At a Glance
Florida has dozens of MPH and public health graduate programs across on-campus, online, and hybrid formats, including CEPH-accredited programs at the University of Florida, Florida International University, Florida A&M University, and others. Most programs take two years full-time. Accelerated one-year tracks and part-time online options are available, and several Florida schools have dropped the GRE requirement entirely.
Florida’s public health workforce is under real pressure. The state ranks 36th in health system performance according to the Commonwealth Fund, and its uninsured rate sits above the national average. Add a high HIV burden, a significant overdose crisis, and the chronic disease challenges that come with a large and aging population, and it’s clear why demand for trained Master of Public Health (MPH) graduates keeps growing. If you’re weighing an MPH in Florida, you’re entering a field where the need is concrete, and the work is visible.
This guide walks through everything you need to evaluate your options: program formats, CEPH accreditation, admission requirements, specializations, and career prospects in terms of salary and growth.
Earning Your MPH in Florida
Florida has a large concentration of MPH and public health graduate programs, with multiple CEPH-accredited options available across the state. The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is the federally recognized accrediting body for public health graduate programs. Most public health employers, government agencies, and health departments strongly prefer CEPH accreditation when evaluating candidates, so it’s worth confirming a program’s status before applying.
Total program length varies. The standard MPH program consists of two years of full-time study and typically requires 42 to 48 credit hours. That range includes core coursework in CEPH’s five required competency areas, plus a concentration, an applied practice experience, and a capstone or integrative learning experience. Accelerated tracks at Florida State University and the University of Florida allow eligible students to complete in significantly less time than the standard two years, depending on prior coursework and scheduling intensity. Part-time online programs typically stretch to 30 months or longer, with most falling in the 18- to 24-month range.
A quick note on the GRE: several Florida schools have dropped it as a requirement. Florida International University’s (FIU) online MPH requires no GRE. The University of Florida and Florida State University accept applicants on a case-by-case basis and often waive it for applicants with strong GPAs or relevant professional experience. GRE policies change frequently. If this is a factor in your decision, contact programs directly to confirm current requirements before applying.
CEPH Accreditation
CEPH is the sole body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools of public health and public health programs. When CEPH accredits a program, it means the curriculum meets a defined set of standards covering the five core competency areas: biostatistics, environmental health sciences, epidemiology, health policy and management, and social and behavioral sciences.
Why does this matter to you? Many state and federal public health positions, competitive fellowships, and doctoral programs strongly prefer or require a degree from a CEPH-accredited program. While not every employer formally mandates it, accreditation significantly expands your options after graduation.
Florida has multiple CEPH-accredited MPH programs across the state. Accreditation statuses change, and programs are occasionally added, reviewed, or withdrawn, so always verify current status on the CEPH website before you apply.
All CEPH-accredited MPH programs must ensure students demonstrate competency in seven interdisciplinary areas beyond the five core disciplines:
- Communication and Informatics
- Diversity and Culture
- Leadership
- Professionalism
- Program Planning
- Public Health Biology
- Systems Thinking
Choosing a Program in Florida
Florida’s flagship programs are well-established. The University of Florida (UF) offers a 48-credit MPH with six concentrations: biostatistics, environmental health, epidemiology, population health management, public health practice, and social and behavioral sciences. Three of those concentrations are fully available online. UF also offers an accelerated option and several dual-degree paths.
Florida International University’s online MPH is a 42-credit generalist program, meaning students build broad competencies rather than focusing on a single track. FIU’s program requires no GRE, charges a flat tuition rate regardless of in-state or out-of-state status, and is delivered fully online with no on-campus requirements. Florida A&M University (FAMU) offers a 50-credit online program with concentrations in epidemiology, health policy, and behavioral science. The University of South Florida (USF) rounds out the major options with a 42-credit program and concentrations that include global disaster management, infection control, and maternal and child health, several of which are fully online.
When comparing programs, four factors tend to matter most to applicants: CEPH accreditation status, whether the GRE is required, format flexibility (online, hybrid, or on-campus), and practicum requirements. Most MPH programs require an applied practice experience, typically 200 hours of fieldwork with a public health organization. For online students, these practicums can usually be completed in your home region, but confirm this with each program before you apply.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Know the Basics
You don’t need a bachelor’s degree in public health to apply for an MPH. Any accredited bachelor’s degree qualifies. Degrees in nursing, health administration, nutrition, social work, education, and the sciences are common backgrounds, but so are business, communications, and the humanities. Most programs require a minimum GPA, typically 3.0 in your last 60 undergraduate credits, though competitive programs often admit students with higher GPAs on average.
Step 2: Choose a Format
Full-time on-campus programs give you the most structured experience and the easiest path to practicum placements, faculty mentorship, and networking. Online programs, like FIU’s or UF’s online concentrations, offer the flexibility working professionals need. Hybrid programs are split between online coursework and periodic on-campus intensives. Be realistic about your schedule and confirm whether any on-campus requirements conflict with your work situation before committing.
Step 3: Choose a Specialization
Concentrations shape the kinds of roles you’ll compete for after graduation. Epidemiology and biostatistics prepare you for research-heavy positions at agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the Florida Department of Health. Health policy and management tracks align well with healthcare administration and government roles. Social and behavioral sciences connect to community health, health communication, and program development. Environmental health is increasingly relevant given Florida’s climate vulnerabilities and water quality challenges.
Step 4: Gather Your Application Materials
Standard MPH admission requirements across Florida programs include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, official transcripts, a personal statement or purpose essay (typically 500 to 1,000 words), a resume or CV, and two to three letters of recommendation. Many programs have moved away from the GRE, but check each program’s current requirements, as policies vary and can change year to year.
MPH Specializations in Florida
The five CEPH core competency areas form the backbone of any accredited MPH, but most programs offer concentrations or tracks that go deeper. Florida’s health context shapes which specializations carry the most weight locally.
Epidemiology: Florida’s mosquito-borne disease concerns, including periodic dengue outbreaks and West Nile virus activity, create consistent demand for epidemiologists at the state and county level. UF’s on-campus epidemiology track and FAMU’s online epidemiology concentration both prepare students for roles in disease surveillance and outbreak investigation.
Health Policy and Management: Florida’s high uninsured rate and ongoing debates about Medicaid expansion make health policy a live issue in the state. This track prepares graduates for positions in government health agencies, hospital systems, and advocacy organizations working on coverage, access, and financing.
Environmental Health: Rising sea levels, hurricane response, water quality, and heat-related illness are not theoretical problems in Florida. Environmental health specialists work at the intersection of ecological conditions and human health outcomes. Several Florida programs offer this concentration both on-campus and online.
Social and Behavioral Sciences: Community health workers, health educators, and program coordinators often come out of behavioral science tracks. This concentration is well-suited to professionals working in community-based organizations, local health departments, and nonprofit health agencies.
Global Health: Florida’s geographic position and its large immigrant and international communities make global health an increasingly relevant specialization. Programs with this track cover health diplomacy, international program planning, and health equity across borders.
Public Health Careers in Florida
MPH graduates in Florida work across state agencies, hospital systems, nonprofits, academic institutions, and federal offices, including the CDC’s Southeast Regional Operations. The Florida Department of Health employs public health professionals across all 67 counties and coordinates the state’s disease surveillance, environmental health, and community health programs.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong growth for public health-adjacent roles through 2034. Careers in epidemiology stand out in particular: the BLS projects 16% employment growth nationally from 2024 to 2034, well above the 3% average for all occupations. That reflects both the sustained recognition of the importance of public health infrastructure following COVID-19 and the long-term need for disease surveillance as climate conditions shift.
Salary and Job Growth Outlook
The following table shows national median wages and projected job growth for roles that commonly require or prefer an MPH. Florida salaries are typically close to national figures for government and nonprofit roles but may be slightly lower in some specialties. All salary and projection data are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Occupation |
Median Annual Wage (May 2024) |
Projected Growth (2024–2034) |
| Epidemiologists |
$83,980 |
+16% |
| Statisticians |
$103,300 |
+8% |
| Microbiologists |
$87,330 |
+4% |
| Social and Community Service Managers |
$78,240 |
+6% |
| Health Education Specialists |
$71,700 |
+7% |
| Social Workers |
$61,330 |
+6% |
Public Health Resources for Students and Professionals
Florida Department of Health: The FDH oversees public health programs across all 67 counties. The site includes information on disease surveillance, licensing requirements for health-related jobs in Florida, and current health initiatives.
Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH): Use CEPH’s directory to verify accreditation status for any MPH program you’re considering. The site also provides program summaries, curriculum structure, and concentration options for each accredited school.
Florida Department of Education: Higher education information, including program listings, financial aid guidance, and institutional data for Florida colleges and universities.
Bureau of Labor Statistics: The authoritative source for salary data and employment projections across all public health roles. The Occupational Outlook Handbook covers epidemiologists, health educators, social workers, and dozens of related occupations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an MPH take in Florida?
Most Florida MPH programs take two years of full-time study. Accelerated tracks at schools like Florida State University may allow eligible students to complete their programs in significantly less time, depending on prior coursework and program structure. Part-time and online programs typically run 18 to 30 months, depending on course load. The credit requirement for CEPH-accredited programs generally ranges from 42 to 48 hours.
Do Florida MPH programs require the GRE?
Not all of them. Florida International University’s online MPH requires no GRE. Several other programs, including the University of Florida, have moved to case-by-case GRE review or waive it for applicants with strong undergraduate records or relevant professional experience. GRE policies change frequently. Always verify directly with each program before applying, as requirements can shift from one application cycle to the next.
Do I need a public health background to apply?
No. MPH programs in Florida accept applicants from any undergraduate discipline. Nursing, health administration, education, social work, nutrition, and the biological sciences are common backgrounds, but programs regularly admit students from business, communications, and the social sciences. What matters most is a strong GPA and a clear sense of how public health connects to your goals.
What’s the difference between an on-campus and online MPH in Florida?
The core curriculum and accreditation standards are the same. The main differences are format, pacing, and access to on-site resources. Online programs like FIU’s and UF’s online concentrations are designed for working professionals and allow you to complete most coursework asynchronously. Both formats require a practicum, typically 200 hours of applied fieldwork, which online students usually complete in their home region.
What jobs can I get with an MPH in Florida?
Common public health careers for MPH graduates include epidemiologist, health educator, social and community service manager, public health program coordinator, health policy analyst, environmental health specialist, and biostatistician. Employers include the Florida Department of Health, county health departments, hospital systems, the CDC’s southeastern offices, nonprofits, and academic institutions. The specific roles available depend heavily on your concentration and prior work experience.
Key Takeaways
- Florida has multiple CEPH-accredited MPH programs, including UF, FIU, FAMU, FSU, USF, and others. Accreditation statuses change, so always verify on CEPH’s website before applying.
- Most Florida MPH programs take two years full-time, but accelerated and part-time online options are available. Several schools, including FIU, have dropped the GRE requirement.
- CEPH accreditation is strongly preferred by most public health employers, fellowship programs, and doctoral programs. It expands your options significantly after graduation.
- Epidemiologists are among the fastest-growing public health occupations nationally, with 16% projected growth from 2024 to 2034, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Florida’s specific health challenges, including high uninsured rates, HIV burden, climate-related health risks, and a large aging population, create steady demand for MPH graduates across specializations.
Florida has strong programs across every format and specialization. Browse accredited MPH programs by location and find options that fit your goals and schedule.
Find Schools Near You
Laura Bennett, MPH is a public health professional with over 12 years of experience in community health education and program coordination. She specializes in helping aspiring professionals explore flexible education pathways, including online and hybrid public health degree programs. Laura is passionate about making public health careers more accessible through practical, accredited training
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Epidemiologists, Statisticians, Microbiologists, Social and Community Service Managers, Health Education Specialists, and Social Workers represent national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2025.
