At a Glance
New Hampshire has two CEPH-accredited MPH programs based in the state: the University of New Hampshire (UNH) in Manchester and the Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine in Hanover. Both are generalist programs requiring a bachelor’s degree for admission. MPH graduates in New Hampshire pursue careers across public health administration, epidemiology, biostatistics, and community health, where public health employment opportunities exist across state agencies, healthcare systems, and nonprofit organizations.
New Hampshire ranks among the healthiest states in the country by most measures, but that standing doesn’t happen on its own. Behind the numbers are public health professionals managing disease surveillance, coordinating emergency preparedness, and designing programs that address the state’s real pressure points: an ongoing opioid crisis, rural access to care, and an aging population that puts steady demand on health services statewide. If you’re interested in a graduate-level career shaping those systems, a Master of Public Health (MPH) is the credential that opens the door.
New Hampshire is a small state with a focused public health academic landscape. There are two CEPH-accredited MPH programs based in the state, both grounded in the generalist model and both designed for working professionals. This guide covers what those programs look like, what the degree requires, and what careers and salaries you can expect on the other side.
CEPH-Accredited MPH Programs in New Hampshire
The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is the accrediting body for MPH programs in the United States. CEPH accreditation signals that a program meets national standards for curriculum, faculty, and student outcomes. Employers in public health, particularly in government and hospital settings, frequently prefer or require a degree from a CEPH-accredited program.
New Hampshire has two CEPH-accredited MPH programs:
University of New Hampshire (UNH) — Manchester Campus: UNH’s MPH is a part-time, campus-based generalist program offered through the College of Health and Human Services. Classes meet in the evening on the Manchester campus, one four-hour session per week, designed to accommodate working professionals. The program requires 42 credits (14 courses) and can be completed in as few as five semesters or up to three years. Students complete a 100-hour field study experience and a capstone integrating seminar. UNH has held CEPH accreditation since 2003.
Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine — Hanover: The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice offers the MPH in three formats: an accelerated 11-month on-campus program, a fully online program, and a hybrid option that combines online coursework with three intensive on-campus sessions per year over 22 months. All three formats draw on Dartmouth’s health policy and clinical research faculty and include a practicum project mentored by Geisel faculty.
If you’re considering online programs, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) — based in Manchester, NH — offers a CEPH-accredited online MPH available to residents statewide.
What an MPH Covers
The Master of Public Health is built around five core competency areas established by CEPH. Every accredited program, regardless of specialization, covers these foundations:
- Biostatistics
- Environmental Health Sciences
- Epidemiology
- Health Policy and Management
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
Beyond the core, most programs offer areas of emphasis that let you focus your training. The specializations most relevant to public health policy and program administration in New Hampshire include the following.
Health Communication
Health communication specialists develop and coordinate messaging across health systems, emergency response networks, and public health agencies. In New Hampshire, the state’s DHHS has invested in digital alert infrastructure to improve coordination between emergency responders and public health administrators. Professionals with this training work at the intersection of crisis communication, health literacy, and community outreach.
Health Policy
Health-related expenditures account for a significant share of New Hampshire’s state budget each year. Health policy specialists analyze legislation at the state and federal levels, translate complex policy for citizens and lawmakers, and advocate for funding decisions that reflect public health evidence. Organizations like the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute rely on professionals with this training to make health policy accessible and actionable.
Program Planning and Evaluation
Every public health intervention needs a way to measure whether it’s working. Program planning and evaluation specialists design the metrics, collect the data, and determine whether a program is producing the outcomes it promised. The New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits provides tools and data designed by these professionals to help health organizations assess impact and improve program design.
Global Health
Global health specialists address the complex health challenges that affect large, multicultural populations across borders. Epidemics, displacement, poverty, and chronic disease disparities all require professionals trained to work across systems and cultures. This specialization is relevant for students interested in working with federal agencies, international NGOs, or research institutions.
Admission Requirements
Standard requirements for MPH programs in New Hampshire include the following. Requirements vary by program, so check each school’s admissions page directly.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
- Standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT; requirements vary by program)
- Statement of purpose (typically 500 to 1,000 words)
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Two or three letters of recommendation
Many MPH students are working professionals seeking to offset tuition costs. Before applying, it’s worth reviewing available public health scholarships and grants, as funding options exist at the federal, state, and institutional levels.
Accelerated and Part-Time Options
Dartmouth’s accelerated on-campus program takes 11 months and is New Hampshire’s most intensive option. The hybrid format runs 22 months with online coursework and three on-campus intensive sessions per year. A fully online option is also available. UNH’s program is designed as part-time from the start, giving students up to three years to complete the degree while working full-time. All three Dartmouth formats and UNH’s program serve professionals who can’t step away from their careers to pursue a traditional two-year residential program.
Salaries for MPH-Level Public Health Careers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks wages for public health occupations nationally. The figures below are national median annual wages from May 2024, reflecting salaries for professionals who typically hold graduate degrees. Salaries in New Hampshire will vary based on employer, setting, and years of experience.
| Occupation |
Median Annual Wage |
Projected Growth (2024–34) |
| Statisticians (mathematicians and statisticians combined) |
$103,300 |
8% |
| Epidemiologists |
$83,980 |
16% |
| Microbiologists |
$87,330 |
4% |
| Social and Community Service Managers |
$78,240 |
6% |
| Rehabilitation Counselors |
$46,110 |
1% |
Epidemiology stands out on the growth side. The BLS projects 16 percent employment growth for epidemiologists from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to BLS projections tied to continued demand for disease surveillance and public health analytics. In New Hampshire, where the NH DHHS runs active communicable disease and environmental health programs, epidemiologists work directly within state agencies as well as in hospital systems and research institutions.
Statisticians and microbiologists both command strong salaries at the graduate level. Biostatistics training from an MPH opens doors into pharmaceutical research, academic public health, and federal agency work, all of which have a presence in New Hampshire’s Upper Valley region near Dartmouth.
Career Opportunities for MPH Graduates in New Hampshire
The MPH prepares graduates for roles in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. In New Hampshire, the most direct employers of public health professionals include the NH Department of Health and Human Services, Dartmouth Health, Catholic Medical Center, and the state’s 13 Regional Public Health Networks. Federal positions with CDC-funded programs and rural health initiatives also draw MPH graduates into New Hampshire’s healthcare system.
Career paths for MPH-prepared professionals in New Hampshire typically fall across several areas. Public health administration roles involve managing programs and teams within state agencies or hospital systems. Epidemiology positions require applying surveillance and data analysis skills to track disease patterns and inform health policy. Research project management at institutions like Dartmouth connects graduate-trained professionals with clinical and health policy research teams. Community health coordination roles work at the local level, often within New Hampshire’s 13 Regional Public Health Networks (RPHNs) or nonprofit organizations addressing social determinants of health.
New Hampshire’s opioid crisis has created sustained demand for professionals with behavioral health policy, program planning, and community coordination skills. The state has ranked among the top three states in the country for per-capita opioid overdose death rates in multiple years, according to CDC data, and the NH DHHS continues to fund programs aimed at prevention, treatment access, and recovery support. MPH graduates with a program planning or health policy focus are well-positioned for those roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the MPH programs in New Hampshire CEPH-accredited?
Yes. Both the University of New Hampshire MPH program and the Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine MPH are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). CEPH accreditation is the standard recognized by public health employers, state agencies, and the federal government when evaluating candidates.
Can I complete an MPH in New Hampshire while working full-time?
Yes. UNH’s program is specifically designed for working professionals, with evening classes on the Manchester campus and a flexible timeline of up to three years to complete the degree. Dartmouth offers three formats: an accelerated 11-month on-campus program, a fully online option, and a 22-month hybrid, giving students flexibility on pace and presence. SNHU also offers a CEPH-accredited online MPH for New Hampshire residents who need fully remote flexibility.
What jobs can I get with an MPH in New Hampshire?
MPH graduates in New Hampshire find work in state government (primarily the NH Department of Health and Human Services), hospital systems, federally funded research programs, public health nonprofits, and the state’s Regional Public Health Networks. Common roles include epidemiologist, public health program manager, health policy analyst, biostatistician, and community health coordinator.
How long does an MPH take to complete?
At UNH, the part-time program can be completed in as few as five semesters (about two and a half years) or up to three years. Dartmouth offers three formats: an accelerated 11-month on-campus program, a fully online option, and a 22-month hybrid program. Online programs like SNHU’s typically range from one to three years, depending on pace and course load.
Do I need a GRE to apply to MPH programs in New Hampshire?
Requirements vary. Some programs have made standardized test submission optional in recent years. Check directly with UNH and Dartmouth for their current admissions requirements, as policies can change between application cycles.
Key Takeaways
- New Hampshire has two CEPH-accredited MPH programs: the University of New Hampshire (Manchester) and Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine (Hanover). Both are generalist programs designed for working professionals.
- UNH’s part-time evening program is the most accessible option for New Hampshire residents who can’t step away from their careers, with a timeline of up to three years to complete.
- Epidemiology is the fastest-growing MPH-aligned career tracked by the BLS, with 16 percent projected growth from 2024 to 2034, well above the average for all occupations.
- The NH DHHS and New Hampshire’s active opioid crisis response programs are among the primary employers of MPH-trained professionals in the state, alongside Dartmouth Health and the state’s Regional Public Health Networks.
- CEPH accreditation matters when applying for government and hospital positions. Both in-state programs hold it, and online programs like SNHU’s also carry it for residents who need fully remote options.
Explore accredited public health degree programs available to New Hampshire residents and find the format that fits your schedule and goals.
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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 figures for Epidemiologists, Statisticians, Microbiologists, Social and Community Service Managers, and Rehabilitation Counselors represent national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2026.
