An MPH degree grounded in community health provides you with the tools to actively solve public health problems within a community. This graduate degree prepares you to become a leader and problem-solver as you undo structural inequities at a systematic level.
Through a hands-on approach to learning, an MPH in Community-Oriented Public Health Practice – the Community Health MPH offered by UW – gives you skills that can be leveraged immediately and within a wide range of public health roles.
What is an MPH in Community Health?
An MPH in Community Health is a Master of Public Health degree focused on improving the health and well-being of communities through education, policy development, and preventative health practices. This degree equips graduates with a deep understanding of the social, economic, and environmental factors that impact public health. Coursework typically covers topics like:
- Epidemiology
- Health promotion
- Biostatistics
- Health policy
Why get a Community Health MPH?
A Community Health MPH enables graduates to tackle critical health issues such as:
- Chronic disease
- Substance abuse
- Mental health
While earning a Master of Public Health in the UW COPHP program, students will learn the skills to:
- Assess community health needs
- Design and implement health programs
- Evaluate the effectiveness of health programs.
The full-circle approach to addressing health issues from the public health perspective gives COPHP alumni the unique ability to foster healthier communities through evidence-based solutions. This is an MPH designed for leaders who want to make a real, lasting impact.
Who should get an MPH in Community Health?
An MPH in Community Health is ideal for individuals passionate about making a positive impact on public health at a grassroots level. Generally, this degree is designed for professionals who want to build a career in one of the following sectors:
- Health departments
- Non-profits
- Community health centers
- International health organizations
These community health roles often involve collaboration and policy advocacy. They are best suited for individuals with strong communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and a desire to drive health equity and systemic change.
FAQs about the Community-Oriented Public Health Practice Master of Public Health
What kind of jobs can you get with an MPH in Community-Oriented Public Health Practice?
Professionals with an MPH in Community Health work in various settings, including governmental health departments, non-profits, hospitals, and educational institutions. You may take on a role such as community health educator, program manager, policy analyst or epidemiologist. That being said, you will find that the career paths of COPHP MPH alumni can vary widely. The following are some of the jobs our alumni hold:
Sam Hatzenbeler (COPHP ’15) — Senior Policy Associate at the Economic Opportunity Institute (EOI)
In her role at EOI, Hatzenbeler played a pivotal role in creating Cascade Care — which empowered state agencies to negotiate with health insurance companies. TThe very first program of its kind, it helps patients navigate the spiraling health care costs they face.
Alejandro Varela (COPHP ’06) — Novelist
Varela is a published novelist whose work incorporates public health themes, particularly chronic stress related to living in a hierarchical society.
Omid Bagheri Garakani (COPHP ’16) — Public Health Upstreamist at Washington State Department of Health & Clinical Faculty member at the University of Washington School of Public Health
In Garakani’s role at the Washington State Department of Health, his team focuses on creating an equitable approach to health care responses — particularly the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. As a Clinical Faculty member, he teaches anti-racism practices within public health.
Lee Hicks (COPHP ’16) — Program Officer at The Global Fund
Catherine Rizos — Communications Specialist, Publications and Projects at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA)
Additional Job Titles of COPHP Alumni:
- Field Office Director, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, WA State
- Community Health Equity Manager, Broadview Planning
- Professor, Bryn Mawr College, Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research
- Quality and Performance Improvement Manager, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Hawaii
- Public Health Evaluator, Frey Evaluation, LLC
- Co-Executive Director, Center for Health Progress
- Epidemiologist, Public Health – Seattle & King County
- Health Promotion Coordinator, Tacoma Pierce County Health Department
- Training and Outreach Manager, Northwest Center for Public Health Practice
- Research and Evaluation Specialist, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
- Healthy Communities Specialist, Snohomish County Health Department
- Communications Specialist, Public Health – Seattle & King County
- Find more examples on COPHP’s careers page
What is the average salary for someone with an MPH in Community Health?
According to PayScale.com, the average salary of a COPHP graduate in a professional role ranges from $51K to $81K. Payscale is a third-party data research company that empowers employees and employers with key pay scale data.
According to the 2024 HSPop alumni survey:
- 100% of COPHP alumni made $60k+ within one year of graduation
- The average pay of all COPHP alumni who graduated from 2002-2024 is $101,583
How likely am I to secure employment with an MPH?
100% of COPHP alumni who responded to the UW School of Public Health’s 2024 alumni survey were employed in public health jobs within a year of earning their MPH, and 79% of those secured new public health roles since graduating.
What is the application process for the UW’s COPHP program?
Applying to the UW’s COPHP program is a three step process:
- Research the program (ensure you meet eligibility criteria, understand the degree options. Attending an information session is a great place to start!)
- Prepare to apply (complete application fees and waivers, link SOPHAS and UW Graduate School applications, gather transcripts and letters of recommendation, complete all essay prompts)
- Apply online (submit your SOPHAS application and the UW Graduate School application)
How long does it take to complete the COPHP program at the University of Washington?
The UW’s COPHP program is a two-year, full-time degree program. It is based on the Seattle campus and requires in-person attendance.