CEPH-accredited MPH programs in Pennsylvania—including fully 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
Pennsylvania offers one of the richest sets of CEPH-accredited MPH programs in the Northeast, anchored by two major hubs: Philadelphia (Drexel, Penn, Temple) and Pittsburgh (Pitt). The state pairs top research schools with a large healthcare and pharmaceutical economy—UPMC, Penn Medicine, Jefferson, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia all hire MPH graduates. This guide compares Pennsylvania’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 fully online? Drexel, Penn State, and Arcadia offer fully online MPH degrees.
- Want a research powerhouse? Pitt Public Health and Drexel Dornsife are large, research-active schools of public health.
- Want the lowest tuition? Public and in-state rates (Pitt, Penn State, West Chester) generally beat private out-of-state costs.
- Want a specific concentration? Epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental & occupational health, health policy/management, and community health are all available.
- Want Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh? Both metros offer deep practicum and job networks—pick by location fit.
Accredited MPH Programs in Pennsylvania
The programs below are CEPH-accredited and offer the MPH. Tuition figures are approximate; confirm details on the official page and the CEPH accredited directory.
Quick comparison (fast scan)
| University | City | Format | Approx. tuition/credit* | Notable concentrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pittsburgh (Pitt Public Health) | Pittsburgh | On-campus | ~$1,255 in-state / ~$2,186 out | Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Environmental & Occupational Health, Health Policy & Management, Behavioral & Community Health |
| Drexel University (Dornsife) | Philadelphia | On-campus & fully online | ~$1,061 in-state / ~$1,875 out | Epidemiology, Community Health & Prevention, Environmental & Occupational Health, Health Management & Policy |
| University of Pennsylvania (Perelman) | Philadelphia | On-campus | ~$1,161 in-state / ~$1,590 out | Generalist MPH with strong clinical/biomedical integration |
| Temple University (College of Public Health) | Philadelphia | On-campus & online | Check program | Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Health Policy & Management, Social & Behavioral Sciences, Environmental Health |
| Penn State | University Park / Hershey | On-campus & online | Check program | Generalist and applied concentrations |
| Arcadia University | Glenside | Fully online | Check program | Generalist MPH (100% online) |
Mini-profiles (skimmable, source-verified)
- University of Pittsburgh – School of Public Health. A large, research-active school with the full range of concentrations and strong ties to UPMC and Allegheny County public health. Best for students who want depth in epidemiology, biostatistics, or environmental/occupational health.
- Drexel University – Dornsife School of Public Health (Philadelphia). Offers both a residential MPH and a well-regarded fully online MPH (completable in as little as 1.5 years). Known for urban-health and community-focused training.
- University of Pennsylvania – Perelman School of Medicine. An Ivy League MPH with tight integration into clinical and biomedical research; a strong fit for clinicians and research-bound applicants.
- Temple University – College of Public Health (Philadelphia). A comprehensive CEPH-accredited MPH with on-campus and online options and an urban-health mission.
- Penn State. CEPH-accredited MPH options with online flexibility and a large alumni/employer network across the state.
- Arcadia University (Glenside). A 100% online CEPH-accredited MPH—convenient for working professionals.
How to Choose the Right Pennsylvania MPH (Fast Checklist)
- Confirm CEPH accreditation for the specific program on its official page.
- Match the format to your life—online (Drexel, Penn State, Arcadia) if you’re working; on-campus if you want lab access and city networking.
- Pick a concentration tied to a target role (epidemiology for surveillance, health policy/management for administration).
- Check the practicum model—Philadelphia and Pittsburgh health-system placements are a major advantage.
- Budget total cost—Pennsylvania per-credit rates vary widely; confirm in-state vs out-of-state.
Online MPH Options in Pennsylvania
For flexibility, Drexel (fully online, 1.5–5 years), Penn State, and Arcadia offer online MPH degrees, with online tracks at Temple as well. Online MPH programs in Pennsylvania carry the same CEPH accreditation and award the same degree as on-campus study. Comparing nationwide? See our guide to the best online MPH programs.
GRE Requirements in Pennsylvania
Most Pennsylvania MPH programs are GRE-optional. A waiver isn’t 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)
Pennsylvania per-credit tuition ranges widely—roughly $1,061–$1,255 per credit in-state at Drexel, Penn, and Pitt, and higher for out-of-state students. Public and in-state rates (Pitt, Penn State, West Chester) are generally most affordable. Beyond tuition, budget for fees and books. Explore graduate assistantships at the research schools, employer sponsorship, and external awards—see our guide to public health scholarships in the USA.
Public Health Careers & Salaries in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers a deep job market across two major metros. Graduates work for the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, the Allegheny County Health Department, and major systems including UPMC, Penn Medicine, Jefferson, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, plus the state’s large pharmaceutical corridor. 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 & occupational health specialists — about $78,980/year nationally.
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are among the largest health-employer markets in the Northeast; 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 Pennsylvania universities are CEPH-accredited for the MPH?
Established CEPH-accredited MPH programs in Pennsylvania include the University of Pittsburgh, Drexel University, the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Penn State, and Arcadia University, among others. Confirm current status on the CEPH directory before applying.
Can I earn an MPH fully online in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Drexel, Penn State, and Arcadia offer fully online MPH degrees, with online tracks at Temple. The online degree carries the same CEPH accreditation as on-campus study.
How much does an MPH cost in Pennsylvania?
Per-credit tuition is roughly $1,061–$1,255 in-state at Drexel, Penn, and Pitt, and higher for out-of-state students. Public and in-state rates are generally the most affordable. Always confirm current figures on the official page.
Philadelphia or Pittsburgh for public health?
Both are strong. Philadelphia (Drexel, Penn, Temple) offers the larger metro and pharma network; Pittsburgh (Pitt) offers a top research school tied to UPMC. Choose by location and concentration fit.
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 North Carolina
- CEPH-Accredited MPH Programs in Georgia
- CEPH-Accredited MPH Programs in Illinois
- CEPH-Accredited MPH Programs in New York
