The Master of Public Health (MPH) programs in the UW Department of Health Systems and Population Health focus on U.S.-based health systems and health care, policy, research, and community programs, all through a social justice lens to advance health equity.
Our three different MPH programs all develop skills necessary to tackle current and future public health challenges and disparities, including quantitative and qualitative research methods and analytics, health promotion, and program development and evaluation. All programs include the MPH practicum, where students obtain practical experience at a public health organization.
While all three MPH programs prepare students for similar careers across health care and research institutions, government and policy-making agencies, community organizations and beyond, they differ in format, course options, and overall student experience. Learn more below to find which of our MPH degree programs is right for you, your academic goals, and your learning style.
Compare Our MPH Programs and Find Your Match
Health Systems & Population Health MPH
The UW’s longest running MPH program with an extensive network of over 1,000 alumni
Community-Oriented Public Health Practice MPH
The UW’s only MPH program with a problem-based learning pedagogy where students learn collaboratively through discovering, doing, and talking through public health issues
Online MPH
The UW’s only Online MPH program which shares the same quality, rigor, and value expected of a traditional on-campus program
HSPop MPH
Format
- In-person, UW Seattle
- Autumn entry
Duration
2 years, full-time
Designed for early- to mid-career professionals ready to launch their careers or advance into leadership roles in public health practice or research
Cost
Tuition based on residency
Culminating Experience
Capstone or thesis project
Classes meet on weekdays during regular business hours
Incoming cohorts of around 40 students choose one of three concentrations:
- Generalist
- Health Systems and Policy
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
Part of the UW SPH’s MPH Common Core. Students take six foundational public health interdisciplinary courses, taught by faculty teams from different disciplines, along with MPH students across the UW School of Public Health
COPHP MPH
Format
- In-person, UW Seattle
- Autumn entry
Duration
2 years, full-time
Designed for early- to mid-career professionals looking to become a public health practitioners or community-focused health professionals
Cost
Fee-based
Culminating Experience
Capstone project
Classes meet on weekdays during regular business hours (year 1: Tuesdays & Fridays, year 2: Mondays & Thursdays, electives may meet on other days)
With incoming cohorts of around 20 students, and classes with no more than 10 people, faculty supervise as students collaboratively analyze case studies through problem-based learning
Online MPH
Format
- Mostly online
- 3 in-person sessions, UW Seattle
- Autumn or Spring entry
Duration
2-3 years, full- or part-time
Designed for working professionals who want to advance into leadership roles through a general MPH program
Cost
Fee-based
Culminating Experience
Integrative Learning Experience (capstone course)
Classes meet mostly asynchronously, with weekly evening webinars (7-9 p.m. PT on Tuesdays and/or Thursday)
Team-based learning approach across a generalist curriculum with a focus on leadership, small cohorts of around 20-30 students, minimum two years professional experience required
Sign up for an Information Session
Our program advisers hold frequent, no-obligation online presentations for prospective applicants. They cover details about the program, curriculum, funding opportunities, and more. Questions are also allowed during each session. For many applicants, online information sessions are the most efficient way to learn about our programs and admissions. Registration is required.
Outcomes Worth the Investment
Growing Career Opportunities
A Master of Public Health is a versatile degree that prepares students for a variety of roles in health care, policy, research, and community organizations.
30 States, 8 Countries
Our MPH graduates work in over 30 states and eight countries, including more than 50% in Washington State. Your professional network will reach far and wide with an MPH from University of Washington.
1200+ Degrees
We’ve awarded over 1200 MPH degrees across our three programs since 2005.