applicants with positive GPA trends, public health experience, competitive GRE scores or an established graduate GPA of 12 or more graduate credit hours are encouraged to apply.

International applicants must submit English proficiency test scores. The minimum scores are 80 for TOEFL, 6.5 for IELTS or 120 for Duolingo. You’ll also need to provide at least two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references, official transcripts from all college-level institutions attended, a resume or curriculum vitae and a statement of purpose.

Program Format and Length

Many MPH concentrations are available online without requiring travel to Birmingham. Online programs match on-campus versions and award the same degree upon completion. All courses use asynchronous delivery and allow you to view content and complete assignments at times that work for you.

Full-time students complete the degree in two years or less (four to five semesters). Part-time students may take at least six to eight semesters to complete their studies.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Domestic students (U.S. citizens and permanent residents) with GPAs greater than 3.0 qualify for scholarships starting their first Fall semester. Apply by February 1 through BSMART, UAB’s scholarship management tool, for full consideration. International students with GPAs greater than 3.0 become eligible for scholarships during their second year of enrollment. They apply by February 1 during the Spring semester of their first full year.

Students who apply for scholarships before enrolling don’t need to submit letters of recommendation. Current students must submit one letter of recommendation from a UAB School of Public Health faculty member.

2. University of Alabama – MPH in Health Education & Promotion

The University of Alabama’s Department of Health Science delivers an MPH in Health Education & Promotion that concentrates on training professionals to plan, implement, and assess health promotion programs. The 42-credit-hour curriculum emphasizes health equity and provides both on-campus instruction in Tuscaloosa and an online option.

The program launched in Fall 2018 with a student-oriented approach focused on delivering core public health competencies through the lens of health education and promotion. The curriculum provides education in foundational public health areas including health behavior, environmental health, epidemiology, biostatistics, and health services administration. It was designed for Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accreditation.

You become eligible to take two national certification exams after completion: the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam and the Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam. This dual certification pathway sets the program apart among public health programs in Alabama by preparing graduates for professional credentials in health education.

Concentration Areas and Curriculum

The program requires 42 credit hours distributed across required courses, applied practice experiences, and electives. You’ll complete 33 hours of required coursework covering topics such as Advanced Foundations of Public Health, Theories of Health Behavior, Planning Health Promotion Programs, and Program Evaluation in Health Promotion.

Core courses include HHE 512 (Advanced Foundations of Public Health), HHE 515 (Advanced Foundations of Health Promotion), HHE 520 (Theories of Health Behavior), HHE 521 (Basic Epidemiology), HHE 526 (Biostatistics), HHE 530 (Health Promotion Techniques), HHE 565 (Planning Health Promotion Programs), HHE 566 (Program Evaluation in Health Promotion), HHE 586 (Environmental Health Promotion), and HHE 587 (Health Disparities).

You’ll select one research course from either HES 509 (Research Methods) or HHE 506 (Tech Research in Health). The Applied Practice Experience component requires 3 credit hours through HHE 580 and HHE 581. You work with a preceptor in a practice-based setting to produce two high-quality work products that demonstrate at least five MPH competencies.

You’ll choose 6 hours of approved electives from options including Critical Issues in Global Health, Women and Health, Culture Health & Healing, Conflict Resolution Workplace, and Childhood Obesity.

Admission Requirements

The Graduate School has minimum requirements that you must meet. You must also submit at least 3 letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your skills and abilities. Letters from family or friends are not accepted. Quality recommendations span at least one single-spaced page.

You’ll prepare a statement of purpose detailing your interests in health education and promotion, relevant skills and experience, professional goals in public health, and how the program lines up with your aspirations. The statement should be 1-2 pages in length and demonstrate graduate-level writing ability.

A unique requirement involves submitting a brief video of no more than 3 minutes. Address how the MPH meets your educational needs, your career aspirations in health education and promotion, and how you’ve been successful in past academic pursuits. You can upload the video to a sharing platform like YouTube and provide the link on your application’s Portfolio page.

Additional materials include a resume or curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts, and standardized test scores if the department requires them. Application fees are $65 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, or $80 for international students.

Program Format and Length

The program works the same way in both on-campus and online formats and awards the same degree after completion. All online coursework can be completed remotely. The applied practice experience gives you flexibility to work in your local area.

Students have six years (18 semesters) from admission to complete all degree requirements. You must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher throughout enrollment.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Financial support options include graduate assistantships offering stipends, tuition scholarships up to 15 hours, technology fee coverage, and single-coverage health insurance. Graduate Council Fellowships provide minimum stipends of $20,000 for the academic year plus tuition scholarships and health insurance.

Conference travel funding reaches up to $500 within North America or $800 beyond North America. Research funding provides up to $300 within North America or $600 internationally, with departments matching Graduate School contributions 1:1.

3. University of South Alabama – Master of Public Health

The Master of Public Health at the University of South Alabama represents an interdisciplinary graduate program positioned to address public health challenges unique to the Gulf Coast region. The program gives students knowledge and skills through core coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, environmental health, and social sciences. Mobile serves as its base.

The program emphasizes experiential learning through internships, fieldwork, and community-based research projects that enable you to apply theoretical knowledge in ground settings. So the curriculum prepares graduates for careers in public health practice, research, policy, and community health improvement.

A distinctive feature involves addressing public health disparities unique to Lower Alabama. These include chronic disease challenges such as obesity and diabetes. The program arranges with healthcare priorities at USA Health, the only academic medical center in the region. This strategic positioning supports rural health initiatives through community-based interventions and policies while providing training grounded in Gulf Coast public health challenges.

The curriculum emphasizes health equity, informed decision-making, and systems leadership as foundational competencies.

Concentration Areas and Curriculum

You’ll complete 42 credit hours across core requirements, concentration coursework, and applied experiences. The program proposes four concentration areas:

Health Inequities focuses on disparities affecting underserved populations. Social and Behavioral Health Sciences examines factors influencing health behaviors and outcomes. Gerontology addresses aging populations and elder’s health needs. Applied Statistics develops quantitative analysis skills for public health research.

Admission Requirements

You must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and meet University of South Alabama Graduate School standards. Regular admission requires an undergraduate minimum GPA of 3.0, though conditional admission may be granted in certain cases for lower GPAs.

You’ll submit two letters of recommendation attesting to your scholarship and potential for graduate program success along with transcripts. At least one letter should come from an academic reference. Your Statement of Purpose must reflect your rationale for choosing the graduate program and include examples of personal and professional experience relevant to public health.

Completion of an undergraduate or graduate-level statistics course with a B or higher is preferred. An appropriate advanced degree may substitute for other requirements when seeking Regular Standing.

Applications for Fall 2026 close on July 15. Reviews are conducted within three weeks of receipt. Final admission decisions release by August 1, 2026.

Program Format and Length

The delivery format combines online, Hy-Flex, and in-person instruction. All courses will be available through Hy-Flex or online, providing maximum flexibility for students. This approach allows you to participate remotely or attend in person based on your schedule and location.

Full-time students complete the program in 4 to 5 semesters. Part-time options accommodate working professionals. The program starts each Fall semester.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Graduate assistantships provide stipends plus course credit hour costs for in-state, out-of-state, and international students. Graduate assistants perform up to 20 hours weekly of education-related duties such as teaching or research assistance. Students may also qualify for various university or national scholarships.

4. Samford University – MPH Program

Samford University’s School of Public Health delivers a Master of Public Health that is available online and designed to prepare leaders capable of addressing global health problems through multidisciplinary training. Graduates work in state and local health departments, non-profits, hospitals, government agencies and global health organizations. They serve as wellness coordinators, project managers and data analysts.

The program applies scientific knowledge to build solutions for major threats to human health. Samford offers a distinctive fast-track option that allows undergraduate students from select majors to earn both a bachelor’s degree and MPH in five years. Students pursuing sociology, human development and family science, health sciences or public health majors can access this accelerated pathway.

Samford also offers a joint PharmD/MPH program that gives pharmacists interdisciplinary knowledge to address health challenges from clinical and population viewpoints. Students complete 142 pharmacy credit hours and 30 public health credit hours. Twelve pharmacy credits apply toward the MPH and 4 public health credits count toward PharmD electives. The MPH must be completed within five years of admission.

Concentration Areas and Curriculum

You can personalize your degree through three concentrations. Community Public Health provides foundational understanding of how public health affects communities. The focus is on social determinants like socioeconomic status and medical resources. Public Health Management gives you the skills to manage people, data and programs designed to champion health and wellness. Public Health Nutrition applies nutrition and public health principles to design programs, systems and policies that improve population health.

The fast-track program requires 42 graduate credits. MPH courses satisfy both general and directed undergraduate elective requirements during your senior year. This allows you to complete your bachelor’s degree at the same time.

Admission Requirements

You must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. You may submit GRE scores from the last five years for possible conditional admission if your GPA falls below 3.0. Minimum scores of 153 verbal, 144 quantitative and 4.0 analytical are required.

Applications open September 2, 2025. The early action deadline is November 1, 2025. Applications submitted by the early action deadline receive priority consideration for scholarships. The application closes for summer start on April 1 and for fall start on June 1, 2026.

You’ll submit three letters of reference from a current or previous professor, work supervisor and professional colleague. International applicants must score at least 550 (paper), 213 (computer) or 80 (internet) on the TOEFL, or 6.5 on the IELTS Academic test.

A nonrefundable fee of $500 secures admission upon acceptance and applies to first semester tuition.

Program Format and Length

MPH courses are offered online. This provides flexibility to complete coursework alongside other commitments. Entry months are May 2026 for summer start and August 2026 for fall start.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The School of Public Health offers merit and need-based assistance to students. Students enrolled in degree programs can employ Direct Unsubsidized Loans with an annual maximum limit of $20,500 and Direct Grad PLUS Loans. Students must enroll for a minimum of 3 credit hours per term to qualify for federal and institutional aid.

5. Auburn University – MPH/Pharm D

Auburn University provides graduate education in more than 200 degree programs at the master’s, education specialist, and doctoral levels. The university’s approach to public health education reflects a One Health philosophy. This philosophy emphasizes the interconnectedness between human, animal, and environmental health.

Auburn has coordinated dual degree options that combine MPH training with professional programs. The PharmD/MPH pathway exemplifies this approach. Students must complete 30 MPH core hours plus 13 shared hours from pharmacy curriculum, totaling 43 hours earned for the MPH degree. The MPH must be finished within five years of admission to the dual degree program.

The curriculum has a Professional Passport Interprofessional Module that must be completed before enrolling in internship experiences. This requirement shows Auburn’s dedication to shared, transdisciplinary public health practice.

Concentration Areas and Curriculum

The Population Health concentration requires specific coursework. This coursework has PUH 601 (This is Public Health), PUH 602 (Community Assessments in Public Health), PUH 603 (Quantitative Methods in Public Health), PUH 604 (Public Health Programs and Policies), PUH 605 (Public Health Management and Evaluation), and PUH 606 (Public Health Leadership).

Students complete 3 credit hours through PUH 688 (Internship) and 2 hours for the Integrative Learning Experience. The curriculum has 7 hours of approved electives and 4 hours of population health degree requirements. MPH core courses must be taken in sequence and completed before the internship. Students cannot enroll in core courses, internship, and integrative learning experience at the same time.

Admission Requirements

You must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The Graduate School accepts applicants with a GPA of at least 2.75 on all undergraduate coursework or 3.0 on graduate coursework. Acceptable standardized test scores as determined by your program can satisfy admission criteria.

Application materials have unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended, up to three letters of recommendation as required by your department, and supplemental materials specified by your program. Applications and relevant materials must reach the Graduate School at least 45 days before the first day of class, or 90 days for international applicants. Application fees are $60 for domestic students and $70 for international students.

Program Format and Length

Graduate students access professional development workshops, seminars, and resources to develop presentation skills, interviewing abilities, and leadership capabilities. InterConnect Cross-Cultural Programs offers cultural awareness and community engagement.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Graduate assistantships offer monthly stipends, professional experience, and potential tuition waivers covering resident and non-resident tuition for attempted hours. The Presidential Graduate Opportunity Program awards a minimum of $30,000 per academic year plus tuition waiver for up to three consecutive years. The Presidential Graduate Research Fellowship provides a minimum of $37,000 per year with tuition waiver.

6. UAB/UA Coordinated MPH/MSW Dual Degree Program

This coordinated degree program represents a partnership between the University of Alabama School of Social Work and UAB School of Public Health. You get two advanced degrees in reduced time and at lower cost than pursuing them sequentially. The collaboration tackles the need for professionals who can integrate social work practice with population health perspectives. This improves outcomes for individuals, families and communities.

The dual degree gives you the management and leadership skills you need for administrative positions. It prepares you specifically for careers that improve health and wellbeing at local and global levels. You can complete both degrees in two academic years, including two summers. Compare this to three and one-half years if earned sequentially.

The coordinated structure allows 12 credit hours from the MSW curriculum to count toward your MPH degree if you’re a traditional track student. Advanced track students get 9 hours. This shared coursework reduces the total requirement to 90 credit hours instead of the typical 102 hours.

Concentration Areas and Curriculum

You’ll earn your MPH with a concentration in Population Health. Coursework is based on the Evidence-Based Public Health framework. The curriculum has an Applied Practice Experience (internship) and an Integrative Learning Experience (capstone).

Traditional track students complete 61 MSW hours. Advanced standing students (holding CSWE-accredited BSW degrees) complete 48 MSW hours.

Admission Requirements

You must apply separately to both programs through their respective Graduate Schools. First, secure admission to the MSW program at UA. Then apply to the MPH program at UAB at the end of your first semester. Acceptance in one program does not guarantee acceptance in the other.

You need a minimum GPA of 3.0 for MSW admission. Two recommendation letters (one academic and one professional), a professional resume and a personal statement are also required. The GRE is not required for either program. Applications open December 1. The priority deadline is February 1 and the final deadline is May 1.

Program Format and Length

You can complete the MPH portion entirely online, in class or through mixed delivery. Students attend classes in both Tuscaloosa and Birmingham. Out-of-state online students pay the same tuition rate as Alabama residents for MPH courses.

Tuition and Financial Aid

MSW tuition costs $468 per credit hour for in-state students and $1,109 per credit hour for out-of-state students. Traditional track students pay $27,450 (in-state) or $62,830 (out-of-state) for 61 MSW hours. Advanced standing students pay $21,000 (in-state) or $49,440 (out-of-state) for 48 hours. The MSW program offers fellowships, traineeships and research assistant opportunities. These include Veterans Affairs Training Stipend and Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend.

7. Alabama State University – Master of Public Health in Health Education and Promotion

Alabama State University in Montgomery operates graduate programs that require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Graduate education at Alabama State University prepares students for advanced professional roles in multiple disciplines. The university’s graduate programs focus on practical application and academic rigor.

Concentration Areas and Curriculum

Graduate programs follow well-laid-out curricula designed to build specialized expertise. Students complete coursework that matches their professional goals and academic interests.

Admission Requirements

You must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. The application process requires submission of official transcripts from all college-level institutions you attended. A nonrefundable application fee of $25 applies to all graduate applications.

Program Format and Length

Graduate students complete degree requirements within timeframes the university sets. Program delivery methods accommodate various student needs and schedules.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Graduate students pay a general university fee of $685 for 1-5 credit hours or $1,370 for 6 or more credit hours. Additional expenses include books ($1,320), transportation ($3,000), and miscellaneous personal costs ($3,444) each year.

8. Columbia Southern University – Online MPH Program

Columbia Southern University operates as a fully online institution offering an MPH program with tuition rates substantially lower than traditional universities. The program awarded master’s degrees to 93 students in 2022.

Program Overview and Key Features

The curriculum provides education in foundational public health areas and prepares you for professional certification exams. All course materials, including textbooks and eTextbooks, come at no additional cost. Graduates earn a median salary of $58,278.

Concentration Areas and Curriculum

You can pursue a Community Health Education concentration or select a general concentration by choosing any 5000-6000 level courses not used to satisfy program requirements. Students work with academic advisors to customize their concentration coursework.

Admission Requirements

You must submit an official transcript showing a conferred bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. International applicants need English proficiency scores: minimum 71 TOEFL iBT, 6.5 IELTS, or 50 PTE Academic.

Program Format and Length

All coursework operates asynchronously online and allows you to complete assignments at convenient times without campus visits.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Graduate tuition costs $359 per credit hour. Active-duty military members pay $250 per credit hour, while Learning Partners receive a 10% discount at $323.10 per credit hour. The university offers scholarships, military tuition assistance and payment plan options.

Start Today

Alabama offers a wide selection of MPH programs that are best for different career goals, schedules and budgets. You’ll find a program that fits your needs, whether you prefer UAB’s various concentrations, the University of Alabama’s health education focus, or Columbia Southern’s affordable online option. There’s also commonly an option to combine an MPH with another degree. In fact, dual degree pathways provide even greater flexibility for those pursuing interdisciplinary careers.

You need to figure out which program fits best with your professional goals, financial situation and how you learn best. Accreditation is a non-negotiable, but other things like concentration areas, delivery format and available financial aid are variable.

The public health field continues to grow, and these accredited programs position you to make meaningful contributions to community wellness and population health outcomes.