MPH Programs in Arkansas

UAMS or the University of Arkansas: Which MPH Fits You

Arkansas has only two MPH programs, both public and both CEPH accredited, and they are built for different students.

UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, Little Rock

The UAMS MPH is the state’s larger program, with 82 public health master’s degrees awarded in 2022-23. It is a full college of public health, and you declare one of six concentration tracks when you apply: Biostatistics; Climate, Rural and Global Public Health; Epidemiology; Environmental Health Sciences; Health Behavior and Health Education; or Health Policy and Management. Each track is run by its own department, and you’re assigned an advisor there on admission.

The degree totals 42 credit hours, including 18 hours of core courses and 5 hours of public health practice. The capstone is substantial: a preceptorship of at least 200 clock hours, then an Integrative Learning Experience that ends in a manuscript for publication, a policy proposal or a research proposal. You apply through SOPHAS, and the GRE is optional. UAMS also offers 5 dual degrees and 5 doctoral programs, so it suits you if you want depth, a specific concentration or a path to a PhD or DrPH.

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

The University of Arkansas MPH is a smaller, practice-focused program with Public Health Practice and Physical Activity concentrations. Its 42 credit hours combine courses in health behavior, health communication, health policy, health systems and social determinants of health with an applied internship and a capstone. The program points students to public health internships across Northwest Arkansas. You apply directly through the Graduate School with a 3.00 GPA on your last 60 undergraduate hours, a resume and a 500-word personal statement. U of A public health undergraduates can take an accelerated B.S. to M.P.H. path. It suits you if you live in Northwest Arkansas or want a general practice degree close to home.

What Each Arkansas MPH Costs

At UAMS, the College of Public Health charges one rate, $491 per credit hour for 2026-27, to residents and non-residents alike. At 42 credit hours that is an estimated $20,622 in tuition before fees, so moving to Little Rock from another state doesn’t raise your tuition bill.

The University of Arkansas lists an estimated in-state rate of $450.00 per credit hour, or $18,900 for 42 credit hours before fees. Its program page links the university’s tuition schedule for non-resident rates. UAMS also lists waivers and residency exceptions, including a Border County waiver for students from Bowie or Cass County, Texas, or Texarkana, Texas, and exceptions for Native Americans, veterans and military families.

UAMS gives you up to 8 years to finish and asks you to start within a year of acceptance, which leaves room to study part time around a job. For more funding ideas, read the MPH scholarships guide. If neither Arkansas program fits your schedule, compare accredited online MPH programs open to Arkansas residents, and see how long an MPH takes at different paces.