7 Top MPH Programs in Missouri
MPH programs in Missouri meet growing career opportunities. Employment for medical and health services managers will grow by 29% from 2023 to 2033. Epidemiologists will see a 19% increase during the same period. Missouri has MPH schools that rank among the best MPH programs in the US. Some programs can be completed in as little as 16 months. You might want fully online options, on-campus classes, or hybrid formats. This list explores seven top programs and helps you choose the right fit for your public health career.
1. Missouri Baptist University – Master of Public Health
Missouri Baptist University launched its fully online Master of Public Health program in Fall 2025, positioning itself among newer entrants to MPH schools in Missouri. The program stands out for its faith-based approach and encourages students to explore all-encompassing factors including spiritual, environmental, physical, social, emotional, and socioeconomic considerations that affect health outcomes. Full-time students can complete the degree in as few as two years.
The program prepares graduates for careers across multiple public health domains, including global health, environmental health, epidemiology, biostatistics, and community health. Students gain practical skills to track disease spread, identify health disparities, promote health access and equality, and review public health policies. The curriculum integrates compassionate care principles with evidence-based public health practices.
Key Features and Format
The program operates entirely online and makes it available for students worldwide while accommodating work and family commitments. Working professionals seeking career advancement without relocating or disrupting existing schedules will find this flexibility appealing.
Missouri Baptist University offers a 4+1 accelerated pathway for high-achieving students. Students pursuing the Public Health concentration within the undergraduate Health Science major can take up to four cross-listed graduate courses for graduate credit, including Community Health, Epidemiology, Health Disparities, Environmental Health, and Ethics and Current Issues in Public Health. Students finish the remaining MPH coursework in just one additional year upon completing the bachelor’s degree and these graduate credits.
The university provides career guidance and access to a network of public health professionals to support students in advancing their careers. Faculty members bring professional insights from their field experience into virtual classrooms.
Curriculum and Specializations
The program requires 36 credit hours to complete, with students maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 to graduate. The curriculum divides into three main categories:
- Public Health Courses (12 hours): Fundamentals of Public Health, Global Health, Health Promotion and Leadership, and Capstone in Public Health
- Health Science Courses (15 hours): Community Health, Health Disparities, Environmental Health, Ethics and Current Issues in Public Health, and Epidemiology
- Exercise Physiology and Human Performance Courses (9 hours): Research Methods and Biostatistics, plus either an internship track (Internship in Strength and Conditioning I and II) or thesis track (Thesis Proposal and Thesis Defense)
Each course carries three semester hours and creates a well-laid-out progression through essential public health competencies. The internship option provides hands-on field experience, while the thesis track suits students interested in research-focused careers.
The curriculum covers core areas that arrange with strong MPH program standards, including epidemiological methods, statistical analysis, health policy development, and community engagement strategies. Students get into how diverse populations experience health outcomes differently and develop culturally humble approaches to public health practice.
Admission Requirements and Timeline
Prospective students need a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 for full acceptance into the program. Those with GPAs between 2.5 and 2.74 may receive probationary admission. Applicants submit official transcripts from previously attended institutions either electronically to graduateadmissions@mobap.edu or by mail to the Office of Online and Graduate Enrollment Services at 1 College Park Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141.
The university does not accept transcripts delivered by fax, hand-delivery, or postal mail from students, even when unopened and marked official. Students who previously graduated from Missouri Baptist University programs need not resubmit transcripts already on file.
The program operates without strict application deadlines, though the university recommends starting the application process 6-8 weeks before the desired start date. This timeline allows adequate processing time for acceptance and course registration. Updates on application status appear in the MyMBU student portal within 1-2 business days of document receipt typically.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Graduate students in the MPH program pay tuition at a rate that varies by delivery method. Students taking courses through online programs pay $544 per credit hour, while those in other graduate programs pay $755 per credit hour for main campus delivery or $777 for online delivery. Total tuition ranges from $19,584 to $27,972 based on the program’s 36 credit hour requirement, depending on the specific course delivery format selected.
Missouri Baptist University maintains the same tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. Nearly all students receive some form of scholarship or financial assistance. The university offers flexible, customizable financial aid packages designed to meet individual needs.
Students file the FAFSA using Missouri Baptist University’s Title IV code: 007540. Financial aid processing occurs only after students receive full admission to the program. The Office of Student Financial Services develops annual Cost of Attendance budgets that include tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. Students may request COA adjustments for reasonable educational costs such as dependent care, disability-related expenses, or first purchase of a computing device.
2. University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis – MPH Program
University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis positions its online Master of Public Health as one of the most affordable MPH programs in the country. You can complete this interdisciplinary degree in as little as 16 months when pursuing full-time enrollment. The university’s College of Global Population Health operates the program, where renowned expert faculty guide students through innovative learning opportunities.
The curriculum expands your understanding of public health principles and develops skills in data analytics, program planning, systems thinking, and entrepreneurship. You’ll work with faculty members who bring extensive expertise to online instruction and create an engaging virtual learning environment. The program prepares you for diverse career paths within public health agencies, non-profits, healthcare systems, and governmental organizations.
Key Features and Format
The program delivers all coursework 100% online and allows you to learn from anywhere on your schedule. Working professionals who need to balance career responsibilities with graduate education will find this flexibility valuable. You choose between full-time or part-time progression rates based on your personal circumstances.
Admission operates on a rolling basis, meaning you can apply whenever you’re ready without waiting for deadlines. You may start the program during either fall or spring semester. The program structures courses in eight-week terms. Full-time students take two three-credit courses per term.
The university offers pathways for current students. Undergraduates can pursue a 4+1 pathway and complete both their bachelor’s degree and MPH within five years. Pharmacy students may enroll in a dual PharmD + MPH program and finish both degrees in four years by applying during the spring semester of their P1 year.
Curriculum and Specializations
The program requires 42 total credit hours for completion. You customize your education by selecting between two concentrations that line up with your career interests.
The Generalist concentration offers versatile preparation for addressing diverse health challenges across communities. This track gives you the ability to excel in roles spanning multiple public health sectors and provides solutions to complex health issues. You’ll complete four concentration courses: Community Health Needs Assessment, Health Promotion, Health Program Planning Implementation and Evaluation, and Public Health Emergency Preparedness.
The Epidemiology concentration prepares you to break down public health challenges by studying disease patterns and causes in populations. You develop advanced skills in study design, data analysis, and public health surveillance. This track has Biostatistics II, Clinical Trials, Epidemiology II, and Public Health Surveillance System courses.
Both concentrations share ten core courses covering key competencies: Public Health I, Epidemiology, Public Health II, Data Analytics using SAS, Biostatistics I, Health Policy and Services, Population Health and Healthcare Systems, Research Methods I, Integrative Learning Experience, and Applied Practice Experience.
The program concludes with a three-credit-hour applied practice experience where you apply knowledge and skills from coursework in actual work settings. You can complete this internship with your current employer or work with faculty to identify opportunities with partnering organizations such as health departments, non-profits, and healthcare systems.
Admission Requirements and Timeline
You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent international degree to qualify for admission. The university prefers applicants with a 3.0 GPA, though the admissions committee reviews applications in full. You can still receive consideration for entry even if you don’t meet all stated requirements.
Your application package has official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you’ve attended, a CV or resume, and one letter of recommendation. The personal statement remains optional. International applicants must complete requirements for international admission.
The university encourages you to apply by priority deadlines to secure your seat and ensure eligibility for scholarship consideration. Applications receive prompt review, with the admissions team committed to providing decisions quickly.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Graduate tuition operates on a per-credit-hour basis at $550 per credit hour. You’ll also pay a technology fee of $71.42 per credit hour. The total program cost reaches $26,100 for all 42 required credit hours. The Board of Trustees approved these rates for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years.
Beyond tuition and fees, you need to budget for other costs. You must provide a personal laptop meeting requirements: i7 or Apple Silicon M2 processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, built-in webcam and microphone, plus accidental damage protection warranty. Chromebooks aren’t compatible with university platforms. Textbook and course material costs vary by class.
A limited number of scholarships are available for students entering the program. Contact the Office of Admissions to learn about scholarship opportunities available now. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement or assistance for employees pursuing continuing education.
3. Missouri State University – Master of Public Health
Missouri State University delivers one of the most affordable MPH programs in the country through its CEPH-accredited Master of Public Health degree. The program’s mission centers on preventing disease, promoting health, and protecting public well-being through education, research, and service. You gain knowledge across all five core public health disciplines: biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health sciences, public health administration, and social behavioral sciences.
Faculty research spans substance abuse, disaster preparedness, mental health, and other critical areas. Students can participate in research projects and service work while completing the degree. The program prepares you to assess community health needs, plan health interventions that work, implement educational experiences, and conduct public health research. Graduates enter a variety of roles as practitioners, administrators, researchers, educators, and consultants in government agencies, non-profit organizations, private agencies, medical facilities, and educational institutions.
Key Features and Format
You complete the 42 credit hour program online, on campus, or through a combination of both formats. Most students choose mixed delivery and finish in about 2-2.5 years. Courses accommodate working professionals and are offered during evenings and online. The program holds STEM designation, which provides benefits for international students.
Missouri State undergraduates can take an accelerated pathway that allows up to 12 hours of courses to count toward both graduate and undergraduate credit. You can also pursue dual degrees in public health and health administration and apply coursework toward both programs to finish sooner. Graduate certificates in Public Health Core and Public Health Administration are available either as standalone credentials or add-ons to your MPH degree.
The program accepts students from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds, including medical and physical sciences, social sciences, business, and clinical programs. The GRE is not required. You have eight years to complete all requirements, whether studying full-time or part-time.
Curriculum and Specializations
The generalist MPH structure has 30 credit hours of core courses covering PBH 720 Epidemiology, PBH 730 Statistics for the Health Professions, PBH 740 Health Behavior, PBH 745 Environmental Health, PBH 775 Principles and Skills of Public Health Administration, PBH 735 Software Applications and Data Sources in Public Health, PBH 756 Introduction to Public Health, PBH 760 Research Methods for the Health Professions, PBH 783 International Health and Infectious Disease, and MGT 701 Health Services Organization.
You select two graduate-level elective courses (6 credit hours) with your advisor’s consent and tailor the degree to your career goals. The remaining 6 credit hours fulfill field and capstone requirements through two options: either PBH 798 Public Health Field Experience (6 credits) or PBH 798 (3 credits) combined with PBH 799 Capstone Project in Public Health (3 credits).
Your field experience requires 320 hours at a public health agency under faculty mentorship and on-site supervision, or 160 hours plus a capstone project. You must pass the core examination before qualifying for field experience placement. The capstone option means you work with an MPH faculty member on your project.
Admission Requirements and Timeline
You need a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Your application through GradCAS has a two-page maximum letter highlighting your public health knowledge, professional experience, career goals, motivation for choosing Missouri State’s program, and knowing how to complete the degree successfully. Submit two letters of recommendation from employers or professors who can speak to your abilities.
International applicants whose native language is not English must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores. Admission operates competitively with limited annual enrollment. You can transfer up to 12 semester hours from graduate-level courses at accredited institutions, but all coursework must be completed within eight years.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Missouri residents pay $4,562 for 9 credit hours per semester during the 2025-26 academic year, totaling $9,124 for fall and spring combined. Non-Missouri residents pay $8,090 per semester or $16,180 annually. Online students receive in-state tuition rates whatever their residency.
Graduate assistantships are available in limited numbers, with preference given to students who have completed at least one year in the program. The university offers graduate-specific scholarships through the Graduate College and Foundation. Students access more than $150 million in financial aid annually across grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. The FAFSA priority deadline is February 1 each year.
4. University of Missouri – MPH Program
The University of Missouri’s MPH program has accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health. It trains practitioners, teachers, researchers and administrators to plan, implement and evaluate programs that boost population health. You select from two emphasis areas: Health Promotion and Policy or Veterinary Public Health. The Health Promotion and Policy emphasis prepares you for careers in epidemiology, environmental health, social and behavioral health, or health promotion. Graduates secure positions in nutrition and health field work, policy and planning, healthcare quality and practice, and emergency medical services program management.
The Veterinary Public Health emphasis represents the first fully online program of its kind in the United States. It provides training in zoonotic disease prevention, food safety and emerging issues in animal and human health. Both tracks educate you in core public health domains and require a supervised internship in a public health agency.
Key Features and Format
You complete the Health Promotion and Policy emphasis either in-person or online. The online format requires 42 credit hours that you can finish in three years when taking two classes per semester. The program demands a 150-hour internship in a public health agency under supervision of an experienced public health professional. Each student participates in a concrete public health project during this placement.
Internship sites include the Office of Medicaid and Medicare in Washington, DC, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services, and University of Missouri Hospitals and Clinics. Many students fulfill requirements in international settings. They conduct community needs assessments in Guatemala, implement health education activities in Bolivia, work with environmental sanitation NGOs in Ghana, or study human-camel health interactions in Kenya.
The program offers several dual degree pathways. You can combine the MPH with:
- Master of Public Affairs (54 credit hours total with 18 shared credits)
- Master of Social Work (78-81 credit hours, reducing separate completion by 24-27 credits and one academic year)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (45 credit hours of public health coursework)
- Journalism degree in reporting or strategic communication
Dual degree candidates must gain acceptance to both programs before their third semester.
Curriculum and Specializations
The program educates all students in core public health domains before specializing in chosen emphasis areas. You complete coursework in behavior change theory, program planning and evaluation, plus policy decision-making processes. The curriculum integrates knowledge from nursing, social work, medicine and public affairs.
Requirements vary by emphasis area chosen. The Health Promotion and Policy track covers communication skills development alongside professional experience through internships and capstone projects. You select electives in disaster, crisis and risk management, storytelling in public health and policy, or strategic health communication.
Admission Requirements and Timeline
Applications process through SOPHAS, the centralized application service for public health programs. You just need a completed baccalaureate or advanced degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 undergraduate hours. The grade point requirement receives a waiver if you’ve been accepted to a graduate or professional degree program before, or completed one of their graduate certificate programs with a B or better in each course.
Submit two double-spaced, two-page essays. Address how your coursework, work experience and life experiences prepared you for success, plus why you want to pursue an MPH at University of Missouri. Include three letters of recommendation from professors or employers that attest to your intellectual ability, interpersonal skills and potential for graduate education.
The department does not practice rolling admission. For fall enrollment, apply by the February 1 priority deadline (recommended for in-person programs) or May 1 final deadline. Spring admission requires November 1 applications. The admissions committee reviews applications within one week of deadlines and generates decisions via email within four to six weeks.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Online students pay $634 per credit hour. With 42 required credit hours, the estimated program cost reaches $26,628. These estimates reflect academic year 2025-2026 information and exclude application fees, textbooks or course materials.
Veterans, active duty service members, National Guard, Reserves and their dependents may qualify for the Mizzou Online Military Tuition Award. This provides a 10% reduction off base tuition. Students file the FAFSA for financial aid consideration. The university ranked No. 4 among flagship universities nationwide in 2024 for education value. Public Health students access scholarship information through the Graduate Public Health Canvas site.
5. Washington University in St. Louis – Master of Public Health
Washington University in St. Louis trains students through a transdisciplinary lens to address complex health challenges that require multifaceted solutions. The School of Public Health’s MPH program holds accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health and awards a 52-credit degree over two years. Your education focuses on understanding problems and creating solutions that exceed traditional academic boundaries.
Key Features and Format
Unique instructional methods rarely found at other MPH schools distinguish the program. Transdisciplinary problem-solving courses get into topics like global mental health, climate change, eco-friendly food systems, and harm reduction from multiple views. Skill labs provide hands-on training in statistical analysis, data management, visualization and team leadership. You complete a practicum that requires field experience in actual public health settings.
The 3-2 pathway allows Washington University undergraduates to earn both a bachelor’s degree and MPH within five years. You remain coded to your undergraduate division during your fourth year while completing graduate coursework at undergraduate tuition rates. The School of Public Health awards scholarships at admission, and they apply only to your fifth year.
Curriculum and Specializations
Your 52 credits divide into multiple components. Foundations of Public Health spans 15 credits and covers epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health administration and policy, plus health behavior and promotion. Research Methods adds 9 credits in applied linear modeling and evidence-based program evaluation. You select from five concentrations: Epidemiology/Biostatistics develops quantitative analysis skills and uses SAS, SPSS, Stata and R software. The Generalist concentration allows customization across concentration areas. About one-third of students choose it. Additional options include Global Health, Health Policy Analysis and Mental and Behavioral Health.
Admission Requirements and Timeline
Applications process through SOPHAS with a December 1 early review deadline and March 1 priority deadline. You need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA preferred over your last 60-75 credit hours. The admissions committee reviews your commitment to the School’s mission, human service experience, leadership potential and critical thinking abilities in an integrated manner.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for 2025-2026 reaches $43,710. Additional fees include a $140 activity and service fee, $672 health and wellness fee, and $2,580 student health insurance unless you provide proof of comparable coverage. Total estimated cost of attendance is about $72,422 and includes living expenses. The school awards all scholarships at admission.
6. Saint Louis University – MPH Program
Saint Louis University operates the only accredited Catholic, Jesuit school of public health in the nation. The school sets itself apart among MPH schools through its commitment to social justice and the Jesuit mission. SLU is the oldest school of public health in the region and maintains a big alumni network of public health professionals throughout the greater St. Louis area. These alumni serve as adjunct faculty, provide internships, and create post-graduate employment opportunities. Faculty members recognized as leaders around the world teach graduate-level courses and bring diverse research interests in public health to their instruction. Staff, faculty, and students accumulate over 10,000 hours per year partnering with local public health agencies. They provide training and policy guidance to civic leaders.
Key Features and Format
You choose from five concentrations: Behavioral Science and Health Equity, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Health Management and Policy, and Public Health Practice. Classes meet once weekly and run 2.5 hours. This accommodates full-time and part-time students. You may start during either spring or fall semester. The standard MPH can be enhanced with certificates in areas like Global Health, Maternal and Child Health, or Biosecurity and Disaster Preparedness. These certificates increase credit hours from 42 to 48 at no additional cost. Three concentrations hold STEM OPT-3 designation to benefit international students: Behavioral Science and Health Equity, Biostatistics, and Epidemiology.
Curriculum and Specializations
The program requires 42 credit hours completed through traditional classroom learning and applied experiences with community partners. Students complete a 320-hour Applied Practice Experience (APEx) after their first year. They work through internships in St. Louis, throughout the United States, or around the world. More than 95% of graduates secure employment or enter further study within three months of graduation.
Admission Requirements and Timeline
You need a bachelor’s degree in biomedical or social sciences, though other majors receive consideration. Professional health-related experience carries high value. Applications process through SOPHAS on a rolling basis until classes fill. International applications are due June 1 and spring applications are due December 1. The admissions committee conducts all-encompassing reviews that include in-person, phone, or Zoom interviews with the graduate admissions director. Submit three letters of recommendation, transcripts, a resume, and a professional goal statement.
Tuition and Financial Aid
You pay a guaranteed flat tuition rate of $55,000 to complete the entire degree. This protects you from increases during enrollment. Additional charges include a $435 university fee for full-time students or $250 for part-time students, plus a $30 graduate student government activity fee. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid. The university distributed more than $459 million in aid. Merit-based scholarships and graduate research assistantships are available to applicants with strong GPAs and test scores who complete applications by priority deadlines.
7. A.T. Still University – Master of Public Health
Founded in 1892, A.T. Still University delivers its CEPH-accredited Master of Public Health through the College of Graduate Health Studies across 48 credit hours. The 100% online program prepares graduates for careers as health education specialists, community health workers, epidemiologists, and health administrators. Students complete 15 courses covering all five core public health domains: biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health sciences, health services administration, and social and behavioral sciences.
Key Features and Format
The asynchronous format operates through Canvas and has no fixed class times. Students access materials and submit assignments on their own schedule, investing 8-15 hours each week. The academic calendar features four 10-week blocks annually. Entry points are available in January, March, July, or October. Most students finish within two years.
Curriculum and Specializations
Core courses include Introduction to Public Health Concepts, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Environmental Health Sciences, Public Health Administration, and Behavioral Sciences and Health Education Concepts. Students select one elective from Community Health and Social Media, Cannabis History Policy and Culture, or Public Health Disparities Health Equity and Covid-19. The program ends with a supervised practicum in a public health setting.
Admission Requirements and Timeline
A bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum 2.5 GPA is required. Applicants submit their application, resume, transcripts, and essay. International applicants provide qualifying TOEFL scores. The program does not require GRE scores.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition operates at $802 per credit hour plus a $42 student technology fee per credit hour. Federal Direct Stafford Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS Loans support students enrolled at least half-time. Accepted students access Scholarship Universe for internal and external funding opportunities.
Take the Next Step
Missouri has exceptional diversity among its MPH programs. Missouri Baptist takes a faith-based approach while Washington University uses a transdisciplinary model. Completion times range from 16 months to three years. Tuition varies from approximately $19,584 to $55,000. These seven programs provide strong pathways into public health careers, whether you value affordability and STEM designation or specific concentrations like epidemiology and health policy. Flexible online formats are available too.
Think over your personal circumstances and career goals. Think over your learning priorities when you make your decision. Each program brings unique strengths. Identify which features matter most for your professional development and then reach out to admissions offices to begin your application process.