CEPH-accredited MPH programs in Georgia—including online options—are compared here by delivery format, concentrations, GRE policy, tuition, and admissions timeline, so you can shortlist the right fit fast.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Georgia is one of the best states in the country to earn a Master of Public Health—largely because Atlanta is home to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with CARE, The Carter Center, the American Cancer Society, and one of the nation’s densest clusters of public health employers. Studying at a CEPH-accredited MPH program in Georgia puts you close to that ecosystem for practicums, networking, and jobs. This guide compares Georgia’s accredited programs by format, concentrations, GRE policy, and tuition—verify specifics on each school’s official page before applying.
Quick Filters (Jump straight to what fits you)
- Want the top-ranked option? Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health is consistently ranked among the top public health schools in the U.S.
- Want fully online? UGA, Georgia State, and Georgia Southern offer online or hybrid MPH tracks.
- Want to be near the CDC? Atlanta programs (Emory, Georgia State, Morehouse) sit minutes from CDC headquarters.
- Want the lowest tuition? Public universities (UGA, Georgia State, Georgia Southern) generally cost less than private options.
- Want a specific concentration? Epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy & management, environmental health, and behavioral sciences are all well represented.
Accredited MPH Programs in Georgia
The programs below are CEPH-accredited and offer the MPH. Confirm details on the official page and the CEPH accredited directory.
Quick comparison (fast scan)
| University | City | Format | GRE | Notable concentrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emory University (Rollins) | Atlanta | On-campus + Executive online | Often optional | Epidemiology, Global Health, Health Policy & Management, Behavioral Sciences, Biostatistics, Environmental Health |
| University of Georgia (UGA) | Athens | On-campus, online & hybrid | Check program | Health Policy & Management, Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Health Promotion & Behavior |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta | On-campus & online | Check program | Epidemiology, Health Management & Policy, Prevention Sciences, Biostatistics |
| Georgia Southern University | Statesboro | On-campus & online | Check program | Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Community Health, Environmental Health, Health Policy & Management |
| Morehouse School of Medicine | Atlanta | On-campus | Check program | Generalist MPH with an emphasis on health equity and underserved communities |
| Mercer University | Macon / Atlanta | On-campus | Check program | Generalist MPH (College of Health Professions) |
Mini-profiles (skimmable, source-verified)
- Emory University – Rollins School of Public Health (Atlanta). One of the highest-ranked public health schools in the country, with deep CDC and global-health ties. Strong on-campus MPH across many concentrations, plus an online Executive MPH for working professionals.
- University of Georgia – College of Public Health (Athens). A flexible MPH offered on campus, online, and hybrid, with practicum connections across state and county health agencies.
- Georgia State University – School of Public Health (Atlanta). An urban, research-active program minutes from the CDC; the same CEPH-accredited degree whether you study in person or online.
- Georgia Southern University – Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health (Statesboro). A full CEPH-accredited school of public health with affordable tuition and multiple online concentrations—popular with rural-health-focused students.
- Morehouse School of Medicine (Atlanta). A mission-driven MPH centered on health equity and serving underserved populations, with strong community and clinical partnerships.
- Mercer University – College of Health Professions (Macon/Atlanta). A CEPH-accredited on-campus MPH; a good fit if you prefer a smaller, in-person cohort.
How to Choose the Right Georgia MPH (Fast Checklist)
- Confirm CEPH accreditation for the specific program on its official page.
- Match the format to your life—online (UGA, Georgia State, Georgia Southern) if you’re working; on-campus if you want lab access and in-person networking near the CDC.
- Pick a concentration tied to a target role (epidemiology for surveillance, health policy/management for administration).
- Check the practicum model—Atlanta placements at the CDC, state, or NGO partners are a major advantage.
- Budget total cost, not just per-credit tuition, and confirm in-state vs out-of-state rates.
Online MPH Options in Georgia
If you need flexibility, University of Georgia, Georgia State, and Georgia Southern offer online or hybrid MPH tracks, and Emory runs an online Executive MPH aimed at working professionals. Online MPH programs in Georgia carry the same CEPH accreditation and award the same degree as on-campus tracks. Comparing nationwide? See our guide to the best online MPH programs.
GRE Requirements in Georgia
Most Georgia MPH programs are GRE-optional or have dropped the GRE entirely; Emory and several public programs frequently waive it for strong applicants. Remember that a GRE waiver is not a math waiver—show quantitative readiness through statistics coursework. For a national list, see no-GRE MPH programs.
Tuition & Funding (Read this before you budget)
Public universities (UGA, Georgia State, Georgia Southern) are generally the most affordable route, especially at in-state rates; private and top-ranked options (Emory, Mercer, Morehouse) typically cost more. Beyond tuition, budget for fees, books, and any travel for practicum. Look for graduate assistantships at the public research programs, employer sponsorship, and external awards—see our guide to public health scholarships in the USA.
Public Health Careers & Salaries in Georgia
Few states rival Georgia for public health employment. Beyond the CDC, graduates work for the Georgia Department of Public Health and its district/county offices, Emory Healthcare, Piedmont, Wellstar, the American Cancer Society, CARE, and The Carter Center. Typical MPH roles and national median salaries (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024):
- Epidemiologists — about $83,980/year nationally, projected job growth around +16% (2024–2034).
- Biostatisticians / statisticians — about $103,300/year nationally.
- Health education specialists — about $71,700/year nationally.
- Medical & health services managers — about $117,960/year nationally.
- Environmental scientists & specialists — about $78,980/year nationally.
Metro Atlanta has one of the largest concentrations of public health employers in the U.S.; check BLS metro data for your target role.
Admissions Timeline (Plan backward from your deadline)
Give yourself about three months from “start” to “submit.” Many programs use the centralized SOPHAS application, which can take weeks to verify—see our SOPHAS timeline.
- Weeks 1–2: Shortlist 3–5 CEPH programs; confirm format, concentration, and deadlines.
- Weeks 3–4: Request transcripts; line up 2–3 recommenders.
- Weeks 5–7: Draft your statement of purpose—name a target role and why an MPH now.
- Weeks 8–9: Finalize your resume with measurable outcomes; refine your practicum idea.
- Weeks 10–12: Submit ahead of priority deadlines for the best funding, then track interviews and decisions.
FAQs
Which Georgia universities are CEPH-accredited for the MPH?
Established CEPH-accredited MPH programs in Georgia include Emory University, the University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Georgia Southern University, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Mercer University. Confirm current status on the CEPH directory before applying.
Can I earn an MPH fully online in Georgia?
Yes. The University of Georgia, Georgia State, and Georgia Southern offer online or hybrid MPH tracks, and Emory offers an online Executive MPH. The online degree carries the same CEPH accreditation as the on-campus version.
Do Georgia MPH programs require the GRE?
Most are GRE-optional or have dropped it. You should still demonstrate quantitative readiness (introductory statistics).
Is studying near the CDC actually an advantage?
Yes. Atlanta programs offer practicum, internship, and networking access to the CDC and dozens of national public health organizations—one of the strongest job pipelines in the country.
Internal Links
- CEPH-Accredited MPH Programs in the U.S.
- Best Online MPH Programs
- Best Public Health Degrees: Types, Careers & Salary
- No-GRE MPH Programs
- Public Health Scholarships in the USA
- CEPH-Accredited MPH Programs in Florida
- CEPH-Accredited MPH Programs in Texas
- Public Health Programs in California
- CEPH-Accredited MPH Programs in New York
