At a Glance
Texas has one of the largest concentrations of CEPH-accredited public health programs in the country, with dozens of accredited MPH options available on campus, online, and in hybrid formats at universities including Texas A&M, UT Health Houston, UT Southwestern, UTMB Galveston, and Texas Tech. Full-time students typically complete the degree in two years, with accelerated and part-time options available. Check CEPH’s program directory for the current list.
Texas is home to more than 31 million people across 254 counties, and the state maintains a large public health workforce to serve them. From managing maternal mortality prevention programs to responding to infectious disease outbreaks along the Gulf Coast, Texas public health professionals work across every sector of the healthcare system. If you’re considering a degree in public health, Texas has among the highest concentrations of accredited programs in the country, along with strong, ongoing demand for public health professionals.
This page covers how to earn a public health degree in Texas, what CEPH accreditation means, which specializations are available, and what careers and salaries graduates can expect in the state.
Earning Your MPH in Texas
The Master of Public Health (MPH) is the primary graduate credential for public health practice. It’s a multidisciplinary degree that prepares professionals for roles in epidemiology, health policy, program design and evaluation, biostatistics, community health, and more. Texas A&M, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), UT Southwestern, the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston, and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center all offer MPH programs with multiple concentrations.
Most full-time MPH programs take two years to complete. Part-time options allow up to four years, and some accelerated tracks can be completed in as little as 12 months, though 15 to 18 months is more typical depending on the program. Many Texas programs are fully online, which is useful for working professionals who want to advance without leaving their current positions. Whether you’re coming from a clinical background, transitioning from another field, or entering public health directly after undergrad, Texas has a program that fits.
Accelerated and Part-Time Options
The accelerated option follows the same core curriculum as a traditional MPH but moves at a faster pace. Students typically take a heavier course load each semester and complete their field placement experience concurrently. Texas State University and several UT System campuses offer this format. It’s a good fit for those who can commit to full-time study and want to enter the workforce quickly.
The part-time format is designed for working professionals. Most Texas programs allow students to take two to three courses per semester and finish in three to four years. Online delivery makes this feasible for professionals across the state, not just those near a university campus.
What Is CEPH Accreditation?
The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is the independent accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for public health schools and programs. Texas has among the largest concentrations of CEPH-accredited public health programs in the country, and several are offered fully online. Many employers prefer or require graduates from CEPH-accredited programs, so it’s worth confirming accreditation status before enrolling in any program. Use CEPH’s official directory to verify the current status.
When comparing programs, check CEPH’s online directory directly rather than relying solely on a school’s marketing materials. Accreditation status can change, and some programs are in candidacy status rather than full accreditation.
Bachelor’s vs. Master’s in Public Health
Texas has a small number of accredited undergraduate public health programs, including offerings at Texas A&M Health Science Center and the University of Texas at Austin. A Bachelor of Public Health (BSPH) focuses on population-based prevention, health promotion, and the social determinants of disease. These programs are a direct path into entry-level roles at health departments, nonprofits, and community health organizations.
The MPH is more widely available and accepts students from virtually any bachelor’s background. Work experience is often expected but not always required. The MPH opens doors to management, research, and policy roles that a BSPH alone won’t, and it’s the standard credential for mid-career advancement in the field.
How to Earn Your Public Health Degree in Texas
Step 1: Know the Basics
MPH programs accept any accredited bachelor’s degree. The field often attracts graduates from nursing, healthcare administration, nutrition, education, and the social sciences, but there’s no required undergraduate major. Most programs expect applicants to have some professional or volunteer experience in a health-related setting, though requirements vary by school. CEPH uses five core competency areas that all accredited programs must cover: biostatistics, environmental health sciences, epidemiology, health policy and management, and social and behavioral sciences.
Step 2: Choose a Texas Program
Texas has dozens of CEPH-accredited public health programs, and the main variables to consider are format (on-campus, online, or hybrid), concentration offerings, cost, and location. Schools like UT Health Houston, Texas A&M, UT Southwestern, UTMB Galveston, Texas Tech, Texas State, and UT Arlington each have distinct strengths and concentrations. Online programs give you access to any of these regardless of where you live in Texas. Check each school’s CEPH status, tuition structure, and whether GRE scores are required before applying.
Step 3: Select a Specialization
The MPH’s flexibility is one of its strengths. Most Texas programs allow you to choose a concentration that aligns with your career goals. Common options include epidemiology, health policy, global health, community health and behavior, environmental health, health communication, and biostatistics. Your concentration shapes the specific courses you take and the types of practicum experiences available to you, so it’s worth thinking through your career direction before committing.
Step 4: Apply
Standard MPH admission requirements include: official undergraduate transcripts, a statement of purpose (typically 500 to 1,000 words), a current resume, and two to three letters of recommendation. Some programs still require GRE, MCAT, GMAT, or LSAT scores, though many have moved to test-optional admissions. Requirements vary by institution and may change annually, so confirm the specific requirements for each program you’re applying to.
MPH Specializations Available in Texas
Texas MPH programs offer a wide range of concentrations. Here are four that are highly relevant to the state’s public health priorities.
Health Policy
Texas has a complex policy landscape for public health, including ongoing work through the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, which was established to reduce preventable pregnancy-related deaths. Health policy graduates work in government agencies, advocacy organizations, and hospital systems, analyzing legislation and shaping programs that affect entire populations. The Texas Department of State Health Services allocates tens of millions in annual funding to prevention programs across HIV, viral hepatitis, STIs, and tuberculosis, and policy expertise drives how those funds get deployed.
Epidemiology
Epidemiologists track disease patterns, investigate outbreaks, and build the surveillance systems that public health depends on. In Texas, this work spans infectious disease monitoring along the U.S.-Mexico border, chronic disease tracking in underserved communities, and emergency preparedness planning for a state that regularly experiences hurricanes, floods, and extreme heat events. The epidemiology concentration within an MPH is the most direct path to this work, and it can also lead to doctoral study.
Health Communication
Public health messaging requires more than good writing. Health communication specialists apply behavioral science and social marketing to design campaigns that change behavior at scale. Programs like the Glenda Dawson Donate Life Texas Registry depend on professionals who can reach diverse communities across a state the size of France. This concentration is well-suited to those coming from communications, marketing, or community organizing backgrounds.
Global Health
Texas shares a 1,254-mile border with Mexico, and cross-border public health work is a significant part of the state’s practice landscape. Infectious disease transmission, access to care, and environmental exposures tied to border communities are active areas of research and intervention. Global health concentrations prepare graduates to collaborate across systems and jurisdictions, and Texas programs often include partnerships with institutions in Latin America and connections to global initiatives targeting malaria, vaccine-preventable diseases, and maternal mortality.
Public Health Careers in Texas
Texas continues to see strong demand for public health professionals. The Texas Workforce Commission projects growth in public health and health-related occupations across the state, driven by a large, rapidly expanding population, health disparities between rural and urban communities, and sustained investment in health infrastructure.
MPH graduates work in county and state health departments, hospital systems, academic medical centers, insurance companies, nonprofits, and federal agencies. The range of public health careers spans clinical, administrative, research, and policy roles. The Texas Department of State Health Services is among the largest employers, as are major health systems such as UT Health, Baylor Scott & White, and Texas Children’s Hospital.
Sample Job Roles for MPH Graduates
Health and Human Services Program Coordinators develop and evaluate community health programs for local and state agencies. In Austin, these roles often involve managing programs tied to HIV prevention, maternal health, and childhood immunization. Requirements typically include a bachelor’s degree and four years of relevant experience, with an MPH counting as one of those years.
Public Health Administrators manage program operations, grant budgets, and interdepartmental coordination for municipal and county health departments. Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi all maintain large public health departments with ongoing demand for administrative leadership. An MPH is preferred and sometimes required.
Epidemiology and disease investigation specialists work for the Texas Department of State Health Services and local health authorities, managing surveillance data and conducting field investigations for reportable conditions. These roles blend data analysis with community outreach and interagency coordination.
Salaries for Public Health Professionals in Texas
The table below shows May 2024 national median wages from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for occupations commonly held by MPH graduates. BLS updates these figures annually — check the linked OOH pages for the most current data. Texas metro areas including Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Austin typically run at or above national medians for most of these roles.
| Occupation |
Median Annual Wage |
Projected Growth (2024–2034) |
| Epidemiologists |
$83,980 |
16% |
| Statisticians |
$103,300 |
8% |
| Microbiologists |
$87,330 |
4% |
| Social & Community Service Managers |
$78,240 |
6% |
Epidemiology stands out for both compensation and growth outlook. The 16% projected increase from 2024 to 2034 is well above the average projected growth rate for all occupations, driven by sustained investment in disease surveillance infrastructure and pandemic preparedness. Statisticians also highlight strong earning potential for MPH graduates pursuing data-intensive roles in research, government, or the private sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CEPH-accredited MPH programs are in Texas?
Texas has one of the highest concentrations of CEPH-accredited public health programs in the country, with dozens of accredited programs available at public universities, private institutions, and academic medical centers. Several programs are offered fully online. Program counts change as schools gain or lose accreditation, so verify current status through CEPH’s online directory.
Do I need a public health undergraduate degree to apply to an MPH program in Texas?
No. MPH programs accept applicants from any accredited bachelor’s degree. Common backgrounds include nursing, health administration, education, social work, nutrition, and biology, but there’s no required major. Some programs ask for relevant work experience; others admit recent graduates directly.
Are online MPH programs from Texas schools respected by employers?
Yes, as long as the program holds CEPH accreditation. Employers evaluate accreditation status, not delivery format. Texas Tech, UHSC, and Texas State all offer CEPH-accredited programs available entirely online.
What are the main public health specializations available in Texas MPH programs?
Texas programs offer concentrations in epidemiology, health policy, global health, environmental health, community health and behavior, health communication, biostatistics, and public health leadership. Not every school offers every concentration, so compare program catalogs if you have a specific area in mind.
Where do public health professionals work in Texas?
Texas MPH graduates work across a range of settings, including the Texas Department of State Health Services, local county health authorities, major health systems like UT Health and Baylor Scott & White, federal agencies, nonprofits, academic research institutions, and the private sector. The specific setting depends heavily on your concentration and area of specialty.
Key Takeaways
- Texas has among the highest concentrations of CEPH-accredited public health programs in the country, with dozens of accredited options available on campus, online, and in hybrid formats.
- Full-time MPH students typically complete the degree in two years, with accelerated options available and part-time paths of up to four years.
- Many employers prefer or require graduates from CEPH-accredited programs, so confirm a program’s status in CEPH’s directory before enrolling.
- Epidemiologists are projected to see 16% job growth nationally from 2024 to 2034, well above the average projected growth rate for all occupations, according to the BLS.
- MPH graduates work across government, hospital systems, nonprofits, research institutions, and the private sector throughout Texas.
Ready to find a CEPH-accredited public health program in Texas? Compare on-campus and online options from schools across the state.
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
Public Health Resources for Texas Students and Professionals
Last reviewed: May 2026
The state’s primary public health agency. The DSHS website covers licensing and certification, disease surveillance data, health program information, and job postings for public health professionals working across Texas.
A useful resource for comparing Texas colleges and universities. Includes enrollment figures, graduation rates, and program-level data to help prospective students evaluate their options.
The official state portal for government services, health programs, licensing information, and news from state agencies relevant to public health professionals and students.
May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Epidemiologists, Statisticians, Microbiologists, and Social and Community Service Managers represent national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2026.
