Public health is a vital field that addresses the health and well-being of populations on a global scale. Pursuing a degree in public health can open doors to diverse career opportunities, from epidemiology and healthcare administration to health policy and community health promotion. To help you make an informed decision about where to pursue your public health education, we have compiled an in-depth list of the top 10 best universities for public health.
What is Public Health?
Public health is the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts of society. It involves the provision of essential public health services that protect and improve the health and well-being of populations and communities. Public health draws on medical science, philosophy, social sciences, and environmental sciences to address various health issues, such as infectious diseases, sanitation, hygiene, nutrition, mental health, and chronic diseases.
Public health also sets norms and standards, shapes the research agenda, articulates ethical and evidence-based policy options, provides technical support and monitors the health situation and trends. Public health works in collaboration with other sectors, such as education, agriculture, transportation, and environment, to create conditions that enable people to maintain or improve their health.
Top 10 Best Universities for Public Health
To pursue a career in public health, one may need to obtain a graduate degree from a reputable institution that offers high-quality education and research opportunities. Here are the top 10 best universities for public health according to different rankings sources:
1. Harvard University
Harvard University is one of the leading institutions in the field of public health, with a history of excellence and innovation that spans more than a century. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, founded in 1913 as the Harvard-MIT School of Health Officers, is the oldest professional training program in public health in the United States. The school's mission is to advance the public's health through learning, discovery, and communication, and to prepare leaders who will shape the future of public health.
The school offers a range of degree programs, from undergraduate to doctoral, as well as executive and continuing education courses. The school's faculty and students conduct cutting-edge research on a wide variety of topics, such as infectious diseases, environmental health, nutrition, health policy, global health, and social determinants of health. The school also collaborates with partners across Harvard University, the Boston area, and the world to address the most pressing public health challenges of our time.
2. Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University is a world-renowned institution that offers a variety of academic programs and research opportunities in the field of public health. The university's Bloomberg School of Public Health is the oldest and largest school of public health in the United States and has been ranked as the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The school's mission is to protect health, save lives, and improve the well-being of populations around the world through excellence in education, research, and practice. The school offers more than 100 degree programs and certificates in areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy, global health, infectious diseases, and more.
The school also hosts several centers and institutes that conduct cutting-edge research on topics such as COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, malaria, tobacco control, obesity, mental health, and violence prevention. The school's faculty and alumni include Nobel laureates, MacArthur fellows, and leaders in public health agencies and organizations. The school's students and graduates are prepared to address the complex and urgent challenges of public health in the 21st century and to make a positive impact on the health of people and communities around the world.
3. University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley is a world-renowned institution of higher education that offers a variety of programs and degrees in various fields of study. One of the most prominent and prestigious departments at UC Berkeley is the School of Public Health, which was founded in 1943 and is the oldest school of public health in the Western United States. The School of Public Health aims to improve the health and well-being of populations and communities through research, education, service, and advocacy.
The School offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in public health disciplines such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health sciences, health policy and management, infectious diseases and vaccinology, maternal and child health, and community health sciences. The School also hosts several research centers and institutes that address critical public health issues such as global health, health equity, tobacco control, HIV/AIDS, nutrition, and infectious diseases. The School of Public Health at UC Berkeley is committed to excellence, innovation, diversity, and social justice in its mission to create a healthier world for all.
4. University of Washington
The University of Washington is a leading institution in the field of public health, with a mission to improve health for all people and communities. The UW School of Public Health offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in various disciplines, such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health services, global health, and more.
The school also conducts cutting-edge research on topics such as COVID-19, climate change, health equity, infectious diseases, nutrition, and obesity. The school collaborates with local, national, and international partners to address the most pressing health challenges of our time. The UW School of Public Health is committed to excellence in education, research, and service, and to fostering a diverse and inclusive community of students, faculty, and staff.
5. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university that offers a variety of programs in public health. The Gillings School of Global Public Health is a public health school at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Gillings School of Global Public Health, founded in 1940, is the top-ranked public school of public health in the United States and has a mission to improve public health, promote individual well-being, and eliminate health inequities across North Carolina and around the world.
The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. It has more than 1,700 students and 200 faculty members who conduct research, teaching, and service in areas such as biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, health behavior, health policy and management, maternal and child health, nutrition, and global health. The school also collaborates with local, state, national, and international partners to address the most pressing public health challenges of our time.
6. Emory University
Emory University is a leading institution in the field of public health, with a mission to create, preserve, teach, and apply knowledge in the service of humanity. The Rollins School of Public Health at Emory offers a variety of degree programs and concentrations, as well as opportunities for interdisciplinary research and collaboration.
The school is committed to addressing the most pressing health challenges of our time, such as COVID-19, climate change, health equity, and mental health. The faculty and students at Emory are dedicated to advancing the science and practice of public health, and to making a positive impact on the health and well-being of communities around the world.
7. University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is one of the leading institutions in the field of public health, offering a variety of degrees and programs that aim to educate and empower students to address the most pressing health challenges of our time. The School of Public Health, founded in 1941, is one of the oldest and most prestigious schools of public health in the country, with more than 200 faculty members who are experts in their disciplines and conduct research in more than 85 countries.
The school offers five graduate degrees across eight areas of study, including residential and online options, as well as two undergraduate degrees and several dual degree and certificate programs. Students at the School of Public Health benefit from a vibrant community, robust student support resources, and local and global service opportunities. They also have access to innovative laboratory and field settings and community-based and entrepreneurial training. Graduates from the School of Public Health join a network of more than 18,000 alumni who work in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors to create a healthier, more equitable world for all.
8. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is one of the top schools of public health in the country, offering a variety of degree programs and research opportunities for students who want to pursue a career in this field. The UCLA Fielding School of Public Health has six departments: Biostatistics, Community Health Sciences, Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, and Molecular Toxicology.
The school also has several centers and institutes that focus on specific topics such as health equity, global health, infectious diseases, environmental health, and public health disasters. The school's mission is to enhance the public's health by conducting innovative research, training future leaders and health professionals, translating research into policy and practice, and serving local, national, and international communities.
9. Columbia University
Columbia University is one of the leading institutions in the field of public health, offering a variety of degree programs, research initiatives, and community partnerships. The Mailman School of Public Health, founded in 1922, is the third oldest and the largest school of public health in the nation. It has a mission to enhance the health of populations locally and globally through education, research, and service. The school has over 16,000 alumni worldwide who work in various sectors such as government, academia, non-profit, and private industry.
The school also collaborates with other schools and departments within Columbia University, as well as with external partners, to address the complex and interdisciplinary challenges of public health. Some of the key areas of focus for the school include climate and health, data science, food systems and public health, global and population mental health, and healthy longevity. The school is located in New York City, a vibrant and diverse metropolis that offers rich opportunities for learning and practice.
10. Yale University
Yale University is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education in the United States. It has a long history of excellence in public health, dating back to 1915 when it established one of the first public health masters programs in the country. The Yale School of Public Health (YSPH) offers a comprehensive and flexible Master of Public Health (MPH) degree that prepares students for careers in management, practice, policy, or research.
The MPH program allows students to explore one of six academic departments or the Health Care Management program, with the option to add one of five concentrations or tracks. The program also provides students with practical learning opportunities, such as internships, practice-based courses, and a master's thesis or capstone project. The YSPH faculty and staff are committed to helping students achieve their career aspirations and make a difference in the world. The YSPH also collaborates with other schools and centers across Yale University and beyond, creating an interdisciplinary and innovative environment for public health education and research.
Factors to Consider
When selecting a university for your public health studies, there are several factors to take into account:
1. Specialization: Different universities may excel in specific areas of public health, so it's crucial to ensure that the institution aligns with your particular interests and career goals.
2. Faculty Expertise: Investigate the expertise and research interests of the faculty members, as professors with aligned interests can provide valuable mentorship and guidance.
3. Research Opportunities: Look into the research centers, labs, and projects offered by the university, as hands-on research experience can be instrumental in your education and future career.
4. Location: Consider the location of the university and how it may impact your access to internships, fieldwork, and networking opportunities, as these experiences are often integral to public health education.
5. Financial Aid: Research the scholarships and financial aid options available, as funding can significantly influence your choice of institution.
Conclusion
Choosing the right university for your public health education is a pivotal step toward a rewarding and impactful career in the field. The universities listed here have consistently demonstrated their commitment to excellence in public health education, research, and community engagement. Your ideal choice will depend on your unique interests, career objectives, and personal preferences, so be sure to conduct thorough research on each institution before making your final decision. Regardless of the university you choose, a degree in public health equips you with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful difference in the health and well-being of communities worldwide.
See more video: What to expect from a Master of Public Health degree. Why do an MPH?