Find the Right MPH Program for Your Goals at UW
Choose from three top-rated MPH programs designed to prepare you to lead in public health.
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 program options all include the MPH practicum, where students obtain practical experience at a public health organization.
As part of the top-ranked University of Washington School of Public Health, each program is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
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 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 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
Why the University of Washington?
Proven Impact on Public Health:
The State of Washington is a recognized leader in advancing public health and healthcare access. From groundbreaking policies to cutting-edge initiatives, the State of Washington is where real change happens, and the UW is at its heart.
Learn from the Best:
Our faculty includes experts who have been instrumental in shaping policies that improve population health. As a student, you’ll have opportunities to connect with and learn directly from these changemakers and visionary policymakers.
Tackle Real-World Challenges:
The US has ambitious goals like eliminating chronic disease and childhood obesity, but also faces challenges, like efforts to roll back critical advances like childhood vaccination and water fluoridation. At the UW, we train public health practitioners to use science-based evidence to craft innovative and actionable solutions to address these pressing issues.
State-Level Leadership for National Impact:
State and local efforts drive impactful work in public health. With an MPH from the UW, you’ll be equipped to lead initiatives that ensure progress, protect communities, and sustain public health gains where it matters most.
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.