masters in public health texas

Master of Public Health in Texas

To start comparing programs, check this list of CEPH-accredited MPH programs offered across Texas with concentration information:

If you want to contribute to improving the health and overall quality of life for individuals, families, communities, and global populations, a master’s in public health can prepare you to do that. It is generally a less time-consuming educational path than a medical degree, but still requires hard work and diligence.

Some of the universities above may also offer dual degrees with MPH programs in Texas, such as MPH-PA or MPH-MSN, which are not included in this list. If you are interested in more than one field and have the bandwidth to enroll in a dual masters degree, continue to check the list we compiled in each dual degree page.

Online MPH Programs in Texas

In addition to traditional in-person degree programs, Texas also provides options for students that are interested in pursuing their degree online. If you have some work experience as a public health worker, and you’re looking to deepen your expertise and advance in your career, an online MPH program may be a good fit for you.  

Online degree programs are often self-paced, making them a good fit for working professionals and those who have personal commitments. 

University of Texas (Houston), Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University and the University of North Texas offer programs accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). These schools also have other masters and dual-degree programs. Many of the MPH programs in Texas can be completed entirely online, but there are also hybrid programs which combine virtual classes with on-site components. 

Overview of Public Health Degrees in Texas

With nearly 29 million people living in the state, Texas has become the second most populated state in the country. This means that healthcare needs in Texas are becoming increasingly complex. Currently, the state is battling with costly prison healthcare, and high maternal mortality rates, among other pressing issues. An estimated 18.4% of the population is living without health insurance, according to 2019 data from the Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on national health policies. Additionally, nearly 13.6% of the population lives in poverty, according to 2019 U.S. Census Bureau estimates.

The large number of residents living without health insurance as well as those living in poverty need the support of highly skilled public health professionals to help them gain access to quality healthcare and resources that can teach them to maintain a safe and healthy lifestyle. If you live in Texas and want to be a part of a community of medical professionals and policymakers poised to transform the public health sector, consider earning your MPH. You have the option of enrolling in more than 20 CEPH-Accredited MPH programs in Texas with multiple concentrations available in both online and on-campus format, to get you on your way to a career in public health.

MPH programs are offered at universities such as Baylor University, Texas A & M, the University of North Texas, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. There are many different specialties available through these universities, all of which are accredited by the CEPH.

Government Support in Public Health Education

The Texas Public Health Association awards scholarships to students pursuing a degree in public health. There are also a variety of public health scholarships that can be used to fund your education. Be sure to do your research to determine which scholarships you qualify for.

Public Health Careers Outlook in Texas

The healthcare sector is made up of an array of practitioners and practice settings. From 2019 to 2029, the U.S. will add about 2.4 million new healthcare jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Some of those jobs will be based in the private sector, and others in the public sector.

This projected growth exceeds that of any other occupational groups. For those planning to venture into this fast-growing field, opportunities for employment will vary widely. Consider working in areas with a high demand for labor or areas that align with your expertise and career goals.

You can search for public health jobs on the Texas Public Health Association website or at the Texas Department of State Health Services. You can also look for public health jobs at local government agencies, hospitals, research centers, or universities.      

Epidemiologist Careers & Salary in Texas

Epidemiology is a field that is dedicated to public education and prevention of diseases and illness. In order to better understand the patterns and transmission of diseases, epidemiologists conduct research and observe populations to identify what triggers an outbreak. In addition to the research being conducted on the disease itself, epidemiologists contribute to the creation of public health awareness programs through their comprehensive work. 

As an epidemiologist, you can work in a range of settings such as hospitals, professional schools and scientific research institutions. It is important to note that your practice setting may affect how much you earn. For example in 2019, the national median annual wage for epidemiologists working in colleges, universities and professional schools was $62,440, compared to $99,770 for those working in scientific research and development services, according to BLS salary data. 

Texas has the highest employment of epidemiologists in the country with 730 jobs, according to 2019 BLS data. The annual mean wage of epidemiologists in the state is $$65,610. Those in the Austin-Red Rock metropolitan areas earn an average annual salary of $106,830, making them the highest paid in the profession across the state.  

As of May 2019, the majority of  epidemiologists in the state work in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan areas and earn a mean annual salary of $62,310. 

Nationally, employment of epidemiologists is projected to increase 5% between 2019 and 2029, according to the BLS. That growth rate is about as fast as that of all occupations. 

If you are interested in this branch of public health, there are educational programs throughout the state that focus on epidemiology. 

Specializations in High Demand in Texas

Public health specialty areas are numerous. You might decide you want to specialize in an area that is of interest to you or stick to getting a general public health education. You might also decide to specialize in an area with a shortage of public health professionals so you can eventually help to fill that need. Either way, you should do your research to find out job growth trends within your chosen specialty as well as some of the growing medical needs within your state. In Texas, those needs include improving low health literacy among the public, building accessible trauma systems, and more, according to 2019-2020 updates to the Texas State Health Plan [PDF, 1.2 MB].

With a master’s in public health in Texas, you could become a statistician. Employment of statisticians is projected to grow 31 percent from 2019 to 2029, according to the BLS. That’s about six times faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. With 76% of Texan households speaking more than one language at home, bilingual public health professionals can expect to be in high demand.

Your MPH education can also prepare you for a leadership role such as a Medical Director or Manager. Employment for medical and health service managers is expected to grow 32% between 2019 and 2029, according to the BLS.