At a Glance
Indiana has several Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)-accredited Master of Public Health (MPH) programs, including offerings from Indiana University Bloomington, IU Indianapolis (Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health), and the University of Indianapolis. Most programs take two years full-time and cover the five core public health disciplines: biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health sciences, health policy and management, and social and behavioral sciences.
Indiana is among the states with an adult obesity rate at or above 35%, according to CDC data, and the state has faced persistent opioid overdose rates, with fentanyl driving the majority of drug-related deaths in recent years. Chronic disease prevention, rural health access, and overdose response are active public health priorities across all 92 Indiana counties. The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) coordinates statewide programs addressing these challenges, and that work has increased demand for trained public health professionals who can design programs, analyze data, and measure outcomes. That’s where an MPH comes in.
A Master of Public Health (MPH) accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is the degree most associated with program management, health policy, epidemiology, and community health leadership. This page covers what Indiana’s accredited MPH programs look like, what careers they lead to, and what public health professionals earn in the state.
Master’s Degree in Public Health in Indiana
Indiana has a small but strong cluster of CEPH-accredited MPH programs. Schools currently holding CEPH accreditation for public health programs in Indiana include Indiana University Bloomington (IU School of Public Health-Bloomington), Indiana University Indianapolis (Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health), and the University of Indianapolis. Each program takes a somewhat different approach to curriculum, format, and specialization, which matters when you’re deciding where to apply. Always verify current accreditation status directly through the CEPH-accredited programs directory, as accreditation terms and statuses are updated regularly.
MPH Program Overview
All CEPH-accredited MPH programs share a common foundation built around five core competency areas. These aren’t electives. They’re the backbone of every accredited program, and they’re what employers and licensing boards recognize when they see CEPH on a resume.
- Biostatistics: Data collection, analysis, and interpretation for public health research and program evaluation
- Epidemiology: The study of disease patterns, causes, and control in populations
- Environmental Health Sciences: How physical, chemical, and biological environments affect population health
- Health Policy and Management: Organizing, financing, and administering health services and policy
- Social and Behavioral Sciences: The social and psychological factors that drive health outcomes
Beyond the core, CEPH also recognizes seven crosscutting domains that well-rounded programs incorporate: communication and informatics, diversity and culture, public health biology, leadership, professionalism, program planning, and systems thinking. You’ll see these show up in electives and concentration tracks.
Program Formats in Indiana
Indiana’s CEPH-accredited MPH programs offer a range of formats to fit different schedules. IU Bloomington offers an on-campus program across multiple concentrations, including epidemiology, environmental health, and public health administration. The Fairbanks School at IU Indianapolis offers both a hybrid and an accelerated fully online format that can be completed in as little as 15 months. UIndy’s MPH is also fully online with occasional synchronous sessions. Indiana State University offers a 100% online MPH accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Prospective students should verify CEPH accreditation status directly with the program before applying.
Most standard programs run two years full-time and require roughly 42 to 45 credit hours, including a capstone project or practicum. Accelerated and part-time options vary by school, so check directly with each program for current format and scheduling details.
Admissions Requirements
Admission requirements vary slightly across programs, but most CEPH-accredited MPH programs in Indiana require:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities
- GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT scores (some programs have waived GRE requirements; confirm with each school)
- A statement of purpose (typically 500–1,500 words)
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Two or three letters of recommendation
- A minimum cumulative GPA (commonly 3.0, though conditional admission may be available)
Career Opportunities for Indiana MPH Graduates
Indiana MPH graduates work across state and local government, hospital systems, nonprofits, and research institutions. The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) is one of the state’s largest employers of public health professionals, with roles spanning disease surveillance, maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention, and emergency preparedness. IU Health, Eskenazi Health, and Parkview Health also employ public health professionals in program management, community health, and population health roles.
At the federal level, Indiana-based positions with the CDC, HRSA, and the Department of Veterans Affairs draw on the same skills an MPH develops. And with the growth of health informatics and population health management in large hospital systems, MPH graduates are increasingly moving into analytical and administrative roles in healthcare organizations.
Common job titles for MPH graduates in Indiana include:
- Epidemiologist
- Health Education Specialist
- Public Health Program Manager
- Biostatistician
- Social and Community Services Manager
- Environmental Health Specialist
- Public Health Policy Analyst
Job Growth Projections for Public Health Careers in Indiana
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong growth nationally for several occupations common among MPH graduates. Epidemiologists are projected to grow 16% from 2024 to 2034, according to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, well above the average for all occupations. Mathematicians and statisticians are projected to grow rapidly overall, driven by expanding data needs across healthcare and government sectors.
State-level projections from Projections Central for Indiana (2022–2032) show similar trends:
- Social and Community Services Managers: 12.3%
- Statisticians: 33.3%
- Epidemiologists: 23.1%
- Microbiologists: 6.7%
- Biological Scientists: 4.8%
- Rehabilitation Counselors: 4.2%
Salaries for Public Health Careers in Indiana
The table below shows median and 90th percentile annual wages for public health occupations commonly associated with an MPH in Indiana, based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. State figures reflect Indiana-specific wages where available, with national figures noted where state data was not published separately.
| Occupation |
Median Salary |
90th Percentile |
| Social and Community Services Managers |
$63,170 |
$104,950 |
| Statisticians |
$102,150 |
$155,290 |
| Epidemiologists |
$75,800 |
$98,730 |
| Microbiologists |
$73,670 |
$78,130 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other |
$70,120 |
$119,100 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers |
$82,910 |
$105,870 |
| Rehabilitation Counselors |
$43,980 |
$58,780 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a CEPH-accredited MPH required to work in public health in Indiana?
CEPH accreditation isn’t legally required to work in most public health roles, but it matters in practice. Many government positions and hospital systems specify a CEPH-accredited degree in their job postings, and some graduate programs (DrPH, for example) require it for admission. For roles in epidemiology, policy, or program management, a CEPH-accredited MPH is a commonly preferred credential for many public health employers.
How long does an MPH program in Indiana take to complete?
Most CEPH-accredited MPH programs take two years to complete full-time, covering roughly 42 to 45 credit hours. Accelerated formats are available. The Fairbanks School at IU Indianapolis offers an online option completable in as little as 15 months. Part-time options generally extend the timeline to three or four years. All programs require a practicum or capstone experience in addition to coursework.
What concentrations are available in Indiana MPH programs?
IU Bloomington offers concentrations including epidemiology, environmental health sciences, health behavior, and public health administration, among others. The Fairbanks School at IU Indianapolis offers four concentrations: epidemiology, health policy and management, public health informatics, and social and behavioral sciences. UIndy’s MPH has a single concentration in health disparities, one of the few programs in the Midwest structured specifically around that focus. Indiana State University offers an online MPH covering core public health competencies. Contact the program directly to confirm current concentration options and accreditation status.
Do Indiana MPH programs require GRE scores?
Requirements vary by program and have shifted in recent years. Some Indiana programs have waived or made the GRE optional. Check directly with each school’s admissions office for current requirements, since policies can change between application cycles.
What public health issues are MPH graduates addressing in Indiana right now?
Indiana is among the states with an adult obesity rate at or above 35%, according to CDC data from 2023, and the state consistently sees high opioid overdose death rates, with fentanyl driving the large majority of drug-related fatalities, according to IDOH overdose surveillance reports. Chronic disease prevention, maternal and infant health (including programs like the Labor of Love initiative), and rural health access are active areas of public health work across the state’s 92 counties. MPH graduates working in Indiana are often managing these programs at the county or state level, analyzing surveillance data to target interventions, and building the community partnerships that make programs sustainable.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana has CEPH-accredited MPH programs through IU Bloomington, the Fairbanks School at IU Indianapolis, and the University of Indianapolis, with options ranging from on-campus to fully online. Verify the current accreditation status for any program through the CEPH directory before applying.
- Standard MPH programs take two years full-time, covering five core public health disciplines, though accelerated formats can reduce that to 15 months at some Indiana schools.
- Epidemiologists are a high-growth occupation, with the BLS projecting 16% national growth through 2034. Indiana’s state projections show strong growth for several MPH-related fields, including statisticians (33.3%) and epidemiologists (23.1%) through 2032.
- Indiana’s persistent public health challenges, including opioid overdose rates, rural health gaps, and high chronic disease burden, create sustained demand for MPH-prepared professionals at the IDOH, hospital systems, and community health organizations.
Ready to explore accredited MPH programs available in Indiana and online? Browse program options and request information from schools that fit your goals.
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
2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures (median to 90th percentile) for Rehabilitation Counselors, Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other, Epidemiologists, Biological Scientists, All Other, Microbiologists, Statisticians, and Social and Community Service Managers represent state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. 2022–2032 job growth projections from the US Department of Labor-sponsored resource, Projections Central. Data accessed May 2025.
