Public Health Schools and MPH Programs in Texas

As of December 2025, there were 72 public health degree programs in Texas that are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Undergraduate options within CEPH-accredited units are more limited, but they do exist (for example, Texas A&M has a BSPH degree). At the graduate level, students typically find the widest range of choices (such as MPH pathways, combined/dual-degree opportunities, and doctoral training), though the exact menu of options varies by institution and is updated regularly. CEPH reports 44 MPH accredited MPH programs (10 of which are 100% online) offered in Texas as of December 2025.

With a master’s in public health degree, professionals in Texas may work as epidemiologists, health educators, medical and health service managers, policy advisers, and more. 

To help you better understand the public health schools in Texas and find the best program for you, PublicHealthDegrees.org has compiled a list of Master of Public Health programs in Texas below and additional state-specific topics on public health careers.

Master of Public Health Programs 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 (El Paso), Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center 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 MPH programs in Texas can be completed entirely online, but some are hybrid, combining virtual classes with on-site components. 

Overview of Public Health Degrees in Texas

With over 31 million people living in the state (2024), 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, high rates of poverty, and high maternal mortality rates, among other pressing issues. An estimated 416.7% of the population is living without health insurance, according to 2024 Census data. Additionally, nearly 13.4% of the population lives in poverty, according to 2024 U.S. Census Bureau estimates.

At the same time, the state continues to confront high-impact challenges that require strong public health leadership, such as maternal health (including disparities and preventable risk factors identified through Texas’s maternal mortality and morbidity review process) and the rising costs of caring for people in custody. 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 40 CEPH-Accredited MPH programs in Texas with multiple concentrations available in both online and on-campus formats, 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 El Paso. There are many specialties available at these universities, all 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 comprises an array of practitioners and practice settings. From 2024 to 2034, the U.S. will add about 1.9 million new healthcare jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 report. 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, employment opportunities will vary widely. Consider working in high-demand areas or those 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 your earnings. For example, in 2024, the national median annual wage for epidemiologists working in colleges, universities and professional schools was $83,890, compared to $130,390 for those working in scientific research and development services, according to BLS salary data

Texas has the third highest employment of epidemiologists in the country, with 940 jobs, according to 2024 BLS data. The annual mean wage of epidemiologists in the state is $96,120. Those in the Austin-Red Rock metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $102,500, making it one of the highest-paying metro areas for epidemiologists in the country.Nationally, employment of epidemiologists is projected to increase 16% between 2024 and 2034, according to the BLS (May 2024). That growth rate is much faster than the national average for all other 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. 

With a master’s in public health in Texas, you could become a statistician. Employment of statisticians is projected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the BLS. That’s about six times faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. With 34.9% of Texans age 5+speaking a language other than English 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 23% between 2024 and 2034, according to the BLS. 

Top Work Settings and Cities

Many public health professionals work in state and local government agencies. Public health professionals can also work in general medical and surgical hospitals.

Some other common practice settings for public health workers are scientific research institutions and physicians’ offices.

Information last updated: December 2025