At a Glance
Earning a master of Public Health in Wisconsin prepares you for leadership roles at the state’s health departments, health systems, and research institutions. Three CEPH-accredited programs are available at UW-Madison, the Medical College of Wisconsin, and UW-Milwaukee, with fully online options also available. Graduates pursue careers in epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and program administration.
Wisconsin’s public health workforce is facing a defining demographic shift. According to Wisconsin Department of Administration projections, the state’s 65-and-older population is expected to nearly double by 2040, rising from approximately 777,000 in 2010 to around 1.5 million. That growth drives sustained demand for professionals who can design programs, analyze data, and lead the policy responses that keep Wisconsin communities healthy. The credential that opens those roles is the Master of Public Health (MPH).
This guide covers what an MPH entails in Wisconsin, which programs are CEPH-accredited, available specializations, and which public health careers pay well in the state.
Earning a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Wisconsin
The Master of Public Health is the standard professional credential for public health leadership. It’s designed for people who want to move into policy development, program administration, research, or community health management, and it’s versatile enough to serve both recent graduates and working professionals looking to advance.
Most MPH programs run two years full-time. Part-time options extend that timeline to three or four years, and some programs now offer fully online formats that let you keep your current job while completing the degree. The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), for example, offers a 42-credit online MPH. UW-La Crosse offers an online MPH in Community Health Education that can be completed in 24 months.
CEPH-Accredited Programs in Wisconsin
When you’re evaluating programs, CEPH accreditation matters; the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) sets the national standard for MPH programs. Employers and licensing bodies recognize CEPH-accredited degrees as meeting a defined set of competencies in core public health practice areas. Wisconsin has three CEPH-accredited programs:
- University of Wisconsin-Madison: 42 credits, on-campus, Madison. CEPH-accredited since 2009. GRE is not required and will not be considered in admissions. Dual-degree options available.
- Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW): 42 credits, fully online, Milwaukee. CEPH-accredited; GRE not required. Also offers graduate certificates in Community Health Assessment and Planning and Population Health Management.
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM): 46 credits, on-campus, Milwaukee. CEPH-accredited; GRE is not required for MPH programs. (GRE is required only for UWM’s separate MS in Biostatistics program.)
Core Curriculum and Specializations
CEPH-accredited programs are built around five core public health competencies defined by the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH): biostatistics, environmental health sciences, epidemiology, health policy and management, and social and behavioral sciences. Every MPH program in the country covers these areas. What distinguishes programs is the specialization you choose on top of them.
Common MPH specializations available in Wisconsin programs include:
Health Communication
Designed for professionals who want to use communication strategy and social marketing to advance public health goals. Relevant to work with state immunization programs, chronic disease campaigns, and community outreach initiatives. Includes coursework in social marketing, research methods, and health disparities prevention.
Health Policy
Focuses on improving program effectiveness and expanding public health service capacity. Wisconsin professionals in this track have contributed to initiatives like the Wisconsin Coverdell Stroke Program, which in 2015 received a nearly $4 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Includes coursework in public health law, global health diplomacy, and qualitative research methods.
Program Planning and Evaluation
Trains professionals to design, implement, and evaluate state public health programs. Relevant to Wisconsin-specific programs like the Community Options Program (COP) and the Wisconsin Elderly Nutrition Program. Includes coursework in social marketing, qualitative methods, and program monitoring and evaluation.
Global Health
Prepares professionals to address health disparities and design initiatives focused on disease reduction in global contexts. Draws on CDC frameworks including International Micronutrient Malnutrition Prevention and Control (IMMPaCt) and Global Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). Includes coursework in global health diplomacy, environmental epidemiology, and climate change and social change.
Epidemiology
Concentrations in epidemiology are available at UW-Milwaukee and equip students with skills in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and population health data analysis. This is one of the fastest-growing specializations in public health and is particularly relevant to Wisconsin’s state and county health departments. For a full picture of what this career path involves, see our guide to epidemiology careers in Wisconsin and nationally.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary by program, but most MPH programs ask for official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions, a statement of purpose (typically 500-1,500 words), a current resume, and two or three letters of recommendation. GRE scores are not required for admission to UW-Madison or MCW MPH programs, and UWM does not require GRE scores for any of its MPH programs. (UWM requires GRE only for its separate MS in Biostatistics program, with a waiver available.) Some programs may accept the LSAT, GMAT, or MCAT instead of the GRE for applicants who have taken those exams. Before committing to a program, it’s also worth reviewing MPH tuition and program costs alongside available public health scholarships and grants, several of which are specifically available to MPH students.
Where MPH Graduates Work in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is the state’s largest single employer of public health professionals, with more than 6,300 employees and a 2023 budget exceeding $30 billion. But state government is just one piece of a much larger employer landscape for MPH graduates. For a broader look at public health career paths in Wisconsin and nationwide, our careers guide covers what these roles entail day-to-day.
Wisconsin’s 88 local health departments represent another major pathway, particularly for professionals interested in community-level work. County health departments in Milwaukee, Dane, Waukesha, and Brown counties all operate substantial public health programs spanning communicable disease control, maternal and child health, environmental health, and emergency preparedness. These departments regularly recruit for positions requiring a master’s degree in public health or a related field.
Beyond government, MPH graduates in Wisconsin find opportunities at major health systems including UW Health, Aurora Health Care, and Froedtert Health. Academic institutions such as UW-Madison, MCW, and Marquette University hire public health researchers and health educators. Nonprofit organizations focused on chronic disease, mental health, food security, and health equity also represent a significant part of the Wisconsin public health job market.
Federal agencies with a Wisconsin presence, including the CDC’s field operations and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), have historically recruited Wisconsin MPH graduates for state-level positions. HRSA alone contributed $85 million to Wisconsin public health programs in 2014, funding that flows through positions requiring graduate-level training.
Job Growth Outlook for Public Health Careers in Wisconsin
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong growth for the public health occupations that an MPH typically opens. The projections below reflect national BLS employment projections for 2024-2034. Wisconsin-specific long-term occupational projections are available through the Projections Central database and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
- Epidemiologists: 16% growth (much faster than average)
- Social and Community Service Managers: 6% growth (faster than average)
- Statisticians: 8% growth (faster than average)
- Microbiologists: 4% growth (as fast as average)
- Medical and Health Services Managers: 23% growth (much faster than average)
Wisconsin’s aging population is a primary driver of this local demand. With the 65-and-older population on track to nearly double by 2040, chronic disease management, community health programs, and preventive public health services become infrastructure, not optional additions. That’s the environment MPH graduates are entering in Wisconsin.
Public Health Salaries in Wisconsin
The following salary figures reflect Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2024 data. Wisconsin-specific median annual salaries are shown for occupations where BLS state data is available. National median figures are provided for occupations for which Wisconsin state-level data were not retrievable from the BLS OEWS tool. Actual Wisconsin figures for those roles can be verified at bls.gov/oes. Growth projections reflect the BLS 2024-2034 national outlook.
| Occupation |
Median Annual Salary |
WI or National |
Growth (2024–2034) |
| Epidemiologists |
$82,620 |
Wisconsin |
16% |
| Statisticians |
$88,910 |
Wisconsin |
8% |
| Social and Community Service Managers |
$78,240 |
National |
6% |
| Microbiologists |
$87,330 |
National |
4% |
| Biological Scientists (All Other) |
$93,330 |
National |
— |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers |
$100,340 |
National |
— |
Wisconsin-specific figures are available for epidemiologists and statisticians. For the other occupations, the national median is shown as a reference point. The BLS state and area data tool at bls.gov/oes lets you look up Wisconsin-specific figures for each occupation directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to earn an MPH in Wisconsin?
Most full-time MPH programs in Wisconsin take two years to complete. Part-time options, which are common in online programs like MCW’s, can take 3 to 4 years. UW-La Crosse’s online Community Health Education MPH is designed to be completed in 24 months while working. Accelerated formats exist but are less common at the three CEPH-accredited Wisconsin programs.
Do Wisconsin MPH programs require a GRE?
No, none of Wisconsin’s three CEPH-accredited MPH programs require the GRE for MPH admission. UW-Madison explicitly states the GRE will not be considered. MCW does not require it. UWM does not require the GRE for any of its MPH programs, though the separate MS in Biostatistics at UWM does require it (with a waiver available). Applicants who have taken the LSAT, GMAT, or MCAT may be able to submit those scores if a program requires standardized test scores. Still, most MPH applications are reviewed based on academic record, professional experience, and the personal statement.
What’s the difference between CEPH-accredited and non-accredited MPH programs?
CEPH accreditation means the program has been reviewed against a defined set of national standards covering curriculum, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and institutional support. Employers and licensing boards recognize CEPH-accredited degrees as meeting these standards. Some federal job postings and state public health positions specifically require a degree from a CEPH-accredited program. Wisconsin’s three CEPH programs (UW-Madison, MCW, and UWM) all carry this credential.
Can I work in public health in Wisconsin with a bachelor’s degree?
Yes, several entry-level public health roles in Wisconsin are available with a bachelor’s degree in public health, nursing, or a related field. However, leadership roles in policy development, program management, and research typically require a master’s degree. Many Wisconsin county and state health department positions explicitly list an MPH as a preferred or required qualification for senior-level work.
Which Wisconsin MPH concentration has the best job prospects?
Epidemiology and health policy tend to have the strongest job growth nationally, with the BLS projecting 16% growth for epidemiologists through 2034. In Wisconsin specifically, the aging population is driving demand for professionals across chronic disease management, program evaluation, and community health education. The right concentration depends on whether your goals lean toward research and data analysis or program management and policy work.
Key Takeaways
- Wisconsin has three CEPH-accredited MPH programs at UW-Madison, the Medical College of Wisconsin (online), and UW-Milwaukee, none of which require the GRE for admission to the MPH program.
- Wisconsin’s 65-and-older population is projected to nearly double by 2040, according to Wisconsin Department of Administration data, driving sustained demand for public health professionals across the state.
- Epidemiologists are the fastest-growing public health occupation nationwide, with the BLS projecting 16% growth from 2024 to 2034, well above the average.
- Wisconsin MPH graduates work across state and county health departments, major health systems like UW Health and Aurora, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations.
- Median salaries for MPH-track careers in Wisconsin range from around $78,000 for social and community service managers to over $88,000 for statisticians, according to BLS state and national data.
Ready to explore accredited MPH programs in Wisconsin and across the country? Browse CEPH-accredited options that fit your career goals and schedule.
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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
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Epidemiologists, Statisticians, Social and Community Service Managers, Microbiologists, Biological Scientists, All Other, and Social Scientists and Related Workers represent state and national data, not school-specific information. Wisconsin-specific median salary figures for Epidemiologists and Statisticians are from BLS May 2024 state estimates; all other figures represent national medians from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Job growth projections are from the national BLS for 2024–2034. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2026.
