A master’s in public health (MPH) sets students up for lucrative and meaningful careers. This guide is a roundup of the best online MPH programs in California to help you choose the right program for your professional interests, career goals, timeframe, and budget.
Author: Angela Myers, BA
Expertise: Graduate EducationBusiness AdministrationSocial WorkEditor: Kristin Marino
- Which Student Are You?
Public Health Programs: Which Type Is Right for You?
Read more - Spotlighting Programs
Spotlighting Three Online MPH Programs in CA
Read more - Online Programs
Types of Online MPH Programs for California Students
Read more - Careers
Growing Public Health Careers in California
Read more - Tuition Costs
California Tuition Costs for an Online MPH
Read more - Top Schools
Top Online Master’s in Public Health (MPH) Programs in California
Read more
Public Health Programs: Which Type Is Right for You?
Public health programs in California offer concentrations from epidemiology to health policy to environmental health, and the one you pick shapes your career more than the university’s name does. Choose the wrong focus and you may need extra credits down the line. The tool below helps match your goals to the right track.
What Type of Public Health Student Are You?
The Career Starter
Having just graduated with a degree in biology, health sciences, or something related, you’re looking for the most direct route into public health practice.
Employers in public health — health departments and federal agencies among them — treat CEPH accreditation as the baseline, so it carries more weight here than in many other master’s fields. A practicum requirement fills in the applied experience you haven’t had the chance to gain yet, and a hybrid format keeps you connected to faculty and your cohort while you’re getting started, wherever in California your program is based.
The Career Changer
Moving in from nursing, clinical care, or a different field entirely, you want a route into public health that doesn’t assume you already have that background.
A foundational core in epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and environmental health gives you the shared public health knowledge that a clinical background or unrelated degree simply didn’t provide. Since it’s fully online, you can work through that coursework from anywhere in California while staying in your current job.
The Promotion Seeker
Already working in public health, healthcare, or a health department, you’re aiming to move up from frontline or analyst work into policy or management leadership.
Concentrating in health policy and management builds directly on the field experience you’ve already got, layering in the budgeting, program evaluation, and health systems knowledge that leadership positions call for. Studying part-time and hybrid lets you stay in your current role in California while you work toward the credential.
The Working Balancer
Between a full-time job — often in healthcare or another demanding line of work — and family responsibilities, you need an MPH that bends around your schedule, not the other way around.
Because the format is fully online and asynchronous, you study on your own time rather than around fixed class hours, and rolling admissions mean you don’t have to wait for one start date a year to begin. Together, that combination makes it realistic to fit an MPH around a job and family life in California without putting your career on hold.
The Global Health Specialist
Your interest lies in public health work outside the U.S. — humanitarian response, international NGOs, global health agencies — and you want a program centered on global health systems.
A global health concentration takes on the health systems, infectious disease burden, and humanitarian response frameworks specific to international and low-resource settings, which a domestically focused program typically won’t spend much time on. It’s also worth looking for international fieldwork options, since hands-on experience abroad is often expected for roles at organizations like WHO, USAID, or major global health NGOs, and California’s global health and international-development community can be a useful base to build that experience from.
The Community Health Educator
Direct community work on health behavior and prevention is your focus — running programs, leading education campaigns, pushing for local policy change.
A community health education concentration builds program-planning and health communication skills for working directly with communities, a different emphasis than the data- or policy-heavy tracks other MPH concentrations lean toward. Coursework tied to the CHES exam — NCHEC’s core credential in the field — also leaves you with a concrete, portable qualification once you’re done, useful whether you end up working in a big California city or a smaller community elsewhere in the state.
Spotlighting Three Online MPH Programs in CA
According to the Healthforce Center at the University of California, San Francisco, there are 16 accredited MPH programs in the state. While many of those programs are great, some stand out in terms of academics, affordability, and program flexibility. The three high-quality online MPH programs in California spotlighted below can help jumpstart your search.
San Diego State University
One of the best MPH programs in California and possibly the country is the one at San Diego State University. What sets this degree apart from other online MPH programs is that all courses are delivered in an asynchronous format, so students watch prerecorded lectures and complete class activities whenever suits their schedule. This format makes this online MPH great for those juggling school with a full-time job and other responsibilities.
Along with a flexible format, San Diego State University offers specialized knowledge in behavioral science and health promotion. It’s important to note this is the program’s only concentration, meaning this degree might not be a good fit for those interested in other areas of public health, like epidemiology or environmental health.
In addition to general public health classes and concentration-specific coursework, students also complete a field practicum. Students work with community partners during this hands-on learning experience to solve real public health problems, boosting their resume and allowing them to network with professionals in their field.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
University of Southern California
When looking at online MPH programs in California, consider the degree offered by the University of Southern California. Along with a flexible format, this program offers five concentrations, allowing students to customize the degree to their professional interests. Specialization options include epidemiology, biostatistics, community and global health, health services, and a generalist concentration.
If a student chooses the generalist route, they can customize their electives to specific career interests. Along with concentration-specific courses, students take a few general education courses and have the opportunity to work on class projects with leading health organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Another unique benefit of the University of Southern California is its large alumni network. The campus regularly organizes online networking events for current MPH students and alumni.
Along with virtual networking events, all courses are offered online in live class sessions. This format provides the flexibility of virtual learning with the personalized touch of attending discussion-based classes.
California Baptist University
California Baptist University offers a robust and accelerated MPH program. While most MPHs take two years to complete, the average degree completion time at California Baptist University is sixteen months. The curriculum is flexible, and students can take courses over the summer to graduate in as little as a year.
While accelerated, the program’s curriculum covers the essentials. Students take classes in epidemiology, behavioral science, environmental science, biostatistics, occupational health, and strategic management.
Because most students work full-time, the entire degree is offered online in an asynchronous format. Classes also start every eight weeks, making it easier to adjust a student’s courseload more often, depending on other obligations in their life.
To make the program more affordable, California Baptist offers scholarships to almost all MPH students and offers many paid fellowships with community partners. Students also learn from faculty who are connected to public health organizations at the local and national levels, providing an abundance of career and networking opportunities.
Types of Online MPH Programs for California Students
Not all MPH programs are created equal. There are five different degree types, outlined below, to pay attention to. Some of these categories, like accreditation, are essential while others may work better for some students than others. It’s also possible for some online MPH programs to fall into multiple categories.
Accelerated Online MPH Programs in CA
Most MPH programs take two years to complete. If you can’t commit that much time, consider an accelerated program. Students graduate quicker, usually within one year, in an accelerated MPH program.
These programs are often designed for working professionals who already have some experience in the field. As a result, they are usually in an online format with flexible class times.
While flexible, accelerated programs can also be demanding, making them better suited for those who can devote significant time to their coursework. For a better idea of what a flexible, accelerated MPH program looks like, explore this program at California Baptist University.
Accredited Online MPH Programs in CA
Accreditation is the most important quality an MPH program can possess. Without it, other academic institutions and employers won’t accept your degree as valid.
There are two types of accreditations an MPH program must possess. First, the university itself must be accredited. Regional accreditations are the best, though national accreditations are also recognized. Along with institution-wide accreditation, you also want to attend a program accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
Affordable Online MPH Programs in CA
Cost is an important factor when looking at MPH programs. If you have a smaller graduate school budget, consider applying to the more affordable online MPH programs in California. These are often programs at public institutions with a low in-state rate.
The University of San Francisco, for example, offers one of the most affordable MPH programs in California. Along with tuition and fees, you should also assess how much financial aid a school offers. California Baptist University, for example, offers many scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships, including some that cover the entire cost of an MPH.
Dual-Degree Online MPH Programs in CA
While healthcare is a broad field, many career paths are highly specialized. To prepare students for these more specific roles, many universities offer dual-degree MPHs.
Popular dual degrees include an MSN/MPH for nurses, an MBA/MPH for those looking to enter the business side of healthcare, and an MSW/MPH for social workers with a focus on healthcare. The University of California Berkeley, for example, offers an MPH/MBA dual degree.
No-GRE Online MPH Programs in CA
The GRE is a standardized test that graduate schools can ask for as part of their admissions requirements. For those who experience test-taking anxiety or don’t have the time to study for the GRE, no-GRE online MPH programs are good options.
No-GRE MPHs can vary quite a bit, though all share a similar admissions process. This process doesn’t ask for applicants’ GRE scores. Instead, no-GRE programs place more emphasis on professional interest, previous education, and letters of recommendation. California State University Northridge, for example, doesn’t require applicants with at least a 3.0 GPA to submit their GRE scores when applying to its program.
Public Health Salary Outlook in California
California is a major center for public health activity, with large state health departments, academic medical centers, and public health research institutions driving demand for MPH-trained professionals. Graduates work as health program managers, health educators, epidemiologists, and policy analysts across California’s diverse communities — addressing challenges from chronic disease and maternal health to environmental health and health equity. The MPH is the standard credential for mid-career advancement in California’s public health sector.
Public health professionals in California earn competitive salaries relative to the national median, particularly those in government agencies and academic health centers. Compensation varies by specialization and the funding source of the programs you lead.
Browse the salary table below to see what health education specialists earn in California, and benchmark public health career pay across the state.
Health Education Specialists
| Area | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $59,350 | $64,990 | $78,850 |
| California | $63,610 | $85,000 | $113,170 |
| Chico, CA | $59,120 | $59,130 | $74,950 |
| Fresno, CA | $58,840 | $74,580 | $95,530 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $62,380 | $77,400 | $102,460 |
| Merced, CA | $79,830 | $98,560 | $102,010 |
| Modesto, CA | $61,670 | $95,860 | $111,090 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $61,390 | $67,220 | $87,400 |
| Redding, CA | $69,640 | $73,850 | $87,400 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $61,190 | $77,090 | $100,830 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $62,510 | $81,210 | $104,870 |
| Salinas, CA | $62,760 | $79,560 | $104,670 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $62,500 | $79,220 | $101,060 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $99,260 | $123,960 | $133,070 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $75,810 | $112,380 | $151,110 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $61,660 | $61,670 | $78,170 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $78,640 | $96,720 | $104,790 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $65,000 | $76,920 | $95,800 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $65,230 | $101,800 | $119,560 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $62,390 | $95,420 | $118,040 |
| Vallejo, CA | $81,630 | $110,520 | $119,620 |
| Visalia, CA | $62,090 | $76,700 | $109,170 |
Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm
Data does not reflect school-specific information.
California Tuition Costs for an Online MPH
An MPH isn’t just a time commitment, it’s also a commitment for your wallet. California MPH tuition varies by program, though keep in mind your online MPH will likely be more cost effective than a traditional degree because you’ll save on relocation expenses, commuting costs, and parking expenses.
If you are eligible for in-state tuition at large state school systems in California, such as any University of California school, you’ll likely save over private institutions. To give you an idea of the costs you can expect, the table below provides tuition details for three MPH programs in California.
| School | Program | No. of Credits | Est. Resident Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego State University | Master of Public Health | 51 | $32,079 |
| California State University Northridge | MPH: Community Health Education | 42 | $34,944 |
| University of San Francisco | Master of Public Health | 42 | $65,310 |
Along with tuition, also budget for expenses like student fees, distance learning fees, and living expenses. Online students may not have as many student fees, and their transportation costs are lower than their in-person counterparts.
This makes your degree more affordable, though the fees you are responsible for can be a significant investment. When you decide to apply for MPH programs, set aside some money each month. Also evaluate where you could cut expenses, such as a Netflix subscription, and consider other budget-friendly changes you can make to your lifestyle.
Financial Aid for Public Health Students in CA
While an MPH can be expensive, there are financial aid options to help manage the cost. When most think of financial aid, student loans often come to mind. While this can be a viable path, it’s not the only one.
Many MPH students are also eligible for scholarships, grants, fellowships, work-study programs, and graduate research assistantships. Depending on your work status and employer, your workplace may have a tuition reimbursement program that covers all or part of your degree.
As you apply to MPH programs, also explore and apply to different financial aid opportunities. It’s typically best to cast a wide net and apply for whatever you can, though if you’re short on time, focus on more niche scholarships.
Often, many of the best scholarships are state-specific ones. Three scholarships MPH applicants and students in California should check out include:
- Rural Health Innovation Program
- Trojan Scholarships for Public Health
- Public Health Fellowship Program at the University of California Irvine
Top Online Master’s in Public Health (MPH) Programs in California
Concordia University-Irvine
Best for: career changers
Biola University
Best for: global and humanitarian health specialists
Azusa Pacific University
Best for: career changers
California Baptist University
Best for: community health educators
The Chicago School at Los Angeles
Best for: career changers
Touro University California
Best for: global and humanitarian health specialists
University of San Francisco
Best for: advancement-focused students
Loma Linda University
Best for: advancement-focused students
University of Southern California
Best for: advancement-focused students
Claremont Graduate University
Best for: community health educators
