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All MPH Programs in California (2025)

Choosing to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) in California offers unique opportunities due to the state's diverse population, complex health challenges, and innovative public health initiatives. This guide provides state-level context for prospective MPH students in California, addressing common questions about program availability and types. This information complements individual program details found elsewhere.

University of Southern California

University Park, Los Angeles, California 90089

General MPH Program

The University of Southern California's Master of Public Health (MPH) program, housed within the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, offers a rigorous, hands-on curriculum for aspiring public health leaders. It emphasizes core competencies through case-based learning and features an integral practicum for real-world application of skills. With on-campus and online delivery options, specialized concentrations, and rolling admissions, the program caters to dedicated professionals aiming to make a difference in local and global public health arenas. The typical program duration is two years, though accelerated options exist for certain concentrations.

Duration: 24 months

Formats: on-campus, online, accelerated

Concentrations:

  • Biostatistics-Epidemiology Concentration
  • Community Health Promotion Concentration
  • Global Health Concentration
  • Health Services and Policy Concentration

Dual MPH/MSW Program

The University of Southern California offers a dual Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program, a collaboration with the Keck School of Medicine's Department of Preventive Medicine. This interdisciplinary program prepares students for careers in promoting health, preventing disease, and improving health and social service delivery. Students complete coursework in both social work and public health, typically over three years on a full-time basis, with an option to accelerate. The program aims to equip graduates to address complex health challenges at the community level.

Duration: 36 months

Formats: on-campus, full-time, accelerated

Concentrations:

  • General Public Health

Online MPH Program

The University of Southern California's online Master of Public Health (MPH) program, offered through its top-ranked medical school, educates emerging and current professionals to lead in public health. Students benefit from world-class USC faculty, a 100% online format with no required residencies, and the flexibility of three annual start dates. The CEPH-accredited program features multiple concentrations, personalized instruction, live online sessions, and a hands-on practicum, preparing graduates for impactful careers with the support of the extensive Trojan network.

Duration: 12 months

Formats: online, full-time, accelerated

Concentrations:

  • Biostatistics and Epidemiology
  • Community Health Promotion
  • Global Health
  • Health Services and Policy
  • Generalist

University of San Francisco

2130 Fulton St, San Francisco, California 94117-1080

Dual FNP/MPH Program

The University of San Francisco's dual degree program allows students to earn a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a Community and Public Health Practice concentration and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in five years. The MPH component focuses on assessing community health, addressing health disparities, and understanding population health and social justice. Concurrently, the DNP curriculum (specializing in Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) imparts systems thinking for advanced clinical practice. This program is designed for those aiming to deliver family-focused health care and advance in their field by integrating public health principles with nursing leadership.

Duration: 5 years

Formats: online, hybrid

Concentrations:

  • Community and Public Health Practice

General MPH Program

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of San Francisco prepares students to be public health leaders advocating for health equity and social justice. Through rigorous coursework, fieldwork, and research over six semesters (two years), students develop a strong, practice-based skill set. Key features include a mission-driven approach, a flexible hybrid format ideal for working professionals, concentration options, and 250 hours of applied practice experience in diverse California communities like San Francisco and Orange County. The program is accredited by CEPH.

Duration: 24 months

Formats: hybrid

Concentrations:

  • Applied Epidemiology & Population Health Methods
  • Behavioral Health
  • Community & Public Health Practice
  • Health Policy Leadership

University of California-Los Angeles

405 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, California 90095-1405

MPH for Health Professionals Program

The MPH for Health Professionals Program at UCLA offers advanced executive-style training focused on community health, health education, and health promotion. It is tailored for working professionals aiming to enhance their skills in program planning, implementation, and evaluation. This 2-year program features classes held 1-2 weekends per month, allowing for a part-time, on-campus commitment. While fast-paced and demanding, the program fosters a student-centered and supportive learning environment to prepare graduates for leadership roles in public health.

Duration: 24 months

Formats: on-campus, part-time

Concentrations:

  • Community Health, Health Promotion, and Education

University of California-Irvine

501 Aldrich Hall, Irvine, California 92697

General MPH Program

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of California-Irvine (UCI) aims to develop public health professionals capable of implementing effective strategies to reduce disease and disability in diverse communities. Accredited by CEPH, the program offers six concentrations: Biostatistics, Community Health and Health Equity, Environmental and Occupational Health, Epidemiology, Global Health, and Health Systems and Policy. Students complete 63-64 units, including core courses, concentration-specific coursework, electives, and a 180-hour practicum. The program is designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree seeking advanced training to lead and collaborate on health assessments and evidence-based prevention strategies.

Duration: 18 months

Formats: on-campus, full-time, part-time

Concentrations:

  • Biostatistics
  • Community Health and Health Equity
  • Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Global Health
  • Health Systems and Policy

Dual MPH/MD Program

The UC Irvine MD/MPH dual-degree program is a five-year initiative designed for medical students aiming to gain expertise in public health. It focuses on addressing California's evolving public health needs by training professionals in contemporary public health practice, population-based research, and strategies concerning determinants of health like environment, health promotion, preventive medicine, and policy. Students complete a combined curriculum, earning an MD from the UC Irvine School of Medicine and an MPH from the UC Irvine Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health, preparing them for diverse careers in healthcare, research, and policy.

Duration: 5 years

Formats: on-campus, full-time, part-time, accelerated

Concentrations:

  • Environmental Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Sociocultural Diversity and Health

University of California-Davis

One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616-8678

General MPH Program

The UC Davis Master of Public Health (MPH) program aims to develop future public health leaders through a high-quality, accelerated curriculum. This 56-unit, in-person program focuses on the essentials of public health and offers concentrations in General Public Health and Epidemiology. Key features include small class sizes, strong connections with faculty and public health practitioners, and a required practicum experience in a public health setting. The program is designed for individuals interested in disease prevention and community health, seeking to enter or advance in the field, and boasts a strong history of job placement for its graduates.

Duration: 12 months

Formats: on-campus, accelerated, full-time

Concentrations:

  • General Public Health
  • Epidemiology

University of California-Berkeley

200 California Hall, Berkeley, California 94720

Dual MPH/MBA Program

The MBA/MPH program at University of California-Berkeley, a 2.5-year full-time concurrent degree with the Haas School of Business, integrates business administration with health policy and management. Students explore interests like global health, entrepreneurship, and biotech, benefiting from extended study time for electives and leadership development. The program includes two full-time summer internships and leverages over 35 years of partnership, offering a strong alumni network and career services from both schools. It is designed for individuals seeking to combine business acumen with public health expertise to address complex healthcare challenges.

Duration: 30 months

Formats: on-campus, full-time

Concentrations:

  • General Public Health

Frequently Asked Questions about MPH Programs in California

How many MPH programs are there in California from the listed institutions?

Based on the provided list, there are 39 distinct MPH program offerings in California at the specified universities.

Which schools in California offer MPH programs from the provided list?

Several institutions in California offer MPH programs, according to the provided list. These include: University of Southern California, University of San Francisco, University of California-Los Angeles, University of California-Irvine, University of California-Davis, University of California-Berkeley, Touro University California, San Jose State University, San Francisco State University, San Diego State University, National University, Los Angeles Pacific University, Concordia University-Irvine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, California State University-San Marcos, California State University-San Bernardino, California State University-Sacramento, California State University-Northridge, California State University-Los Angeles, California State University-Fullerton, California State University-Fresno, California Baptist University, Azusa Pacific University, Ashford University (now University of Arizona Global Campus), and Loma Linda University.

What types of MPH program formats are available in California?

MPH programs in California are available in various formats to suit different student needs. These include traditional on-campus programs, fully online MPH options, hybrid formats combining online and in-person learning, dual degree programs allowing study in two fields simultaneously, and accelerated MPH pathways for quicker completion.

Are there any online MPH programs in California? If so, which schools offer them?

Yes, California offers several online MPH programs. Based on the provided list, institutions offering online MPH programs include University of Southern California (Online MPH Program), San Diego State University (Online MPH Program and an online option for the MPH with Epidemiology Emphasis), National University (General MPH Program with online formats), Los Angeles Pacific University (General MPH Program), California Baptist University (Online MPH Program), Ashford University (UAGC) (General MPH Program), and Loma Linda University (Online MPH Program in Population Medicine and Epidemiology). For more nationwide choices, you can explore our national online MPH programs page.

Are there dual degree MPH programs in California? If so, which schools?

Yes, California provides opportunities for pursuing dual degree MPH programs. According to the provided list, schools offering such programs include University of Southern California (e.g., Dual MPH/MSW Program), University of San Francisco (e.g., Dual FNP/MPH Program), University of California-Irvine (e.g., Dual MPH/MD Program), University of California-Berkeley (e.g., Dual MPH/MBA Program), Touro University California (e.g., Dual MSPAS/MPH Program, Dual DO/MPH Program), and San Diego State University (e.g., Dual MSW/MPH Program). You can find more information on similar offerings on our national dual degree page.

Are there hybrid MPH programs in California?

Yes, hybrid MPH programs, which blend online and on-campus learning, are available in California. For example, California State University-Northridge (CSUN) offers a General MPH Program in a hybrid format. Students interested in this flexible learning style can also look into hybrid MPH programs nationwide.

Are there accelerated MPH programs in California?

Yes, accelerated MPH programs are available in California for students wishing to complete their degree in a shorter timeframe. The University of Southern California's Online MPH Program includes an Accelerated Fast-Track option. Additionally, programs like the MPH for Health Professionals Program at University of California-Los Angeles may offer efficient pathways for individuals with prior health professional experience. For a broader view, consider exploring accelerated MPH options nationally.

What makes MPH programs in California unique compared to other states?

MPH programs in California offer several unique advantages:

  • Diverse Populations: California's rich cultural and demographic diversity provides unparalleled opportunities to study and address health disparities across various communities, including urban, rural, and immigrant populations.
  • Focus on Innovation: The state is a hub for technological and biotech innovation, influencing public health approaches and research, particularly in areas like health technology and data science.
  • Leading Public Health Initiatives: California often leads the nation in public health policy and environmental health regulations, offering students firsthand exposure to cutting-edge practices and advocacy.
  • Wide Range of Specializations: Reflecting the state's complex health needs, MPH programs in California offer a broad array of specializations, including global health, community health, epidemiology, environmental health, and health policy.

What is the typical salary for MPH graduates in California?

The typical salary for MPH graduates in California can vary based on factors such as experience, specific job role, geographic location within the state, and specialization. However, a general estimated salary range for MPH graduates in California is $70,000 to $105,000 per year. Positions in high-demand fields or metropolitan areas may command higher salaries.

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