When reviewing public health degree programs to find the best fit for your life and lifestyle, you’ll want to verify that the programs you’re considering are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). CEPH is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit public health programs, ensuring that they provide rigorous preparation to meet the needs of the profession and the health and safety of society. This accreditation is important to MPH programs because it ensures that they meet specified criteria and standards for quality. It is considered the benchmark of quality in the evaluation of public health programs, as accreditation ensures the MPH degrees offered provide the highest caliber of education possible, preparing competent public health professionals to enter the field. Walden University received CEPH accreditation for its MPH program in September 2019.
Graduates can qualify for an expansive range of employment opportunities. Some employers, such as the U.S. Public Health Service, U.S. military, and state and local government agencies, may require that MPH-level jobs be filled by graduates of CEPH-accredited schools or programs.
Additionally, graduates of CEPH-accredited MPH programs are eligible to sit for the Certified in Public Health exam administered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) without needing five years of public health work experience after earning their bachelor’s degree.