Public Health Schools and MPH Programs in Idaho

Public health professionals in Idaho have the opportunity to educate residents of this largely rural state by informing them about the resources and preventive programs available to safeguard their health.

By exploring public health schools in Idaho, you can find MPH programs that may prepare you for a public health career in the state.

• Master of Public Health (MPH) Programs in Idaho
• Public Health Schools and Highlights in Idaho
• Public Health Careers Outlook in Idaho

Idaho State University offers Idaho’s only CEPH-accredited Master of Public Health program. Based in Pocatello, the MPH is delivered fully online and is designed to support students who may live in rural communities or continue working while earning their degree. The program is housed in Idaho State University’s Department of Community and Public Health.

Earning an MPH can help students build skills in epidemiology, program planning, health policy, environmental health, and community health without pursuing a medical degree. While Idaho has limited in-state MPH options, students can also compare online and out-of-state programs in a broader guide to master’s degrees in public health.

Public Health Schools and Highlights in Idaho

Idaho State University offers Idaho’s only CEPH-accredited Master of Public Health program. The MPH program is taught fully online, with both synchronous and asynchronous classes.

Idaho State University College of Health

650 Memorial Drive, Building 66, Room 202 Pocatello, ID

Idaho State University’s College of Health houses departments that help equip students to fill a variety of roles in the healthcare system. In addition to the Department of Community and Public Health, other programs include nursing, counseling, dental hygiene, emergency services, medical laboratory science, nutrition and dietetics, physician assistant studies, radiographic sciences, rehabilitation and communication sciences, athletic training, occupational therapy, physical therapy, audiology, and speech-language pathology. The College of Health is based in Pocatello, Idaho, but also manages various ISU health clinics in Pocatello and Meridian.

Idaho State University offers an MPH program as well as a Bachelor of Community and Public Health, a degree that prepares students for careers in community health education, health promotion, addiction studies, or related public health roles.

Online MPH Programs in Idaho

An online MPH program may make it easier to earn a degree in public health, especially in a state like Idaho, where students may have to drive long distances to reach campus. The program combines synchronous and asynchronous online coursework, allowing students to balance their studies with professional and personal responsibilities.

If you need to contact your professors for assistance, you may be able to take advantage of teleconferencing tools and meet with an instructor from your home. Faculty in Idaho State University’s online MPH program may set office hours when they are available for Zoom calls or email chats.

Idaho State University offers an online MPH option with a community health emphasis. However, it doesn’t offer MPH concentrations. If you’d rather find a program with a specific concentration, explore online MPH programs to view available options.

Public Health Careers Outlook in Idaho

The table below shows the demand and earning potential for public health careers in Idaho, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). Medical and health services managers command the highest salary in the state at $117,770 and are projected to see the strongest job growth nationally at 29% through 2034.

*Estimate not released by BLS for this occupation in Idaho.

Specializations To Consider in Idaho

As shown in the table above, most public health salaries in Idaho fall below the national median. The one exception is medical records specialists, whose median salary of $53,460 marginally exceeds the national median of $51,140. Medical and health services managers command the highest salary in the state at $117,770 and are projected to see the strongest job growth nationally at 29% through 2034.

Despite most salaries falling below national medians, medical and health services management remains a strong career path in Idaho given both the salary level and projected job growth. Students entering an MPH program in Idaho may benefit from exploring concentrations in health services administration or health management.median salary for occupational safety and health specialists in Idaho Falls was $97,660 in 2019, more than $23,000 above the median pay for that job category throughout the United States.

Organizations To Work for With a Public Health Degree in Idaho

Idaho has a statewide network of public health districts, providing career opportunities across the state. Depending upon your education, experience, and interests, you may find a variety of public health jobs in the state.

Below are some resources that students or graduates of MPH programs in Idaho can use to find public health positions.

• Idaho Department of Health and Welfare: In Idaho, the DHW oversees the state’s health and human services programs, including public health, Medicaid, family and community services, and behavioral health. The department’s website lists job openings, internships and recruiting events.
• Idaho Public Health Districts: Idaho has seven health districts, which are independent local agencies that provide a range of services. Each district’s website maintains a list of jobs.
• Idaho Public Health Association: A membership organization comprising public health professionals, nonprofits, businesses, and educators. Members can connect with public health professionals, students, educators, nonprofit organizations, businesses and others interested in promoting public health.
• Idaho State University Department of Community and Public Health: MPH students at Idaho State University can join this student organization, which engages in public outreach, education and networking.

State Health InformationState Health Information About Idaho

According to the US Census Bureau, Idaho has an estimated population of 2.0 million residents, and its largely rural geography continues to shape many of the state's public health priorities. Rural communities often face challenges related to health care access, primary care workforce shortages, behavioral health services, and preventive care. According to America's Health Rankings, Idaho continues to perform well in several health measures while facing ongoing opportunities to improve access to care and health outcomes statewide.

Idaho has a relatively young population, with 23.4% of residents under age 18 and 17.7% age 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. As the state's population continues to grow and age, demand for public health professionals is expected to increase in areas such as community health, chronic disease prevention, rural health, maternal and child health, and health care administration.

Information last updated June 2026, using May 2025 BLS OEWS data. Job growth projections from BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.