Public Health Schools and MPH Programs in Arkansas

If students are looking for a Master of Public Health (MPH) program in Arkansas, they won’t be disappointed. While the MPH program from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is the only one in Arkansas that is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the concentrations are diverse and include common ones such as epidemiology, biostatistics, and environmental health. Employment of many public health careers in Arkansas are growing from 2018 to 2028, and often much faster than projected job growth nationally.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ MPH program is accredited by the CEPH and is available both on campus and online with concentrations in biostatistics, environmental and occupational health, epidemiology and other specialties. 

MPH programs examine factors from every aspect of public health. Students can take part in extensive studies and discussions regarding conflicting viewpoints in public health as well as integrative projects that allow them to present their skills and knowledge within their discipline. Due to the limited options in the state, people seeking a public health degree while living in Arkansas might choose an online MPH program (view more detail on online MPH degrees here). The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences does have an online option for their MPH degree (Rural and Global Public Health Practice), but the concentration options are limited.

Public Health Careers Outlook in Arkansas

Public health professionals’ help and dedication are important for the delivery of public health services, the investigation into widespread illnesses and diseases, and the organizations available to assist with educating the public.

In Arkansas, public health career outlooks vary according to career and county. The careers with the highest median salary are medical and health services managers or healthcare administrators, while the one with the greatest projected growth is biostatisticians. Pulaski, Benton and Washington counties reported average weekly wage gains from the fourth quarter of 2019 to the fourth quarter of 2020, with Pulaski County’s 13.9% rate of wage gain above the national rate of 13%, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The table below reflects the demand and earning potential for public health careers in Arkansas, based on data provided by O*NET OnLine.

Job TitleMedian Salary in AR, 2020 (Yearly)Median Salary in U.S. (Yearly)Projected Job Growth in AR, 2018-2028Projected Job Growth in U.S., 2019-2029
Biostatisticians
n/a*
$92,270
36%
35%
Health Specialties Professors
$63,380
$99,090
23%
21%
Environmental Health Specialists
$68,570
$73,230
18%
8%
Epidemiologists
$60,920
$74,560
20%
5%
Medical and Health Services Managers /Healthcare Administrators
$78,810
$104,280
19%
32%
Health Educators
$46,370
$56,500
13%
11%
Occupational Health Specialists
$64,730
$76,340
10%
4%
Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
$36,220
$51,840
13%
8%
Dietitians and Nutritionists
$58,940
$63,090
13%
8%
Health Informatics Specialists 
$69,840
$93,730
15%
7%

*Estimate not released/provided by O*NET

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. 

Information last updated May 2021