Crossing the Potomac into our nation’s capital will bring forth 21 accredited Master’s in Public Health degree programs in the District of Columbia to choose from.
Located on the East Coast, the DC Metro area is densely populated with 6.09 million people for whom to advocate. Noted for facilities like MedStar Georgetown and St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, the District of Columbia was given the 2014 Healthy Communities Achievement Award. For three straight years, the American Fitness Index also placed Washington, DC, as the United States’ healthiest city. Public health graduates are still needed though to run campaigns addressing HIV, synthetic marijuana, mental illness, Alzheimer’s disease, obesity, and more.
The following two graduate public health schools in the District of Columbia are accredited for high-quality training to lead health-related policy efforts.
American University
College of Arts & Sciences
Occupying an 84-acre campus in Washington, DC’s Tenleytown neighborhood near Fort Reno, American University is a premier private, nonprofit Methodist research institution chartered in 1893 by President Benjamin Harrison that’s now educating 13,200 Eagles on a $576 million endowment. Declared the United States’ 32nd most diverse university on Niche, American is named the 100th best private school and 117th top value by Forbes. The College of Arts & Sciences has one of the Master’s in Public Health degree programs in the District of Columbia with an acceptance rate of 35 percent.
Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Program
Chaired by Dr. Jolynn Gardner, the Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Program at American lets ambitious undergrads finish their B.A./B.S. in Public Health within 3.5 years and immediately enter the M.S. in Professional Science for Biostatistics or Health Promotion Management. Requiring a 3.0 GPA, the accelerated, five-year option has a 96 percent job placement rate after courses like corporate health, nutrition education, health communication, and health policy-making. Majors could also intern at Bradley Wellness Center, present thesis research at the American College of Nutrition Conference, study abroad in Nairobi, and join Public Health Club.
Accreditation
• Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) – Candidacy
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
Battelle Building, Room 200
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 885-2446
jgardner@american.edu
Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Program
George Washington University
Milken Institute School of Public Health
Affiliated with prominent alums like Harry Reid, Colin Powell, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Margaret Truman, George Washington University is an elite private, nonprofit CUWMA member founded in 1821 that’s endowed for $1.57 billion to serve 27,159 Colonials at its Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon locations. Named Kiplinger’s 40th best private value, GWU is ranked the 47th top research institute and 103rd best national university by Forbes. Reaffirmed by the CEPH through 2023, the Milken Institute School of Public Health stands upon New Hampshire Avenue with a LEED-certified Platinum building to deliver America’s 14th best MPH degrees according to the U.S. News survey.
MPH – Biostatistics
Beginning practicum in year one, the MPH – Biostatistics at George Washington is directed by Heather J. Hoffman, PhD, to instill the post-grad research skills to conduct epidemiological research on health risks like Ebola and Zika. With two prerequisites in calculus, the 45-credit curriculum is delivered primarily on-campus with up to 15 credits online. Courses ranging from biostatistical consulting and data management lead to faculty-advised thesis research. Alumni have excelled at ICF International, Walter Reed, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and more.
MPH – Community Oriented Primary Care
Chaired by Freya Spielberg, MD, George Washington’s MPH – Community Oriented Primary Care trains grads to design evidence-based interventions that will lower health disparities for better clinical outcomes in needy communities. The 45-credit, on-campus degree places post-bachelor’s students in courses like health promotion, community organizing, and health information resources with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. Majors also take the Basic CITI training module, engage in practicum, and research in the Center for Healthcare Quality.
MPH – Environmental Health Science and Policy
Presently priced at $1,580 per credit, the MPH – Environmental Health Science and Policy suits GWU post-grads who are green advocates for protecting populations from ecological hazards, especially climate change. Opening jobs with the EPA, US Green Building Council, Water Environment Research Foundation, USDA, and others, the 45-credit program is directed by Kate Applebaum, ScD, with courses from toxicology to pesticide analysis. Didactic instruction is applied with the two-credit practicum and EHS&P culminating experience at The Princeton Review’s #1 school for internships.
MPH – Epidemiology
Taught by PhD-level professors trained at Tulane, Harvard, Columbia, UPenn, GWU, and others under Director Manya Magnus’ leadership, the MPH – Epidemiology produces disease experts with the scientific skills to advance research toward cures. This 45-credit, on-campus degree offers tracks for Chronic Disease, Infectious Disease, Nutrition, Environmental Health, Reproductive and Perinatal Health, or Translational Epidemiology. The Milken Institute lets master’s students access facilities like the D.C. Center for AIDS Research for their culminating practice activities.
MPH – Global Health Epidemiology and Disease Control
The MPH – Global Health Epidemiology and Disease Control is the first of the GWU Master’s in Public Health degree programs in the District of Columbia using a worldwide perspective to prepare practitioners for generating interventions in needy, third-world countries. Led by Director James Tielsch, PhD, the 45-credit program strengthens students’ methodological rigor with courses like research design, data analysis, and GH frameworks. Beginning the first year, students practice abroad with the World Bank, WHO, Peace Corps, and Population Services International.
MPH – Global Environmental Health
Sending post-grads to 50+ nations from Costa Rica to India, the MPH – Global Environmental Health lets GWU post-grads focus on addressing hazards like poor sanitation, famine, air pollution, and infected water that negatively impact health worldwide. Coordinated by George Gray, PhD, the 45-credit, on-credit degree uses practicum to supplement courses like global epidemics, environmental assessment, and program development. Alumni serve resource-poor communities with USAID, Relief International, WASH Advocates, and the United Nations.
MPH – Global Health Program Design, Monitoring and Evaluation
Selectively admitting 44 percent of applicants, the MPH – Global Health Program Design, Monitoring and Evaluation covers the full spectrum for GWU graduates to enter public service on an international scale and lead effective health-related initiatives. At the Foggy Bottom Campus, the 45-credit is led by Sarah Baird, PhD, with courses like cultural issues, quantitative research, health economics, and geographic information systems. During the five semesters full-time, master’s candidates also complete practicum hours at 200+ organizations abroad from Sub-Saharan Africa to Southeast Asia.
MPH – Global Health Policy
Noted for the Sumner M. Redstone Global Center for Prevention, the MPH – Global Health Policy at GWU teaches graduates the tactics for allocating resources across borders and implementing programs for achieving community wellbeing goals. For $1,580 per credit, the 45-credit degree blends courses like diplomacy, cross-cultural health, and policy analysis with international practicum trips. Chaired by Carlos Santos-Burgoa, MD, the program prefers applicants with bilingual fluency, relationships with institutions abroad, and strong decision-making skills.
MPH – Health Policy
Ideally located 2.4 miles from the United States Capitol, the MPH – Health Policy transforms GWU graduates into savvy legislators with the skills to craft policies that make quality, affordable healthcare accessible to the most vulnerable. Chaired by Lara Cartwright-Smith, JD, the 45-credit program offers engaging courses like benefit-cost analysis, federal policymaking, heath economics, and health service law. At least 120 practicum hours are included at Congressional Offices, the Department of Juvenile Services, the CDC, and other Washington Metro settings.
MPH – Health Promotion
Offering a 20-year net ROI of $420,000 according to PayScale, George Washington’s MPH – Health Promotion trains graduates to design the best initiatives for targeting at-risk populations with the information to lead their healthiest lives possible. With up to 15 credits online, the 45-credit degree dives into health media advocacy, school health, workplace health, and obesity intervention. Directed by Caroline H. Sparks, PhD, the curriculum involves research through the Geiger Gibson Program and practice at distinguished agencies like the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.
MPH – Maternal and Child Health
Organized by Amita Vyas, PhD, the MPH – Maternal and Child Health supports George Washington post-grads seeking to focus on the biological, developmental, social, and behavioral issues specifically affecting women and their offspring. Charging a net annual price of $32,826, the 45-credit program offers unique electives like reproductive health, child development, and pregnancy care. Since 1990, practitioners have furthered their expertise in the on-campus Jacobs Institute of Women’s Health and off-site with the United Nations Population Fund or CARE Maternal Health.
MPH – Physical Activity in Public Health
Responding to DC’s 22 percent obesity rate, the MPH – Physical Activity in Public Health at GWU teaches graduates about exercise physiology to integrate movement initiatives into their plans to lower risks for chronic diseases like diabetes at the community level. The 45-credit, on-campus program is led by Loretta DiPietro, PhD, with two concentrations for Epidemiology or Program Design and Evaluation. Perhaps while staying fit in the Lerner Health and Wellness Center, students can get people moving with the WHO and pursue the ACSM Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist certification.
MPH – Public Health Communication and Marketing
Those seeking Master’s in Public Health degree programs in the District of Columbia with a business spin will prefer the MPH – Public Health Communication and Marketing, which focuses on the tools used to successfully advertise health initiatives to targeted community members. Using a 12:1 student-faculty ratio led by Lorien Abroms, ScD, the 45-credit degree offers face-to-face or online courses from social media to communication skills and branding. Majors complete 120 practicum hours and CE projects with agencies like Ketchum, FHI 360, Proteus Digital Health, or The Epilepsy Foundation.
MPH – Public Health Nutrition
Mandating prerequisites in biochemistry and nutrition science, George Washington’s MPH – Public Health Nutrition is ideal for grads seeking dietetics careers to inform people on the best food decisions given community resources to manage weight and prevent disease. Directed by Kim Robien, PhD, of the Masonic Cancer Center, the 45-credit degree involves courses for food politics, nutrition epidemiology, water systems, and community-based participatory research. From the FDA to D.C. Hunger Solutions and Winrock International, students excel as nutritionists for an average yearly wage of $59,670.
MPH@GW Online
Accepting applications until August 4th, November 17th, and February 9th, the MPH@GW Online offers customized 12-month, 18-month, and three-year tracks for working professionals to take advanced generalist courses freely without a concentration. Powered by 2U, the 45-credit online degree mirrors its on-campus counterpart with courses like global health program evaluation and environmental sustainability before the culminating experience. On average, admitted MSW@GW Online students from 48 authorized states have a 3.25 GPA and five years of industry experience.
PA (Physician Assistant)/MPH
Currently costing $14,830 per full-time term, the PA (Physician Assistant)/MPH is a joint degree with the School of Medicine that’s directed by James Cawley, PA-C, to expand practitioners’ medical knowledge for delivering patient-centered clinical treatment. The three-year curriculum holds ARC-PA accreditation by integrating seven six-week rotations from women’s health to surgery. Grads also pick from five MPH course concentrations: Epidemiology, Health Policy, Global Environmental Health, Community Oriented Primary Care, or Environmental Health Science and Policy.
JD/LLM with MPH
Named after Harold and Jane Hirsh, the JD/LLM with MPH is the Milken Institute’s premier health law and policy program started at Foggy Bottom in 1997 to support the ABA-accredited Law School’s students interested in becoming public health attorneys. Priced at $2,060 per credit, the program builds on the 45 credits with the one-year Master of Laws or three-year Juris Doctor. More than 275 electives are available yearly from appellate practice to insurance liability, but students can also research in the Sustainable Energy Institute, study abroad in Augsburg, and intern with the Senate Judiciary Committee.
MD/MPH
Partnered with the LCME-accredited School of Medicine through Director Dr. Scott Schroth, the MD/MPH is another of the joint master’s degrees for District of Columbia students to fit public health courses into summer sessions while attending four years full-time for a Medical Doctorate. Post-grads can pick from 13 of the above concentrations, including Community Oriented Primary Care, Epidemiology, and Maternal and Child Health. For $52,685 yearly, the program also lets hopeful physicians run the Healing Clinic, practice in 45 countries, join the AMSA, and engage in the Annual Research Day.
MA in International Affairs/MPH
Collaborating with the Elliott School via Director Elanah Uretsky, PhD, the MA in International Affairs/MPH allows GWU post-grads to broaden their knowledge of the world stage to address health concerns across borders. The 67-credit joint degree bills $1,765 per credit for tracks in Global Health Communication, Global Health Policy, Global Health Program Design Monitoring and Evaluation, or Global Health Epidemiology and Disease Control. Accepting students with average GRE scores of 156, the program also offers the Brazil Initiative, Cold War Group, Culture in Global Affairs Program, Rising Powers Initiative, and more.
MPH with Certificate in Corporate Compliance
Lastly, George Washington University confers the MPH with the Certificate in Healthcare Corporate Compliance to suit post-grads seeking to audit public health departments to ensure adherence to legislation like HIPAA, Patient Protection, and Stark Laws. The 45-credit program will include 12 certificate credits like federal healthcare policy that are completed with a five-day residency in Alexandria and six months of online learning. Partnered with Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP, the degree has Compliance Certification Board (CCB) approval for opening compliance jobs for $70,250 on average.
Accreditation
- Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
- American Bar Association (ABA)
- Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)
- Network of Accredited Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
- Accreditation Review Commission on Education for Physicians Assistants (ARC-PA)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
SPH Building, 7th Floor
950 New Hampshire Avenue
Washington, DC 20052
(202) 994-2160
gwsphadmit@gwu.edu
MPH – Community Oriented Primary Care
MPH – Environmental Health Science and Policy
MPH – Global Health Epidemiology and Disease Control
MPH – Global Environmental Health
MPH – Global Health Program Design, Monitoring and Evaluation
MPH – Maternal and Child Health
MPH – Physical Activity in Public Health
MPH – Public Health Communication and Marketing
MA in International Affairs/MPH
MPH with Certificate in Corporate Compliance
The BLS reports that 30,660 DC residents are employed in healthcare practice for an average annual salary of $90,630 overall. Graduating with an MPH opens doors for excelling in profitable jobs like epidemiologist, biosecurity specialist, environmental health director, forensic pathologist, health services manager, hydrologist, medical writer, health policy analyst, and much more. The MPH is one of the most versatile graduate degrees leading to healthcare industry careers bound for 19 percent growth!
Share your passion for healthy living with others by enrolling in one of these CEPH-accredited Master’s in Public Health degree programs is the District of Columbia.
