Public Health Schools and MPH Programs in Washington

Nicknamed “The Evergreen State,” Washington is known for its evergreen forests. With Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks, the state also has many hikes and trails to explore.

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

Public Health Schools and Highlights in Washington

Washington’s CEPH-accredited MPH options highlighted here include Eastern Washington University (currently listed as on CEPH probationary status) and the University of Washington. Both offer comprehensive program initiatives that encourage discussion around public health issues. If you’re looking for an online MPH in Washington, each school below has a program that may be a good fit for you.

Eastern Washington University – College of Health Science and Public Health

601 E. Riverside Ave, Ste 400, Spokane, WA 99202

Eastern Washington University was established in 1882, originally known as the Benjamin P. Cheney Academy. In 1889, the same year Washington was given statehood, the school changed its name to the State Normal School at Cheney. The school underwent two more name changes before it became Eastern Washington University in 1977. EWU prides itself on four key traits: grit, grace, gratitude and greatness.

Though Eastern Washington University’s main campus is located in Cheney, its College of Health Science and Public Health (CHSPH) is located in Spokane. This Master of Public Health program in Washington collaborates with the Washington State Department of Health and local health organizations to host a monthly public health presentation known as the Grand Rounds. During this event, experts come together to discuss various public health matters. The topics covered focus on critical challenges in public health, evidence-based practices, potential solutions for problems and other major public health issues in the community.

University of Washington – School of Public Health

3980 15th Ave. NE, Box 351616, Seattle, WA 98195-1616

The University of Washington started out as the Territorial University of Washington in 1861 when Seattle had a population of about 250, according to the University of Washington Libraries. It wasn’t until 1876, however, until the first degree was granted.

The University of Washington School of Public Health opened in 1970 and now offers multiple MPH pathways across several departments, including on-campus and online options. UW launched its Population Health Initiative in 2016. A $210 million donation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, along with $15 million in funding, led to the establishment of the Hans Rosling Center for Population Health. The building houses the UW Department of Global Health, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, and parts of the School of Public Health.

Online MPH Programs in Washington

When you’re looking for the right degree program for you, there are several factors to consider. If convenience and flexibility are priorities, it may be worth pursuing an online Master of Public Health in Washington.

EWU’s MPH is offered fully online, and the curriculum includes an applied, real-world learning component that may involve working with an organization. This may make it convenient for professionals to advance their careers while working.

The University of Washington offers both on-campus learning and online learning. UW’s Online MPH is designed for working professionals and can be completed in 2–3 years, depending on whether you choose the full-time or part-time track. The UW Online MPH is primarily online, supplemented by three on-site sessions in Seattle. The first and third sessions are mandatory, while the second one is optional. This hybrid format may be ideal for those who would like to have some in-person interaction with classmates and faculty.

Public Health Careers Outlook in Washington

Once you finish studying at a public health school in Washington, you may want to stay in the state to pursue a public health career. Below, we collected average salary and job growth rate information for several public health careers in Washington. All data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Based on the table, public health careers in Washington have higher salaries than those in the United States as a whole, and several jobs also have higher growth rates in Washington than across the country.

Specializations to Consider in Washington

In 2024, Washington’s median wages are generally higher than U.S. medians across these occupations (BLS OEWS). While the salaries in these professions are generally higher than the national average, some professions are expected to see more significant growth than others. Given the higher job growth rates in these professions, it may be worth pursuing a Master of Public Health in Washington with a specialization related to one of these careers. Based on national 2024–2034 projections, the fastest-growing careers among these are Medical & Health Services Managers, Health Specialties Professors, and Epidemiologists.

Organizations to Work for With a Public Health Degree

According to the Washington State Department of Health, the state’s public health system includes 35 local health departments and local health districts serving 39 counties. Below are some organizations that may serve these jurisdictions and have employment opportunities for you to consider after you finish an MPH program in Washington.

• Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts: This non-profit association provides education and advocacy opportunities to public hospital district members in the state.
• Bree Collaborative: Named after the late Dr. Robert Bree, a pioneer in medical imaging, this partnership brings together public and private health care stakeholders to identify quality improvement opportunities in Washington. It has worked on various health care topics, such as cardiovascular health, chronic pain, opioid use and suicide care.
• UW Medicine: The academic health system includes Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center (Montlake and Northwest), Valley Medical Center, and a large clinic network (primarily in the Seattle area), plus statewide partners.
• Washington Health Alliance: This organization works with health care providers and patients to improve the efficiency of healthcare services in Washington.
• Washington State Department of Health: The agency protects and improves public health, including disease surveillance, health promotion, environmental health, emergency preparedness, and health-system quality oversight.
• Washington State Health Care Authority: This agency administers Apple Health (Medicaid), which covers about 2 million Washington residents, and other programs.
• Washington State Hospital Association: This association works with hospitals and other health systems to enhance the health of the communities that they serve. It may be a good resource to find hospital job opportunities.

State Health Information

Washington has over 8 million residents according to the US Census Bureau. According to CDC, U.S. life expectancy rose to 79.0 years in 2024 (reported 2026). Washington’s latest state figures show 2023 life expectancy at birth of 82.2 years for females and 77.0 years for males. In the 2024 ACS (released 2025), 6.5% of Washington residents were uninsured, and an estimated 52.3% had employer-sponsored insurance (ESI), according to a 2025 state compilation.

What this means: As the population grows, MPH-trained professionals in Washington are likely to work on programs that address chronic disease, access to care, and prevention to sustain gains in longevity and reduce risk from pre-existing conditions.