At a Glance
Delaware has two universities offering MPH programs, including three CEPH-accredited concentrations at the University of Delaware. Graduates find work in the state’s public health agencies, Christiana Care Health System, and nonprofits across the Wilmington and Dover metro areas. Salaries for master’s-educated professionals range from $46,000 to over $103,000, depending on role and experience.
Delaware has historically reported elevated cancer incidence rates relative to national averages and has a rapidly aging population. Nearly one in four state residents is now 60 or older, according to the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. Those aren’t abstract statistics for the public health workforce. They’re the reason the state needs epidemiologists, program managers, and biostatisticians who can turn data into action. For professionals looking to build or advance a career in public health, the Master of Public Health (MPH) is the degree that gets them into that work.
MPH Programs Available in Delaware
Delaware is home to two universities offering MPH programs, and the landscape has changed significantly in recent years. The University of Delaware offers CEPH-accredited MPH pathways in epidemiology, community health and behavior, and health policy and management. CEPH, the Council on Education for Public Health, is the accrediting body that sets quality standards for public health degree programs. Delaware State University offers an online-only MPH through its Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences.
Accreditation matters for more than just prestige. Many federal and state public health positions, as well as licensure pathways in some disciplines, specifically require a degree from a CEPH-accredited program. If you’re weighing options in Delaware, confirming that status before you apply is worth the 60 seconds it takes.
University of Delaware
UD’s three CEPH-accredited concentrations are housed across two colleges, giving students meaningful differences in focus and faculty culture:
- MPH in Epidemiology (College of Health Sciences): A 42-credit program built around epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, and applied research. Graduates go on to roles in disease surveillance, clinical research, and public health agencies. Applications go through SOPHAS, the centralized application service for public health programs.
- MPH in Community Health and Behavior (College of Health Sciences): Also 42 credits, this concentration centers on health disparities, behavioral interventions, and community-engaged practice. Students complete both an applied practice experience and an integrative learning experience before graduation.
- MPH in Health Policy and Management (Biden School of Public Policy and Administration): This 42-credit program prepares students for policy-facing roles in healthcare institutions, nonprofits, and government agencies. Focus areas include health equity, program evaluation, and financial management.
All three UD programs accept applications through SOPHAS, the centralized application service for public health graduate programs. Students must submit a full SOPHAS application before UD will review supplemental materials.
Delaware State University
Delaware State University’s online MPH is offered through the Department of Public and Allied Health Sciences at the Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. The program is fully online and is designed for working professionals. It focuses on health disparities, disease outcomes, and global health systems.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary by program, but most MPH programs in Delaware and nationally look for the following from applicants:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (any major)
- Official transcripts from each school attended
- Statement of purpose (typically 500 to 1,500 words)
- Current resume or CV
- Two or three letters of recommendation
- GRE scores (waived at some programs for applicants with graduate degrees or professional test scores)
If cost is a factor in your decision, our public health scholarships and grants guide covers funding options specifically available to MPH students.
MPH Concentrations and What They Lead To
The MPH is a versatile degree, but the concentration you choose shapes both your coursework and your career trajectory. Delaware’s programs reflect four broad areas where public health professionals most often specialize.
Epidemiology
Epidemiologists track disease patterns, investigate outbreaks, and build the surveillance systems that alert policymakers when something is wrong. In Delaware, the Division of Public Health’s Office of Infectious Disease runs exactly this kind of work. UD’s epidemiology MPH covers methods such as cohort studies, case-control designs, and geographic information systems, which directly feed into those roles. For a closer look at what those careers involve day to day, see our guide to epidemiology careers in public health.
Community Health and Behavior
This concentration prepares graduates for work in health promotion, chronic disease prevention, and community-based programs. Delaware’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Program and the state’s maternal and child health initiatives both depend on professionals with these skills. Coursework in social marketing, health communication, and qualitative research methods directly translates into program coordinator and community outreach roles.
Health Policy and Management
Health policy professionals work where public health meets government, insurance, and institutional decision-making. Delaware’s smaller government structure may provide earlier opportunities for policy exposure and cross-agency collaboration than larger state systems. Relevant coursework covers program evaluation, financial management, and health law.
Global Health
For students interested in international work, global health concentrations address disease burden across low- and middle-income countries, health diplomacy, and cross-border program coordination. Initiatives such as the Roll Back Malaria Partnership and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) employ professionals trained in this field.
Accelerated and Part-Time Options
Most MPH programs offer two completion tracks. Full-time students typically finish in two years. Part-time students, who often stay employed during the program, can take up to four years at most institutions. Some programs offer accelerated one-year options that compress the standard curriculum into a faster-paced schedule. Online delivery, like the option at Delaware State University, gives working professionals even more flexibility.
Career Outlook for Public Health Professionals in Delaware
Delaware’s public health employment market is shaped by two converging trends: an aging population that generates more demand for health services, and a state health system large enough to employ master’s-level professionals across multiple institutions. Christiana Care Health System, one of the largest employers in the Mid-Atlantic region, hires across epidemiology, health informatics, and community health roles. The Delaware Division of Public Health, the state’s Medicaid office, and nonprofit organizations like the American Cancer Society’s Delaware chapter round out the employer landscape.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, several occupations that typically require master ‘s-level training are projected to grow faster than average through 2034. Statisticians are projected to grow 9 percent nationally, much faster than average, driven partly by increased demand for data analysis in healthcare settings. Social and community services managers are projected to grow 6 percent, faster than average, as demand for social services management increases with an older population. Microbiologists are projected to grow by 4 percent, in line with the average, driven by sustained demand in pharmaceutical, environmental, and public health settings.
Salaries for Public Health Professionals in Delaware
Salaries for master’s-educated public health professionals in Delaware closely track national figures, with some variation by employer type and years of experience. The figures below reflect May 2024 national median wages from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
| Occupation |
Median Annual Wage |
Projected Growth (2024–34) |
| Social and Community Services Managers |
$78,240 |
6% |
| Statisticians |
$103,300 |
9% |
| Microbiologists |
$87,330 |
4% |
| Rehabilitation Counselors |
$46,110 |
* |
* Rehabilitation Counselor growth rate: verify current BLS projection before publishing.
Public-sector roles in Delaware may also include competitive benefits and stable employment structures that factor into total compensation beyond base salary.
Career Opportunities in Delaware’s Public Health Sector
MPH graduates in Delaware find employment across state agencies, health systems, nonprofits, and research institutions. The roles below are offered as illustrative examples of the types of positions available. They aren’t guarantees of employment or specific job offers.
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor II, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
This role sits within the Delaware Department of Labor and focuses on helping individuals with disabilities navigate employment barriers. Responsibilities include reviewing medical and vocational data to determine service eligibility, developing individualized rehabilitation plans, and coordinating community resources. Most positions require a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and prefer candidates who hold the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential.
Public Health Administrator III, Delaware Division of Public Health
Senior-level administrators in the Division of Public Health oversee health promotion and disease prevention programs for populations across the state. Day-to-day work includes strategic planning, policy implementation, and data analysis to monitor emerging health threats. This type of role typically requires a bachelor’s degree at minimum, with advancement to senior levels requiring three or more years of public health planning experience. An MPH accelerates that progression significantly.
Director of Community Health Services
Directors at the community health level manage the operations of programs like maternal and child health, immunizations, and chronic disease prevention. They develop and implement programs aligned with state health priorities, manage federal and state grant budgets, and evaluate program outcomes. MPH graduates with a health policy or community health concentration are well-positioned for this career path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Delaware have CEPH-accredited MPH programs?
Yes. The University of Delaware offers CEPH-accredited MPH pathways in epidemiology, community health and behavior, and health policy and management. Delaware State University also offers an online MPH, though prospective students should verify its accreditation status directly with the program before applying.
How long does it take to earn an MPH in Delaware?
Full-time students typically complete an MPH in two years. UD’s programs require 42 credits, which most full-time students finish over four semesters. Part-time options allow up to four years for completion, and some programs offer accelerated one-year tracks for students who want to move faster.
What can you do with an MPH in Delaware?
An MPH qualifies graduates for roles in epidemiology, health policy, community health programming, biostatistics, environmental health, and public health administration. In Delaware, major employers include the Division of Public Health, Christiana Care Health System, and nonprofit organizations focused on chronic disease prevention and health equity.
Do I need a background in public health to apply for an MPH?
No. MPH programs accept applicants from any undergraduate major. Students come from nursing, social work, biology, political science, and business backgrounds. The degree is specifically designed to be interdisciplinary, and most programs provide foundational coursework in the core public health disciplines during the first year.
Is the MPH from Delaware State University fully online?
Yes. Delaware State University’s MPH program is offered fully online. Students select “online” as the campus location when submitting applications. This makes it an option for working professionals in Delaware and neighboring states who can’t commit to on-campus attendance.
Key Takeaways
- The University of Delaware offers three CEPH-accredited MPH concentrations: epidemiology, community health and behavior, and health policy and management. Each requires 42 credits and an applied practice experience.
- Delaware State University offers a fully online MPH through its Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, designed for working professionals.
- All University of Delaware MPH applications go through SOPHAS, the centralized application service for public health graduate programs.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that statisticians will grow 9 percent and social and community services managers will grow 6 percent through 2034, both faster than average.
- Delaware’s aging population and employer base, anchored by Christiana Care Health System and the Division of Public Health, create steady demand for master’s-prepared public health professionals.
Ready to explore MPH programs that fit your goals? Browse accredited options by state and find programs accepting applications now.
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 Rehabilitation Counselors, Microbiologists, Statisticians, and Social and Community Service Managers represent national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2026.
