At a Glance
Oregon has two CEPH-accredited MPH programs: Oregon State University and the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health (a joint program between Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University). OSU’s online MPH ranks #5 nationally. Neither program requires the GRE. Most graduates complete the degree in two years, with part-time options available.
Oregon’s public health workforce is dealing with some of the most complex challenges in the country. Substance use, mental health access, rural care gaps, and environmental health risks tied to wildfire smoke don’t lend themselves to simple fixes. The professionals addressing them need training that cuts across disciplines: data analysis, policy development, community engagement, and program management, all at once. That’s the skill set an MPH is designed to build.
For residents of Oregon, two strong options exist close to home. Both hold CEPH accreditation, a widely recognized standard in public health education, and both offer online and hybrid formats for working professionals. Here’s what you need to know to choose between them and understand where the degree can take your career.
MPH Programs in Oregon
Oregon has two universities with CEPH-accredited MPH programs: Oregon State University and the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, a joint institution run by Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University. Together, they cover the full range of public health specializations and offer flexibility for students at every stage of their careers.
Oregon State University
OSU’s MPH program has grown significantly since launching its online option in 2018. The College of Health offers seven specializations (biostatistics, environmental and occupational health, epidemiology, health management and policy, health promotion and health behavior, public health practice, and one health), making it one of the more flexible programs in the Pacific Northwest. OSU’s online MPH was ranked #5 nationally for 2025 by Fortune Education, ahead of programs at Columbia University and Johns Hopkins.
The program runs 56 to 64 credits and is designed to be completed in about 21 months full-time. Part-time students have up to seven years to finish. All admitted students begin in the fall term. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis from December 1 through June 1, with December 1 as the priority deadline. The GRE is not required.
OSU also participates in the Western Regional Graduate Program, which may reduce tuition for eligible out-of-state students from participating states. The savings vary by program and tuition rates, so prospective students should confirm current figures directly with OSU’s admissions office.
OHSU-PSU School of Public Health
Portland State University’s MPH offerings are delivered through the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, a formal partnership between PSU and Oregon Health & Science University. The collaboration combines PSU’s deep ties to Portland’s nonprofit and government sectors with OHSU’s clinical research infrastructure.
The OHSU-PSU program emphasizes community-engaged learning. Students work directly with local partners, including health agencies, clinics, and nonprofits, throughout the program, not just during a capstone practicum. Hybrid and online options are available, including an accelerated 12-month MPH in Public Health Practice designed for working professionals who want to complete the degree during a gap year from another graduate program.
What Both Programs Have in Common
Both programs are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. CEPH accreditation is a widely recognized standard in public health education, meaning the curriculum meets agreed-upon competencies for training public health professionals, including biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, health policy, and social and behavioral sciences. Many government employers and professional certifications expect or prefer a degree from a CEPH-accredited program.
MPH Specializations Available in Oregon
Both programs offer multiple concentration areas, letting students tailor their degree to a specific career path. The following are among the most commonly offered and in-demand tracks:
Epidemiology
Careers in epidemiology involve tracking disease patterns, investigating outbreaks, and using surveillance data to inform public health responses. Oregon has an ongoing need for this expertise, particularly through the Oregon Health Authority‘s disease surveillance program and county health departments throughout the state. OSU’s epidemiology track combines coursework in infectious disease, chronic disease, and environmental epidemiology with practical research experience.
Health Policy and Management
Public health policy professionals analyze how laws, regulations, and funding decisions affect population health outcomes. They design and evaluate programs at the local, state, and federal levels. Oregon’s legalization of recreational cannabis, its work on drug decriminalization policy, and its expansion of Medicaid through the Oregon Health Plan have all required substantial policy expertise to implement and evaluate, much of it led by professionals at the Oregon Health Authority.
Health Promotion and Health Behavior
Health promotion specialists design campaigns and programs that change the conditions and behaviors driving poor health outcomes. This includes everything from tobacco cessation programs to community nutrition initiatives. The Oregon Health Authority runs health promotion programs at the statewide level, and county health departments hire specialists at the local level.
Biostatistics
Biostatisticians design and analyze research studies in public health and medicine. Demand for this specialization is growing as public health agencies and research institutions generate larger volumes of data that require rigorous statistical analysis. OSU notes that biostatistics consistently ranks among the top master’s degree programs for career opportunities.
Global Health
Global health specialists apply public health skills to populations around the world, addressing challenges like infectious disease control, maternal and child health, and food security. OSU offers experiential learning opportunities in countries including India, Bangladesh, and Botswana, giving students direct field experience with global health systems.
MPH Admission Requirements
Admission requirements are similar across both Oregon programs, though each school sets its own standards. If you’re still weighing what an MPH covers before applying, our overview breaks down the degree in plain terms. Most applicants will need the following:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any field
- Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities
- A personal statement or statement of purpose (typically 500–1,000 words)
- Two to three letters of recommendation
- A current resume or CV
Neither OSU nor the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health requires GRE scores. OSU formally eliminated the GRE requirement to reduce barriers to entry and promote a more diverse and equitable applicant pool. OHSU-PSU applicants apply through SOPHAS, the centralized application platform used by most accredited public health programs, with a supplemental application required by OHSU-PSU in addition.
Public Health Careers in Oregon
Oregon’s public health workforce spans state and county government, academic research institutions, nonprofits, healthcare systems, and private industry. The Oregon Health Authority, the Oregon Department of Human Services, and county health departments are among the larger employers of MPH graduates, and there is an ongoing need for public health professionals across these sectors.
The following salary and job growth data reflect national figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as Oregon-specific data for some occupations is limited. Salaries in the Portland metro area tend to be on the higher end of national ranges.
| Occupation |
National Median Wage |
Job Growth (2024–2034) |
| Epidemiologists |
$83,980 |
+16% |
| Social and Community Service Managers |
$78,240 |
+6% |
| Statisticians (mathematicians and statisticians overall) |
$103,300 |
+8% |
| Microbiologists |
$87,330 |
+4% |
| Rehabilitation Counselors |
$46,110 |
+1% |
Epidemiology stands out as a particularly strong career path right now. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, epidemiologists are projected to grow 16 percent from 2024 to 2034, far above the 3 percent average for all occupations, driven by demand for disease surveillance expertise and public health emergency preparedness at state and local health agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a bachelor’s degree and an MPH in public health?
A bachelor’s degree in public health provides foundational knowledge and can qualify graduates for entry-level roles in public health settings. An MPH is a graduate degree that goes deeper into a specialization (epidemiology, health policy, biostatistics, and others) and qualifies graduates for mid-level and senior roles in research, program management, and policy. Most leadership positions in public health agencies and research institutions expect or require a master’s degree.
Do I need a background in public health to apply for an MPH?
No. Both OSU and the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health accept applicants with bachelor’s degrees in any field. Public health master’s programs are intentionally interdisciplinary, and the field benefits from people entering with backgrounds in biology, social work, education, nursing, business, and other areas. What matters most is a clear statement of purpose explaining your goals and why public health is the right path.
How long does it take to complete an MPH in Oregon?
Most full-time students complete the degree in approximately two years. OSU’s program runs about 21 months full-time, with part-time students having up to seven years to finish. The OHSU-PSU program offers an accelerated 12-month option for students who can study full-time. Timelines vary depending on specialization, credit load, and whether you’re completing the program online or on campus.
Is the GRE required for MPH programs in Oregon?
No. Oregon State University formally eliminated the GRE requirement. The OHSU-PSU School of Public Health also does not require GRE scores. This change reflects a broader shift across public health programs nationally toward removing testing barriers to diversify the applicant pool.
Where do MPH graduates work in Oregon?
Oregon MPH graduates work across a wide range of settings: state and county health departments, hospital systems, federally qualified health centers, academic research institutions, nonprofits, and government agencies, including the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Human Services. The specialization you choose will shape where you’re best positioned. Epidemiologists tend to land in health agencies and research settings, while health promotion specialists often work in community-based organizations or county health departments.
Key Takeaways
- Oregon has two CEPH-accredited MPH programs: Oregon State University and the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, which is a joint program between Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University.
- Neither program requires the GRE, and both offer online and hybrid formats designed for working professionals.
- OSU’s online MPH ranked #5 nationally in 2025 per Fortune Education and offers seven specializations. OHSU-PSU emphasizes community-engaged learning with strong ties to Portland’s health and social service sectors.
- Epidemiologists are among the fastest-growing public health occupations nationally, with a projected 16 percent job growth from 2024 to 2034.
- Most MPH graduates complete the degree in two years full-time, with part-time options extending to seven years at OSU.
Ready to find the right MPH program for your career goals? Browse accredited programs by state and compare your options.
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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
May 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job growth figures for Epidemiologists, Social and Community Service Managers, Mathematicians and Statisticians, Microbiologists, and Rehabilitation Counselors represent national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2025.
