Emory Masters of Public Health: What the Program Offers and How to Apply

Emory Masters of Public Health at a Glance

The Emory Master of Public Health is a professional degree offered through the Rollins School of Public Health, one of the oldest and most accredited schools of public health in the United States. The program is designed for students who want to build skills in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy, and behavioral science. Graduates work in government agencies, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and global health institutes, and the degree is structured to meet the core competencies required by the Council on Education for Public Health.

MPH Concentrations and Tracks

Emory MPH students select a concentration that shapes their coursework and practicum. Common options include Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Health Policy and Management, Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, and Global Environmental Health. The Global Health track often includes international field placements and coursework on health systems in low- and middle-income countries. Students can also pursue a dual degree, pairing the MPH with a JD, MBA, MD, or MPH/PhD depending on their career goals.

Curriculum and Practicum

The curriculum blends foundational biostatistics and epidemiology with applied coursework in health systems and program planning. Most students complete a practicum in a community or organizational setting, applying classroom methods to a real public health problem under faculty supervision. The practicum typically runs during the second year and culminates in a written report. Core courses usually cover research design, data analysis, health communication, and ethics in public health practice.

Admission Requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, though the field of study is not restricted. The admissions process reviews undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and GRE scores when submitted. Relevant work or volunteer experience in health settings strengthens an application. International applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores unless they have completed a degree at an English-speaking institution. The school publishes current deadlines and supplemental materials on its website each cycle.

Career Outcomes for Graduates

Emory MPH graduates enter roles in public health agencies, hospital systems, consulting firms, and international NGOs. Common job titles include epidemiologist, health program coordinator, policy analyst, community health planner, and research associate. The Atlanta location provides proximity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Grady Memorial Hospital, and numerous nonprofit organizations, which facilitates internships and networking. Salary outcomes vary by sector and role, but the degree is widely regarded as a strong foundation for mid-career advancement in population health.

Online and Executive Options

Rollins offers MPH formats beyond the traditional on-campus program, including online and executive tracks designed for working professionals. The online MPH follows the same core curriculum and requires residency immersions for in-person interaction with faculty and peers. Executive formats often compress coursework into weekend or modular schedules. Admission standards for these tracks are comparable, though professional experience is weighted more heavily in the review process.

Accreditation and Reputation

The Rollins School of Public Health holds accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health, and its programs are regularly reviewed to ensure they meet evolving professional standards. Emory is frequently cited in rankings of graduate public health programs, with particular strengths in epidemiology, global health, and health policy. Prospective students should verify current accreditation status and program details directly with the school, as requirements and formats can change between academic years.