All MPH Programs in Tennessee (2025)
Master of Public Health (MPH) programs in Tennessee provide graduate-level education for individuals aiming to improve community health and address public health challenges. This guide offers state-level context and answers frequently asked questions about pursuing an MPH in Tennessee, complementing individual program details found elsewhere.
Vanderbilt University
2101 West End Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee 37240
MPH with Global Health Emphasis/Concentration
Vanderbilt University's MPH program with a Global Health track is designed to train innovative public health leaders focused on improving health in low-resource settings globally and domestically. Students develop skills in managing global health initiatives, shaping policy, and engaging with communities, working closely with the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH). The program emphasizes practical experience through a 400-hour practicum and a culminating thesis or capstone project. It is ideal for individuals with a relevant degree and at least two years of professional experience in global health or with international populations.
Duration: 24 months
Formats: on-campus
Concentrations:
- Global Health
Dual MPH/MD Program
The Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (VUSM) offers a five-year M.D./M.P.H. dual degree program for its medical students, designed to equip future physicians with an understanding of population-level health issues and research skills. This program helps students contextualize health, understand its determinants, and engage in academic research. The MPH component requires 42 credit hours, including a practicum and thesis, and is integrated into the medical school curriculum, typically undertaken after the second or third year of medical studies. Students apply via SOPHAS for this on-campus, full-time MPH year.
Duration: 5 years
Formats: on-campus, full-time
Concentrations:
- General Public Health
University of Memphis
Alumni Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38152
Online MPH Program
The University of Memphis offers a CEPH-accredited, online Master of Public Health (MPH) with a Generalist concentration. This 42-credit hour program prepares students for impactful careers in local and global health by mirroring the on-campus curriculum and emphasizing practical learning. Students can tailor their studies and choose between an applied practical experience, a master's project, or a thesis. The flexible online format is ideal for professionals seeking to advance their knowledge in public health, covering areas like global health, epidemiology, and community health.
Duration: N/A
Formats: online
Concentrations:
- Generalist
MPH with Social and Behavioral Sciences Emphasis/Concentration
The Master of Public Health (MPH) - Generalist program at the University of Memphis equips graduates for impactful public health careers through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Students cultivate strong research skills, focusing on strategic thinking applicable to local and global health challenges. The program offers flexible delivery via in-person, online, or hybrid formats, with full-time, part-time, and an accelerated (12-15 months) option. It is ideal for individuals with a bachelor's degree aiming to advance their expertise in population health, research, and evidence-based interventions.
Duration: 24 months
Formats: on-campus, online, hybrid, full-time, part-time, accelerated
Concentrations:
- Generalist
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
527 Andy Holt Tower, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
Online MPH Program
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville's online Master of Public Health (MPH) program equips students for impactful careers in public health. This fully online, 42-credit-hour degree emphasizes integrating theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience. Students develop skills in assessing data, evaluating programs, and understanding health systems, policy, and environmental factors. The program offers several concentrations, including Epidemiology (STEM Designated) and Community Health Education, preparing graduates to become leaders and address diverse public health challenges.
Duration: 30 months
Formats: online
Concentrations:
- Community Health Education
- Epidemiology
- Health Policy & Management
- Nutrition
- Veterinary Public Health
General MPH Program
The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville is a 42-credit, non-thesis professional degree designed to prepare students for leadership roles in promoting community health. Accredited by CEPH, the program offers five distinct concentrations: Community Health Education, Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, Public Health Nutrition, and Veterinary Public Health. It caters to diverse student needs with flexible on-campus (evenings) and fully online delivery options, supporting both full-time and part-time enrollment. The curriculum emphasizes practical application through an Applied Practice Experience and an Integrative Learning Experience, equipping graduates for impactful careers in various public health settings.
Duration: 24 months
Formats: on-campus, online, full-time, part-time
Concentrations:
- Community Health Education (CHE)
- Epidemiology (EPI)
- Health Policy and Management (HPM)
- Public Health Nutrition (NUTR)
- Veterinary Public Health (VPH)
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403-2598
General MPH Program
The University of Tennessee Chattanooga's Master of Public Health (MPH) program prepares leaders to tackle chronic diseases, offering concentrations in Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, and Nutrition and Dietetics. It emphasizes a biological, behavioral, and ecological approach, integrating core public health functions with extensive, hands-on community engagement in southeastern Tennessee. Students gain practical experience with diverse local partners, applying knowledge to real-world challenges. This CEPH-accredited program provides full-time and part-time study options.
Duration: N/A
Formats: on-campus, full-time, part-time
Concentrations:
- Chronic Disease Prevention and Control
- Nutrition and Dietetics
Middle Tennessee State University
1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132
Accelerated MPH Pathway (ABM)
Middle Tennessee State University offers an innovative Accelerated Bachelor-to-Master's (ABM) program, allowing high-achieving undergraduate Public Health majors to earn both a B.S. and an M.P.H. degree in as little as five years. This accelerated pathway, available both on-ground and online, enables students to complete selected requirements for both degrees simultaneously. Key features include a streamlined admission process to the M.P.H. program upon successful completion of the B.S. portion and specific ABM criteria. The program is designed for dedicated students seeking a fast track to advanced qualifications in public health and is accredited by CEPH.
Duration: 5 years
Formats: on-campus, online, accelerated, full-time
Concentrations:
- General Public Health
MPH with Community Health Emphasis/Concentration
Middle Tennessee State University offers a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program with a concentration in Community Health, designed to prepare students for leadership roles across diverse public health settings. This two-year, CEPH-accredited program is available both on-ground and online, catering to traditional and non-traditional students. The curriculum emphasizes core public health competencies and practical skills through a required Applied Practical Experience (internship), offering both thesis and non-thesis tracks. It aims to equip graduates with the knowledge and training for career opportunities at local, state, national, and global levels.
Duration: 24 months
Formats: on-campus, online
Concentrations:
- Community Health
Meharry Medical College
1005 DB Todd Blvd., Nashville, Tennessee 37208
General MPH Program
Meharry Medical College's Master of Public Health (MPH) program, with a rich 50-year legacy, is dedicated to cultivating a diverse new generation of public health leaders, health equity champions, practitioners, and researchers. This CEPH-accredited, on-campus program requires 45 credit hours, comprising 30 core and 15 elective credits, and features an Applied Practice Experience and an Integrative Learning Experience. Students can specialize by choosing between Public Health Practice and Epidemiology concentrations. The program's core mission is to improve health outcomes for people of color and underserved communities, equipping graduates to address health disparities and lead impactful public health initiatives.
Duration: 2 years
Formats: on-campus, full-time
Concentrations:
- Public Health Practice
- Epidemiology
Frequently Asked Questions about MPH Programs in Tennessee
How many MPH programs are there in Tennessee?
There are 11 specific Master of Public Health (MPH) programs highlighted across various universities in Tennessee for which details are provided. These programs cover a range of specializations and formats to suit different student needs. The state has several institutions offering MPH education.
Which schools in Tennessee offer MPH programs?
Several universities in Tennessee provide MPH programs. These include: East Tennessee State University, Meharry Medical College, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Union University, University of Memphis, and Vanderbilt University.
What types of MPH program formats are available in Tennessee?
MPH programs in Tennessee are available in several formats. Students can find various online MPH programs, traditional on-campus programs, hybrid learning formats that combine online and in-person learning, dual degree MPH opportunities, and accelerated MPH study tracks for faster completion. This variety allows prospective students to choose a program that best fits their schedule and learning preferences.
Are there any online MPH programs in Tennessee? If so, which schools offer them?
Yes, Tennessee offers several online MPH programs. You can find fully online Master of Public Health degrees at University of Memphis, which offers an Online MPH Program; The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, also with an Online MPH Program; and East Tennessee State University, which provides an Online MPH Program. These programs provide flexibility for students who need to balance studies with other commitments.
Are there dual degree MPH programs in Tennessee? If so, which schools?
Yes, students interested in dual MPH degrees can find such options in Tennessee. For example, Vanderbilt University offers a Dual MPH/MD Program. These programs allow students to earn two degrees concurrently, often in less time than pursuing them separately.
Are there hybrid or accelerated MPH programs in Tennessee?
Tennessee provides both hybrid and accelerated MPH options. For students seeking an accelerated MPH degree, Middle Tennessee State University offers an Accelerated MPH Pathway (ABM). Additionally, hybrid MPH programs, which blend online and on-campus learning, are available in Tennessee. Students interested in hybrid formats should inquire with individual universities about their current offerings.
What makes MPH programs in Tennessee unique compared to other states?
MPH programs in Tennessee offer a distinct educational experience due to several factors. The state hosts a diverse range of institutions offering MPH degrees, including public universities, private institutions, and a historically black medical college like Meharry Medical College. This variety provides a wide array of program focuses, such as the MPH with Global Health Emphasis/Concentration at Vanderbilt University or the MPH with Community Health Emphasis/Concentration at Middle Tennessee State University. Furthermore, Tennessee's unique demographic makeup and public health challenges, spanning urban centers and extensive rural regions, offer rich opportunities for practical experience and research focused on prevalent health disparities, chronic diseases, and community health initiatives.
What is the typical salary for MPH graduates in Tennessee?
The typical salary for individuals with an MPH in Tennessee can vary based on experience, specific job role, location within the state, and employer. However, a general salary range for MPH graduates in Tennessee is approximately $65,000 to $90,000 per year. Positions in specialized fields or with significant leadership responsibilities may command higher salaries.