Writer: Carol Dolan BS RN BSN CDE
Are you interested in a career where you can make a difference in your community or around the world promoting and protecting health? If so, a Master of Public Health (MPH) from an affordable California university may be your ticket to getting there.
The Master of Public Health degree prepares MPH degree holders to solve a wide array of public health issues. The MPH equips students with skills to succeed in a variety of environments at all levels:
- local
- state
- national
- international
This list of the cheapest MPH programs in California will help guide you to a program that will get you started in this exciting field. Keep reading to discover a program that will help you meet your academic and career goals at a price you can afford.
Methodology for building our list of Affordable MPH Degrees in California
Rankings for the cheapest MPH degrees in California were developed using an initial pool of schools from the College Navigator website. The 20 schools in the pool were accredited by the CEPH (Council of Education for Public Health). Schools were excluded from the initial pool if not accredited by the CEPH. Programs were ranked based on in-state tuition cost. In this sample, 8 schools in the California State University system have the same tuition rate. Four schools in the University of California system at the same tuition rate follow them. Because of that, all 20 initial-pool schools are profiled to distinguish differences in MPH programs at 10 different tuition-cost price points. Tuition costs posted here for comparison purposes were taken from the College Navigator website. Official tuition costs should be confirmed by prospective students with their school of interest. Information for program profiles was acquired from school websites.
Related: Top 10 MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences Degrees Online
San Jose State University, San Jose
MPH Degree
In-state tuition $7,176
Out-of-state tuition $16,680
San Jose State University’s Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in community health education can be earned in either on-campus or online. The campus and online formats offer the same rigorous course of study. The on-campus MPH degree offers flexibility to students who wish to complete their degree in two or more years. The online MPH option is a fast paced 24 month program of study.
The SJSU Master of Public Health program is recognized for practice oriented, community based training in public health. This program tied with several others for the #1 cheapest MPH degrees in California.
San Francisco State University, San Francisco
MPH Degree
In-state tuition $7,176
Out-of-state tuition $16,680
This rigorous 44-credit master of public health program is another one that tied for the cheapest MPH degree in California. It can be completed in five semesters. A public health profession team practice experience is required, which promises to provide opportunity to put theory into practice. This team practice experience aims to provide MPH students with an understanding of how to plan, conduct and present community health assessments and to train in public health practice skills. This program’s mission is to promote health at the individual and community levels through:
- transformative education
- research
- scholarship
- service
Valuing diversity, engaging communities and grounded in cultural humility, this program may be the one to boost your career in public health.
San Diego State University, San Diego
MPH Degree
In-state tuition $7,176
Out-of-state tuition $16,680
San Diego State University School of Public Health promises an affordable and robust MPH program that will open doors to professional opportunities. MPH graduates find jobs that promote public health at local, national and international levels. San Diego State’s location opens opportunities to train a diverse student body and impact health disparities in the region. It has six concentrations to choose from. You may find what you’re looking for with this program, one of the cheapest MPH degrees in California. Concentrations include:
- biometry
- epidemiology
- environmental health
- health management & policy
- health promotion & behavioral science
- health promotion & behavioral science (available only online)
Dual degrees with the master of social work or a master of Latin American studies are also available. Most concentrations can be completed in 2 years and require a field placement experience along with a written requirement. The online program can be completed in 18 months, with 8-week courses and 1-week break between courses.
California State University, San Bernadino
MPH Degree
In-state tuition $7,176
Out-of-state tuition $16,680
This 56-credit master of public health program promises to prepare and further health professionals in their careers. An MPH degree from California State University, San Bernadino will help advance careers as:
- public health educators
- supervisors
- leaders
- administrators
These can be in:
- public health programs at the local, state and federal levels
- community based organizations
- healthcare organizations dedicated to improving population health
It’s one of the cheapest MPH degrees in California. This program will prepare graduates to be public health professionals. It does this by developing knowledge and skills to identify, assess, evaluate and solve public health problems. This is done through program planning and implementation. All Master of Public Health candidates must complete a field experience and final report on their experience.
California State University, Northridge
MPH Degree
In-state tuition $7,176
Out-of-state tuition $16,680
California State University at Northridge has both an online MPH and a traditional master of public health program requiring students to attend class in person. This 42-credit MPH program is one of the cheapest MPH degrees in California. It’s flexible for working professionals, whether online or in person. Community health education and applied epidemiology concentrations are available. They require internship hours that provide hands on experience. This gives MPH students the opportunity to develop their skills and network.
In addition, students are required to complete a thesis or take the comprehensive exam. Graduates of the master of public health go on to work at the local, state and national public health departments as well as:
- non-profits
- community-based organizations
- health education
- health advocacy
- social work
- health promotion
- research
- academia.
California State University, Longbeach
MPH Degree
In-state tuition $7,176
Out-of-state tuition $16,680
This master of public health program is a 42 credit MPH program with 14 required courses. It’s one of the cheapest MPH degrees in California. Students choose between taking the Comprehensive Exam or Thesis option. Students choosing the Comprehensive Exam option are required to complete a 480 hour internship. Students pursuing the Thesis option are required to complete a 240 hour internship.
The internship promises to create opportunities for students to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom in a hands on practice environment in:
- community agencies
- schools
- public health departments
- medical care organizations
- business
- industry
This MPH program has a concentration in community health education. It promises to prepare graduates for entry into the exciting career of Public Health.
California State University, Fullerton
MPH Degree
In-state tuition $7,176
Out-of-state tuition $16,680
Prospective students in this 42 credit MPH program can expect to graduate in 2 years if students enroll in 9 units each semester and 6 units during the summer semester. This is one of the cheapest MPH degrees in California. Two core courses are only available during the summer.
This program is geared towards working professionals, with all required classes beginning at 4:00 or 7:00 p.m. Electives vary on scheduled class times with some electives available on-line. A 240 hour internship is required with students typically beginning their internship in the spring semester of year 2.
Students can choose from concentrations in:
- health promotion and disease prevention
- environmental and occupational health and safety
- gerontological health
California State University at Fullerton boasts small MPH cohorts that allow for close mentorship relationships with classmates and faculty. With a diverse student and staff population, this school is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution.
California State University, Fresno
MPH Degree
In-state tuition $7,176
Out-of-state tuition $16,680
The master of public health program from California State University, Fresno is designed for professionals who are currently employed. This MPH program is part-time, with students taking 2-3 classes per semester. Students are accepted into the program in the fall semester only. This is one of the cheapest MPH degrees in California,
MPH candidates in this program can expect to graduate in 3 years with a health promotion concentration. Prior to applying to the program, prospective students will need to complete pre-requisite courses. Students are required to complete a thesis or a public health project. The program specifically seeks to address the public health needs of the ethnically and socio-economically diverse communities in the Southwest. This program has an emphasis on community service, with opportunity for professional opportunities in underserved counties and state agencies.
University of California Los Angeles
MPH Degree
In-state tuition $11,700
Out-of-state tuition $26,802
The UCLA Fielding School of Public Health’s master of public health is a school-wide degree. This makes it possible for students to gain extensive training in public health. At the same time it allows specialization in one department to gain focused knowledge in an area of public health.
Students choose to specialize in one of the School’s five departments:
- biostatistics
- community health sciences
- epidemiology
- environmental health sciences
- health policy and management
This master’s of public health degree is a 60-74 credit program. It typically takes two-years to complete. Most concentrations have a field work requirement, a written component and/or comprehensive exam requirement for graduation. The executive MPH program is for full-time working professionals in the field. There are projects and courses scheduled on weekends with cohorts providing networking opportunities with fellow students. The UCLA Fielding School of Public Health offers eight concurrent degree programs and two articulated degree programs. This provides opportunities for students with a wide range of interests. There is diverse education to gain expertise in both public health and another discipline. This is one of the cheapest MPH degrees in California
University of California, Irvine
MPH Degree
In-state tuition $11,700
Out-of-state tuition $26,802
The University of California, Irvine MPH program offers concentrations in:
- biostatistics
- environmental health
- epidemiology
- sociocultural diversity and health
Most MPH students need 5 academic quarters to fulfill degree requirements. This is one of the cheapest MPH degrees in California. Students complete practical experiential training in the field at an approved public health organization dedicated to advancing population health and disease prevention. Graduates of UC Irvine’s MPH program find employment in both public and private agencies and institutions that are committed to preventing diseases and promoting health.
University of California, Davis
MPH Degree
In-state tuition $11,700
Out-of-state tuition $26,802
UC Davis Health’s rigorous MPH program is one of the cheapest MPH degrees in California. It is a 56 credit program that can be completed in about 2 years. With collaborative opportunities in the UC Davis community, students can fine tune their area of interest. With two specialty areas, students can tailor their program to their interests through the many electives available.
Robust practicum experiences are available through UC Davis’ partnership in the public health community, including:
- the California Department of Public Health
- local county health departments
- non-profit agencies
The practicum experience involves working on:
- an approved project in an organization
- a final report
- an oral presentation
University of California Davis’s Master of Public Health degree prepares students for the expanding range of professional opportunities in leadership roles in public health.
University of California, Berkeley
MPH Degree
In-state tuition $11,700
Out-of-state tuition $26,802
This rigorous 2-year full time MPH program offers students a wide variety of choices of concentrations. Concentrations include:
- biostatistics
- environmental health sciences
- epidemiology
- epidemiology/biostatistics
- health & social behavior
- health policy & management
- global health & the environment
- infectious diseases & vaccinology
- interdisciplinary; maternal & child health
- public health nutrition
This degree is one of the cheapest MPH degrees in California. It’s available on-campus or through the hybrid on-campus/online MPH program. Berkeley’s hybrid MPH program requires students to participate in two one-week sessions on campus. Remaining coursework is completed online. Concentrations may require public health practice experience, a written and oral comprehensive exam, or thesis style research project. In addition there is an 11-month program in some areas of study for concurrently enrolled doctoral students or for students who have already have their doctoral degrees.
California Baptist University, Riverside
MPH Degree
Tuition $13,680
California Baptist University’s online master of public health degree boasts the average student graduating from the program in just 16 months. This is one of the cheapest MPH degrees in California. Students in this 44-credit online program develop the skills needed for leadership in public health. With a Master of Public Health from CBU graduates can find employment in:
- emergency services
- disaster preparedness
- program planning and evaluation
- health research
- NIH grant writing
Core disciplines in public health are the focus of this MPH program. They include:
- epidemiology
- biostatistics
- behavioral science
- environmental and occupational health
- management of public health services
This MPH program integrates a Christian perspective as it relates to health and wellness. A culminating experience helps students demonstrate knowledge gained through the program. It can be fulfilled through:
- a comprehensive examination
- research thesis
- project
Students completing either a thesis or project are required to prepare both an oral and written presentation. In addition, a two semester supervised professional experience is designed to help students demonstrate public health competencies. The experience provides networking opportunities in addition to practical experience.
National University, San Diego
MPH Degree
Tuition $15,912
This MPH program at National University offers a unique 4 week course schedule. The program promises to help keep student motivation high by focusing on one class at a time. A total of 17 courses are required for any concentration. Concentrations exist in:
- mental health
- health promotion
- healthcare administration
National University’s MPH degree program prepares graduates to be leaders in the Public Health field. Graduates enhance their professional growth through a required internship and capstone experience in this program. It is one of the cheapest MPH degrees in California. There are classes, internships and capstone experiences. Students study the planning, organization, administration and policies that make community health organizations successful. This MPH degree program teaches students effective ways to share preventative health practices and establish public health initiatives. Problem solving and communication skills needed to work with diverse populations are developed throughout this MPH program.
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science, Los Angeles
MPH Degree
Tuition $23,064
The Master of Public Health from Charles R. Drew University is one of the cheapest MPH degrees in California. It offers a single focus with a concentration in urban health disparities. Three primary goals of the program are:
- education
- research
- service
This program provides a unique opportunity to understand the influences of health in an urban setting. With a mission to promote health in the urban and underserved population, CDU’s MPH program values:
- social justice and health equity
- respect for cultural diversity
- community responsibility and service
- excellence
- professionalism
- integrity
This master of public health program offers evening classes for full-time working students. It does not require a GRE exam to apply.
University of San Francisco, San Francisco
MPH Degree
Tuition $27,990
The University of San Francisco’s master of public health promises to develop public health leaders who will promote and advance:
- public health
- social justice
- well being
They will do this through engagement in the community, public health advocacy and evidence-base practice. This MPH program starts in the fall semester and can be completed in 2 years part-time in six semesters. Concentrations include:
- behavioral health
- community and public health practice (also available online)
- health policy leadership
Candidates of one of the cheapest MPH degrees in California complete a 250 hour practice experience. It aims to help students to put their skills and knowledge into practice.
Loma Linda University, Loma Linda
MPH Degree
Tuition $28,000
Advance your pubic health career by earning your MPH online from Loma Linda University. This program offers one of the cheapest MPH degrees in California. It has concentrations in:
- lifestyle management
- health education,
- population medicine
A 400-hour practicum allows students to integrate their skills in a public health setting while networking for the future. Loma Linda University identifies their program mission as one of hope, health, and healing with core values of:
- diversity
- wholeness
- engagement
This mission is implemented from a faith-based perspective.
Touro University California, Vallejo
MPH Degree
Tuition $31,145
Touro University California is located on historic Mare Island in San Pablo Bay, north of San Francisco.It’s minutes from Sonoma-Napa wine country. It offers one of the top 10 cheapest MPH degrees in California. Touro University’s MPH program is dedicated to reducing health disparities with a focus on social justice.
Three unique concentrations help accomplish their mission:
- community action for health
- global health
- health equity and criminal justice
Health equity and criminal justice is a new and unique MPH concentration. It promises to contribute to the expansion of health research in the promotion of social justice and health equity. Graduates with this unique concentration will be prepared to address health needs for incarcerated and post-release populations. Joint and dual degrees are offered in some disciplines. Touro University was founded under Jewish auspices and upon the universal values of commitment to:
- social justice
- intellectual pursuit
- service to humanity
Claremont Graduate University, Claremont
MPH Degree
Tuition $35,640
This 48 credit Master of Public Health program can be completed in 2 years. It can be started in either fall or spring semesters. CGU’s School of Global and Community Health promises the MPH student will gain a solid foundation in core public health knowledge. They will develop expertise in the area of practice they’re interested in.
The required internship helps MPH candidates bring theory and practice to real-life settings. This will help guide:
- student research
- service
- education
Knowledge gained in one of the cheapest MPH degrees in California prepares students for a wide variety of public health positions. These include:
- data management
- environmental health
- health education
- research
Students can choose from concentrations in:
- Health Promotion
- Education & Evaluation
- Applied Biostatistics & Epidemiology
- Leadership & Management
Students may pursue their MPH in conjunction with another degree program.
University of Southern California, Los Angeles
MPH Degree
Tuition $63,468
This 42-credit program is designed to be completed full-time in 2 years, with some concentrations in as few as 3 semesters. Students may choose to study part-time with up to 5 years to complete the programs. The MPH program at USC has a rigorous curriculum. This program could be right for you if you are an ambitious student with a passion to serve in the public health arena. Courses aim to develop competencies and skills that will be key for graduates to work in local or global settings. MPH candidates are required to complete a 300 hour practicum and a capstone course. Concentrations are available in:
- Community Health Promotion
- Biostatistics-Epidemiology
- Global Health
- Health Services and Policy
Some dual degree programs are available. This is #10 on our list of the cheapest MPH degrees in California.
FAQs about California MPH Programs
A MPH will open doors to be on the front line to help solve health issues like access to health care, infectious disease control, and reducing environmental hazards, violence, substance abuse, and injury. As a Public Health professional you will gain satisfaction knowing you are improving the lives of individuals and communities. If this sounds interesting to you, do some more research on the profession and possible jobs in the field.
Public health workers can work in the public or private sectors. The public sector includes local, state, or federal health departments, academics and research. Some work at non-profit organizations in health advocacy, policy, or research for organizations such as the American Cancer Society or Red Cross Or they work in a non-profit that focuses on specific health issues. Work in the private sector may be with a:
pharmaceutical company,
health insurance company
hospital.
Job titles for people with a MPH may include:
health communications specialist
health research scientist
program director
director of services
public health management analyst, to name a few.
Full-time MPH programs usually take one to two years to complete. Part-time programs can take four to seven years. Schools sometimes have a limit on how long you can take to finish a degree. Some programs accept transfer credits, which can shorten the time it takes to finish.
First, what is important to you? Do you have responsibilities that would prevent you from moving to an area with an on campus program? Do you prefer face to face learning? Are you easily distracted and have a hard time being disciplined without specific class ties? Is there a program close to your location? There are many things to consider when deciding if an online or on campus program is best.
Your MPH can be financed through a variety of means that may include:
student loans
scholarships from the school
scholarships from organizations
personal savings
employer financing
research fellowships
teaching assistantships
Talk to your school of interest about your goals and financial needs to determine your financial aid package.
As a public health professional you can impact individuals and populations. The CDC says public health initiatives over the last 100 years have added 25 years to the life expectancy in the U.S. due to improvements in:
workplace safety
food safety
motor vehicle safety
vaccinations
declines in death from heart attack and stroke.
There is still improvements to be made.
The American Public Health Association (APHA) is the organization serving public health workers. APHA works to strengthen the profession and influence federal policies. They have a global membership with members from over 40 countries.
By Carol Dolan BS RN BSN CDCES
Carol graduated with her BS in Nutrition from Montclair State University and her BSN in Nursing from Rowan University. She is a Certified Diabetes Care and Educator Specialist (CDCES) currently working with adults and children living with diabetes in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
MPH staff, December 2023
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