California’s 15 Best MPH Programs for 2026

California has the largest population in the United States and faces many unique public health challenges, from wildfires and earthquakes to issues stemming from urban sprawl, immigration, and homelessness. A career in public health in California is sure to provide a lot of opportunities, but first, you’ll need to earn your masters. The MPH programs in California offer unique opportunities to study the diverse populations of California and complex health issues faced by its residents firsthand.

We’ve compiled this review to guide you through the best MPH programs in California. Since it’s the biggest state, there are a ton of programs to choose from. Whether you’re looking for flexible online or hybrid formats or specialized concentrations, you’ll find programs that fit any career goals.

Take a look at our top 15 picks for MPH programs here in California.

Guide to Choosing the Right California MPH

California is even more challenging when it comes to picking an MPH because not only are there more schools that offer MPH programs than anywhere else, but within each school, there are a variety of MPH specialties.

Here’s how you can choose:

1. Figure out what area of public health you want to work in
2. Choose a school based on who has your specialty
3. If you are not 100% sure, pick a school with a variety of options so you can switch later as your interests become more clear.

University of California, Berkeley – School of Public Health

UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health offers MPH programs through both on-campus and online formats. Students get flexibility in how they pursue this degree. The online program runs for 27 months year-round, while on-campus options have traditional 2-year programs and accelerated 11-month tracks for specific concentrations.

Program Overview

The school provides two professional degrees: the Master of Public Health (MPH) and Doctor of Public Health (DrPH). On-campus students complete foundation courses covering health and social behavior, environmental health science, health policy and management, and epidemiologic methods. The online MPH delivers the same rigorous curriculum and allows mid-career professionals to continue working.

Concentrations and Specializations

Students can choose from ten on-campus concentrations:

• Biostatistics
• Environmental Health Sciences
• Epidemiology
• Epidemiology/Biostatistics
• Health and Social Behavior
• Health Policy and Management
• Global Health and Environment
• Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology
• Maternal Child and Adolescent Health
• Public Health Nutrition

The online program offers three specializations:

• Health Policy and Management
• Food Nutrition and Population Health
• Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Admission Requirements

On-campus applicants must submit applications through SOPHAS plus a supplemental UC Berkeley application. Fees range from $100 to $155. The online program uses a separate Slate application with fees of $135 for U.S. citizens and $155 for international applicants. Both formats require a minimum 3.0 GPA that focuses on the last two years of undergraduate work and post-baccalaureate coursework. GRE scores are optional but recommended for applicants without other evidence of quantitative abilities. Three letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, personal history statement, and transcripts are required for both formats.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Financial aid has federal loans through FAFSA, fellowships specific to the online MPH program, and external scholarships. On-campus students may qualify for Graduate Student Researcher or Graduate Student Instructor grants that provide fee remission plus monthly stipends.

UCLA – Fielding School of Public Health

The Fielding School of Public Health at UCLA prepares graduates for professional careers addressing public health issues in a variety of settings. Students gain exposure to one of the most varied urban populations in the country at the Los Angeles campus. The MPH degree runs for six quarters (two years), though accelerated one-year options exist for applicants holding clinical doctoral degrees like MD or JD.

Program Overview

UCLA offers its MPH as a school-wide professional degree with specialized training through departmental concentrations. Students complete 20 units of core coursework covering biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, behavioral sciences and health policy. Field training constitutes a required 400-hour applied practice experience. Students typically complete this during the summer between first and second year. A capstone project assesses each student’s knowledge integration and application to real-life public health problems.

Working professionals can earn an MPH while maintaining full-time employment through two executive-style programs. The MPH for Health Professionals (MPH-HP) in Community Health Sciences runs over two years with classes meeting one to two weekends monthly. The Executive MPH (EMPH) from Health Policy and Management follows a similar weekend format.

Concentrations and Specializations

Students select from six core concentrations: Biostatistics (46 units), Community Health Sciences (40 units), Environmental Health Sciences (48 units), Epidemiology (48 units), Health Management (58 units) and Health Policy (58 units). Each concentration has specific coursework requirements aligned with professional competencies in that discipline.

UCLA also offers nine joint degree programs pairing the MPH with MD, JD, MBA, MSW, MPP, MURP, or MA degrees in African Studies, Asian American Studies or Latin American Studies. These programs allow students to complete both degrees in shortened timeframes through overlapping requirements.

Admission Requirements

Applications for Fall require submission through both SOPHAS and UCLA’s Division of Graduate Education by December 1. GRE requirements vary: Biostatistics requires it, Epidemiology makes it optional, while Community Health Sciences, Environmental Health Sciences and Health Policy and Management do not require it. Applicants need three letters of recommendation. Those with less than three years of post-baccalaureate professional experience should submit one academic and two professional letters.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loans provide up to $20,500 annually. UCLA Fielding offers scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $80,000, including Dean’s Leadership Grants ($40,000 over two years) and Fielding Fellowships (up to $80,000 over two years). Graduate Student Researcher and Teaching Assistant positions provide stipends with potential fee remissions.

University of California, Davis – School of Medicine

UC Davis develops public health leaders through an accelerated MPH curriculum built in partnership with the public health community. The program maintains strong collaborative links with the California Department of Public Health, one of the most innovative public health agencies in the United States.

Program Overview

The 56-unit program runs for 10-12 months beginning in early August. Students complete 40 units of core coursework covering epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental and occupational health, health services and administration, and social and behavioral science. Each incoming cohort has 40 students or less for better involvement and strong connections with faculty and public health practitioners. Between 94-96% of graduates secure jobs in public health settings within six months or continue their education in health sciences. The program holds CEPH accreditation but is not STEM designated.

Concentrations and Specializations

Students choose between two concentration areas: General Public Health or Epidemiology. All students complete a practicum experience in a public health setting and work on approved projects such as program evaluations, case studies, research, or policy analyzes. The program’s proximity to Sacramento provides many practicum sites, including CDPH divisions in chronic disease control, maternal and child health, communicable disease control, and environmental health.

Admission Requirements

Applications require a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA. Prerequisite coursework has mathematics, biological sciences, social sciences, and introduction to public health, with earned grades of B or higher. International applicants need TOEFL scores of 104 or higher or IELTS scores of 7.0 or higher. Application deadlines are December 1 (priority), January 15 (general), and June 1 (space available). Required materials include two essays, three letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts, CV or resume, and demonstrated public health interest.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Federal financial aid is available to U.S. citizens through FAFSA. Merit and need-based grants and fellowships are awarded to students applying by the priority deadline.

University of California, Irvine

The UCI MPH program’s distinctive mission centers on creating motivated public health professionals prepared to reduce disease burden in culturally diverse communities. Students receive broad training in global health dimensions and develop skills for precise health-risk assessments and evidence-based prevention strategies.

Program Overview

The CEPH-accredited program requires 63-64 units completed over five to six quarters. Students in Community Health and Health Equity, Environmental and Occupational Health, Epidemiology, Global Health, and Health Systems and Policy complete 64 units. Biostatistics requires 63 units. Seven core courses are mandatory for all students. Six concentration-specific courses and 8-12 elective units follow, depending on the chosen concentration. All but one of these courses require letter grades of B or better. MPH seminar and capstone are the exceptions. Students must complete 180 hours of fieldwork at an approved practicum site after advancing to candidacy.

Concentrations and Specializations

The program offers six concentrations:

• Biostatistics
• Community Health and Health Equity
• Environmental and Occupational Health
• Epidemiology
• Global Health
• Health Systems and Policy

Students from a variety of cultural, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds with bachelor’s degrees in disciplines of all types are accepted.

Admission Requirements

The program accepts applications for fall quarter only. The deadline is December 15. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. No specific course prerequisites exist. Both SOPHAS and UCI Graduate applications are required. Materials include transcripts, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.

Tuition and Financial Aid

UCI returns 33% of collected PDST to students as fellowships and scholarships. The Public Health Dean’s Fellowship awards $3,000 to top applicants. First Generation Fellowship provides $6,000 disbursed monthly. Summer scholarships range from $2,000 to $4,000.

University of Southern California – Keck School of Medicine

USC’s Keck School of Medicine delivers MPH training through dual pathways: an on-campus program and an online option accredited by CEPH. Both formats require 42 units and integrate a 260-hour practicum with capstone coursework.

Program Overview

The on-campus track spans two years to full-time students, though certain concentrations finish in three consecutive semesters. Students complete 16 core units covering public health fundamentals as determined by the Council on Education for Public Health. The online program runs six consecutive semesters. Practicum fieldwork takes place at public health agencies, county health departments, or community organizations. International placement options are available. The capstone course serves as the culminating experience during the final semester.

Concentrations and Specializations

Five concentration paths are offered. Biostatistics-Epidemiology develops analytical skills for research-driven healthcare approaches and disease control interventions. Community Health Promotion prepares students for the CHES exam and builds program design capabilities for population health improvement. Global Health gets into how globalization and ethics shape international health partnerships and policies. Health Services and Policy fosters expertise in advocacy and policymaking across government levels. The Generalist concentration allows customization to students with advanced degrees seeking to complement existing expertise.

Admission Requirements

Applications require no GRE scores. On-campus applicants submit through SOPHAS with deadlines of December 1 (priority) and April 1 (final) for spring admission, plus October 1 and March 1 for summer entry. Online applications use USC’s separate system. Official transcripts showing completion of at least one college-level quantitative course are required from all applicants. Three recommendation letters dated within one year are mandatory, with at least one from an academic source. Statements of purpose should span 2-3 pages for on-campus or 500-1,000 words for online applicants.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Federal student loans, private financing, USC payment plans, and employer tuition reimbursement provide funding sources. Military members access Yellow Ribbon benefits. Merit scholarships are announced upon acceptance.

University of California, San Diego – Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health

The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health at UC San Diego trains students through a two-year program that requires 64 units of coursework. The curriculum accommodates medical students, physicians and doctoral degree holders with a one-year accelerated option. Current cohorts enroll around 50 students annually.

Program Overview

Students complete 36 core units covering biostatistics, epidemiology, health behavior and public health research methods. The program also covers environmental and occupational health, health policy and scientific writing. The program has a one-unit leadership course, a three-unit practicum field placement and a four-unit capstone or thesis. UC San Diego holds WASC accreditation and is preparing its application for CEPH accreditation. All graduates will receive retroactively accredited degrees once approved.

Concentrations and Specializations

Six concentration paths need 16 units each. Epidemiology trains students in advanced study designs and statistical analysis methods. Health Behavior examines multilevel behavioral determinants that affect population health and disparities. Public Mental Health prepares students to address mental health issues at population levels. Technology & Precision Health teaches students to design interventions using genomic, geospatial and digital data sources. Health Policy develops expertise in policy analysis in government and healthcare organizations. General Public Health serves medical students and healthcare professionals.

Admission Requirements

Applications open September 3, with a December 3 priority deadline and February 4 standard deadline. Students need a 3.3 GPA in their last two years of coursework and 3.0 overall. GRE scores are not required as of 2022. Required materials have a 1500-word statement of purpose, three recommendation letters (two from academic sources preferred) and transcripts. Application fees are $135 for U.S. citizens and $155 for international applicants.

Tuition and Financial Aid

California residents receive a California Resident Fellowship that reduces per-unit costs. Teaching assistant positions are available for MPH students.

San Diego State University – School of Public Health

Ranked #27 among public health programs nationally, San Diego State University’s School of Public Health offers 19 degrees and certificates with 40+ active research projects. The online MPH in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science runs 22 months with asynchronous coursework.

Program Overview

The 51-unit curriculum gets into interactions between health science and public policy. It focuses on group behaviors and health-related issues in a variety of communities. Students complete ten foundational courses that cover health promotion program planning, theoretical foundations, epidemiology, biostatistics and health communication. A 180-hour field placement provides hands-on experience at hospitals, government agencies, community organizations or research institutions in your own community. SDSU instructors are shared with the School of Public Health. Many are recognized as world-renowned experts.

Concentrations and Specializations

The school offers MPH degrees in Environmental Health, Epidemiology (available online), Health Management & Policy and Health Promotion & Behavioral Science (available online). Dual degree options include MPH-Master of Social Work and MPH-MA Latin American Studies.

Admission Requirements

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree with a 2.85 GPA (3.0 for international students), though the average enrolled student has a 3.3 GPA. Prerequisite statistics coursework is required. The program targets working professionals. Applicants must demonstrate 30 hours per week employment (75% full-time) and three years of full-time work experience, preferably in public health-related positions. Applications are due May 1 for online programs.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Federal financial aid is available through FAFSA.

California State University, Long Beach

CSULB’s Department of Health Science has held CEPH accreditation since 1983 and prepares students for leadership roles in school and community settings. The 42-unit MPH in Community Health Education trains professionals to design, implement and evaluate social behavior change programs.

Program Overview

Students complete 27-33 units of core courses including epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health and research methods. The program requires a 3-6 unit internship and concludes with either a comprehensive exam or thesis with oral defense. The university’s location in Long Beach provides access to diverse populations and many practicum sites.

Concentrations and Specializations

Three concentration paths are available. Community Health develops program planning expertise. Global Health looks at policy through human rights frameworks. Latino Health addresses nutrition and chronic disease prevention in Latino populations. Each concentration requires coursework plus 6 elective units.

Admission Requirements

Applicants need a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, though those with lower GPAs on their last 60 units may petition for conditional admission. A bachelor’s in health education or related field with 21 upper-division units is required. Three professional or academic recommendation letters, a personal statement and resume are mandatory, along with at least one year of full-time health education experience.

Tuition and Financial Aid

University of San Francisco – School of Nursing and Health Professions

USF’s MPH program holds full CEPH accreditation through December 31, 2026, with a structured two-year curriculum spanning six semesters. The School of Nursing and Health Professions prepares graduates to tackle public health challenges through community engagement, interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based practice.

Program Overview

The curriculum requires 42 units: 22 units in the first year and 20 units in the second year. Core courses include Applied Data Analysis, Health & Risk Communication, Public Health Leadership and Quality Improvement, and Epidemiology. Students also take Environmental Health & Justice, Health Systems & Policy, and Program Planning, Management, and Evaluation. The program uses an Applied Practice Experience and Integrated Learning Experience as capstone requirements.

Concentrations and Specializations

Students can choose from four concentration paths: Applied Epidemiology & Population Health Methods, Behavioral Health, Health Policy and Leadership, and Community and Public Health Practice. You must declare one concentration upon enrollment. The Community and Public Health Practice Concentration will not accept new students in Fall 2026.

Admission Requirements

The program accepts applications for one start date a year. Admission criteria include prerequisite coursework, letters of recommendation and showed interest in public health practice.

Tuition and Financial Aid

San Jose State University – College of Health and Human Sciences

San Jose State University’s MPH Program, founded in 1970, has managed to keep continuous CEPH accreditation since 1974. The program offers flexibility through two delivery formats that serve different student needs.

Program Overview

The 42-unit curriculum is available as either a campus-based program or a hybrid format. Campus students complete their degree in two years or longer based on personal circumstances. The hybrid option runs as a 24-month program with synchronous Tuesday evening Zoom sessions and 3-4 required campus days in August. Both formats focus on practice-oriented, community-based training with the same rigorous coursework.

Concentrations and Specializations

All students specialize in Community Health Education. The mission centers on preparing graduates with health education competencies to develop programs and promote health equity while building community capacity.

Admission Requirements

Applicants need a 3.0 GPA in their last 60 units, multicultural experience and commitment to public health through work or volunteer activities. Two years of post-baccalaureate public health experience is preferred but not required. No GRE is required. Two separate applications are required: one through Cal State Apply and another to the MPH program. Applications open October 1 with a June 1 deadline.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Federal Student Aid and SJSU scholarships are available.

California State University, Fullerton

Cal State Fullerton’s MPH program trains professionals to assess and resolve public health problems by drawing on multidisciplinary knowledge and skills. The curriculum spans 42 units: 30 core competency classes, a six-unit internship, and 12-16 elective units. Students work with faculty advisers to select electives that support career paths in health promotion, environmental and occupational health, gerontological health, or special studies tracks like health anthropology or health counseling.

Program Overview

The degree requires 75 percent of electives to be 500-level courses. Graduates work with refugees, senior citizens, people with disabilities, trauma survivors, and on pandemic frontlines. Career outcomes range from health program planners and evaluators to managers, educators, and health and safety managers.

Concentrations and Specializations

Students can customize their education through special academic tracks aligned with professional needs beyond the core career areas. The program accepts applications from diverse educational backgrounds, with professionals who show proficiency through coursework or portfolio review.

Admission Requirements

A 2.7 cumulative GPA is required. Additional materials are official transcripts, two recommendation letters, a 300-500 word narrative statement, current résumé, and GRE scores. Applicants need three statistics units with a B or better. The application fee is $55. Out of 105 applicants, 49 gained acceptance and 21 enrolled.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Financial aid options are FAFSA, institutionally-sponsored loans, scholarships, career internships, and Federal Work-Study. The March 1 deadline applies to receive financial awards.

National University – School of Health and Human Services

National University’s MPH program operates on a distinctive quarter-unit system with courses structured in four-week modules. Students focus on one subject at a time with intense concentration. The online format serves working professionals, with additional attendance options at more than 20 campus locations throughout California. Students complete the degree in as few as 18 months.

Program Overview

The CEPH-accredited program requires 72 quarter units spread across eight core courses, seven specialization courses, one health experience and a capstone project. Each academic year divides into four 12-week quarters. Three 4-week classes run per quarter. Most courses award 4.5 quarter units. Students may transfer up to 13.5 quarter units from previous graduate work, provided those units were not applied toward another advanced degree.

Concentrations and Specializations

Three specialization tracks prepare graduates for distinct career paths. Health Promotion focuses on community-wide prevention program planning and implementation. Community Mental Health addresses mental illness prevention and treatment at population levels. Healthcare Administration develops organizational leadership skills for public and private health systems.

Admission Requirements

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 2.85 cumulative GPA. Completion of an introductory statistics course is mandatory. Students must demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, internet browsers and email systems.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Federal financial aid and scholarships reduce education costs.

California State University, Sacramento

Sacramento State’s location in California’s capital provides direct access to state government agencies and public health organizations. This creates unique practicum opportunities. The MPH program operates in a hybrid format with evening classes designed to serve working professionals who complete the degree in two years across five consecutive semesters.

Program Overview

The CEPH-accredited curriculum requires 42 units incorporating foundational public health competencies. Students participate in a cohort model that makes teamwork and peer learning easier throughout the program. Three intensive residencies occur at program start, middle, and end. These residencies focus on leadership development and build connections between students and faculty. The practice-oriented approach emphasizes community-based training in coursework.

Concentrations and Specializations

Sacramento State offers one concentration: Health Promotion, Policy, and Leadership. This focus prepares professionals to develop illness prevention strategies within a variety of communities and builds skills in health policy analysis and development.

Admission Requirements

Applicants need a completed baccalaureate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Two years of full-time professional work experience in public health or related fields is preferred. Students without CEPH-accredited undergraduate public health degrees must complete the MPH 100 online training module with 80% or higher before starting classes.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Loma Linda University – School of Public Health

Founded in 1905 and affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Loma Linda University’s School of Public Health has prepared students for over 50 years with a hands-on, faith-based education approach. The MPH program requires a 400-hour practicum project designed to expand knowledge of public health fundamentals. Students complete an Applied Practice Experience in real-life settings, which may involve field practicum, applied research, or course-based activities depending on the major. The Integrative Learning Experience near program completion allows students to demonstrate proficiency in professional competencies through synthesis of foundational and concentration skills.

Program Overview

The school maintains a 1:8 faculty-to-student ratio with an 86% job placement rate. Keep in mind that religious affiliation is not required, but students must adhere to on-campus requirements including modest dress, abstinence from alcohol and smoking, and attendance at weekly chapel.

Concentrations and Specializations

Five MPH concentrations are offered: Global Health, Health Education & Wellness Coaching, Nutrition with a coordinated program in dietetics, Population Medicine, and Epidemiology.

Admission Requirements

Applicants need a baccalaureate degree with a 3.0 GPA or above. The GRE is not required for those meeting admissions criteria; so if minimum GPA requirements aren’t met, GRE scores from within the last five years become mandatory. Applications require three letters of recommendation, written statements, and official transcripts through SOPHAS, with a $50 application fee.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Federal aid is available through FAFSA. Discounts apply for Seventh Day Adventist employers and Peace Corps volunteers.

California State University, Northridge

CSUN’s MPH program has managed to keep CEPH accreditation since 1971. This makes it one of California’s longest-standing accredited public health programs. The department serves the diverse communities of Greater San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles areas through flexible programming designed to serve working professionals.

Program Overview

CSUN offers two distinct MPH pathways. The on-campus option accommodates varied schedules with afternoon and evening courses. The online program through The Tseng College runs 2.5 years across seven terms in a cohort format. Both formats require minimum B- grades per course with a 3.0 overall GPA to graduate.

Concentrations and Specializations

Students choose between Community Health Education (42 units) or Applied Epidemiology (44 units). Community Health Education has courses in Program Planning and Community Health Action. Applied Epidemiology covers Quantitative Demography and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases.

Admission Requirements

Tuition and Financial Aid

The online program costs $832 per unit, totaling $34,944 for 42 units. Students can access federal aid through FAFSA.

Choose Your California MPH Today

Choosing the right MPH program depends on your career goals, budget, and schedule flexibility. California offers exceptional options in a variety of formats, from UC Berkeley’s prestigious programs to affordable CSU alternatives. Programs with CEPH accreditation ensure you meet national standards, while specialized concentrations allow you to target specific public health areas.

Tuition varies substantially, from around $30,000 to over $100,000. I recommend you evaluate financial aid packages with care. An MPH program that matches your professional aspirations will position you for meaningful work. You’ll be ready to tackle California’s unique public health challenges.