# The Top 10 MPH Programs in Charlotte, NC for 2025/2024 - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/the-top-10-mph-programs-in-charlotte-nc-for-2023-2024/ - Published: 2024-02-19 - Author: Charlene Farwell - Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/) --- A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree prepares students for careers aimed at improving community and global health through education, research, policymaking and more. As health challenges like COVID-19, opioid crises and health equity issues persist, skilled public health professionals are in high demand. Charlotte has emerged as a major health services hub in North Carolina. Home to renowned institutions like Atrium Health and growing biotech, pharmaceutical and research presence, Charlotte offers great opportunities to gain public health experience locally. This guide profiles the top 10 MPH programs in Charlotte based on factors like cost, rankings, career outcomes and more. ## 1. University of North Carolina at Charlotte Founded in 1946, UNC Charlotte is part of the UNC state system. Its student population tops 30,000. **MPH Program Highlights** - Focus areas: Health systems, health behaviors/promotion - Notable faculty: Dr. Jennifer Troyer (health disparities, cancer outcomes) - New program started in 2019, full CEPH accredited - Partnerships with organizations like Atrium Health - In-state tuition $4,600/semester With strong regional partnerships, hands-on learning options, and reasonable costs for in-state students, UNC Charlotte‘s MPH program has a lot to offer for those looking to gain experience in North Carolina. **[Learn more at the UNC Charlotte MPH website](https://publichealth.uncc.edu/academics/master-public-health)** ## 2. Wake Forest University Located in nearby Winston-Salem, Wake Forest is a private university founded in 1834. The School of Medicine has several campuses across the state. **MPH Program Highlights** - Focus areas: Epidemiology, global health, health policy - Faculty includes Dean Dr. Linda Beeber, an authority on women‘s health issues - Ranked #51 Best MPH Programs nationally by US News - Students complete 480-hour practicum capstone - Estimated 1 year cost around $23,000 For students wanting to work with expert faculty on developing public health solutions, Wake Forest University offers a well-regarded program to consider in the Charlotte region. **[Learn more at the Wake Forest MPH website](https://school.wakehealth.edu/Academic-Programs/Graduate-Programs/Master-of-Public-Health)** ## 3. Queens University of Charlotte Founded in 1857, Queens University is a private, liberal arts campus located right in Charlotte. Over 2,500 students attend the university. **MPH Program Highlights** - Focus areas: Health systems, health education/promotion, epidemiology - Small class sizes with face-to-face instruction - Interprofessional education opportunities - Full-time students can complete program in 2 years - Estimated cost around $11,000/semester Featuring small classes and affordable private school tuition, Queens University offers an accessible MPH program catered towards working professionals and recent graduates alike. **[Learn more at the Queens MPH website](https://www.queens.edu/graduate-admissions/master-of-public-health.html)** ## 4. Wingate University Located in Wingate, NC, this private university has a total enrollment around 3,500 students. Founded in 1896, it emphasizes faith-based learning. **MPH Program Highlights** - Focus areas: Health education/promotion, health systems leadership - 100% of MPH graduates from past 5 years successfully placed - Partnership with Wake Forest Baptist Health - Can be completed fully online or hybrid - Estimated cost around $575-$720 per credit hour For students seeking a faith-based educational environment alongside guaranteed career placement support, Wingate University is a strong choice to review. **[Learn more at the Wingate MPH website](https://www.wingate.edu/academic-programs/masters/master-of-public-health-mph/)** ## 5. Gardner-Webb University Located in Boiling Springs, NC, Gardner-Webb is a private Christian university founded in 1903. Total enrollment is around 4,300. **MPH Program Highlights** - Focus areas are rural/underserved community health, community health education - 100% of recent MPH grads successfully placed in field or further education - Designed for working professionals with online/hybrid options - Estimated cost $525 per credit hour - Optional 4+1 track to complete Bachelor‘s + Master‘s With a rural/underserved community focus and strong track record of graduate placements, Gardner-Webb stands out for students hoping to address health disparities. **[Learn more at the Gardner-Webb MPH website](https://gardner-webb.edu/program/master-of-public-health/)** ## 6. Johnson & Wales University Founded in 1914, this university focused on culinary arts and hospitality also offers select health science programs. The Charlotte campus serves around 2,000 students. **MPH Program Highlights** - Two focus areas: Health education, global health - Faculty have worked with organizations like CDC, CARE, Peace Corps - Travel study and student research options - Estimated cost around $675 per credit hour - Accelerated tracks available to finish faster For students interested in global/international education and experience, Johnson & Wales distinctive program offers unique opportunities. **[Learn more at Johnson & Wales‘ website](https://www.jwu.edu/academics/colleges/health-wellness/master-of-public-health.html)** ## 7. Lenoir-Rhyne University This private Lutheran university in Hickory, NC was founded in 1891. It enrolls around 2,200 total students. **MPH Program Highlights** - Focus areas: Health administration, health behaviors - Faculty include leaders at local health departments - Partnerships with organizations like the CDC - Designed for working professionals with online options - Estimated cost around $729 per credit hour With health department connections and flexible online/hybrid learning, Lenoir-Rhyne‘s program stands out for developing public health leadership skills. **[Learn more at Lenoir-Rhyne‘s website](https://www.lr.edu/professional-studies/master-public-health/)** ## 8. High Point University Located in High Point, NC and founded in 1924, HPU is a private liberal arts school affiliated with the United Methodist Church. **MPH Program Highlights** - Focus areas: Global health, health education promotion, health policy - Emphasis on experiential learning and study abroad - Accelerated 3-year track available - Estimated cost around $1,170 per credit hour For students hoping to gain international perspective, High Point‘s MPH program offers intriguing global health and study abroad options to consider. **[Learn more at High Point‘s website](https://www.highpoint.edu/publichealth/)** ## 9. Appalachian State University Founded in 1899, Appalachian State is a public university located in Boone, NC. It enrolls over 20,000 total students. **MPH Program Highlights** - Focus areas: Health care administration, community health education - Ranked #1 Best Value Online MPH Program for 2021 by College Affordability Guide - 100% of recent graduates successfully placed professionally - Estimated in-state cost around $3,700/semester Offering reasonable tuition rates and outstanding graduate career placement stats, App State‘s MPH is a great value choice. **[Learn more at App State‘s website](https://healthsciences.appstate.edu/departments/public-health/master-public-health)** ## 10. East Carolina University East Carolina University is a public research university in Greenville, NC, serving nearly 30,000 students. Founded in 1907, it offers degrees in over 100 areas of study. **MPH Program Highlights** - Focus areas span everything from epidemiology to health policy/administration - Faculty involved in $17+ million of sponsored research - Estimated in-state cost around $5,000/semester - Options like accelerated tracks and dual degree programs Backed by strong research activity and offering extensive focus area choices, ECU brings affordability and academics to provide a balanced MPH option. **[Learn more at ECU‘s website](https://thecollegeofhealthandhumanperformance.ecu.edu/admissions/graduate/public-health/)** When researching MPH programs in Charlotte, here are some key factors to consider: **Program Focus Areas** – Make sure your interests align. Look for specialty options like global health or healthcare administration if interested. **Faculty Expertise** – More experienced faculty with real-world connections can enrich learning. **Costs and Financing** – Balance program quality and affordability based on your budget needs. **Reputation and Outcomes** – Programs with recognized reputations or accreditations often provide great career support and placement. **Location and Format** – Consider if you want to attend classes in-person or online/hybrid options. Charlotte offers many high quality, affordable master of public health graduate programs to choose from. Whether hoping to work in policy or grassroots education, students can find programs aligned to local health industry needs. Reach out to programs that interest you to learn more! An MPH degree can open doors to make meaningful change, and Charlotte provides plenty of opportunities to launch a public health career. --- Source: [The Top 10 MPH Programs in Charlotte, NC for 2025/2024](https://33rdsquare.com/the-top-10-mph-programs-in-charlotte-nc-for-2023-2024/)