What's the difference between an MS in public health and an MPH?

By: James M. Tobin, Edited by: Rebecca Munday

Published: January 22, 2025

Students can pursue programs leading to a master of science in public health (MSPH) or a master of public health (MPH) degree. Learn about MSPH vs. MPH programs and compare their similarities and differences.

Master of science in public health degree (MSPH) vs. master of public health (MPH) degree

You can begin comparing MSPH vs. MPH programs by considering areas of overlap. Both program types cover:

• Public health policy and administration
• Biostatistics and epidemiology
• Environmental health

In both cases, curricula routinely feature required or elective behavioral science courses. These classes can help emerging professionals better understand common reactions to public health incidents and initiatives.

Differences between the two degrees are subtle but notable. Master of science in public health programs may emphasize research, data collection, data analysis, and informatics. Meanwhile, master of public health curricula often take a more applied approach focused on developing practitioner skills.

In general, you don't need significant professional public health experience to qualify for program entry. However, it may help — especially for MPH programs.

Finally, the MPH is generally considered a terminal professional degree. In contrast, you can pursue the MSPH path to the doctoral level.

Cost

A 2020 National Center for Education Statistics study reported average annual tuition and fees of $17,739 for MPH programs. The same study found that students in programs leading to an MS designation (across all fields) paid an annual average of $15,873 in tuition and fees.

Curriculum

MSPH and MPH curricula both cover biostatistics, epidemiology, public health policy and administration, and environmental health topics. However, MPH programs are more likely to confine their scope to these topics, while some MSPH programs extend to additional areas.

These may include:

• Public health research methods
• Quantitative analysis
• Health informatics

Because MPH programs take a more applied focus, they more commonly culminate in a capstone experience or field research project. Meanwhile, you'll likely need to write a research-focused thesis paper to complete your MSPH degree.

Schools sometimes offer concentrated MSPH and MPH programs. Options may extend to:

• Biostatistics/epidemiology
• Community health
• Global health
• Health policy

Program outcomes

In comparing MSPH vs. MPH degrees, you'll find significant crossover in terms of career paths. However, MPH degrees may transfer more readily to community-based and administrative practitioner positions, while the MSPH designation can more readily qualify you for entry to fields focused on research and policy.

Some of the job titles you can pursue with an MPH include:

• Dietitian or nutritionist
• Healthcare administrator
• Social or community services manager

An MSPH may lead more directly to roles like:

• Environmental scientist
• Public health policy analyst
• Public health researcher or educator

Either designation can help you pursue a career in epidemiology, informatics, or public health fieldwork.

Salary and career outlook

As with other aspects of the MSPH vs. MPH debate, the two degrees carry comparable salary and career outlooks. Your exact earning potential will depend on factors like location, local job market dynamics and demand, experience, and level of responsibility.

For tangible points of comparison, compare some career paths uniquely associated with each degree: social or community services managers and health services managers for the MPH path and environmental scientists and medical scientists for the MSPH path.

Here's a breakdown of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for each of these four careers:

MSPH vs. MPH: which degree is right for me?

MSPH and MPH degrees can both lead to high-impact roles in public health advocacy, policy, research, and administration. Both paths facilitate entry to various careers with strong salaries and job growth outlooks. However, you should carefully consider the differences between the two degrees and how they could impact your long-term plans.

To that end, an MSPH might be a better choice if:

• You plan to work in research or academia.
• You'd like to pursue a doctoral degree.
• You're more interested in the quantitative and analytical sides of public health.

Conversely, an MPH could be a better match if:

• You want a terminal professional degree.
• You'd like to work in a practitioner-focused, community-based setting.
• You're more interested in the qualitative and administrative sides of public health.

As a next step, narrow your career goals and preferences. Then, seek out a learning opportunity that closely matches your objectives.